choquequirao and machu picchu
Day 01
choquequirao and machu picchu
Trip Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1: CUSCO-CACHORA-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 To Machu Picchu 7 Days
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
3000 MASL / 9842 FEETS
Highest Elevation
1500 MASL / 9842 FEETS
Campsite Elevation
Day 2
Day 2: PLAYA ROSALINA- MARAMPATA BASE CAMP
Highlight of the day: Marvel with the fantastic views of the Apurimac Canyon and snow-capped Andean peaks.
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. It is here we’ll have a delicious lunch and 45 minutes to rest and re-energize. Later, and take the base camp
Day 2 Details
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodations: Choquequirao campsite
- Hiking Distance: 11 km
- Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Arduous
B,L,D
Meals
CAMPING
Accommodation
CHALLENGE
Difficulty
11 KM / 5 MILES
Walking Distance
2900 MASL / 9514 FEETS
Highest Elevation
2900 MASL / 9514 FEETS
Campsite Elevation
Day 3
Day 3: MARAMPATA -PINCHIUNUYOQ
Highlight of the day: Get off the beaten path to discover Choquequirao Citadel, the “Twin Sister of Machu Picchu”.
In order to witness and marvel at the extraordinary feats of the architecture of “Choquequirau”, we’ve set aside an entire day tour. Our staff will provide a wake-up call by serving you hot coca tea at your tents (of course we’ll knock first!)
At approximately 6:30, we will have breakfast and start towards the Incan site (50 min.). You’ll be surprised to know that only 30% has been excavated. Archeological Scholars have estimated that “Choquequirau is 5 times bigger than Machupicchu.
Our guided tour includes visiting; temples, homes, warehouses, and many water channels. At 2:00 p.m., we’ll break for a ‘picnic’ (lunch) at the same Archeological Site.
After lunch, we will ascend for 40 minutes to the upper part of Choquequirao once there Will have a stunning view of Choquequirao. Then just gonna be dawn to our base camp called Pinchiunuyoq
Day 3 Details
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodations: tents
- Physical Level: Easy
- Distance 10 km
B,L,D
Meals
CAMPING
Accommodation
DIFFICULT
Difficulty
10 KM / 6 MILES
Walking Distance
3100 MASL / 1053 FEETS
Highest Elevation
2400 MASL / 6534 FEETS
Campsite Elevation
Day 4
Day 4: PINCHIUNUYOQ-RIO BLANCO-MAIZAL
Highlight of the day: Enjoy a serious physical challenge – steep uphill and downhills through the beautiful RIO BLANCO .
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 6 hours towards a White river (Rio Blanco). once there we will have time to enjoy the river (basically take a shower).
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 4 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,L,D
Meals
CAMPING
Accommodation
CHALLENGE
Difficulty
10 KM / 6 MILES
Walking Distance
3,270 MASL / 11543 FEETS
Highest Elevation
3,000 m – “Maizal”
Campsite Elevation
Day 5
Day 5: MAIZAL-SAN JUAN PASS-YANAMA-LUCMABAMBA
Highlight of the day: Enjoy a serious physical challenge – steep uphill and downhills through the beautiful SAN JUAN PASS.
The hardest trekking day of the tour. Wake up call at 6:00 am. You’ll have breakfast while viewing the two beautiful rivers called “Rio Apurimac” and “White River”. After 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 I 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 5 Details
- Accommodation: Camping
- Hiking Distance: 14 km
- Hike Time: 5 hours
- Highest Altitude: San Juan Pass 4,200 m/12,779 ft.
- Campsite Altitude: 3,522 m/11,555 ft. – “Yanama”
- Physical Level: Arduous
B,L,D
Meals
CAMPING
Accommodation
DIFFICULT
Difficulty
14 KM / 9 MILES
Walking Distance
4,200 m/12,779 f
Highest Elevation
3,522 m/11,555 ft
Campsite Elevation
Day 6
Day 6: LUCMABAMBA-LLACTAPATA INCA SITE-MACHUPICCHU TOWN
Highlight of the day: HIKE THE ORIGINAL INCA TRAIL TO LLAQTAPATA INCA SITE AND ENYOY THE STUNNING VIEW OF MACHU PICCHU .
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 with your cook and porters. At 4:00 p.m., you’ll have an opportunity to say your farewell to the staff and board the train 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 6 Details
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel Aguas Calientes
- Hiking Distance: 24 km
- Hiking Time: 8 hours
- Highest Altitude: 3,000 m/9,842 ft.
- Physical Level: Easy/Moderate to Challenging
B,L,D
Meals
HOTEL
Accommodation
DIFFICULT
Difficulty
24 KM / 16 MILES
Walking Distance
2900 MASL / 9514 FEETS
Highest Elevation
2000 MASL / 6530 FEETS
Campsite Elevation
Day 7
Day 7: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
Highlight of the day: Visit & explore the legendary of Machu Picchu with a private 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 7 Details
Meals: Breakfast
- Lowest Altitude: 2,040 m / 6.691 ft
- Highest Altitude: 2,440 m / 8,052 ft
B
Meals
CUSCO
Accommodation
EASY
Difficulty
JUST BY BUS
Walking Distance
2400 MASL / 1053 FEETS
Highest Elevation
400 MASL / 11154 FEETS
Campsite Elevation
Inclusions
Choquequirao Trek To Machu Picchu 7 Days
- Bilingual English-speaking tour guide (additional tour guide for groups of nine people or more)
- Pre-Departure Briefing at your hotel 1 or 2 days before your trek.
- TRANSFER FROM AIRPORT TO HOTEL
- HIKING POLES
- SLEEPING BAG
- BLANKET
- TRANSPORT FROM HOTEL TO AIRPORT
- Spacious tent/Sleeping mat.
- Horses or mules and indigenous horsemen to carry camping equipment: client tents, dining and cooking tents, tables, stools, cooking gear, stoves, gas containers, cutlery, plates, food, and fresh vegetable
- Personal items to carry: 6 kg/22 lb. (So you just need to carry your day backpack with everything you will need during the day.)
- We provide a duffle for personal items.
- One cook, and assistants
- Excellent meals:
- Food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, and rice, foods that are rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking. (Vegetarian, vegan or special diet meals upon request)
- Tea time before dinner (tea, coffee, coca, biscuits, popcorn).
- Boiled water provided from 2nd day (for drinking)
- Wake up to coca tea in your tent
- Buckets of hot water for washing in your tent every day
- Biodegradable soap and hand cleansing gel
- Oxygen Tank & First aid kit
- Four-person tent for every 2 people.
- Tips: Guide, Cook, Horseman.
- Water on Day 1
- first breakfast and last lunch
- EXTRA HORSE
Pricing
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
- group service: $900 per person (OFFERT)
Important: Price includes up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need of extra Porter hire!).
Discounts:
- Student Discount 20$ dollars
- 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, that 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 in weather conditions. Be expected for 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
Trip Details Choquequirao Trek To Machu Picchu 7 Days
- Tour Name: Choquequirao Trek To Machu Picchu 7 Days
- Tour/Trek Duration: 7 Days/6 Nights
- Location/Terrain: choquequirao and machu picchu inca sites
- Accommodation: beautiful campsites
- Acclimatization: Due to the high altitude, we recommend 2 days in Cusco before embarking on our Choquequirao Trek To Machu Picchu 7 Days hike
- Adventure Rating Very Strenuous trek
- Activities: Trekking/ Camping
- Altitude: 5135/14,139ft
- Departures: every day with 2 or more people
- Customizable: Yes!
What to Pack
GO TREKS PERU 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
- 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)
