The Classic Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 9 Days

Day 2: PLAYA ROSALINA- MARAMPATA-Y BASE CAMP CHOQUEQIRAO

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, we’ll continue ascending until reaching our campsite “Choqeuquirau”.  We’ll have hot fusion drinks and a delicious meal for dinner.

DETAILS:

• Meals:                              Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodations:        Choquequirao campsite
• Hiking Distance:            11 km
• Approx. Hike Time:      7-8 hours
• Level of Difficulty:        Arduous

Day 3: CHOQUEQUIRAO FULL DAY TOUR

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 descend to the lower section of Choquequirau to take in the beautiful waterfall and the incredible handmade experimental agricultural terraces.  At 3:30 p.m., we return to the camp for dinner and hot fusion drinks.

DETAILS:

• Meals:                              Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodations:        Choquequirao campsite
• Level of Difficulty:        Easy

Day 4: CHOQUEQUIRAO-RIO BLANCO-MAIZAL

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 1 hour towards a lookout.  You’ll take a short break to observe from a distance Choquequirao and our new sight towards Machu Picchu.

We continue our descend (one and half hours) until we reach an Incan site called “Pinchihuiniyoc”, where you’ll observe a variety of agricultural terraces at different altitudes used for experimental crop production output.

You will be provided ancestral Incan history by your trek leader, all the while, enjoying the spectacular view of the “Blanco River – White River”.  Afterward, we trek along for (1 hr. and a half) until arriving at our lunch area next to the crystal clear river where you can see trout and other wildlife.

Trekking on the 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).

• Accommodations:       Camping
• Walking distance:        14 km
• Approx. Hike Time:      7 hours
• Highest point:                3,270 m
• Campsite Altitude:       3,000 m – “Maizal”
• Level of Difficulty:           Arduous

Day 5: MAIZAL-SAN JUAN PASS-YANAMA

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 Apurrimac” 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.  You’ll have the rest of the afternoon for “R & R” and exploring.

Dinner will be served with hot fusion drinks.

DETAILS:

• Accommodation:         Camping
• Hiking Distance:            14 km
• Approx. Hike Time:      5 hours
• Highest Altitude:          San Juan Pass 4,200 m/12,779 ft.
• Campsite Altitude:       3,522 m/11,555 ft. – “Yanama”
• Level of Difficulty:        Arduous

Day 6: YANAMA-COLLPAPAMPA

We start off with a 4-hour upward climb.   The first part of the trek will be smooth.  However, it begins to increase in difficulty.  Please let the trek leader know, if necessary, to slow his pace down.  Reaching the top part of the climb, we’ll have a 3 hour downhill hike to camp at “Qolpapampa”.

Our campsite is near a small town.  Hence, you’ll be able to take a shower, if you choose.  You’ll be able to purchase cold drinks such as; beer, wine, and soda.

Dinner will be served with hot fusion drinks.

DETAILS:

• Accommodations:       Campsite “Collpapampa”
• Hiking Distance:            18 km/11.16 miles
• Approx. Hike Time:      9 hours hike
• Highest Altitude:          4,660 m/15,288 ft.
• Campsite Altitude:       2,900 m 9, 514 ft.
• Level of Difficulty:        Arduous

Day 7: COLLPAPAMPA-LUCMABAMBA CAMPISITE

Unlike the previous day, today you’ll have a relatively easy hike (from 2,900) to reach your next campsite called “Lucmabamba” (at 2,000 m).  Along the way, you’ll see many fruit plantations such as; banana, avocado, passion fruit, and more.  The weather in this area is conducive (jungle climate) for coffee plantations too.

After six hours of hiking, we’ll reach our campsite to have lunch.  Afterward, you are free to explore the area or just rest until 4:00 p.m.  We have an activity planned for you at one of the coffee plantations in the area that exports the coffee to Europe.  Finishing our activity, dinner will be waiting for you at camp.

DETAILS:

• Accommodations:       Camping
• Hiking Distance:            17 km
• Approx. Hike Time:      7 hrs.
• Campsite altitude:       2,000 m
• Difficulty:                         Moderately Easy

Day 8: LUCMABAMBA-LLACTAPATA INCA SITE-MACHUPICCHU TOWN

After breakfast, we’ll gradually descend for 45 minutes until reaching the connection point of the Inca Trail, 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 trek 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 Aguas Calientes, we will provide you with all the information necessary to be on your way. The cost of entry to the hot springs is ten (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.

DETAILS:

• Meals:                              Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodations:       Hotel Aguas Calientes
• Hiking Distance:            16 km
• Approx. Hike Time:      5 hours
• Highest Altitude:          3,000 m/9,842 ft.
• Level of Difficulty:        Easy/Moderate to Challenging

Day 9: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

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, which will take approx.. 25 minutes to reach (door open 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 on your own.

• If you have reserved a 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 Municipality’s programmed time.

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 to Ollantaytambo, we will have transportation waiting to drive you back to your hotel in Cusco.

DETAILS:

Meals:                              Breakfast

Lowest Altitude:           2,040 m / 6.691 ft

Highest Altitude:          2,440 m / 8,052 ft

Note:      If you want to stay an extra night, just lets us know and we can help book a hotel in Aguas Calientes, as well as your train ticket for the next day

Rangers don’t allow people to carry bags bigger than 25 liters when entering Machu Picchu

No trekking poles are allowed in Machu Picchu

Snacks and water are allowed – in bags.

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 to keep an open mind, be flexible, and keep a sense of humor. This trek is not recommended first-time hikers, good physical conditioning is required (Read our guide for travelers).

In our trek, we’ll be exposed to high ways, along white waters and crossing the creeks, rivers, that may not be in optimal conditions and can be dangerous during heavy rains. We do not recommend this hike in December through March.

This region is not visited frequently by tourists.  Thus, the infrastructure is limited. Our trekkers should be aware of changes to the 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.

• To cross the Apurimac River you will take an Oroya or small cable car since there is currently no bridge.