Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 9D/8N
Tour Overview
Embark on a breathtaking 9-day adventure through the Peruvian Andes with the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu. This journey offers a unique blend of natural beauty and ancient history, starting in Cusco and traversing high mountain passes with stunning views. Witness the majestic Andean condors and explore the sacred Inca site of Choquequirao. The trek includes camping under the stars and a stay in a 3-star hotel, with meals provided throughout. Experience the vibrant flora and fauna, from hummingbirds to orchids, as you make your way to the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu. With professional bilingual guides and all necessary equipment included, this trek promises an unforgettable exploration of Peru's rich cultural and natural heritage. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Cuzco, Peru
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: hotel
Accommodation check-in and free afternoon
Day 2: Cuzco-Chiquisca, Peru
Location: Cuzco, Cachora, Apurímac Canyon, Capuliyoc, Chiquisca
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Depart Cuzco - Hike from Cachora village (2,910m) to Chiquisca (1,836m) (L/D)
Today you will be picked up at your accommodation as we leave Cuzco early in the morning to journey by road to the small village of Cachora (2,910m) the starting point of the trek. Upon arrival to Cachora, we will be met by our mule drivers, who will load our gear on the horses and mules before we begin our first day’s hike. We will begin hiking along the edge of the Apurímac canyon, with the river almost 2,000 metres below us and breathtaking views of the surrounding Padrayoc and Choke Takarpu mountains. Lunch will be served at Capuliyoc (2,915m) followed by a 2-hour winding descent to Chiquisca (1,836m) ending at our campsite near the Apurimac River.
Day 3: Chiquisca-Choquequirao, Peru
Location: Chiquisca, Playa Rosalinda, Apurimac River, Santa Rosa, Marampata, Choquequirao Archaeological Park
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike from Chiquisca to Choquequirao archaeological site (2,850m) (B/L/D)
Today we will have an early breakfast and then start off our day with a 1.5 hour downhill hike to Playa Rosalinda where we will cross a suspension bridge over the Apurimac River followed by an uphill hike leading to Santa Rosa (2,095m). Here we will have a rewarding lunch and have the chance to taste local "cambray" a sugarcane juice from the region. The hike will continue ascending to Marampata village (2,913m), home to shepherd families. Finally, after a challenging 3-hour trek we will reach our campsite overlooking the Choquequirao archaeological site with panoramic views of the naturally stunning Apurimac river valley and if we are lucky, we might see Andean condors flying overhead.
Day 4: Choquequirao-Maizal, Peru
Location: Choquequirao, Pinchaunuyoc, Maizal
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike from Choquequirao to Maizal camp (3,000m) (B/L/D)
An early start will give us the opportunity to see Choquequirao in the early morning light and will give us time to explore the "lost Inca city" of Choquequirao (3,035m). Afterwards, we will hike about 2 hours to the fully restored Pinchaunuyoc archaeological site (2,500m) which is still waiting to be excavated. From Pinchiyoc Unu, we'll follow a steep and narrow trail to reach our campsite for the night, Maizal (3,000m).
Day 5: Maizal-Yanama, Peru
Location: Maizal, Paso Victoria, Yanama
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike from Maizal camp to Yanama camp (4,100m) (B/L/D)
After an early breakfast, we'll ascend toward Paso Victoria, passing through lush and dense cloud forest while enjoying spectacular views along the way. The pass (3900m / 12,800 ft) is a good place for a break, as it offers stunning views of the surroundings. After crossing the pass, we will descend to the small village of Yanama (4,100m) where we will end our day with lunch and free time to relax in the afternoon.
Day 6: Yanama-Totora, Peru
Location: Yanama, Salkantay, Huayanay, Totora
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike to the Totora community (4,100m) via High Pass (4,668m) (B/L/D)
Today we will hike from Yanama to a high pass at 4,668m with amazing views of Salkantay and Huayanay mountains and then cross over Yanama pass at 4,500m where you will feel truly immersed in the heart of the snow-capped Andean peaks. It can be windy and chilly on the pass, so it is a good idea to bring some warm clothes and a pair of gloves for this part of the trek. Here we may have the luck of seeing condors. We will descend through grassy fields to the Totora community to camp overnight (4,100m).
Day 7: Totora-Santa Teresa, Peru
Location: Totora River, Sayahuaco, Santa Teresa
Accommodation Name: Santa Teresa town
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike to Sayahuaco & Transfer to Santa Teresa town (1,700m) (B/L/D)
Today we will have the chance to see vibrant regional flora and fauna as we continue our descent to the Totora River and near the town of Sayahuaco for lunch. Along the way you will notice the colourful and abundant bird and plant life where you can see hummingbirds and woodpeckers among varied species of flowers such as orchids and begonias. Traversing the tropical region we can see waterfalls, banana, avocado and coca plantations. After lunch we will take a transfer to reach Santa Teresa town (1,700m) for the night. Here you can relax in the hot springs before dinner if time allows (at an extra cost).
Day 8: Santa Teresa-Aguas Calientes, Peru
Location: Santa Teresa, Vilcanota River, Hydroelectric Station, Aguas Calientes
Accommodation Name: Aguas Calientes
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike from Santa Teresa town to Aguas Calientes (2,040m) (B/L/D)
Finally today we have an easy hike over rolling hills along the Vilcanota River in a warm and humid climate towards the Hydroelectric station (1,900m) for lunch. Another 3-hour hike will bring us to our final destination of Aguas Calientes (2,040m) for a well-deserved rest. Spend your afternoon at the town where you'll find internet cafes, cafes with board games and cards, plenty of shops and places to relax. Enjoy a delicious dinner, followed by a hot shower and a good night's rest.
Day 9: Aguas Calientes-Cuzco, Peru
Location: Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes, Ollantaytambo, Cuzco
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore Machu Picchu - Return to Cuzco (B)
We will catch one of the first buses (5:30 am) to Machu Picchu (25-minute ride) in order to appreciate the magnificent city in the early morning light as the mist dissipates. A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your guide and after this you can explore the mysterious site by yourself. Take the bus back to Aguas Calientes at your own convenience. Have lunch and visit the local marketplace right next to the train tracks where you can shop until the train whistle blows, signaling your return to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, you will take a bus to Cuzco arriving back around 8:00pm. You will be dropped off at the Plaza San Francisco. Please make your own way to the accommodation of your choice upon arrival.
What's Included
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Accommodation
8 nights of mixed accommodation including 6 nights camping, 1 night in a 3-star hotel, and 1 night in a hostel dorm or private room.
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Transport
Includes pick-up and transport on tour, Cuzco accommodation pick-up, tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, and bus transportation on the trip.
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Activities
8-day Choquequirao trek including a visit to Machu Picchu.
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Guides
Professional bilingual guide on the trek and Machu Picchu tour.
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Extras
Includes Machu Picchu and Choquequirao entrance fees, foam sleeping mat, first aid kit, horses to carry cooking and camping equipment plus a total of 7 kilos for each trekker, and an emergency oxygen bottle.
What's Not Included
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Airport Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Please make your own way to and from the airport.
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Day 1 Meals, Day 2 Breakfast, Day 9 Lunch & Dinner
These meals are not included in the package.
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Bottled Water
Bottled water is not included.
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Sleeping Bag
Sleeping bag rental is available for $30 USD for the trek.
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Hot Springs Santa Teresa
Entrance to the hot springs in Santa Teresa costs 20 soles.
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Optional Train Transfer
Optional train transfer from Hydroelectric Station to Aguas Calientes is available for 30 USD.
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Optional Huayna Picchu Trek
The Huayna Picchu trek costs 48 soles and must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance.
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Optional Machu Picchu Mountain Hike
The Machu Picchu Mountain hike costs 48 soles and must be booked at least 1 week in advance.
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Prices for Optional Activities
Prices for optional activities are subject to change at any time without prior notice. Please confirm these prices before departing on the trek.
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Guide for Bus and Train Transfers
These portions are on your own without a guide.
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Tips
Tips are not included.
Mode of Transport
Experience seamless transportation with pick-up from your accommodation in Cuzco, road transport to the trek's starting point, a scenic tourist train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, and bus transportation throughout the trip, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Accommodation
Enjoy a mix of accommodations during your trek, including 6 nights of camping under the stars, 1 night in a comfortable 3-star hotel, and 1 night in a hostel dorm or private room, ensuring a blend of adventure and comfort throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu?
The tour includes mixed accommodation with 6 nights of camping, 1 night in a 3-star hotel, and 1 night in a hostel dorm or private room.
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Are meals included in the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu tour?
Yes, the tour includes 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 7 dinners.
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What is the luggage allowance for trekkers on the Choquequirao Trek?
Horses will carry cooking and camping equipment plus a total of 7 kilos for each trekker, which includes 2.5 kilos for your sleeping bag and mattress plus 2.5 kilos of personal items.
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Is there a guide provided during the trek and Machu Picchu visit?
Yes, a professional bilingual guide will accompany you on the trek and during the Machu Picchu tour.
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What is the starting point of the trek on Day 2?
The trek starts from the small village of Cachora, which is at an altitude of 2,910 meters.
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What can I expect to see during the trek from Yanama to Totora?
You will hike to a high pass at 4,668 meters with views of Salkantay and Huayanay mountains, and you may see condors. The trek descends through grassy fields to the Totora community.
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What activities are available in Aguas Calientes on Day 8?
In Aguas Calientes, you can visit internet cafes, cafes with board games and cards, shops, and places to relax. You can also enjoy a delicious dinner and a hot shower.
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How do I return to Cusco after visiting Machu Picchu?
After exploring Machu Picchu, you will take a bus back to Aguas Calientes, have lunch, and then take a train to Ollantaytambo. From there, a bus will take you back to Cusco, where you will be dropped off at Plaza San Francisco.
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Is there an age limit?
No! Most of our bamba travellers fall between the ages of 18 - 35, but everyone is young at heart and welcome to come experience the world with us! If you are between the ages of 18 and 118, we invite you to travel with bamba and have the time of your life! Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Most of our trips cater to the adventurous independent traveller. In fact, many of our travellers arrive on their own and quickly find that they easily meet like-minded people along the way at their hostels, on transportation, or during activities.
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Do I need travel insurance?
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip, especially when travelling in developing countries. Bamba does not include travel insurance of any type.Your current medical insurance may cover part of your trip, so it is important for you to become familiar with your current coverage. We recommend purchasing additional travel insurance that provides coverage for medical emergencies, emergency evacuation and repatriation, lost or stolen items and unforeseen cancellations. If you plan to participate in activities such as white-water rafting, trekking, sand-buggy rides, etc please make sure they are included in your policy.
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Free Date Changes
Bamba Travel allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Bamba Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform bamba travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Bamba Travel requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of bamba travel charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 9D/8N
9 Days Starting and ending in Cusco, Peru
Visiting: Cusco, Cuzco, Cachora, Apurímac Canyon, Capuliyoc, Chiquisca, Playa Rosalinda, Apurimac River, Santa Rosa, Marampata, Choquequirao Archaeological Park, Choquequirao, Pinchaunuyoc, Maizal, Paso Victoria, Yanama, Salkantay, Huayanay, Totora, Totora River, Sayahuaco, Santa Teresa, Vilcanota River, Hydroelectric Station, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
58122
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
18-90
