Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 9 Days - Orange Nation Peru

Choquequirao Hike to Machu Picchu 9 Days

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From $1077
OVERVIEW

We have the best-designed itinerary by the only specialist in “trekking OFF the beaten track,” Orange Nation. The itinerary combines visits to two major archeological sites: remote and seldom visited Choquequirao and the legendary Machu Picchu. It is a fascinating adventure through part of the old empire of the Incas and one of Peru’s most unspoiled wilderness areas.

The name Choquequirao means “Cradle of Gold.” The Inca Archeological site is considered, the sister to Machu Picchu, it is less known and 3 times larger than Machu Picchu. Suspected to be the last refuge for the Incas who continued to resist Spanish occupation after the conquest. The site eventually was abandoned and was later covered by the dense cloud forest vegetation and to this day archeologists continue to discover new sectors of the city.

On the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek, we will walk on Inca highways, hike through high Andean landscapes with majestic glaciers, descend into deep canyons where the condors fly and pass through biologically diverse cloud forest ecosystems. You will also visit Inca silver mines and isolated Inca communities. When you arrive to Machu Picchu, our last campsite is by the Llactapata Inca Ruins, which are located right in front of Machu Picchu. From this viewpoint, enjoy the greatest angles of different views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains like Huayna Picchu Mountain, Machu Picchu Mountain and Salkantay Mountain.

*** please note:  difficulty of trek is subjective  

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Service Level: Spacious tents with private portable toilets. Private cook for each group. Exclusive modern vehicles with private driver.
Physical Rating: Challenging hike with undulating terrain. You need to be in good physical condition and well acclimatized before embarking on this trek.
Travel Style: Cultural, hike, adventure, camping, train, shuttle bus and 1 night in a mid-tier hotel.
Group Size: Small group experience; Max 12, Avg 5.
huchuy qosqo to machu picchu - Orange Nation Peru

ITINERARY

At 5:00am, we pick you up from your hotel and drive for 4hours in our private van to Capuliyoc (2,850m/9,407ft). Along the way, there are spectacular views of villages, valleys and snow-capped mountains. Once at Cachora we meet our horsemen and pack all our equipment onto the horses. Here, we will enjoy the spectacular view of Choquequirao Inca remains, the Apurimac Canyon and the stunning snow-capped mountains like Padreyoc (5,571m/18,387ft). We hike down for the next 3 hours to Chikisca for lunch. In the afternoon, we continue for 2 more hours down to our first camp at la Playa Rosalinas.

  • Meals: Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities
  • Distance: 14kms/9 miles
  • Time: 5hrs approximately
  • Difficulty: Challenging

After an early breakfast, we cross the bridge and hike for the next 4 hours all the way up to Marampata where we will have lunch, while enjoying the view of Choquequirao Inca ruins. After lunch, we walk to our second evening’s campsite, which is just 20 minutes from the ruins. There are many possibilities to see condors and enjoy the Choquequirao ruins into the late evening.

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities
  • Distance: 16kms/10 miles
  • Time: 6hrs approximately
  • Difficulty: Challenging

After breakfast, we fully explore the ruins of Choquequirao (Cradle of Gold). We visit the temples, palaces, ritual water fountains, llamas’ section and the amazing Ushnu (ceremonial platform). In the afternoon, we climb over the ridge to the stunning Choquequirao Pass (3,277m/10,814ft). Then we descend for 2 hours towards Rio Blanco (1,990m/6,567ft) and onto the third evening’s campsite, enjoying all the great canyons and the Pinchiunuyoc Inca ruins along the way.

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities
  • Distance: 8kms/5 miles
  • Time: 2hrs approximately
  • Difficulty: Challenging

After a late breakfast we climb up to Maisal (3,277m/10,814ft), enjoying the variety of microclimates and spectacular views of canyons, rivers and stunning landscapes. Arriving to our fourth campsite.

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities
  • Distance: 10kms/6 miles
  • Time: 5hrs approximately
  • Difficulty: Challenging

Beginning at 7.00am, we walk uphill for 3 hours through semi-jungle vegetation via parts of the original Inca Highway, visiting ancient silver mines including the Victorias, to reach Victoria’s pass (4,170m/13,700ft). From here, you can appreciate the great canyons, the spectacular snow-capped mountains of Sacsara, Qoriwanachina, and Pumasillo. Then we descend to Yanama (3,650m/12,037ft), which is our fifth campsite.

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities
  • Distance: 16kms/10 miles
  • Time: 8hrs approximately
  • Difficulty: Challenging

This day, is our day of mountain peaks. We walk for 9 hours, preferably rising early to appreciate the chain of snow peaks that can be seen from the first section of today’s trek. We ascend to the highest point of our trek: Yanama pass (4,670m/15,407ft). The view from this point is amazing. Snow-capped mountains and impressive valleys surround us. We then descend to Totora for lunch and after that, we walk for 2 hours to Colpapampa (2,870m/9,470ft) to our sixth campsite.

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities
  • Distance: 22kms/14 miles
  • Time: 9hrs approximately
  • Difficulty: Challenging

Today we have passed our mid-way point. Within 3 hours of walking, we are enjoying the beginning of the lush tropical rainforest, the bountiful fruit bearing trees, coffee and cacao trees, and the undulating fruit plantations with their flowering orchids and always plenty of birds to see. We arrive at wonderful Lucmabamaba for lunch with some time to rest.

After lunch, we will have an incredible experience of nature at its purest form, touring a coffee plantation adjacent to the campsite. We will begin by browsing the fields, learning about the different types of beans and picking our own beans. It does not end there. Engulfed in the fields of tomatoes and avocados are multiple ecosystems from beginning to end. We pick our fresh produce, which our trekking chef will use for our dinner.

Then by 3pm, we will take the local transport for 30mins to the natural hot springs at Cocalmayo, where we bath in the natural resources mother earth provides us. Upon our return our trekking chef with be creating his specialty with our fresh produce from the day.

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities
  • Distance: 14kms
  • Time: 5 to 6 hrs approximately
  • Difficulty: Moderate.

After a last delicious breakfast by our chef and a hot drink, we will continue along the ancient and remote Inca Trail for 3 hours uphill to the Puncuyoc Pass (2700m/8,858ft). Along the way, you will need to pinch yourself at fantastic views and authenticity of these unique valleys and fruit plantations. Location! Location! We arrive to Llactapata Inca Ruins, located right in front of Machu Picchu where we enjoy the strategic location of the Citadel of the Grand Machu Picchu from far away and its surrounding mountains of Huyana Picchu, Machu Picchu and the Aobamba Canyon.

Still feeling overwhelmed, we descend for 2 hours to the hydroelectric plant the primary power source for Cusco where we will have lunch. Then it is the last leg of the journey walking to Aguas Calientes through the National Park of Machu Picchu. Feel your adrenaline start to swirl in your veins as you come closer to the iconic Machu Picchu and the ancient wall that surrounds the Inca Citadel.

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Wiracocha Inn Hotel or Andean Terra Hotel
  • Distance: 15kms / 9 miles
  • Time: 9hrs approximately
  • Difficulty : Moderate

Wake up early to a new day of adventure and mindfulness sharing the day with our majestic Machu Picchu. We take the first Following in the ancient and remote footsteps of the ‘Lost City of the Incas, listen carefully to the ethnic cultural exchange of history without the crowds who arrive at midday. You will be gifted with free time to explore, take photos, climb Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain or visit the Sun Gate. Afterwards, we go back to Aguas Calientes and in the afternoon at 4:22 pm, we return by expedition train to Ollantaytambo train station and then back to your hotel in Cusco by van, arriving at about 8:30pm.

  • Meal: Breakfast
  • Difficulty: Easy
Prices

Our best prices for the Choquequirao Hike to Machu Picchu 9 days will be?

 

No. OF PEOPLE PRICE
2 to 12 people $ 1077 USD per person

DISCOUNTS

  • 18 to 25 years old: US$30 Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card at booking is required & government approval for discount.
  • Under 18 years old: US$30 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
  • Under 11 years old: US$40 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
  • Group of 5 or more: US$30. – All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.

EXTRAS

  • Sleeping Bag : US$20 –warm -15° (They are steam cleaned after every trek)
  • Air Mattress: US$20
  • Trekking Poles: US$15
  • Personal tent: US $30 – (Tent for single trekkers only)
  • Vistadome up-grade train US$57 per person (For the return to Poroy (Cusco) at 4:43pm)
  • Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain – US $75
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain – US $75
  • Single Supplement – US$35   for single travelers

Inclusions

WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR THE CHOQUEQUIRAO HIKE TO MACHU PICCHU 9 DAYS

  • Pick-up at your hotel in the morning of the trek departure
  • Private transport from Cusco to Cachora (starting point of the trek)
  • Entrance fee to Choquequirao Inca Ruins
  • Entry fees to Machu Picchu
  • English speaking, experienced professional guide
  • Guided tour of Machu Picchu
  • Comfortable tents (sleeping 2 people in a 4 person tent)
  • Thick foam mattress
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request)
  • 1 emergency horse which can be ridden if you’re feeling exhausted or ill
  • All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen tent and toilet ten
  • 2 Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes
  • First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
  • Train ticket (expedition service) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
  • Private transport from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco
  • Celebration dinner in Aguas Calientes (tourist restaurant)
  • Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom
  • Mules or horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen – 7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes, sleeping bag will be carried by our mules.
  • Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes
  • Transport from La Playa to Hydroelectric platform(for equipment and personal items)
  • Camping right in front of  Archeological site of Choquequirao

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED FOR THE CHOQUEQUIRAO HIKE TO MACHU PICCHU 9 DAYS

  • Sleeping bag adequate for temperature of minus 10°c
  • Air Mattresses
  • Trekking Poles
  • Breakfast on the first day, lunch and dinner on the last day
  • Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain
  • Additional horse for extra personal luggage in addition to the one for the personal item allowance
  • Hotels before and after the trek
  • Flight tickets
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Optional upgrades (train and hotel)
  • Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters of ORANGE NATION PERU

The Choquequirao Machu Picchu trek can be booked on any date that is best suited for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 trekkers


WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU

  • Original Passport (it has to be the same as the one used to book the trek)
  • Valid, GREEN ISIC card (if you booked as a student)
  • Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
  • Water storage: 2-3 liter Camelbacks are encouraged.
  • Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented from Orange Nation Peru)
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Toilet Paper

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFLE BAG

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 2kg 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 Celsius.
  • Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
  • Comfortable shoes for camp
  • Quick dry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger.
  • Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
  • Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
  • Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them.
  • Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us.
  • Swimming Suit

TOILETRIES

  • Face moisturizer
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and paste
  • Personal medications
  • First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK

We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40Litres for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.

  • Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring your canteens.
  • Sun Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Wool Hat
  • Rain gear
  • Fleece
  • Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
  • Coca leaves.
  • Rain plastic poncho (provided by Orange Nation)
  • Gloves
  • Camera
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
  • Extra Money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
  • Valuable items

Why travel with Orange Nation Peru?

We have become the leaders in small group adventure travel over the past three decades by consistently listening to our travelers and delivering what they desire: adaptable itineraries, the freedom to explore, smaller group sizes, safety and peace of mind, and knowledgeable local guides who provide unique insights into the destination that would be missed through any other means of travel.

Learn more

EXPERT GUIDES : Our expedition staff are experienced, enthusiastic and among the best in the industry - they are our secret to success

SMALL GROUPS: Travelling with us will always feel like going with friends and not with a group of strangers in an organized tour.

OUR EXPERIENCE: With fifteen years’ experience and over 25 Packages to Machu Picchu alone, our team knows how to deliver a successful expedition.

ENVIRONMENTAL: ENVIRONMENTAL: Education and conservation are our passion. We aim to create lifelong ambassadors for the protection of all wilderness areas.

Travelers' Choice Awards 2022
Excellent based on 280 reviews based on 280 reviews
Triadvisor

Letty C

Excellent worker

Jun. 2023

Joaquín excellent 👍 Very Caballero helped me with my 🎒 offered me oxygen does very well His work ⁇ in singing to Subme to the 🐎 And what a beautiful mountain it cost me to Climb but with the Joaquín's help I did!

Mariana D

A great adventure!

May. 2023

We made 4D / 3N of the Inka Trail. The experience was challenging, but it was worth it. Chef Fortunato's meals and explanations of Jony and David's places were very complete. Tmb the patience to make sure we all get there on time.

malala08

Fast and friendly service

Dec. 2022

We did not get to specify the service due to the political situation in the country, however the company quickly and carefully proceeded with the return. Very good service and when the situation calms down we will resume service with them.

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