Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu takes you to discover the great Inca city of Choquequirao, also called the Twin Sister of Machu Picchu, another Lost City of the Incas, and Cradle of Gold. The tour will end at the spectacular Machu Picchu Inca site. Perfect for those who love to get away from crowded places.

Trek details

Duration
6 days 5 nights
Activities
Hiking - Adventure - Camping
Difficulty
Challenging
Maximum Altitude
3049 m - 10000 ft
Destination
Choquequirao - Machu Picchu
Group Size
12
Overview

The Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu is a challenging and incredibly rewarding 6-day, 5-night adventure through the remote Peruvian Andes. This trek will take you past the ancient ruins of Choquequirao, often referred to as Machu Picchu's sister city, before eventually leading you to the famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

Highlights

  • Get off the beaten path to discover Choquequirao
  • Immerse yourself in history from the last days of the Inca Empire
  • Hike into one of the deepest canyons of Peru, the Apurimac
  • Finish the tour at Machu Picchu

Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu at a Glance

Day 1: Cusco to Capuliyoc to Chiquisca

  • Depart from Cusco early in the morning and drive to Capuliyoc, the trailhead.
  • Begin your descent towards the Apurimac River.
  • Set up camp for the night at Chiquisca.

Day 2: Chiquisca to Marampata

  • Descend to the Apurimac River and then ascend towards the Marampata village
  • Continue trekking towards Marampata, taking in the stunning views of the Andes.
  • Camping at Marampata Viewpoint

Day 3: Marampata - Choquequirao - Marampata

  • Continue trekking towards Choquequirao
  • Explore Choquequirao in a Fuill day tour
  • Spend the night at the same campsite as the night before

Day 2: Marampata - Cocamasana

  • Descend back to the Apurimac River
  • Camoing at Cocamasana

Day 2: Cocamasana - Aguas Calientes

  • Hike back to the trailhead and travel to Ollantaytambo by car.
  • Board the expedition train to Aguas Calientes.
  • Spend the night in a hotel. 

Day 2: Discover Machu Picchu - Return to Cusco

  • Explore Machu Picchu with a private tour guide
  • Return to Cusco

Know before booking:

  • Available all year round with a minimum of 2 people
  • We spend the night camping in tents
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Chikiska

Your trekking team will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4.30 am and drive through the Andes as you make your way to the trek's starting point at Capuliyoc (approximately 4-5 hours). Upon arrival at Capuliyoc, you'll meet your support team (porters, cooks, etc.), have breakfast, and prepare for the hike.

Begin your descent towards the Apurimac River, passing through local farming communities and enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. After a few hours of hiking, you'll reach the Chikiska campsite, where you will spend the night.

Day 2: Chikiska – La Playa Rosalina – Marampata

Wake up early, enjoy breakfast at the Chikiska campsite, and start your day's hike. Begin by descending to La Playa Rosalina, located near the Apurimac River. Here, you'll have a chance to refresh yourself and refill your water bottles. Using the bridge, you will cross the Apurimac River and start the challenging ascent to Marampata. This section of the trail can be steep, so be prepared for a demanding hike.

Along the way, take breaks to enjoy the stunning views of the Apurimac Valley and the surrounding mountains. Arrive at Marampata village, where you will set up camp for the night.
Relax and enjoy dinner, prepared by your trekking company's cook, while taking in the breathtaking views of the valley. 

Day 3: Discover Choquequirao - Marampata

After breakfast at the Marampata campsite, begin your hike towards Choquequirao, which is just a short distance away. Upon arrival at Choquequirao, enjoy a guided tour of the archaeological site. Your guide will share the history and significance of the site, often referred to as Machu Picchu's sister city.

Explore the various sectors of Choquequirao, including the main plaza, terraces, ceremonial center, and storerooms. Marvel at the intricate stonework, terraced agricultural fields, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Keep an eye out for the Llamas Wall, a series of white stone llamas built into one of the terraces.

After your tour, you'll have some free time to explore the ruins at your own pace and take photographs. Return to Marampata village for lunch and spend the rest of the day relaxing at the campsite.

Day 4: Marampata – Playa – Coca Masana

You will start the day with a delicious breakfast at the Marampata campsite and prepare for another day of trekking. Begin your descent from Marampata back towards the Apurimac River, passing through a variety of ecosystems, including cloud forests and agricultural terraces.

You will reach the Playa area near the river, where you can take a break and enjoy lunch.
After lunch, cross the river and start ascending towards Coca Masana, where you will set up camp for the night.

Day 5: Coca Masana – Capuliyoc – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

Enjoy breakfast at the Coca-Masana campsite before beginning your final day of trekking.
Start your descent back towards Capuliyoc, the original starting point of your trek. The trail will take you through a mix of cloud forests and agricultural terraces. Upon arrival at Capuliyoc, say goodbye to your trekking support team and board a private transport that will take you to Ollantaytambo (approximately 4-5 hours).

In Ollantaytambo, you'll have some time to explore the town and have dinner before boarding a train to Aguas Calientes. Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, check into your hotel and enjoy a well-deserved shower and rest.

Day 6: Discover Machu Picchu - Return to Cusco

Wake up early and have breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes. Board one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu, arriving before the crowds to enjoy the site in the early morning light. You will have a guided tour of Machu Picchu, during which your guide will share the history and significance of the site, its unique architecture, and the stories behind its most famous landmarks.

After the guided tour, you'll have free time to explore the site at your own pace, take photos, or take the extra Hike (Huayna Picchu or Montaña - not included). Once you've finished exploring Machu Picchu, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes.

You will have lunch on your own in the town and collect your belongings from your hotel before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, transfer to a private transport or bus that will take you back to Cusco.

Included

  • Professional Tour Guide
  • Second Tour Guide for groups of 9+
  • Trekking Chef
  • Porters, muleteers
  • Cargo mules carry food and equipment
  • Duffle bag for your personal stuff up to 7 kilos
  • Pick-up from your hotel on the day of the tour
  • All transportation included
  • Drinkable water after first-day lunch
  • All meals Included except last-day Dinner in Cusco
  • Vegan, Vegetarian, GF meals, etc., available on request
  • Comfortable camping equipment (tents, tables, chairs)
  • 4 man Eureka tents for every two trekkers
  • Sleeping foam mattress, hot water bags, pillows, towels
  • First aid kit, Oxygen bottle, satellite phones
  • Entrance fee to Choquequirao Inca Site
  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
  • Round trip train tickets
  • All taxes and booking fees included

Not Included

  • Sleeping Bag, Air mattress, trekking poles (Can be hired from us)
  • Last day dinner when returning to Cusco
  • Gratuities (Optional)
  • Travel Insurance (Strongly recommended)