Overview of the 8-Day Choquequirao Trek

Embark on an 8-day trek that guides you through the Andes Mountains, starting from the historic Choquequirao ruins and concluding at the renowned Machu Picchu. Experience awe-inspiring landscapes, traverse suspension bridges spanning turbulent rivers, and delve into the captivating ruins of Choquequirao—a site that rivals the allure and enigma of Machu Picchu.

Guided Tour of Choquequirao:

Explore the ancient wonders of Choquequirao with an early start to avoid the sun. Cross the Rosalina suspension bridge, ascend the Apurimac Canyon, and enjoy a guided tour of Choquequirao’s archaeological treasures.

Sacred Inca Trail to Machu Picchu:

Embark on the Sacred Inca Trail from kilometer 104, passing through the cloud forest to Intipunku. Revel in a panoramic view of Machu Picchu before descending to Aguas Calientes for a relaxing evening.

Machu Picchu Exploration:

Delve into the wonders of Machu Picchu with a two-hour guided tour. Admire the awe-inspiring architecture and soak in the mystical atmosphere of this ancient Inca citadel.

Rainbow Mountain Finale:

Conclude your Andean adventure with a hike to the vibrant Rainbow Mountain. Absorb the stunning colors and panoramic vistas before returning to Cusco.

Choquequirao Trek 8-Day Itinerary 

The captivating journey along the Huchuy Qosqo Trek, a trail spanning three days, invites us to explore the ancient ruins of Huchuy Qosqo—an esteemed “royal palace of bthe eighth Inca ruler of the entire Inca empire.” This expedition also includes a visit to the renowned Machu Picchu, accessible via the Short Inca Trail through the mesmerizing Inti Punku.

Day 1: Cusco – Capulilloc to Chikisca

Embark on the Choquequirao Trek, departing from Cusco at 6:00. A scenic 4-hour drive leads to Capulilloc. Commence a 3.5-hour warm-up walk, descending into the Apurimac Canyon, reaching the first campsite at Chiquisca. Enjoy stunning views and a briefing about the journey.

Day 2: Chikisca – Choquequirao Guided Tour – Inc

Start early to explore Choquequirao, avoiding the sun in the canyon. Cross the Rosalina bridge, ascend the canyon, and reach Marampata for lunch. The afternoon is dedicated to a guided tour of Choquequirao, concluding with spectacular views. The day involves challenging hiking, covering 15 km in 9-10 hours.

Day 3: Choquequirao – Rio Blanco to Maizal

Embark on a challenging trek to Pinchaunuyoc ruins and the Maizal base camp. The journey starts at 6:00, passing through Choquequirao ruins, descending to the Río Blanco River, and ascending to Maizal. A total of 18 km is covered in 8-9 hours, with varied landscapes and terrains.

Day 4: Maizal to Yanama

Conquer the highest pass, Yanama Pass, in a 6-hour trek. Bid farewell to muleteers in Yanama and transfer to Lucmabamba. Enjoy coffee plantations’ scenic surroundings and a unique viewpoint of Machu Picchu. The day covers 13 km in 4 hours.

Day 5: Lucmabamba to Hydro & Aguas Calientes

Ascend Lucmabamba Pass, witnessing Machu Picchu in the distance. Descend to the Aobamba River, head to the hydroelectric station, and finally, Aguas Calientes. The 10.2 km hike takes approximately 5 hours.

Day 6: Sacred Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Commence the Sacred Inca Trail at 5:30, walking from kilometer 104 to Intipunku and Machu Picchu. A 16 km trek in 7 hours offers diverse landscapes. Explore Machu Picchu for 2 hours before descending to Aguas Calientes.

Day 7: Tour Machupicchu, Return to Cuzco

Visit Machu Picchu with the group, spending 2 hours exploring. In the afternoon, return to Cusco via Ollantaytambo. Enjoy a guided tour and take the train from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer to Cusco.

Day 8: Hiking To Rainbow Mountain

Conclude the adventure with a hike to Rainbow Mountain, departing at 6:30. A 14 km hike in 2.5 hours leads to the colorful summit, offering stunning views. Return to Cusco by the same trail.

Included:

• Spectacular Landscapes: Explore the stunning southwest of Peru in the Cusco Region.
• Trek Briefing: Detailed trek briefing 01 or 02 days before the trek begins at 6:00 pm in your hotel reception area.
• Private Transportation: Transfer from Cusco to the trail’s starting point, Capuliyoc.
• Local Transportation: Transfer from YANAMA to Lucmabamba.
• Accommodation: Camping in tents for four nights, double occupancy, with sleeping pads.
• Train Services: Local train from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes and tourist train from MACHU PICCHU TO OLLANTAYTAMBO on INCA RAIL, Voyager 44 class, departure at 14:30.
• Entrance Tickets: Access to Choquequirao and Rainbow Mountain with included entrance tickets.
• Inca Trail Permits: Permits for the Inca Trail, including Machu Picchu.
• Bus Services: Three bus tickets in Machu Picchu for convenient transportation.
• Professional Guide: Bilingual guide (Spanish and English) with extensive experience.
• Camping Equipment: Quality camping equipment, including kitchen, dining tent, and chairs.
• Meals: Enjoy provided meals during the excursion, including 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners.
• Lunch Boxes: Provided on specific days: Day 01, 06, and 08.
• Muleteer and Mules: Muleteer service and mules for transporting all camping equipment.
• Cargo Horses: Cargo horses available for hikers’ gear, with a weight limit of 8 kg or 16 pounds per person.
• First Aid Kit and Oxygen Bottle: Safety ensured with a first aid kit and oxygen bottle.
• Private Transfer: Private transfer service from Ollantaytambo station to Cusco.
• Transportation for Rainbow Mountain: Private transportation for the Rainbow Mountain excursion.
• Local Taxes: All local taxes are included in the package.
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Not Included:

• Accommodation: Hotels, hostels, Airbnb, or lodges during stays in CUSCO AND AGUAS CALIENTES are not included.
• Undescribed Meals: Any meals not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary are not covered.
• Sleeping Bag: Bring your own sleeping bag; alternatively, you can rent one in downtown Cusco.
• Day 01 Breakfast: Breakfast on day 01 is not included.
• Personal Tent: If you prefer a personal tent, it is not part of the package.
• Horseback Riding: Horseback riding from Capuliyoc to Yanama for four days with a muleteer is not included.
• Tips: Tips for the entire crew (muleteers, cooks, and guides) are not included but appreciated for the services provided during the 8-day Choquequirao Trek.

Essentials for 8-Day Choquequirao Trek:

• Comfortable and breathable clothing.
• Waterproof jacket.
• Waterproof trekking boots.
• Comfortable sandals.
• Sleeping bag for low temperatures.
• Trekking poles.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Toilet paper and wet wipes.
• Insect repellent.
• Basic first aid kit.
• Small backpack.
• Waterproof bags.
• Headlamp and portable chargers.
• Reusable water bottle.
• Energy snacks.
• Passport and documents.
• Credit/debit cards and cash.
• Cash.
• Camera and extra batteries.
• Personal toiletries.
• Health insurance card.