Choquequirao and Machu Picchu Trek 8 Days
Price
Trip Details
- Tour Type:
- Duration
- Group Size
- Dificult
- Housing
Camping
- Language
- Distance
90 km
The Choquequirao and Machu Picchu Trek 8 Days offers a rare luxury in trekking: time. While shorter routes rush through the Apurímac Canyon, this extended itinerary grants you the opportunity to trek at a sustainable pace, allowing for better acclimatization and deeper appreciation of the vast landscapes. We dedicate a full day to exploring the vast, still-unexcavated sectors of the Choquequirao citadel (3,050m / 10,006ft), giving you ample time to understand its strategic importance as the legendary sister city to Machu Picchu.
Our logistical support is crucial for this week-long expedition. We provide high-quality, high-mountain camping gear and an experienced support team (chefs, horsemen, porters) who ensure your comfort and well-being in remote areas. This is a journey through multiple ecosystems, from deep canyon floors to high mountain passes. By choosing this definitive route, you are investing in a superior quality experience managed by a local direct operator, ensuring every step of your trek, from the remote ruins to the train journey, is professionally handled.
We start early (4:00 AM) with hotel pickup and private transport to Capuliyoc (2,900 m / 9,515 ft), the trailhead. After breakfast, we begin the steep descent into the immense Apurímac Canyon. We cross the Apurímac River and face the initial challenge: a 2-hour uphill climb to our first campsite at Santa Rosa (2,200 m / 7,218 ft). This day requires focus and sets the tone for the trek’s challenging nature.
Day 1 Statistics
- Start Altitude: 2,900 m / 9,515 ft
- Campsite Altitude: 2,200 m / 7,218 ft
- Hiking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (Descent/Climb)
The day begins with a challenging 5-hour uphill climb to the village of Maranpata (2,950 m / 9,676 ft), where a well-deserved lunch awaits. After a brief rest, we continue the final 2-hour climb to our campsite located right within the Choquequirao Archaeological Park (3,050 m / 10,006 ft). We begin a small, introductory exploration of the citadel’s upper sections before dinner.
Day 2 Statistics
- Max Altitude Reached: 3,050 m / 10,006 ft (Choquequirao)
- Campsite Altitude: 3,050 m / 10,006 ft
- Hiking Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
- Highlight: Arrival at the Citadel
This is the day of maximum cultural reward. We dedicate the entire day to a comprehensive tour of Choquequirao. Your guide will lead you through all nine sectors, including the famous Llama terraces (Shaqra Anden), the main plaza (Huaqaypata), and the ceremonial platform (Ushno). This unhurried exploration allows you to fully absorb the history and scale of this impressive, remote Inca city.
Day 3 Statistics
- Max Altitude: 3,320 m / 10,892 ft (Choquequirao Pass)
- Activity: Full Day Citadel Exploration
- Housing: Camping at Choquequirao
After a final morning exploration, we cross the Choquequirao Pass and descend 2 hours to the Rio Blanco (1,990 m / 6,527 ft) for lunch and a refreshing dip. Then comes the day’s great challenge: a difficult 4-hour zigzag ascent to the remote, high-altitude agricultural area of Maizal (3,000 m / 9,842 ft). This challenging climb is managed carefully by your guide.
Day 4 Statistics
- Max Altitude: 3,320 m / 10,892 ft (Choquequirao Pass)
- Campsite Altitude: 3,000 m / 9,842 ft
- Hiking Distance: 18 km / 11.2 miles
- Highlight: Rio Blanco & Challenging Ascent
We ascend uphill for four hours, passing through the old Victoria Mine area and admiring the mineral-rich rocks. We conquer the Abra San Juan Pass (approx. 4,130 m / 13,546 ft), one of the highest points of the trek, offering vast views of the Pumasillo glacier. After lunch, we descend for three hours to the remote Andean village of Yanama (4,130 m / 13,546 ft), our campsite for the night.
Day 5 Statistics
- Max Altitude: 4,130 m / 13,546 ft (Abra San Juan Pass)
- Campsite Altitude: 4,130 m / 13,546 ft
- Hiking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
- Highlight: Pumasillo Glacier View
We face the trek’s highest point: the Yanama Pass (4,672 m / 15,324 ft). The 5-hour climb offers stunning views of the Apu Salkantay range. After reaching the summit, we descend for two hours, enjoying lunch on the trail, before continuing downhill to our campsite at Totora (3,398 m / 11,148 ft). The day features dramatic views of waterfalls and local mountain life.
Day 6 Statistics
- Max Altitude: 4,672 m / 15,324 ft (Yanama Pass)
- Campsite Altitude: 3,398 m / 11,148 ft
- Hiking Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
- Highlight: Salkantay Range Views
The penultimate day involves a 5-6 hour walk through the rainforest, following the Santa Teresa River trail. We pass multiple plantations of coffee, avocado, and passion fruit, enjoying a lush microclimate. We visit a local organic coffee farm and explore the Inca site of Llactapata (3,100 m / 10,170 ft), offering our first view of Machu Picchu. We descend to Hydroelectrica for lunch, then walk 3 hours along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes for our hotel stay and a celebratory dinner.
Day 7 Statistics
- Max Altitude: 3,100 m / 10,170 ft (Llactapata)
- Accommodation: 3-star Hotel
- Highlight: First View of Machu Picchu
We wake very early to catch the first bus up to Machu Picchu (2,430 m / 7,972 ft). Your guide provides a comprehensive 2-hour guided tour of the citadel (Circuit 2). After time for self-exploration, we descend to Aguas Calientes. Our private-coordinated return includes the afternoon Expedition train to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transport directly back to your hotel in Cusco, concluding the Choquequirao and Machu Picchu Trek 8 Days expedition.
Day 8 Statistics
- Main Destination: Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary
- Guided Tour Duration: 2 hours
- Final Drop-off: Cusco hotel
INCLUDES
- Transport: Private hotel pickup/drop-off, all ground transport, Expedition train, and bus tickets to/from Machu Picchu.
- Expert Team: Professional, licensed high-altitude guide (English/Spanish). Dedicated high-mountain chef.
- Ethics & Support: Porters/Horse support for group gear and your 7 kg duffel bag. Emergency Horse for client fatigue/illness.
- Accommodation: 6 Nights high-mountain camping (tents for 2 people), 1 Night 3-star hotel (Aguas Calientes).
- Meals: All quality meals during the trek (7 B, 7 L, 7 D), prepared fresh and tailored for dietary needs.
- Tickets: All entrance fees for Choquequirao and Machu Picchu Citadel.
- Safety: Emergency oxygen tank, satellite phones, radios, and full first aid kit (First aid kit).
- Camping Comfort: High-mountain tents, sponge sleeping pads, dining tent, and private bathroom tents.
NOT INCLUDES
- Rentals: Sleeping bag (rental $25), inflatable mattress (rental $20), and trekking poles (rental $20).
- Food: Lunch on the final day after the Machu Picchu tour.
- Permits: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain permits (optional upgrade).
- Gratuities: Tips for the support staff (optional).
This is a Challenging trek due to its length and sustained elevation changes, including high passes over 4,600m. However, the 8-day itinerary ensures a safer, more sustainable pace than shorter versions, ideal for those seeking deep immersion.
The highest point reached on this extended expedition is the Yanama Pass at 4,672 meters (15,324 ft) on Day 6. This requires travelers to complete a minimum of 2-3 full days of proper acclimatization in Cusco before beginning the trek.
Yes, if you prioritize in-depth exploration and a sustainable pace. The 8-day trek includes a full day at Choquequirao, traverses the beautiful Yanama and Totora valleys, and offers a more relaxed acclimatization schedule.
Absolutely. The luxury of the 8-day itinerary is dedicating Day 3 entirely to the exploration of the Choquequirao citadel. Your guide will ensure you see all nine sectors, including the famous Llama terraces, without being rushed.
Our commitment to safety includes carrying an emergency oxygen tank, a full first aid kit, and satellite phones at all times. Our professional guides are experienced in high-altitude terrain and emergency response during long expeditions.
You will spend 6 nights camping in high-quality, weather-resistant tents, complete with dining and private bathroom tents. The final night is spent in a comfortable 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu.
The Yanama Pass is the highest point of this trek and offers spectacular panoramic views, including the majestic Apu Salkantay range. Conquering this pass is a major achievement on this extended route.
Yes. For a trek of this length (8 days), trekking poles are considered essential to help maintain stability and significantly reduce the strain on your knees during the many days of ascent and descent.
The trekking segment ends near Lucmabamba/Hydroelectrica on Day 7. From there, we use a combination of ground transport and the Expedition-class train to reach Aguas Calientes for the overnight stay before the final visit to Machu Picchu.
No. While the pace is unhurried, the sustained length and daily elevation changes are demanding. We recommend this trek for experienced and well-prepared multi-day hikers with a high fitness level.
Our dedicated high-mountain chefs provide high-energy, fresh, and delicious meals (including local and international cuisine) tailored to fuel your body for a week of sustained trekking.
Yes. High-quality sleeping bags (min. -10°C rating) and professional trekking poles are available for a small fee, ensuring you have the necessary equipment for this demanding expedition.
The support staff (porters/horsemen) carry all the heavy group gear, ensuring you only carry a small daypack. We uphold the highest ethical standards, guaranteeing their fair treatment and proper equipment.
You can securely store your main luggage free of charge at your hotel in Cusco or at the Ali Perú Treks office while you are on the 8-day expedition.
No, your Machu Picchu entrance ticket (Circuit 2) is secured and included in the price of your tour, removing the complexity of booking the official permit yourself.
Facilities are highly limited. We provide all necessary infrastructure, including spacious dining tents and clean, private portable bathroom tents at every one of our remote campsites.
Yes, but permits for the Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain upgrade must be secured at least one month in advance as they are optional and subject to strict government capacity limits.
Tipping is voluntary but customary. Given the immense effort required from the crew over 8 days, a suggested collective tip is typically around $90 – $120 USD per trekker, shared among the entire team.
- Gear: Warm sleeping bag (min. -10°C rating), waterproof hiking boots, and headlamp.
- Layers: Thermal base layers, fleece, warm down jacket, and waterproof/rain gear.
- Documents: Original passport and valid student ID (if applicable).
- Daypack: Max. 25 liters (required for entry into Machu Picchu).
- Water: Reusable water container (2-3 liters minimum). We provide boiled and purified water for refills.
- Sundries: Sunscreen, mosquito repellent, toiletries, and extra money.
- Tour Type:
- Duration
- Group Size
- Dificultad
- Housing
Camping
- Language
- Distance