Choquequirao to Machu Picchu

Is this trip for you?

Know what to expect before you go.

Technical difficulty: technical
Physical rating: 5/5
Minimum altitude: 2000 m
Maximum altitude: 3800 m

Ideal for: For all travelers

Overview

A journey with enough room to notice the road.

Take on one of Peru’s most legendary long-distance hikes with the Choquequirao + Machu Picchu Trek 7D/6N, an intense Vilcabamba adventure that links two remarkable Inca sites in a single journey. From Capuliyoc you’ll descend into the Apurímac Canyon and climb to remote Choquequirao, the “sacred sister of Machu Picchu”, exploring its terraces, temples and plazas in a quiet, untouched setting. The trail then continues through rarely visited areas toward Pinchiunuyoc and Río Blanco (1,880 m), followed by demanding ascents to Pajonal (4,000 m) and San Juan Pass (4,210 m). The contrast is extraordinary: you move from high-mountain landscapes and glaciers down into coffee plantations and tropical greenery in Lucmabamba (2,100 m), then hike an ancient Inca Trail section to Llaqtapata for one of the best Machu Picchu views from the mountains. The grand finale is a guided Machu Picchu visit via Circuit 2 and a scenic return on the Vistadome train.

Journey Milestones

DAY01

Day 1: Cusco – Sayhuite – Capuliyoc – Chikiska – Santa Rosa (2,095 m)

DAY02

Day 2: Santa Rosa – Marampata – Choquequirao

DAY03

Day 3: Choquequirao – Pinchiunuyoc – Río Blanco (1,880 m)

DAY04

Day 4: Río Blanco – Maizal (2,891 m) – Pajonal (4,000 m)

DAY05

Day 5: Pajonal – San Juan Pass (4,210 m) – Yanama (3,700 m) – Lucmabamba (2,100 m)

DAY06

Day 6: Lucmabamba – Organic coffee – Inca Trail section – Llaqtapata – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes

DAY07

Day 7: Machu Picchu (Circuit 2) – Vistadome – Cusco

Itinerary

See the road day by day.

7 expedition days

DAY01

Pick-up in Cusco at 4:30 a.m. and travel about 4 hours to Capuliyoc, the trek start. On the way, stop at Sayhuite, a massive monolithic rock carved with geometric figures and animals, often described as an Inca engineering “map”. After a nutritious breakfast, begin trekking toward the great “lost cities” of the Incas. The first section is about 4 hours of descent to Chikiska, dropping from highlands into the Apurímac Canyon where the climate becomes warmer. Enjoy lunch prepared by the trekking chef, then climb 2.5 hours to your campsite in Santa Rosa (2,095 m) for dinner and rest.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

DAY02

After breakfast, tackle one of the most demanding sections: hike 4 hours uphill in switchbacks to Marampata for lunch with panoramic mountain views and rich local flora and fauna. Continue for 2 more hours to Choquequirao, the “sacred sister of Machu Picchu”. In the afternoon, explore its terraces, plazas and temples as sunset light bathes the site—perfect for unique photos. Camp near the ruins, enjoy dinner under a starry sky, and rest for the next day.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY03

Wake up with coffee or hot tea and take a guided visit of Choquequirao, learning about its history and architecture while exploring plazas, terraces and temples. After lunch, climb 1 hour to the Choquequirao pass, then descend 3 hours to the Inca site of Pinchiunuyoc to see ancient agricultural terraces. Continue descending 2 more hours to the Río Blanco (1,880 m) campsite. The environment is warmer and more humid, so mosquito repellent is recommended. Dinner and rest, preparing for the climb toward Maizal and Pajonal.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY04

After breakfast, begin a tough switchback climb of about 4 hours to Maizal (2,891 m), with views of cultivated fields, birds and native flora. After lunch, continue ascending for another 4 hours to Pajonal (4,000 m). As you gain elevation, glacier scenery appears and you may see the old Victoria mines. It’s physically demanding, but deeply rewarding with high-mountain panoramas and a strong sense of walking through historic Vilcabamba routes. Hot dinner and rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY05

After breakfast, climb for about one hour to San Juan Pass (4,210 m), one of the trek’s most powerful natural viewpoints. Descend 3 hours to Yanama (3,700 m) for lunch and say goodbye to the muleteers. Then take transport to Lucmabamba (2,100 m) and spend the night at a coffee grower’s home, learning about rural life and local coffee production surrounded by tropical vegetation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY06

Wake up among coffee plants and avocado trees, enjoy breakfast and visit an organic coffee farm to learn about harvesting and roasting. Then hike 3 hours along an ancient Inca Trail section to Llaqtapata, where you’ll get your first—and best—view of Machu Picchu from the mountains, a key moment thanks to the unique perspective. Afterward, descend to Hydroelectric for lunch and continue with a 3-hour walk along the railway to Aguas Calientes. Dinner and hotel check-in, ready for Machu Picchu.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY07

Wake up early and take the first bus to Machu Picchu to enter before sunrise. Enjoy a guided visit following Circuit 2, exploring the main streets, plazas and temples with insights into Inca history and architecture. After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to explore or optionally hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (separate ticket). In the afternoon, return to Cusco on the panoramic Vistadome train, arriving around 7:30 p.m.

What's included

Clear before you plan.

What's included

Private vehicle Cusco – Capuliyoc / Poroy – Cusco
Choquequirao entrance ticket
Machu Picchu entrance ticket
5 days lodging in local homes
1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes
Trekking specialist guide
Support staff (muleteers)
01 support horse during the route
First aid kit and oxygen tank
Vegetarian option (no extra cost)
Meals: 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners, herbal infusions
Horses for personal belongings (up to 12 kg)
Pre-trek briefing with your guide (day before departure)

What's not included

First breakfast and last dinner
Extra expenses (drinks, etc.)
Trekking poles (rental available)
Sleeping bag rental for 7 days: USD 45.00
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Tips

Technical details

Understand the route before you take it on.

Accommodation

Accommodation type: Camping
Camping equipment included: Yes
Sleeping bag: Not included
Porter: Included

Difficulty and preparation

Best season: April - November
Walking hours per day: 8
Permits required: No
Languages: English, Spanish

Preparation

Everything worth knowing before departure.

Inca Trail Packing List

The Inca Trail includes high-altitude hiking, changing weather, cold nights, and limited access to shops along the route. Pack light, but make sure you bring the essentials for comfort, safety, and protection from sun, rain, and cold temperatures.

If your tour includes a porter service, your duffel allowance may be limited. Keep important personal items, documents, medication, water, and rain protection in your daypack.

Important reminder

The weather on the Inca Trail can change quickly. You may experience strong sun, rain, wind, and cold nights during the same trip. Pack in layers and keep your essential items in your daypack.

Original passportObligatorio
— You must bring the same passport used for your Inca Trail permit. It will be checked at the entrance control.
Daypack, 20–30 litersObligatorio
— Use it for water, rain gear, snacks, camera, medication, sunscreen, and personal items.
Reusable water bottle or hydration bladderObligatorio
— A capacity of around 1.5 to 2 liters is recommended.
Rain jacket or waterproof ponchoObligatorio
— Essential during the rainy season, but recommended all year.

Choquequirao to Machu Picchu — 7 Days

Know what to expect before you go.