Choquequirao Treks to Machu Picchu 7D/6N

DAY 1:CUSCO | CACHORA – PLAYA ROSALINA (APURIMAC RIVER)

Distance : 22 km – 13.6 miles
Climate : Warm
Hiking time : 7 hours

We leave Cusco at 5am in a private van for a 4 hour drive to Capuliyoc, situated on the edge of the Apurimac Canyon and surrounded by impressive snowcapped peaks. Then we hike down for 2 hours until we arrive at Chikiska where we have lunch. Afterwards we continue our hike for 1 more hour to Playa Rosalinas (1550 metres/5084 feet), where we will spend the night.

DAY 2:PLAYA ROSALINA | MARANPATA – CHOQUEQUIRAO (GOLDEN CRADLE)

Distance : 14 km – 8.7 miles
Climate : Warm Day/Cold Night
Hiking time : 7 hours

Departing early, we ascend to Santa Rosa and to Maranpata where we will have lunch. The climb from the river takes about 4 hours and is tough. From our lunch spot we can see the remains of Choquequirao trek machu picchu. Then we have 2 more hours to hike to reach the Choquequirao Archeological site (3110 metres/10120 feet). We spend the evening there and get to watch the sunset and some condors flying.

DAY 3:CHOQUEQUIRAO | CHOQUEQUIRAO PASS – RIO BLANCO – MAIZAL.

Distance : 18 km – 11.2 miles
Climate : Warm
Hiking time : 9 hours

Before breakfast, we recommend going to appreciate the magnificent sunrise from this picturesque spot! We will have breakfast at 6 AM.  We start today’s trek passing through and exploring the Choquequirao ruins. We hike uphill through cloud forest, mountains, and valleys to reach the Choquequirao pass. After 5 hours trekking, the trail continues through agricultural terraces called Pinchinoyoc which means “water jumping forward” (2750 MASL – 9022 FASL). There we will see different species of birds, varieties of orchids, and local coca plantations. We will have our lunch near the Rio Blanco. We use the break here to take a refreshing dip in the cold, clear river water if you would like. We cross the river by walking because there are no bridges. On the other side, we start the long, steep climb to our camp in Maizal high over the river and closer to the sacred Apus of the Incas. This climb takes about 3 hours. This is the most challenging day. We will camp at 3000 MASL – 9842 FASL

DAY 4:MAIZAL | MINAS VICTORIA – YAMANA.

Distance : 17 km – 10.6 miles
Climate : Warm and windy day, Cold night
Hiking time : 8 hours

Waking up on the hillside with the sounds of the forest and birds is a truly great experience! Recharging our energy with a good breakfast and following the trail upward, the landscape is lush green vegetation. If we keep up our motivation and the gods give us a clear sky, we will be able to just sit and appreciate the snow-capped mountains around us. The uphill climb today is around 7 hours to the summit, and this trail is historically important due to some archaeological remains and Inca channels along the way. We will pass by the impressive Incan mines called Minas Victoria, from which silver used to be extracted. and head toward the Victoria Pass (4200 MASL – 13773 FASL). This is a long climb, but we will walk through an absolutely breath-taking area, first with cloud forest and then over the Andean Puna with its well-known Ichu grass. As we approach the top, we can appreciate original paved Inca trails. We will have lunch on the pass with views of the mountains Choquetakarpo and Pedrayoc. While we have lunch, we will hopefully be able to appreciate the flight of the condors, depending on the climate. Finally, we will descend to our campsite at Yamana, a small village settlement at the bottom of a long valley surrounded by mountains (3800 MASL – 12467 FASL).

DAY 5:YAMANA | MOUNTAIN RANGE – TOTORA.

Distance : 20 km – 12.4 miles
Climate : Cold and Windy
Hiking time : 9 hours

The native community of Yamana surrounds the base camp. We begin another long day with the big smiles of local children, the sun is shining on camp ground, the noise of a grand waterfall, and breakfast on a table outside to appreciate everything around us. We then start hiking uphill to the highest pass in this trek (5 hours). This is Yamana pass (4700 MASL – 15419 FASL). During the day, it is common to observe the Andean farmers growing potatoes in their fields and possibly even some frozen potatoes. Again, the view will be amazing from here as we will be surrounded by the mountain ranges of Saqsarayoc and Pedreyoc. Once again, we have the chance to see condors flying about, and this morning’s smooth climb brings us through new landscapes – especially the wet grass fields under the snowline and water stream. In the pass, we may be walking through snow in a new entrance to the Santa Teresa Valley. Here, we can observe one of the Incan Gods – Salkantay Mountain. Afterward, we descend on a long, foggy path through grassy fields and bush areas, crossing bridges on the way to the community of Totora. We will spend the night in tents, surrounded by native people and indescribable natural beauty!

DAY 6:TOTORA | CLOUD FOREST – LA PLAYA – AGUAS CALIENTES.

Distance : 25 km – 15.5 miles
Climate : Warm
Hiking time : 10 hours

Today’s trek is more downhill, continuing along the original Inca trail in the forest to appreciate the depth of the jungle. Hiking will take 10 hours as we head back into the heat of the jungle to harvest some fruit as we descend to the Totora River. We will observe wildlife, such as hummingbirds, woodpeckers, and many species of orchids and begonias. We then take a trail on the left side of the Santa Teresa River where we will see small plantations of bananas, passion fruit, and coffee (which you can taste if you would like!). On the way, we will stop at small waterfalls along the way for refreshment. The climate and vegetation are very different here than on the other days of our trek. La Playa is the biggest village on the way as well first place with electricity, and here we will have lunch. There are also small shops here to buy snacks and water or use the restrooms. After lunch, we will drive a small van to Hidroelectrica for about 1 hour passing by Santa Teresa. We cross the river of Vilcanota and will have an excellent view of Machu Picchu and the Aobamba canyon from a different angle; another Inca trail can be seen here, as well. From Hidroelectrica, we hiking to Aguas Calientes for 3 hours. This last part of the trek is flat and surrounded by the mountains which house Machu Picchu. If you are tired, there is an optional train ride to Aguas Calientes (US $ 32.00) There is also the option to visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes. We will spend the night in a hostel in town, which will have hot water, wi-fi, and comfortable beds for you.

DAY7: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO.  

We will have breakfast at 5am and take the first bus to Machu Picchu, just in time for sunrise. It will take half an hour to reach the Machu Picchu archeological site, one of the 7 New Wonders of the World and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site: an unforgettable experience you will never forget. Your guide will expertly direct you through the astounding vestiges and its main streets. After the guided tour, you will have some free time to wander around the town squares as well as to do some of the following activities on your own:

• Climb up Huayna Picchu and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there
• Climb Machu Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there
• Walk to the Sun Gate or Inti Punku
• Visit the new local museum or the hot springs in Aguas Calientes later in the day.

Then you will descend to Aguas Calientes, enjoy a leisurely lunch, and then you will board the train for the return trip to Cusco.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Tour: 2 hour guided tour of Machu Picchu

What is Included:

• Private transport from Cusco to Cachora trail head
• Transport from la Playa to Santa Teresa (for all camping and personal luggage)
• Tents- 2 persons
• Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco or train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco
• Hostal in Aguas Calientes
• Dinner in Aguas Calientes
• Entrance fees to Choquequirao
• Entrance fees to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu
• Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
• High quality camping equipment, tents are big enough for 2 persons. Mattresses, eating tent with table and chairs)
• Meals during the excursion (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks / option vegetarian
• Cook and cooking equipment
• Horseman and mules, for all camping equipment and customer’s luggage (Up to 6 kg)
• Emergency horse over 6 persons
• First-aid kit and oxygen bottle

What is not Included:

• Sleeping bag
• Day 1: Breakfast
• Lunch and Dinner on the last day
• Walking Sticks: you can hire from our company
• Tips: Please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish

Price in US Dollars per Reservation:

• 2-3 personas: USD 1100.00 por persona.
• 4-6 personas: USD 1000.00 por persona
• 7- + personas: USD 900.00 por persona

DISCOUNTS

• 18 to 25 years old: US$30 Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card at booking is required & government approval for discount.
• Under 17 years old: US$30 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.

EXTRAS 

• Sleeping Bag – US$20 per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
• Air Mattress – US$20 per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
• Walking Poles – US$20 per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
• Personal tent – US $30 – (Tent is for single trekkers only)
• Vistadome Train Upgrade  – US$70 per person (For the return to Cusco (Poroy) at 4:43 pm)
• Huayna Picchu Mountain  – US$60 per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
• Machu Picchu  Mountain –  US$60 per person  (Please request when you book your Trek)
• Single supplement US$30 per night (for solo travellers with single room)

The Choquequirao treks 7 days is available on any date that is best suited to you  as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers

Frequently Asked Questions

IS IT FOR ME?

The choquequirao treks is a great alternative trek and better suited for more adventurous trekkers who are able to handle longer distances. Ascending to reach the famous inca site at 3,150m/10,397ft is not too strenuous since it is at the beginning of the trek, neither is it very steep, but it does require stamina and a little time in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude before beginning the trek and you have to be very fit.

THE BRIEFING

This meeting will take place the night before the trek’s departure at 6 PM or at 7 PM in your hotel.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?

It would be greatly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many cash machines in the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 8% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL

DUFFEL BAG FOR CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 7 DAYS

The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFLE BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7 kg/15.4 lbs. Our horseman will carry your duffle bag for you together with the food and camping gear. It is important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffle bag until the end of each day as the horsemen and horses will always be ahead of the group. During the travel, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, raincoat, camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. Usually, a 30 to 50 litre backpack is sufficient.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?

Of course! During the travel, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both free of charge.

HOW TO BOOK The CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK TO MACHU PICCHU INCA 7 DAYS

FIRST To make a booking, please email us to check availability and receive customized booking forms. You can also download a generic form from:
Download (blank booking form)
All clients will need to fill out a Passenger Details form.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase any Choquequirao Imperial Trek 4 Days permits or entrance tickets without the following information:
Personal information (Full name, exactlyas on your passport):
Gender
Passport number
Date of birth (dd / mm / yyyy)
Nationality

What to bring: 

• Backpack with rain shelter.
• Sleeping back.
• Clothing for warm and cold climate like a waterproof jacket.
• Rain pants and lightweight pants.
• Trekking shoes.
• Slippers or sandals (for showers and hot springs).
• Woolen or synthetic socksand a sweater.
• Long- and short-sleeved polo’s/T-Shirts.
• Rainponcho cold and sun hat.
• Bathing suit (for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes).
• Sunscreen, insect repellent, disinfecting alcohol and gel, water bottle and sterilizing tablets, toiletries and toilet paper.
• Camera (wrapped in plastic bag), a flash light and batteries.
• Some snacks like chocolate bars and dry fruit.
• Original passport, original ISIC student card
• Extra money in soles (s/ 400.00 soles) emergency case and tips.
• Since the weather can be very cold and mostly, your clothes – once gotten wet – won’t dry at night. So take some clothes to change.