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Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 8 Days - Orange Nation Peru

Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 8 Days

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From $977

OVERVIEW

Choquequirao, meaning “Cradle of Gold” and is located above the bustling Apurimac River which is fueled by the glaciers. It is surrounded by towering snowcapped peaks and sits on a high ridge. Choquequirao is a secluded and seldom visited “Lost City of the Incas”. Known as the sister of Machu Picchu, it does not get nearly as many visitors, even though its roughly 3 times larger than Machu Picchu. Used as a refuge by the Incas during the Spanish invasion, it was later abandoned and was subsequently covered by the encroaching vegetation of the Amazon Rainforest.

It’s an enchanting path. From the majestic snow-covered towering mountains, to the enthralling diverse flora with bright splashes of color, a product of the tropical climate from the Amazon Rainforest. It hugs the fringes of the high elevations of the Andes Mountains and the high jungle, which is regarded as one of the most biodiverse place in the world. This prime location has such incredibly varied and picturesque landscapes. Hike through high Andean landscapes with breathtaking glaciers, descend into deep canyons where the condors fly and pass through diverse cloud forest ecosystems. You will also catch glimpses of native wildlife such as Andean Condors, various birds, native flora and fauna, orchids and much more. On arrival, find an archeological site that is a true engineering marvel, looking statuesque among undisturbed lush vegetation.

We are specialists in this incredible area and offer the most frequent departures with experienced guides. We are the only company who takes you to the hot springs of CONOC after the Choquequirao Trek, and explores the unique Inca ruins of Saywite. This incredible trek also takes you to the UNESCO World Heritage site and 7 New Wonder of the World: Machu Picchu

*** 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.

MAP

map choquequiro 8 days

ITINERARY

The Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most unique and exciting ways to experience both ancient Inca citadels. The day begins bright and early as your guide picks you up from your hotel at 4am.

We drive for 4-hours to the village of Capuliyoc, situated on the edge of the Apurimac Canyon and surrounded by impressive snow-capped peaks. Here is where the hike begins. We walk downhill for 3 hours until we arrive at Playa Rosalinas.

A delicious lunch awaits us, so fuel up ready for the afternoon. 2 hours of uphill hiking awaits us before we arrive to Santa Rosa (1,800m), our campsite for the evening.

  • Meals: Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities
  • Distance: 18km/11.2 miles
  • Difficulty: Challenging

We make the most of the day today, kicking off with an early start and starting our 2 hour uphill walk to Maranpata and our first view of Choquequirao. We have another 2 hours before reaching the Choquequirao Archeological site (3,110 meters/10,120 feet).

We set up at the foot of the ruins and enjoy lunch prepared by our talented chef. Then there is nothing to do except explore the site at length. Take as long as you like to discover every nook and cranny of this barely visited site.

Make the most of having the site almost to yourself, and not having to follow the strict government regulations that are imposed on the Machu Picchu site. Be sure to check out the religious area, the observatory area, and llama terraced sections.

We can even enjoy a breathtaking sunset from inside the ruins, watching the sun dip below the valley and mountains. As the sun has set, we return to our campsite for dinner and to get a good nights sleep.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities
  • Distance: 10kms/6.2 miles
  • Difficulty: Challenging

Today is another early start, so fuel up at breakfast. If you thought that Choquequirao was off the beaten track, be prepared to be amazed at how few people we will see on this route.

We set off from camp at around 6:30am, starting with a 40 minute uphill climb to reach the first pass of the trek: Choquekiraw at 3,500m/11,400ft.

This is an excellent spot to see a wide variety of orchids and flowers, which are almost always in bloom. Then, we continue on a pleasant 30 minutes flat walk, before we head downhill on a zigzag path for about an hour and a half to the Inca site of Pinchauniyoc.

Pinchauniyoc was an Inca agricultural site as well as a rest stop for Incan travelers on their way to Machu Picchu. After a short explanation by the guide, we will continue walking downhill for another hour and a half until we reach the River, Calle Rio Blanco (1,750m/5,741ft)

We will arrive just as lunch is being served, so pile your plate and tuck in- but be sure to bring mosquito repellent for this segment. After lunch, we’ll tackle a 4-hour uphill hike before reaching the campsite at Maisal.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Snack, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities
  • Distance: 15kms/9.3 miles
  • Difficulty: Challenging

Todays day of hiking begins at 7am with 3 hours uphill. The terrain begins to change from Andean mountain-scapes to sub-tropical vegetation, and we spend more time on an original Inca Trail, passing by ancient silver mines and eventually reaching Victoria’s pass at (4,170m/13,700ft).

From here, we can appreciate the great canyons, and the spectacular snowcapped mountains of Sacsara, Qoriwanachina, and Pumasillo. We finish off the day with a descent to Yanama (3,650m/12,037ft), where we rest and sleep for the night.

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

Today is another early morning. Have a big breakfast as today we have over 9 hours of trekking ahead of us, passing many snowcapped mountains.

Our first checkpoint is uphill to the highest point of our trek: Yanama pass (4,670m/15,407ft). The view from here is breathtaking with snowcapped mountains and impressive valleys surrounding us as far as the eye can see.

From the pass, we begin out descent to Totora for a delicious lunch. After lunch we have 2 more hours to walk before reaching our campsite at Colpapampa (2,870m/9,470ft).

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

Congratulations, we made it to the homestretch! Today kicks off with a mere 3-hour hike through the lush tropical rainforest. We will pass tropical fruit trees, coffee and cacao plants, fruit plantations and blooming orchids.

We arrive to the fabulous Lucmabamaba for lunch, and then have a little time to rest before the afternoon activities begin.

Right next to the campsite there is a coffee plantation where we can learn about the process of making coffee. From the different types of beans to how to pick and process your own, you will learn about every step of the process.

We will also be able to explore the nearby fields of tomatoes and avocados, learn about the ecosystems, and pick our own fresh produce, used by our chef to prepare dinner in the evening.

As 3pm rolls around, we’ll take a local transportation service to the natural hot springs of Cocalmayo, the perfect place to soak your aching muscles after 6 days of hard hiking.

Our return to camp will be celebrated with a meal freshly prepared from the ingredients you gathered earlier in the day. A job well done.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities
  • Distance: 14kms/8.7 miles
  • Time: 5 to 6 hrs approximately
  • Difficulty: Challenging

Our last day of hiking kicks off with another delicious breakfast before we join another ancient Inca Trail. We hike up this trail for 3 hours before reaching the Puncuyoc Pass (2,700m/8,858ft).

From the pass we continue our hike. Along the way, we will have amazing views of unique valleys and fruit plantations. We arrive to Llactapata Inca Ruins, located right in front of Machu Picchu, with views of Huyana Picchu, Machu Picchu and the Aobamba Canyon.

After your guide has shown you around, we descend for 2 hours to the hydroelectric plant, the main electricity source for Cusco, where we will have lunch.

This is the final hurdle, as we walk along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes through the Machu Picchu National Park. The flat walk should feel like almost nothing after the previous days, and it’s the final stretch!

You will start to feel the energy of Machu Picchu as we get closer, and once we arrive to Aguas Calientes you will be able to curl up in a real bed, and enjoy a real, hot shower before an early night ready for tomorrow.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Wiracocha Inn Hotel or Intipunku Tambo
  • Distance: 15kms / 9 miles
  • Time: 9hrs approximately
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

We have an early start today, so grab some breakfast in your hotel and get ready to catch the 5:30am bus up to Machu Picchu. This gives you time to watch the sunrise in the magical citadel- the perfect way to start your Machu Picchu tour.

If you have an advanced booking for one of the peaks in the citadel (either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain) you will have time to complete the hike after the conclusion of your guided tour. Once you have had your fill of the citadel (either up the mountains or on the ground) you are free to head back down to Aguas Calientes using the shuttle bus.

Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes you are free to explore as you wish, grab some lunch at one of the many restaurants (not included), visit the market for some souvenirs, or if there’s time, take a dip in the natural hot springs that gave the town its name.

The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm. Be sure to watch the mountains and the Urubamba river from out the window. When you arrive in Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private van. You can expect to arrive at your hotel about 7:00pm.

  • Meal: Breakfast
  • Difficulty: Easy

Prices

No. OF PEOPLE PRICE
2 to 12 people $ 977 USD per person

***This price includes the extra pack horse which will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs. We will provide you a duffel bag you can put your things in.

***We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for each 2 trekkers.

DISCOUNTS

  • 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD. 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: $30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
  • Under 11 years old: $40 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
  • Group of 5 or more: $30 USD. – All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.

EXTRAS

  • Sleeping bag –$20 USD per person per trek (They are steam cleaned after every trek)
  • Air mattress –$20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Walking poles –$15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
  • Personal tent: $30 USD – (Tent for solo trekkers only)
  • Vistadome Train Upgrade –$57 USD per person (For the return to Poroy at 4:43pm)
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain –$75 USD per person (Please request when you book your trek)
  • Hotel single supplement –$35 USD  for solo travelers

ADDED VALUES FOR FREE

  • TRANSFER – from the airport to hotel (Cusco only)
  • DUFFEL BAG AND LINER BAGS – included in the trekking price
  • EXTRA PACK HORSE is included in the price, the porter will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs /14p like sleeping bag, mattress, clothes etc
  • BOILED WATER is included along the Inca Trail
  • OXYGEN TANK will be available along the trek
  • EMERGENCY HORSE is included in the price which can be ridden if you get tired or sick
  • CAMPING PILLOW & FOAM MATTRESS

Inclusions

WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 8 DAYS?

  • Pre-trek briefing with your guide at the office
  • Private transportation from Cusco to Capuliyoc
  • Entry fees to Machu Picchu and Choquequirao
  • English-speaking, professional guide
  • Guided tours of Choquequirao and Machu Picchu
  • Comfortable waterproof tents (sleeping 2 people in a 4 person tent)
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request)
  • All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen and toilet tent
  • 2 Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes
  • First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
  • Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
  • Transfer from the train station back to your hotel
  • Celebration dinner in Aguas Calientes restaurant, day 7
  • Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom
  • Mules and 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
  • Provision of a horse in case of emergency such as illness, to ensure trek can be completed by all participants
  • Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes at each mealtime

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

  • Sleeping bag adequate for temperature of minus 15°C (available to rent)
  • Air mattresses (available to rent)
  • Trekking poles (available to rent)
  • Entry fee to Huayna Picchu Mountain
  • Additional horse for extra personal luggage in addition of the one for the personal item allowance
  • Optional upgrades (train and hotel)
  • Tips for the cook, horsemen and guide
  • Hotels before and after the trek
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Flight tickets

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU FOR THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK MACHU PICCHU

  • Original passport (it has to be the same as the one used to book the trek)
  • Valid university card (if you booked as a student)
  • Good daypack
  • Water storage: 2-3L reusable bottles (non disposable)
  • Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented from Orange Nation)
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Toilet Paper

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG FOR THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK TO MACHU PICCHU

As a Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra pack horse which will carry up to 7 kgs or 14lbs 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
  • 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

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 FOR CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK TO MACHU PICCHU

We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L 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 bri ng your reusable bottles
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Wool hat
  • Rain gear
  • Fleece
  • Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruit
  • Rain poncho
  • Gloves
  • Camera
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
  • Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 8 Days
From USD $977

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.

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

Travelers' Choice Awards 2023
Excellent based on 360 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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