way to first camp
Day 01
way to first camp
Trip Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1: CUSCO-CAPULIYOC-PLAYA ROSALINA
Highlight of the day: Trek through remote, and big mountain scenery into one of the deepest canyons of Peru, the Apurimac.
Choquequirao Trek & Machu Picchu 6 Day
Our transport will pick you up at your hotel (4:30 a.m.- approx.). Then drive northbound through different herding and farming villages (3 hrs.) to reach the “Lookout”, where you’ll enjoy a delicious concentrated soup. Afterward, we’ll continue towards the village of Cachora (a pre-Hispanic village) where you can take photos.
After driving an additional hour, we’ll finally arrive at the starting point of our trek. While we regroup for the trek, you’ll enjoy the lovely view of the Apurimac Canyon. We’ll begin our trek descending to the “Condor viewpoint” point and if we’re lucky will be able to see Condors soaring. Also, at this same Lookout, we’ll see, from afar, the archeological site of Choquequirao.
After a hike for 3 hours, we’ll reach “Cocamasana” for lunch where you’ll find our experienced chef preparing a hot nutritious meal. After resting for a bit, we’ll continue our hike to reach a small hunting community called “Chikiska”. You can buy drinks and snacks here. You’ll also have time to take in the different flora and fauna.
Finally, after an hour and a half hike, we’ll arrive at our first campsite called “Rosalina”. You’ll have time to organize your sleeping area, while our staff prepares hot drinks and snacks. At dawn, we’ll have dinner and tuck in for the night.
Day 1 Details hike:
- Accommodations: Campsite “Rosalina”
- Hiking Distance: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 5 hours
- Weather: Warm and Dry
- Level of Difficulty: Arduous
- Road conditions: Rocky, dusty, and some slippery sport. Trekking shoes are definitely required.
L,D
Meals
CAMPING
Accommodation
DIFFICULT
Difficulty
10 km / 6 MILES
Walking Distance
2,900m/ 9,512ft.
Highest Elevation
1,500m/ 4,920ft.
Campsite Elevation
Day 2
Day 2: PLAYA ROSALINA- MARAMPATA-Y BASE CAMP CHOQUEQUIRAO
Highlight of the day: Enjoy a serious physical challenge – steep uphill and downhills through the beautiful Apurimac Canyon.
We recommend an early start (wake-up call 4:45 a.m.) and breakfast at 5:15. We’ll start with a 2-hour trek reaching our rest area called “Santa Rosa” (purchase drinks/snacks, if needed). Then we continue hiking (2:30 hours) arriving at our mid-point for the day “Marampata” a small farming village, Later, we’ll continue ascending until reaching our campsite “Chouequirao Camp”. It is here well have lunch and rest,re-energize 45 minutes, and later in the afternoon Will visit the choquequirao Inca site is 45 minutes away from the base camp and another 30 minutes to back in the night, We’ll have hot fusion drinks and a delicious meal for dinner.
Day 2 Details
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodations: Choquequirao campsite
- Hiking Distance: 11 km
- Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Arduous
B,LD
Meals
CAMPING
Accommodation
CHALLENGE
Difficulty
11 km / 7 MILES
Walking Distance
: 2,950m/ 9,676 ft
Highest Elevation
1,500m / 4,920 ft
Campsite Elevation
Day 3
Day 3: CHOQUEQUIRAU-PINCHIUNUYUQ-MAIZAL
Highlight of the day: Learn the history of the last days of the Inca Empire and explore the Choquequirao archaeological site.
Wake up call at 6:00 a.m. with a hot coca tea served at your tent (of course with the prior announcement).
We’ll have breakfast (6:15 a.m.) and then begin our trek for 45 minutes up the hill, once at the high point, Will have a stunning view of the choquequirao and then just gonna be dawn to pinchiunuyuq (Inca site ) to get there are 2 hours and another 1 and 30 minutes to towards a White river (Rio Blanco). once there we will have lunch and time to enjoy the river (basically take a shower). later
Trekking uphill (2:30 hours), we’ll reach our camp called “Maizal”, a small herding and farming community.
At this isolated pueblo, you’ll relish a serene peaceful rest (be sure to get as much rest as possible, you’ll need it for tomorrow’s hike).
Day 3 Details
- Accommodation: Camping
- Hiking distance: 14 km
- Hike Time: 7 hours
- Highest point: 3,270 m
- Campsite Altitude: 3,000 m – “Maizal”
- Physical Level: Arduous
B,LD
Meals
CAMPING
Accommodation
DIFFICULT
Difficulty
14 km / 7 MILES
Walking Distance
3,270 m / 10728 FEETS
Highest Elevation
3,000 MASL / 9842 FEETS
Campsite Elevation
Day 4
Day 4: MAIZAL-SAN JUAN PASS-YANAMA-LUCMABAMBA
Highlight of the day: enyoy the challenge day to hight spoint and the condors lookout.
The hardest trekking day of the tour. Wake-up call at 5:00 am. You’ll have breakfast while viewing the two beautiful rivers called “Rio Apurimac” and “White River”. Finishing breakfast, we begin our 4-hour uphill climb towards an old abandoned silver mining spot. Passing the mining caves, we’ll reach the highest elevation of the day, a place called “Abra de San Juan”. Hopefully, we’ll have an opportunity to observe condors soaring around the mountains and take photos. We continue by descending towards our campsite (Approx. 2 and half hours). During our hike down we’ll get a chance to see wild birds, and flowers, like “Tarwi”. Tarwi is wholesome wheat that provides essential nutrition and energy throughout the day.
Reaching camp at Yanama, we will sit down for lunch. And then Will catch the bus to our base camp “Lucmabamba” on the way we will see beautiful landscapes
Dinner will be served with hot fusion drinks.
Day 4 Details
- Accommodation: Camping
- Hiking Distance: 14 km
- Hike Time: 7 hours
- Highest Altitude: San Juan Pass 4,200 m/12,779 ft.
- Campsite Altitude: 2000 m/6,555 ft. – “
- Physical Level: Arduous
B,L,D
Meals
CAMPING
Accommodation
DIFFICULT
Difficulty
14 km / 9 MILES
Walking Distance
4,200 m/12,779 ft.
Highest Elevation
2000 MASL / 6561 FEETS
Campsite Elevation
Day 5
Day 5: LUCMABAMBA-LLACTAPATA INCA SITE-MACHUPICCHU TOWN
Highlight of the day: Trek through the original Inca Trail to the Llactapata ruins, where you will have a fantastic view of Machu Picchu from a different angle.
After breakfast, we’ll gradually descend for 45 minutes until reaching to the Inca Trail point, built-in 1,300 (from Vilcabamba to Machu Picchu). Here you’ll appreciate the stone path leading to the “Llactapata” Incan site. Just in front of you, you’ll have the wonderful vista of Machu Picchu. And along the way, you’ll see coffee and yucca plantations. Once you arrive in Llactapata, your guide will describe the geography and re-telling of Incan history.
We continue our hike for another two and a half hours, all downhill until we reach the famous hydroelectric station. Our last lunch GONNA BE IN RESTAURANT and keep walking another 3 hours more to “Aguas Calientes”. The trek leader will escort you to your hotel for a well-deserved R & R time.
If you want to visit the hot springs in “Machupicchu Pueblo”, we will provide you with all the information necessary to be on your way.
The cost of entry to the hot springs is S/. 10.00 soles (bring your towel). That evening you will enjoy the last dinner with your trek leader at a local restaurant. You will also receive your last briefing for the following day.
Be sure to purchase snacks & water for your trip up to Machu Picchu.
Day 5 Details
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel Aguas Calientes
- Hiking Distance: 24 km
- Hiking Time: 9 hours
- Highest Altitude: 3,000 m/9,842 ft.
- Physical Level: Easy/Moderate to Challenging
B,L,D
Meals
HOTEL
Accommodation
CHALLENGE
Difficulty
24 KM / 14 MILES
Walking Distance
3,000 m/9,842 ft.
Highest Elevation
2000 MASL / 6561 FEETS
Campsite Elevation
Day 6
Day 6: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
Highlight of the day: Explore the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu and the surrounding area with an expert and knowledgeable tour guide.
Our final day, we will start off early (wake-up 4:30 a.m.). Followed by breakfast (5:00 a.m.) at the hotel. After, board the bus to Machu Picchu, about 25 minutes to reach Machupicchu (open at 6:00 a.m.). Please be sure to bring your original passport to show the Rangers (you can get a Machu Picchu seal on your passport).
Your Guide will take you to the best places in Machu Picchu while enjoying the sunrise (depending on the weather).
Then you will have a two hour guided tour. Following, you’ll have an opportunity to explore Machu Picchu.
- If you have booked your visit to “HUAYNAPICHHU” (tickets $ 25.00 per person/limited to 400 per day – not included), you’ll begin your hike at 7:00 – 10:00 a.m., please coordinate with the Trek Leader for your visit Depending on the defined schedule
There are many more activities that you can do. These activities are optional (not included with the package) for example The “Puerta del Sol” (2 hours hike up and down), where you will appreciate the Inca city from a different viewpoint.
In the afternoon, you’ll catch the train to reach the City of Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo, we will have transportation waiting to drive you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Day 6 Details
- Meals: Breakfast
- Lowest Altitude: 2,040 m / 6.691 ft
- Highest Altitude: 2,440 m / 8,052 ft
B,L,D
Meals
CUSCO
Accommodation
EASY
Difficulty
JUST BY BUS
Walking Distance
2400 MASL / 7874
Highest Elevation
3400 MASL / 11154 FEETS
Campsite Elevation
Inclusions
Choquequirao Trek 6 Days
- Bilingual English speaking tour guide (additional tour guide for groups of nine people or more)
- free walking sticks
- sleeping bag
- pillow
- blanket
- Pre-Departure Briefing at your hotel 1 or 2 days before your trek.
- TRANSFER FROM AIRPORT TO HOTEL
- TRANSFER FROM HOTEL TO AIRPORT
- train tickets from hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes
- Four-person tent for every 2 people.
- Chef
- Wranglers and horses to carry all the equipment (food, tents, chairs, table, etc)
- Horse to transport 8 kg of your gear
- Duffle bag for your gear
- Four breakfasts, four lunches, and four dinners
- Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit.
- One-night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes (double occupancy)
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Round trip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
Choquequirao Trek & Machu Picchu 6 Day
- Tips: Guide, Cook, Horseman.
- Water on Day
- First breakfast and last lunch
- EXTRA HORSE
Pricing
Choquequirao Trek & Machu Picchu 6 Day
Permits are needed for your chosen start date. Tour prices are based on the number of people in a group. Prices are valid from March 2022 through January 2023. All prices quoted are $USD
- $800 (OFFER)
Important: Price includes up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need for extra Porter hire!).
Discounts:
- Student Discount 20$ dollars
- Those under 15 years will pay as a student: US$20.00
- Under 7 years Discount: US$35.00
Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):
- Machu Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance)
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
The travel times indicated in our itinerary are approximate.
The trekking times depend on group size and Trek Leader/Tour Guide who can change the lunch locations and the camps, depending on the progress of the group. Each guide has its preferred route and may not correspond exactly to the route described here.
The conditions of the walk vary according to the season. That is, in the dry season the road can be dusty, in the wet season it can be slippery and muddy. “Go Treks Peru” is not responsible for the conditions of the trail, as it is directly related to the weather, but our experienced guides will turn the weather conditions into an exciting adventure.
This is an adventure trekking trip. We recommend keeping an open mind, being flexible, and keeping a sense of humor. This trek is not recommended for first-time hikers, good physical conditioning is required (Read our guide for travelers).
In our trek, we’ll be exposed to highways, along white waters, and crossing the creeks, and rivers, which may not be in optimal conditions and can be dangerous during heavy rains. We do not recommend this hike from December through March.
This region is not visited frequently by tourists. Thus, the infrastructure is limited. Our trekkers should be aware of changes to weather conditions. Be expected changes to the itinerary based on the weather conditions. All this is part of the adventure and we will ensure that you have the best experience.
Trip Details
What to Pack
Choquequirao Trek & Machu Picchu 6 Day
As a Professional Direct Local Tour operator, we provide you with a duffle bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14 pounds including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress, and extra clothing.
- 2 t-shirts
- 2 hiking pants at least
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 3 sets of hiking socks
- Bathing Suit for the thermal waters
- Couple Fleece/ Thermals
- Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º Celcius.
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger.
- A small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
- Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
What To Bring
Choquequirao Trek & Machu Picchu 6 Day
- A good day pack: such as Eagle Creek Afar Backpack (Appropriate pack to carry your personal belongings.)
- Original passport (International Student Identity Card “ISIC” if applicable)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended but not required
- Lighter trekking boots (with good ankle support)
- 3 pairs of trekking pants (not jeans), 1 hiking, 1 cotton–which is just enough. Please spray both pairs with an insect repellent spray before the trip.
- Layers for variable temperatures especially at night.
- 1 rain jacket: The first night the temperature can be as low as – 5 degrees Celsius/23 degrees Fahrenheit. A rain jacket can be helpful because there are rainy days even in the dry season!
- 1 warm/winter jacket (Thermals: wool socks/gloves, scarf and woolen hat for cold nights).
- 4 pairs of underwear, 6 pairs of socks (Bamboo or cotton/nylon-blend socks dry faster than 100 percent cotton, which lose their softness when air-dried.) It is nice to have a couple of extra pairs of socks to change into at night when you’re not hiking. Also, we recommend bringing both heavy hiking socks and lighter socks as well as the weather is variable, so you want to make sure you’re not too cold or too hot.
- 4 t-shirts, 2 long sleeve shirts
- 1 good sleeping bag liner which is super lightweight and easy to pack. This does its job!
- Travel-size tissues and wet wipes.
- Iron tablets and pills for altitude sickness. Several people on the hike have varying degrees of altitude sickness and both of these remedies (in addition to the coca tea) are very helpful in alleviating the symptoms.
- Sun protection cream (SPF 45 or higher recommended).
- Bug spray with 30% DEET in it–which you need, but it doesn’t work very well. The issue with Cusco outdoor is that most of the bugs are not mosquitoes. They are these small flies you can’t even see that leave weird bites that first look like you pricked your finger and then blow up into itchy red bumps. Unfortunately, these bugs seem to bite you no matter what kind of spray you put on, so bringing some anti-itch ointment could be helpful.
- Re-usable plastic or metal water container or a hydration pack such as Camelback
- Water (Only for the first day of the hike, as we will provide you with water throughout the rest of the hike).
- Camera
- A headlamp to navigate camp in the evenings and pre-dawn mornings with spare batteries
- Bandages or moleskin
- Flip flops to change into at night. Your toes will thank you!
- Toiletries
- Medication (Imodium AD or something for your stomach) because some people get an upset stomach on the trek. Also, Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen can be helpful to help with aches and pains after 8-10 hours of hiking each day.
- Plastic bags for dirty and wet clothes
- Something to read in the evenings
- Extra money for drinks, tips in Soles for cooks, horsemen, guides. (USD$60-70).
- Emergency money at least 300-450 extra soles (USD$ 220)
