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Challenging | Max 8 people | 8 Days | 7 Nights (6 Wild Camps + 1 Hotel)

Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 8 Days

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Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 8-Days 2 Lost Cities

The Choquequirao Trek is the only route that links two lost Inca cities on foot. You start with a 1,300-meter descent into the Apurimac Canyon, climb to Choquequirao which is believed to be three times larger than Machu Picchu and visited by fewer than currently 30 people a day then cross the Vilcabamba range over two 4,000-meter passes to reach Machu Picchu from the back.

You spend a full afternoon inside Choquequirao with your guide, not a rushed hour. You walk the main plaza, the ceremonial usnu, and the Llama Terraces of white stone uncovered in 2004. Then you leave the road behind for five days on original Inca paving.

Over the next five days you climb from steamy river valleys at 1,550m to Yanama Pass at 4,670m, then descend through four microclimates in a single day, from glacier views to coffee farms. You tour a family plantation in Lucmabamba, soak in the Cocalmayo hot springs, and climb to Llactapata for your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu with no crowds.

Seven nights wild camping under the stars, one night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes. No buses to Choquequirao. No day-trippers on the trail. Just the full traverse.

Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 9 Days - Orange Nation Peru

Highlights

  • Choquequirao – The Cradle of Gold
    Day 2 you arrive after a 1,150m climb and get a private three-hour tour. With no government time limits, you explore the main plaza, temple complex, working water channels, and the ceremonial usnu at sunset while condors glide overhead.
  • Llama Terraces
    22 life-size llamas built from white stone set into the lower terraces. Your guide shows you how the Incas used morning light to make them appear to walk, a detail most visitors miss.
  • Two High Passes Over 4,000m
    Cross Victoria Pass (4,170m) past the Spanish silver mines at Minas Victoria, then Yanama Pass (4,670m) for 360-degree views of Sacsara, Qoriwanachina, and Pumasillo. You sleep low in valleys every night.
  • Four Microclimates in One Day
    Day 3 drops from cloud forest at 3,277m to Rio Blanco at 1,990m, then climbs to Maizal at 3,050m. You walk through hot jungle, dry cactus scrub, mossy cloud forest, and open puna grass in seven hours.
  • Saywite and Apurimac Canyon
    Day 1 drive passes the carved ceremonial stone at Saywite before the rim at Capuliyoc. You descend 1,300m into one of the deepest canyons in the world, with Andean condors often circling above.
  • Coffee Farm and Cocalmayo Hot Springs
    Day 6 you pick coffee cherries and cacao pods straight from the tree in Lucmabamba, learn the full roasting process, then drive to the jungle hot springs at Cocalmayo for a soak in three natural stone pools.
  • Llactapata Viewpoint
    Day 7 you climb to Llactapata at 2,700m. From this ridge you see the entire Machu Picchu citadel, Huayna Picchu, and Machu Picchu Mountain in one frame — the classic photo without the ticket line.
  • Machu Picchu Circuit 2 Finish
    Day 8 you enter at 5:30am for sunrise. Your guided tour follows the full Circuit 2 in 2026, Guardhouse, Temple of the Sun, Temple of Three Windows, Intihuatana, and Temple of the Condo, then train back to Cusco.
  • Small Groups, Wild Camps
    Maximum 8 travelers. Seven nights in wild camps set up for you (Maizal has 270-degree canyon views), one hotel night. Professional English-speaking trekking guide, full chef and porter team, all meals cooked fresh, and 24/7 Cusco office support.

From

$977

/per person

8 Days / 7 Nights
Duration
Challenging | Max 8 people | 8 Days | 7 Nights (6 Wild Camps + 1 Hotel)
Type
Cusco
Location
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Response Time: max. 2 hours Response Rate: 100%
Trail Map
map choquequiro 8 days
Service Level Wild camps with dining tent, private toilet, chef and porters. Includes 1 hotel night in Aguas Calientes.
Group Size Small-group trek; maximum 8 travelers, average 5 to 6, with dedicated guide, chef, and porter team.
Difficulty Strenuous high-altitude trek with two passes over 4,100m. Good fitness and 2 nights acclimatization required.
Travel Style Inca archaeology, high-altitude trekking, wild camping, coffee farm, hot springs, train, and Andean villages.

Trip Details

8-Day Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Expedition

Choquequirao is the last Inca city you can only reach on foot, and Machu Picchu is the one everyone dreams of. This 8 day expedition connects them the right way. You drop 1,400 meters into the Apurimac Canyon, spend four nights in wild camps with no roads and no signal, and explore Choquequirao with a full day on site. Then you cross Victoria Pass and Yanama Pass, enter the coffee and cloud forest country of the Vilcabamba, and arrive at Machu Picchu through Llactapata with the view the Incas designed. No permits, no crowds at Choquequirao, and no rushed two hour walk through. This is for fit hikers who have spent at least 2 nights in Cusco and want both lost cities in one real trek.

Why Choose Orange Nation

Orange Nation Peru is a Cusco based, family owned trekking company specializing in four high altitude routes: Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain, Salkantay, and Inca Trail. Our guides are licensed professionals from Cusco who lead Choquequirao to Machu Picchu departures weekly throughout the season. This focused operation is why we maintain a 4.9 star average across 1,200 plus verified TripAdvisor reviews, with travelers consistently highlighting organization, safety on steep canyon trails, and guide expertise in both archaeology and wilderness.

What to Expect From Us on Your Trek

  • Groups limited to 8 travelers
    Smaller groups allow for steady pacing on the steep descents, personal attention at altitude on Yanama Pass, and quiet camps with no large tour groups. You will not share Marampata or Lucmabamba with anyone else.
  • Certified local guides with route specialization
    All guides are licensed by the Peruvian Ministry of Tourism, certified in wilderness first aid and high-altitude response, and fluent in English. They are full time staff from Cusco, paid in accordance with Peruvian regulations, and return season after season on the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu route.
  • Itineraries designed for the canyon and the passes
    With five nights camping and two hotel nights, the route prioritizes proper acclimatization. Day 1 is the big 1,300 meter descent into Apurimac Canyon. Day 2 is the climb to Choquequirao. Days 4 and 5 cross Victoria Pass at 4,170 meters and Yanama Pass at 4,670 meters. Day 6 is recovery with coffee farms and Cocalmayo Hot Springs. Day 7 gives you the Llactapata view of Machu Picchu. Day 8 is your full Circuit 2 tour of the citadel. No back to back 20 kilometer days.
  • Fresh meals prepared on site
    All meals on the mountain are cooked fresh by our trek chef in a dedicated dining tent. Hot soups, Andean grains, quinoa, chicken, trout, and local vegetables. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free diets accommodated with advance notice. Boiled and filtered water provided from lunch on Day 1.
  • Comprehensive safety equipment
    Every departure carries emergency oxygen, a complete first aid kit, and satellite communication. An emergency horse travels with the group at all times. We provide 4 season Eureka tents, with 2 people per 4 person tent for extra space, plus a foam mattress, pillow, and hot water bottle at night. Horses carry your 7 kilogram duffel so you hike with only a daypack.
  • Direct booking and full logistics management
    You book directly with our Cusco office with no intermediaries. We provide private transport both ways, all entrance fees to Choquequirao and Machu Picchu, Expedition train tickets, horses and horsemen, and a detailed pre trek briefing at 6:00 pm the night before departure. Complimentary airport pickup and luggage storage included.

Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Comparison

All three routes visit Choquequirao. Choose based on time and physical demand.

8-Day Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Expedition

  • Duration 8 days and 7 nights
  • Hiking 80 kilometers roundtrip, max 4,670 meters at Yanama Pass. Days range from 5 hours to 9 hours.
  • Accommodation 5 nights wild camping at Santa Rosa, Raqaypata, Yanama, Colpapampa, Lucmabamba, and 2 nights in three star hotels in Aguas Calientes and Cusco.
  • Sites Apurimac Canyon, Saywite, Choquequirao complex including Usnu and Llama Terraces, Victoria Pass, Minas Victoria, Yanama Pass, Cocalmayo Hot Springs, Llactapata, and Machu Picchu Circuit 2.
  • Best for Fit hikers wanting both lost cities in one expedition with proper acclimatization, full days to explore, and a mix of wilderness and comfort.

5-Day Choquequirao Expedition

  • Duration 5 days and 4 nights
  • Hiking 47 kilometers roundtrip, max 3,100 meters at the ruins. Days 1 and 2 are 5 hours, Day 4 is 8 hours.
  • Accommodation 4 nights wild camping at Playa Rosalinas, Marampata for 2 nights, and Chiquisca.
  • Sites Apurimac Canyon, Playa Rosalinas, full Choquequirao complex including Usnu and Llama Terraces, Conoc Hot Springs.
  • Best for Hikers wanting the complete Choquequirao experience with an easier pace and a full day to explore. Returns to Cusco without Machu Picchu.

4-Day Choquequirao Classic

  • Duration 4 days and 3 nights
  • Hiking 40 kilometers roundtrip, same canyon climbs with longer daily distances.
  • Accommodation 3 nights wild camping at Santa Rosa, Marampata, and Chiquisca.
  • Sites Apurimac Canyon, Choquequirao half day tour, Saywite.
  • Best for Hikers with limited time who accept longer days and less time at the ruins.

Who It Is Perfect For

  • Canyon and Pass Ready Adventurers
    Comfortable hiking 5 to 9 hours with steep descents, 4,670 meter passes, and major elevation changes after spending at least 2 nights in Cusco at 3,400 meters.
  • Solitude Seekers Who Still Want Machu Picchu
    Wanting an Inca city without the crowds of the Inca Trail. Choquequirao sees 20 to 30 visitors per day. You get both the isolation and the Wonder of the World.
  • Photography Enthusiasts
    Looking for the Llama Terraces, condors over Apurimac, star filled skies at Raqaypata, 360 degree views from Yanama Pass, and the Llactapata view of Machu Picchu with no tour groups in the frame.
  • Wilderness to Wonder Trekkers
    Wanting a real camping experience in the Vilcabamba Range for five nights, then a hot shower and hotel before sunrise in Machu Picchu. No roads for days, then the train through the Historic Sanctuary.
  • Other Expeditions to Consider
    Salkantay Trek 5-Day to Machu Picchu with Humantay Lake
    High passes and turquoise Humantay Lake with glacier views, for those wanting Machu Picchu with more infrastructure and lodges available.
  • Inca Trail 4-Day
    The historic pilgrimage with permits, porters, and archaeological sites every day. Best booked far in advance.
  • Ausangate 7 Lakes 2-Day
    Turquoise alpine lakes and one night camping below Ausangate glacier, for travelers staying in Cusco who want maximum scenery without a long trek.

Other Expeditions to Consider

  • Salkantay Trek 5-Day to Machu Picchu with Sky Domes
    High passes and turquoise Humantay Lake with glacier views, for those wanting Machu Picchu with more infrastructure and lodges available.
  • Inca Trail 4-Day
    The historic pilgrimage with permits, porters, and archaeological sites every day. Best booked far in advance.
  • Choquequirao Hike to Machu Picchu 9 Days
    The most complete version of the route with an extra day for slower pacing and deeper exploration. Includes all the highlights of the 8 day trek plus an additional night camping near Pinchaunuyoc or extra time at Choquequirao. Best for trekkers who want maximum time in the ruins and less daily mileage.

How to Book the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek

Booking takes two quick steps and we handle all the logistics from Cusco.

Step 1: Complete your booking form
Click BOOK NOW on our homepage and fill out the form for each traveler in your group. We need the following details exactly as they appear on your passport:

  • Full name.
  • Gender.
  • Passport number.
  • Date of birth using day month year format.
  • Nationality.

Step 2: Confirm with your deposit
A deposit of 200 US dollars per person locks in your dates and allows us to secure your guide, horses, campsites, Machu Picchu tickets, and train. You can pay securely online by Visa or PayPal directly from the booking page.

Paying the balance
You can avoid international card fees by paying the remaining balance in cash at our Cusco office in US dollars or Peruvian soles. There are ATMs throughout the historic center if you need to withdraw. If you prefer to pay online, Visa and PayPal are accepted with a 5.5 percent processing fee.

Once we receive your deposit, we will send your official confirmation, detailed packing list, and briefing information within 24 hours. Your in person pre trek briefing is held at 6:00 pm the night before departure at our office in central Cusco.

Full Itinerary

Your first view of Machu Picchu, and you earned it.

  • Hiking Time ∼9 hours.
  • Altitude 2,000 m – 2,700 m – 1,900 m (Puncuyoc Pass 2,700 m).
  • Distance 15 km / 9.3 miles.
  • Difficulty Moderate to Challenging.
  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
  • Accommodation 3★ Hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Three-hour climb through cool, dripping cloud forest to Puncuyoc Pass. Orchids hang from branches, hummingbirds zip past, and Inca steps are still perfectly placed under moss. From the pass it is 30 minutes to Llactapata (2,700m).

Stop here. Llactapata sits on a ridge directly opposite Machu Picchu across the Aobamba Canyon. From this one spot you see the entire citadel, Huayna Picchu rising behind it, and Machu Picchu Mountain to the south, all in one frame, with no crowds.

Two hours down through thick forest to Hidroelectrica for a hot lunch, then the final three-hour walk on the flat railway line through the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary to Aguas Calientes Machu Picchu town. Check into your hotel, first hot shower in seven days.

Day 7 Highlights

  • Cloud forest climb to Puncuyoc Pass.
  • Llactapata viewpoint of Machu Picchu.
  • Walk through Historic Sanctuary.
  • Hotel night in Aguas Calientes.

The big drop into the Apurimac Canyon.

  • Hiking Time ∼5 hours.
  • Altitude 2,850 m – 1,550 m – 1,900 m (Capuliyoc 2,850 m).
  • Distance 18 km / 11.2 miles.
  • Difficulty Challenging.
  • Meals Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Dinner.
  • Accommodation Wild camp at Santa Rosa.

The road ends at the rim at Capuliyoc. When you step out of the van the wind will hit you immediately. Below lies the Apurimac Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. Straight across from you is the snow dome of Padreyoc which rises to 5,571 meters. Your guide will give the full trail briefing here and check everyone’s gear before we begin. The trail drops fast on wide, dusty Inca switchbacks that were built centuries ago. In three hours you will walk through three distinct ecological zones. You start in cold puna grassland, then move into dry country with cactus and agave, and finally arrive in warm thorny scrub where lizards dart across the path. Andean condors often circle the thermals above the canyon and our guides carry binoculars so everyone can see them.

Our mule train left at dawn, which means our chef is already at Playa Rosalinas preparing lunch. We serve a hot three course meal in our dining tent right by the Apurimac River at 1,550 meters. This is the perfect place to rest, refill your water bottles with our filtered water, and put your feet in the cold glacial river. After lunch you start a two hour uphill climb to Santa Rosa at 1,900 meters. You will hike light because our muleteers carry your main duffel bag. When you arrive at Santa Rosa your Orange Nation camp is already set up under mango trees. We provide 3 person tents for every 2 people to give you space and comfort. Foam mats, sleeping bags, a private toilet tent, and a hand wash station are all ready. Hot tea and a fresh three course dinner are waiting. There is no cell signal and no road access here. You are completely off grid for the night.

Day 1 Highlights

  • Sunrise drive past Saywite.
  • First view from Capuliyoc into Apurimac Canyon.
  • 1,300m descent through three climates.
  • Riverside lunch at Playa Rosalinas.
  • Camp at Santa Rosa.

The climb that keeps Choquequirao empty.

  • Hiking Time ∼6 hours.
  • Altitude 1,900 m – 3,050 m (Marampata 2,900 m).
  • Distance 10 km / 6.2 miles.
  • Difficulty Challenging.
  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Dinner.
  • Accommodation Wild camp 20 minutes from Choquequirao

We start early while the canyon is still cool and the sun has not yet hit the trail. The path goes straight up for two hours through dry forest to reach Marampata at 2,940 meters. This small village is a lifeline for trekkers and it is the last place to buy a drink or use a toilet before the ruins. We serve lunch on a grass terrace with a view that will stop you in your tracks. Across the valley you will see Choquequirao for the first time. The site is spread over three hilltops and the stone terraces step down into the cloud forest below. It is much larger than most people expect, and there are no buses, no crowds, and no noise.

Ninety minutes after lunch we reach our camp at Raqaypata, which is perched on the ridge just below the ruins at 2,910 meters. Drop your pack and walk up for a private three hour tour of Choquequirao with your guide. You will explore the main plaza, the ceremonial usnu, the temple complex, and the water channels that still function today. Then you will descend to the lower sector to see the Llama Terraces. These are 22 life size llamas made from white stone that are set into the retaining walls. They were only fully uncovered in 2004 and are unique in the Inca world.

We return to camp for sunset. From the plaza you can watch condors glide right over the usnu as the light fades. With almost no light pollution the Milky Way is incredibly clear here. Your guide will point out the Inca constellations that farmers used for centuries to plan their planting and harvest seasons. Dinner is served in our dining tent and then you can relax under the stars before an early night.

Day 2 Highlights

  • 1,150m climb out of the Apurimac.
  • Lunch viewpoint at Marampata.
  • First sight of Choquequirao.
  • Private tour of main plaza and usnu.
  • Llama Terraces up close.
  • Sunset camp under the ruins.

Walking the real Inca highway over the silver mines.

  • Hiking Time ∼8 hours.
  • Altitude 3,050 m – 4,170 m – 3,650 m (Victoria Pass 4,170 m).
  • Distance 16 km / 10 miles.
  • Difficulty Challenging.
  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Dinner.
  • Accommodation Wild camp in Yanama.

We begin at 7:00 am on original Inca paving stones that have survived for more than 500 years. The trail contours upward for three hours through high scrubland, and you will notice how well engineered the path is. We pass the stone ruins of the old Spanish silver mines at Minas Victoria. You can still see the tunnel mouths cut into the hillside, which is a reminder that this route was used long after the Inca Empire fell. Your guide will share the history of how the Spanish exploited the region and how the Incas used this same trail to connect Choquequirao with Vilcabamba.

We reach Victoria Pass at 4,170 meters around lunch time. Stop here and turn around for one of the best mountain panoramas in the entire Vilcabamba range. From this point you can see the glaciated peaks of Sacsara, Qoriwanachina, and Pumasillo lined up in a row. Deep green valleys fall away on both sides of the pass and the scale of the landscape is immense. We serve lunch at the pass so you have time to take photos and absorb the view before we begin the descent.

The trail down is long and gentle and leads into the farmlands of Yanama at 3,650 meters. This is the first Quechua speaking village you will see in four days. Children often come out to greet trekkers and it is a warm welcome back to civilization. Hot showers are available in the village for a couple of soles and they are well worth it after four days on the trail. Our camp is set up in the village with views of the peaks you crossed earlier in the day. The air is thinner here than in the canyon but the night is quiet and the sky is full of stars.

Day 4 Highlights

  • Original Inca Trail to Victoria Pass.
  • Minas Victoria silver mines.
  • Views of Sacsara, Qoriwanachina, Pumasillo.
  • First village Yanama.

The highest point and the biggest day.

  • Hiking Time ∼9 hours.
  • Altitude 3,650 m – 4,670 m – 2,870 m (Yanama Pass 4,670 m).
  • Distance 22 km / 13.7 miles.
  • Difficulty Formidable.
  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Dinner.
  • Accommodation Wild camp at Colpapampa.

Headlamps are on for a pre-dawn start today because we have a lot of ground to cover. The climb to Yanama Pass takes four steady hours through cold puna grassland. You will pass small glacial lakes that reflect the early morning sky and you may see alpaca herds grazing on the slopes. At 4,670 meters you are standing on the highest point of the entire trek. The air is thin and the wind is sharp, but the view is absolutely endless. On a clear day you can see the peaks of Salkantay and Huayanay dominating the skyline to the south. We take a break at the pass for coca tea, snacks, and photos. This is a major accomplishment and your guide will run a short ceremony to thank the Apus, or mountain spirits, for safe passage.

After the pass we begin a four-hour descent through valleys dotted with wild lupines and mountain streams. We arrive in Totora at 4,100 meters for a large late lunch. Totora is a tiny farming hamlet with just a few families, and it gives you a glimpse of high-altitude Andean life. From Totora we continue for two more hours downhill. As we lose elevation the air becomes warm and humid again. Banana plants, orchids, and coffee bushes start to appear along the trail. We reach Colpapampa at 2,870 meters in the late afternoon. You will have dropped nearly 2,000 meters in one day, so take it slow and use your trekking poles. Our camp is surrounded by coffee plantations and the sound of the river nearby makes it one of the most peaceful nights of the trek.

Day 5 Highlights

  • Summit Yanama Pass at 4,670m.
  • 360-degree Vilcabamba panorama.
  • Descent from puna to high jungle.
  • Lush camp at Colpapampa.

Coffee, fruit, and jungle hot springs.

  • Hiking Time ∼5 hours.
  • Altitude 2,870 m – 2,000 m.
  • Distance 14 km / 8.7 miles.
  • Difficulty Moderate.
  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Dinner.
  • Accommodation Wild camp at Lucmabamba.

We begin with a three hour climb through cool, dripping cloud forest to reach Puncuyoc Pass at 2,700 meters. Orchids hang from the branches, hummingbirds zip past, and the original Inca steps are still perfectly placed under a layer of moss. From the pass it is only 30 minutes to Llactapata. This is one of the most important moments of the entire trek, so we take our time here.

Llactapata sits on a ridge directly opposite Machu Picchu across the Aobamba Canyon. From this one viewpoint you can see the entire citadel, Huayna Picchu rising behind it, and Machu Picchu Mountain to the south, all in one frame. There are no crowds and no tickets required. This is the sacred sister site that the Incas built to align with Machu Picchu, and your guide will explain the astronomy and purpose of the complex.

From Llactapata we descend for two hours through thick forest to Hidroelectrica. We serve a hot lunch here before the final section of the trek. The last three hours are a flat walk along the railway line through the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary to Aguas Calientes, also called Machu Picchu town. You will check into your hotel and enjoy your first hot shower in seven days. Dinner is served at a local restaurant and you can explore the town or rest before tomorrow’s visit to the citadel.

Day 6 Highlights

  • Farm trail through coffee and cacao.
  • Hands-on coffee tour in Lucmabamba.
  • Fresh fruit picking.
  • Soak in Cocalmayo natural hot springs.

Sunrise in the Wonder of the World.

  • Hiking Time ∼2 to 2.5 hours guided.
  • Altitude 2,430 m.
  • Difficulty Easy.
  • Meals Breakfast.

We take one of the first buses at 5:30 am which winds up the mountain to Machu Picchu. You will walk into the citadel as the mist lifts off the terraces. This is the most atmospheric time to see the site. Your guide leads you on Circuit 2, which is the Classic Route for 2026. You start at the Guardhouse for the iconic postcard photo, then follow the one-way trail down through the heart of the city.

During the guided tour you will see the Agricultural Sector, the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Sacred Plaza and Intihuatana, the Temple of the Condor, the royal houses and fountains, and the Sacred Rock. Your guide will explain the function of each area and the history of the site. After the tour you have free time to explore on your own, sit and take in the energy, or take additional photos.

When you are ready, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. You will have time for lunch in town and to visit the local artisan market next to the train tracks. The Expedition train departs at either 2:55 pm or 3:20 pm to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, your private driver will meet you for the transfer back to Cusco. You can expect to arrive at your hotel around 7:00 pm.

Day 8 Highlights

  • Sunrise entry to Machu Picchu.
  • Full Circuit 2 guided tour.
  • Free time for photos.
  • Scenic train return to Cusco.

Included

  • Private Transport
    Hotel pickup at 4:00 am in Cusco and private van transfer to the Capuliyoc trailhead. Private van from Ollantaytambo back to your hotel in Cusco on Day 8. Includes all transport of group equipment between camps and trailheads. No shared buses and no hotel pickup loops.
  • Professional Guide
    Licensed English speaking guide with extensive Choquequirao and Vilcabamba experience. Certified in wilderness first aid and high-altitude response. Includes a full guided tour of the Choquequirao archaeological complex and a guided tour of Machu Picchu on Circuit 2, the Classic Route for 2026.
  • Entrance Tickets
    Entrance fee to Choquequirao Archaeological Park. Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu. Includes all permits for sites visited on the route such as Saywite, Llactapata, and Pinchaunuyoc.
  • Machu Picchu Buses
    Two bus tickets for the round-trip ascent and descent between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu on Day 8.
  • Train Ticket
    Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo on Day 8. Transfer from the train station back to your hotel in Cusco is included.
  • Accommodation
    Five nights wild camping in comfortable 4 season tents, with 2 trekkers per 4 person tent for extra space. Includes one night camping at Raqaypata, 20 minutes from Choquequirao. One night in a three-star hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and private bathroom.
  • Meals
    Day 1: lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. Days 2 to 7: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. Day 8: breakfast. Includes a celebration dinner in an Aguas Calientes restaurant on Day 7. All meals are cooked fresh by our trek chef in a dedicated dining tent. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options available with advance notice.
  • Horses, Mules and Horsemen
    Horses and mules with horsemen for all group equipment and up to 7 kilograms of your personal items. This includes your sleeping bag, clothes, and personal gear. One emergency horse travels with the group at all times in case of illness or injury.
  • Camping Equipment
    Complete camp setup including dining tent with tables and chairs, kitchen tent, toilet tent, foam mattress, pillow, and hot water bottle at night.
  • Safety Equipment
    First aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle carried by your guide at all times. Satellite communication for emergencies.
  • Water
    Boiled and filtered water provided daily from lunch on Day 1 for drinking and washing. Bring bottles for 2 to 3 liters capacity. No water is available on the trail between camps on Day 4 and Day 5, so we advise carrying the full amount.
  • Briefing and Support
    Pre trek briefing at 6:00 pm the night before departure at our Cusco office. Includes free luggage storage and airport pickup in Cusco.
  • Taxes and Fees
    All local taxes, community fees, and service charges included.

Not Included

  • Meals Not Covered
    Breakfast on Day 1, and lunch and dinner on Day 8 after the Machu Picchu tour.
  • Sleeping Gear
    Sleeping bag rated to minus 15 degrees Celsius. Available to rent from us for 25 US dollars. Air mattress available to rent for 25 US dollars.
  • Trekking Poles
    Not included. Available to rent for 20 US dollars per pair.
  • Optional Hikes
    Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain. Each costs 75 US dollars and must be booked in advance due to limited spaces.
  • Extra Luggage Horse
    Additional horse for personal luggage over the 7-kilogram allowance.
  • Hotels Before and After
    Accommodation in Cusco before Day 1 and after Day 8.
  • Flights and Insurance
    International and domestic flights. Travel insurance is not included and is highly recommended for high altitude trekking.
  • Tips
    Tips for your guide, cook, and horsemen are not included and are at your discretion.
  • Upgrades
    Vistadome panoramic train upgrade for 67 US dollars, single tent supplement, and hotel upgrades available on request.

Pricing

Small group departures require a minimum of 2 people.

2 to 12 people | $ 977 US dollars per person

This price combines eight days of remote Vilcabamba trekking, a full afternoon inside Choquequirao, two high passes over 4,100 meters, five nights of fully supported wild camping, one hotel night, and Machu Picchu Circuit 2. You get both lost cities in one expedition for less than the cost of booking a private Choquequirao trek and Machu Picchu separately.

This tour operates March through December only. We do not operate in January and February due to heavy rains on the Choquequirao route.

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

We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for every 2 trekkers for extra space and comfort.

Included in the Price

  • All Entrance Tickets
    Choquequirao Archaeological Park, Machu Picchu Circuit 2, and all Inca sites visited on the route including Saywite, Llactapata, and Pinchaunuyoc.
  • Accommodation
    Five nights wild camping in 4 person tents with 2 trekkers per tent, including one night camping at Raqaypata 20 minutes from Choquequirao. One night in a three star hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and private bathroom. Foam mattress, pillow, and hot water bottle provided in camp.
  • Train and Bus Tickets
    Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. Two bus tickets for the round trip ascent and descent between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
  • Private Transport
    Private van from Cusco to Capuliyoc trailhead, and return from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco on Day 8. Equipment transport between camps and trailheads.
  • Professional Guide
    English speaking licensed guide for all 8 days, specialized in high altitude trekking and Choquequirao history. Includes full guided tours of Choquequirao and Machu Picchu.
  • Meals as per Itinerary
    Day 1 lunch through Day 8 breakfast, plus celebration dinner in an Aguas Calientes restaurant on Day 7. Fresh ingredients cooked by our trek chef in a dedicated dining tent. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options available with advance notice.
  • Horses, Mules and Horsemen
    Mules and horsemen for all group equipment plus 7 kilograms of your personal items such as sleeping bag, clothes, and personal gear. One emergency horse available on the trek if needed.
  • Camping Equipment
    Complete camp setup including dining tent with tables and chairs, kitchen tent, toilet tent, and hand wash station.
  • Safety and Support
    First aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle carried by your guide at all times. Satellite communication for emergencies. Pre trek briefing at 6:00 pm the night before at our Cusco office. Boiled and filtered water provided daily from lunch on Day 1. Free luggage storage and airport pickup in Cusco.
  • Taxes and Fees
    All local taxes, community fees, and service charges included.

Extras (Optional)

  • Vistadome Train Upgrade
    Panoramic windows and glass ceiling for the return to Poroy at 4:43 pm. 57 US dollars per person.
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain
    Add the summit hike inside the citadel. 75 US dollars per person. Must be booked in advance due to limited spaces.
  • Sleeping Bag Rental
    Rated to minus 15 degrees Celsius and steam cleaned after every trek. 20 US dollars per trek.
  • Air Mattress Rental
    Therm-a-rest inflatable mattress for extra comfort. 20 US dollars per trek.
  • Trekking Poles
    Adjustable poles for the descents. 15 US dollars per pair per trek.
  • Personal Tent Supplement
    Private tent for solo trekkers. 30 US dollars per trek.
  • Single Hotel Supplement
    Private room in Aguas Calientes for solo travelers. 35 US dollars.

Discounts

  • 18 to 25 Years
    30 US dollars off per person. Valid student card required with university name, student name, photo, and expiration date. A copy of the card is required at booking and is subject to government approval.
  • Under 18 Years
    30 US dollars off per person. Passport copy required at the time of booking.
  • Under 11 Years
    40 US dollars off per person. Passport copy required at the time of booking.
  • Groups of 5 or More
    30 US dollars off per person when booking together at the same time.

Added Value for Free

  • Airport Transfer
    Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Cusco only.
  • Duffel Bag and Liner Bags
    Included in the trekking price for your 7 kilogram personal allowance.
  • Extra Pack Horse
    Included in the price. The mules will carry your belongings up to 7 kilograms or 14 pounds including sleeping bag, mattress, and clothes.
  • Boiled Water
    Included along the trek from lunch on Day 1 for drinking and washing purposes.
  • Oxygen Tank
    Available along the trek for emergencies.
  • Emergency Horse
    Included in the price and can be ridden if you get tired or sick.
  • Camping Pillow and Foam Mattress
    Provided at no extra cost.

Added Value Experience

  • Two Lost Cities in One
    Visit Choquequirao, three times larger than Machu Picchu and still mostly covered in cloud forest, then finish at Machu Picchu. No other commercial trek links both on foot with proper time at each site.
  • Eight Days Not a Rush
    Time for proper acclimatization, a full 3 hour tour of Choquequirao, and the high passes without forced 12 hour marches.
  • Camp at Choquequirao
    Sleep 20 minutes from the ruins at Raqaypata and watch sunset over the terraces. This is something day hikers never experience.
  • Small Group Guarantee
    Maximum 12 travelers, average group size 4 to 6, for personal guide time and quiet campsites.

Packing List for 8 Day Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu

The Choquequirao trek climbs from 1,550 meters in the hot Apurimac Canyon to 4,670 meters at Yanama Pass, then drops to humid cloud forest and ends at Machu Picchu. You will carry a 30 to 40 liter daypack every day. Your duffel bag is limited to 7 kilograms and is carried by mules between camps. There is no electricity for five nights, so plan accordingly.

Essentials to Carry in Your Daypack Every Day

These items must be with you at all times on the trail. A large backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu.

Documents

  • Original passport. It must match the name and number used for your trek booking and Machu Picchu ticket.
  • Valid university card if you booked with a student discount. The card must show the university name, your name, your photo, and the expiration date.
  • Travel insurance details. Insurance is strongly recommended for high altitude trekking.

Water and Hydration

  • Water bottles or a hydration bladder for 2 to 3 liters total. Please bring your own water for the first morning to Capuliyoc. We provide cold boiled and filtered water from lunch on Day 1 onward at every meal time. Single use plastic bottles are not permitted in the parks.

Sun and Cold Protection

  • Sun hat or cap for the canyon and lower altitudes.
  • Warm wool hat or beanie for the high passes and cold nights.
  • Buff or neck gaiter for sun, wind, and dust.
  • Sunglasses with UV protection.
  • High SPF sunscreen and lip balm with SPF.

Rain Protection

  • Waterproof jacket with a hood. This is essential for cloud forest and possible rain at any altitude.
  • Rain pants.
  • Rain poncho. We provide one at your briefing, but you may bring your own.

Layers for Trekking

  • 2 to 3 t shirts. Synthetic or merino is best. Cotton is not recommended because it stays wet and cold.
  • 1 long sleeve shirt for sun protection and warmth in the evenings.
  • 1 fleece or light insulated layer.
  • 1 warm down jacket. Nights at Maizal and near Yanama Pass can reach 0 to 3 degrees Celsius.
  • 2 pairs of hiking pants. Zip off pants are ideal. No jeans.
  • 1 pair of thermal leggings for high camps and sleeping.

Footwear

  • Sturdy, broken in hiking boots with ankle support. The trail has steep descents and loose rock.
  • Camp shoes, sandals, or lightweight trainers for evenings.
  • 3 to 4 pairs of hiking socks. Wool or synthetic only.
  • Waterproof gloves. Ski gloves work well for the passes.

Daypack Extras

  • Headlamp with spare batteries. This is essential for early starts and camp use.
  • Power bank. There is no charging for five nights on the trek.
  • Trekking poles. Highly recommended for the 1,300 meter descent on Day 1 and the long downhill sections. Available to rent.
  • Camera or phone.
  • Snacks such as chocolate bars, cereal bars, or dried fruit.
  • Coca leaves or altitude tablets.
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
  • Toilet paper plus a small zip bag for waste. There are no toilets on the trail.
  • Personal medications and a small blister kit with moleskin and band aids.
  • Small cash in Peruvian soles for drinks, souvenirs, and tips.
  • Bathing suit for the Cocalmayo Hot Springs on Day 6.

What to Pack in Your Duffel Bag

Keep this under 7 kilograms including your sleeping bag. Our mules carry this bag between camps and you will not have access during the day. We provide you with a duffel bag and liner bags at your pre trek briefing.

  • Sleeping bag rated to minus 15 degrees Celsius. This can be rented from Orange Nation.
  • Inflatable air mattress. Optional and available to rent.
  • 2 t shirts.
  • 2 pairs of hiking pants at minimum.
  • 4 sets of undergarments.
  • 3 to 4 sets of hiking socks.
  • 1 to 2 fleece tops or thermal layers.
  • Warm down jacket for camp and high passes.
  • Sleepwear for camp.
    • Quick dry towel. We provide a small one, but you may prefer a larger one.
    • Small bottle of biodegradable soap. We provide warm water each day for washing.
    • Toothbrush and toothpaste.
    • Face moisturizer.
    • Large plastic bags for wet or dirty clothes. We provide these at the briefing. Please ask for them.

What NOT to Bring

  • Large suitcases or wheeled bags. Store these for free at our Cusco office.
  • Cotton jeans or cotton t shirts. They stay wet and cold at altitude.
  • Heavy mountaineering boots or ski jackets.
  • Drones. Prohibited in Choquequirao and Machu Picchu.
  • Disposable plastic water bottles.
  • Valuables you do not need on the trail.

Orange Nation Provides

  • Pre trek briefing, duffel bag, liner bags, and free luggage storage in Cusco.
  • All private transport to and from the trailhead.
  • Five nights wild camping in 4 person tents with 2 trekkers per tent, thick foam mattress, pillow, and hot water bottle. Includes dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, tables and chairs.
  • One night in a three star hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and private bathroom.
  • All meals as per itinerary, plus boiled and filtered water daily from lunch on Day 1.
  • Horses and mules with horsemen for all group gear and 7 kilograms of your personal items.
  • Emergency horse, first aid kit, and emergency oxygen bottle carried by your guide at all times.
  • Professional licensed guide for all 8 days.

Circuits and Safety

The 8 Day Choquequirao to Machu Picchu is a remote point to point traverse, not a loop trek. We designed it around one full afternoon and morning inside Choquequirao, two high passes, and a gradual descent to the jungle, not around rushing to Machu Picchu.

By starting at Capuliyoc and dropping 1,300 meters to the Apurimac River on Day 1, then spending two nights between 1,900 meters and 3,050 meters at Santa Rosa and Choquequirao, you acclimatize before the Vilcabamba range. That slow build is why this trek works for fit hikers despite reaching 4,670 meters at Yanama Pass on Day 5. You see the Cradle of Gold without crowds, cross snow peaks, coffee farms and Llactapata, but you never sleep above 3,650 meters.

Route Structure

  • Day 1 – Capuliyoc Descent
    We pick up at 4:00 am from Cusco and drive 4 hours to Capuliyoc at 2,850 meters. After meeting the mule team, you hike 5 hours downhill to Playa Rosalinas at 1,550 meters, then climb to Santa Rosa at 1,900 meters for the night. You carry only your daypack; mules carry your duffel. First camp is under mango trees with no road access.
  • Day 2 – Choquequirao Climb
    Early breakfast then 6 hours climb to Marampata. Lunch with views of Choquequirao, then 90 minutes to our camp at Raqaypata right above the ruins at 2,910 meters. No other groups camp here. Afternoon private tour of the main plaza, usnu, and Llama Terraces.
  • Day 4 – Victoria Pass
    Start at 7:00 am from Maizal. Climb to Victoria Pass at 4,170 meters with views of Sacsara, Qoriwanachina, and Pumasillo. Descend to Yanama at 3,650 meters. First Quechua village in four days and the highest sleeping altitude of the trek.
  • Day 5 – Yanama Pass
    Pre dawn start for the 4 hours climb to Yanama Pass at 4,670 meters, the highest point of the trek. Long descent through puna and cloud forest to Totora and Colpapampa at 2,870 meters. This is the longest day at 9 hours.
  • Day 6 – Cloud Forest and Hot Springs
    We enter coffee country to Lucmabamba at 2,000 meters. Afternoon tour of a family coffee farm, then local transport to the Cocalmayo hot springs. Camp at Lucmabamba.
  • Day 7 – Llactapata and Aguas Calientes
    Three hour climb to Llactapata at 2,700 meters for your first view of Machu Picchu. Descend to Hidroelectrica for lunch, then 3 hours flat walk through the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary to Aguas Calientes. Hotel night with hot shower.
  • Day 8 – Machu Picchu Circuit
    Early 5:30 am bus to the gate. Guided tour on Circuit 2 for 2.5 hours, the classic upper terrace route with the postcard views. After free time you return by Expedition train to Ollantaytambo and private van to Cusco, arriving around 7:00 pm.

inca trail 4 days

Safety Management

  • Altitude First
    Maximum sleeping altitude is 3,650 meters at Yanama, not 4,600 meters. We spend two nights below 3,100 meters at Choquequirao before attempting the passes. Guides monitor for soroche daily and carry emergency oxygen on all high days. You descend to sleep every night after the passes.
  • Remote Trail Safety
    This is a true wilderness route with no road access between Capuliyoc and Lucmabamba. The trail includes steep, loose descents into the Apurimac and long stone staircases. We set a slow, steady pace, provide trekking poles on request, and cross the river on a secure bridge at Playa Rosalinas. The mule team travels with us every day.
  • Weather and Terrain
    You will hike through four climates: hot dry canyon, temperate cloud forest, cold puna above 4,000 meters, and humid jungle. Afternoons in the canyon can reach 30 degrees Celsius, nights at Yanama can drop to 0 degrees Celsius. We check conditions at the 6:00 pm briefing and adjust start times for the passes if needed. No water is available between camps on Day 4 and Day 5, so we ensure everyone carries 2 to 3 liters.
  • Real Guides
    Certified English speaking guides from Cusco who specialize in Choquequirao. Maximum 8 travelers per guide. Guides are trained in wilderness first aid and high altitude rescue, and carry satellite communication on the remote sections.
  • Camp Safety
    We use established campsites with toilet tents, dining tents, and hand wash stations. Mules carry all gear so you hike with only a daypack. One emergency horse travels with the group every day and can evacuate to the nearest road at Yanama or Lucmabamba if needed.

What We Provide for Safety

  • Professional guide with wilderness first aid and emergency oxygen.
  • Emergency horse and mule support for evacuation on remote sections.
  • Satellite communication device between Capuliyoc and Lucmabamba.
  • Complete camping setup so you are not exposed to weather.
  • Boiled and filtered water provided from lunch Day 1.
  • Pre trek briefing at our office the night before.
  • First aid kit carried on all days.

How to Arrive Ready

You don’t need to be an elite athlete, but Choquequirao rewards preparation.

  • Spend at least 2 nights in Cusco before Day 1. Your body needs it for the passes over 4,100 meters.
  • Train with long hikes carrying a daypack, including steep descents. The downhills into the Apurimac are harder than the uphills.
  • Bring layers for freezing mornings at Yanama Pass and hot afternoons in the canyon, plus broken in boots with ankle support.
  • Pack a good headlamp and power bank. There is no electricity for five nights.
  • Tell your guide immediately if you feel headache, nausea or unusual fatigue on the high days. We control the pace and can use the emergency horse at any time.
  • Bring strong sun protection and insect repellent. The sun is intense above 4,000 meters and the bugs are active in the cloud forest.

This is why we run Choquequirao to Machu Picchu as an 8 day expedition, not a 4 day race. You get proper time in the lost city, time to acclimatize for the high passes, and you arrive at Machu Picchu via Llactapata rested, not exhausted from a forced march.

Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 8 Days
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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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Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 9 Days - Orange Nation Peru 9 Days Days
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Choquequirao Hike to Machu Picchu 9 Days

Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu the Two Greatest Inca Cities in One Trail over 9-Days

This is the only trek in Peru that gives you both. You start with Choquequirao, the lost city you have almost to yourself, and you finish with a sunrise guided tour inside Machu Picchu, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

No train to the back door. No day-tour crowds on day one. Nine days on the original Inca highway linking the empire’s two most important cities.

Choquequirao means Cradle of Gold and sits on a remote ridge above the Apurimac Canyon at 3,050 meters. The complex covers about 1,800 hectares, yet only 30 to 40 percent has been cleared from the cloud forest. It was a royal estate, then one of the last refuges of the Incas after the fall of Cusco. You will explore it properly, not rush it.

Then you walk toward Machu Picchu. You cross Victoria Pass at 4,170 meters beneath the spectacular snow-capped mountains of Sacsara, Qoriwanachina, and Pumasillo, climb to Yanama Pass at 4,670 meters, the highest point of the trek, then descend through cloud forest to coffee country. You soak in the Cocalmayo hot springs, tour a family coffee farm, and on day eight you climb to Puncuyoc Pass at 2,700 meters to reach Llactapata. From Llactapata you get the classic postcard view few trekkers ever see, the full citadel of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, and the Aobamba Canyon laid out directly in front of you.

You carry a daypack. Our horses and local arrieros carry the rest. Seven nights wild camping, one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, chef-cooked meals every day, and expert Quechua guide. Maximum eight trekkers. This is a formidable trek for experienced hikers who want the complete traverse.

Choquequirao 5 Day Trek - Orange Nation Peru Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 9 Days - Orange Nation Peru

Highlights

  • The Two Most Important Inca Cities in One Trek
    Walk from Choquequirao, three times larger and almost empty, straight into Machu Picchu. The two most important and incredible cities of the Inca Empire, this is the only route that connects them on foot.
  • Choquequirao: Cradle of Gold, Fully Explored
    A full afternoon guided tour of temples, palaces, ritual water fountains, storehouses and the ceremonial Usnu. See the famous Llama Terraces with 22 life-size white stone llamas built into the walls, a feature you will not find at Machu Picchu.
  • Victoria Pass and the Vilcabamba Giants
    Hike the original Inca highway past ancient silver mines to Victoria Pass at 4,170 meters. From the pass you appreciate the great canyons and the snow peaks of Sacsara, Qoriwanachina, and Pumasillo.
  • The Roof of the Trek, Yanama Pass
    Climb to 4,670 meters with views of the Padreyoc massif at 5,571 meters. The highest, hardest, and most spectacular day.
  • Llactapata and Puncuyoc Pass with your First View of Machu Picchu
    After a three-hour climb to Puncuyoc Pass at 2,700 meters, arrive at Llactapata ruins located right in front of Machu Picchu. This is where you see the strategic location of the citadel from far away, with Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu mountain, and the Aobamba Canyon below, a view our competitors cannot offer.
  • Cocalmayo Hot Springs and Coffee Farm
    Day seven is for recovery. Tour a working coffee plantation in Lucmabamba, pick and roast your own beans, harvest avocados and tomatoes for dinner, then take local transport to the natural hot springs at Cocalmayo to soak in the jungle.
  • Four Climates, Zero Crowds
    From high puna to deep Apurimac canyon to warm cloud forest in nine days. Watch Andean condors soar, pass orchids and bromeliads, and camp under star-filled skies with no light pollution.
  • Fully Supported Formidable Expedition
    Seven nights in 4-season tents with thick mattresses, one hotel night in Aguas Calientes, all meals by our trek chef, horses for your 7kg duffel, emergency horse and oxygen, and professional bilingual guides. Group size up to 8 people.

From $1077 / Per Person
5 Days
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5-Day Choquequirao Trek – Route to the Lost City

Choquequirao 5-Day Trek – Full Day Ruins & Hot Springs

Choquequirao means “Cradle of Gold” and sits on a remote ridge 1,500 meters above the Apurimac River. The site covers 1,810 hectares, archaeologists believe it is up to three times larger than Machu Picchu, yet only about 30% has been cleared from the cloud forest. It was one of the last refuges of the Inca resistance, and today you can still walk its plazas without a ticket time or a crowd behind you.

This 5-day trek is built for hikers who want more than a photo stop. You follow the same Inca highway down into the Apurimac Canyon and back up to the ruins, but instead of rushing out, you spend a full day inside Choquequirao and sleep two nights at our Marampata camp, just 20 minutes from the main plaza. That means sunrise over the canyon, sunset from the Usnu, and time to reach the lower Llama Terraces that most 4-day groups skip.

You carry a daypack. Our horses carry the rest. We end the trek the way your legs will want to, with a soak in the Conoc hot springs, followed by a guided visit to the Saywite archaeological complex, before returning to Cusco around 6pm.

Daily departures, maximum 8 travelers, best season April to October.

Travel Tips for Choquequirao Hike - Orange Nation Peru

Highlights

  • A Full Day to Explore
    Day 3 is entirely inside Choquequirao. With your guide, walk the main plaza, the ceremonial Usnu, temples, storehouses, water channels, and hike down to the Llama Terraces. Because we camp nearby, you avoid the midday heat and have time for the sectors most groups miss.
  • Two Nights Next to the Ruins
    Camp at Marampata (3,100m) on nights 2 and 3. Watch condors ride the canyon thermals at dusk, see the southern stars with zero light pollution, and walk into the site for sunrise without packing up camp.
  • Conoc Hot Springs
    We are the only operator that includes the natural Conoc hot springs after Choquequirao. Soak in warm pools on the banks of the Apurimac River on day 5 — entry included.
  • Saywite Sacred Stone
    Finish with a private guided tour of Saywite, famous for its massive carved boulder that maps the entire Inca cosmos. It’s a quiet, powerful stop most itineraries skip.
  • The Apurimac Canyon
    Experience one of the deepest canyons in the world. Descend from Capuliyoc (2,850m) to Playa Rosalinas (2,061m), cross the river, then climb to Marampata. The views of Padreyoc (5,571m) and the river 1,500m below are why this trek stays wild.
  • Bigger Than Machu Picchu, Almost Empty
    Choquequirao receives around 5,000 visitors per year. You will likely see fewer people in five days than you would in one hour at Machu Picchu.
  • The Llama Terraces
    See the 22 white-stone llamas built into the agricultural terraces — a unique feature found nowhere else in the Inca world.
From $557 / Per Person
Choquequirao Trek 4 Days - Orange Nation Peru 4 Days
Cusco

Choquequirao Trek 4 Days – An Alternative Trek in Cusco

Choquequirao Trek 4 Days. The Inca City You Can Have to Yourself.

The Choquequirao Trek is what the Inca Trail was 30 years ago. No permits, no trains, no crowds.

Choquequirao means Cradle of Gold and sits on a remote ridge above the Apurimac Canyon, one of the deepest canyons on earth. The archaeological complex covers about 1,800 hectares, and archaeologists estimate its total built area may be larger than Machu Picchu’s central citadel, yet only 30 to 40 percent has been cleared from the cloud forest. Excavations are still active. You will likely see more condors than tourists.

This 4-day expedition is pure up and down. You start at Capuliyoc at 2,850 meters and drop 1,400 meters in a single morning to the roaring Apurimac River, then climb back out to camp at Santa Rosa. You do it again the next day to reach the ruins at 3,033 meters. Your legs will feel it. Your eyes and your camera will love it.

You carry only a daypack. Our horses carry your gear. You sleep three nights in wild camps with views of Padreyoc peak at 5,571 meters, eat chef-cooked meals in our dining tent, and finish with a full private guided tour of a lost city you have almost to yourself. We add a final stop at Saywite, the sacred carved stone, on the drive back to Cusco.

This trek is not for everyone. It is for fit hikers who want the hardest, quietest, most authentic Inca city in Peru. Daily departures March through December, maximum 8 travelers.

Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 9 Days - Orange Nation Peru

Highlights

  • Bigger, Wilder & Empty
    Choquequirao covers more ground than Machu Picchu. Today you’ll walk its main plaza, the Usnu, and the Llama Terraces, and count the other hikers on one hand.
  • The Llama Terraces
    See the 22 life-size white stone llamas built into the agricultural terraces, a feature you will not find at Machu Picchu. Your guide will take you down to them for photos.
  • The Apurimac Canyon Descent and Climb
    Two brutal, beautiful days of 1,400m descents and ascents. Day 1 you drop 16.5km to Playa Rosalinas at 1,475m. Day 2 you climb to Marampata at 2,850m. This is why Choquequirao stays empty.
  • Private Guided Tour Included
    We spend a full afternoon exploring temples, water fountains, storehouses and ceremonial platforms with your guide, not a 45-minute group walk-through.
  • Condors, Orchids and Four Climates
    Hike from high puna to warm canyon in hours. Watch Andean condors soar above the river, pass through cloud forest filled with orchids and bromeliads, and camp under star-filled skies with zero light pollution.
  • Wild Camping, Fully Supported
    Three nights in 4-season Eureka tents (2 people per 4-person tent) with thick mattress, pillow and hot meals. Horses carry your 7kg duffel plus an emergency horse and oxygen travel with the group.
  • Saywite Sacred Stone
    End the trek with a guided visit to Saywite, home to a massive carved boulder depicting the entire Inca world, a perfect final stop before returning to Cusco around 6pm.
  • Small Groups Only
    Maximum 8 travelers. Average group size is 4 to 6. No big bus tours can access this trail.

 

From $537 / Per Person

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2025

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Jaffet hasan c

The guys were very efficient throughout the trip and attentive when we arrived at the campsite. The kitchen service was super delicious , the food quality and healthy, dishes suitable for people (vegans) and a buffet that has nothing to envy others.
Their kindness and efficiency are greatly appreciated for this journey to the Inca Way.

Written June 22, 2025

Friends

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Glen

We had a great experience doing the 4d3n Inca Trail. Our porters were so hard working and made sure our tents and equipment were always ready for us. The chef Mario was outstanding and prepared restaurant quality vegetarian food everyday. Our guide Carlos made the trip exceptional, always making sure we were informed and making sure we were all enjoying the trail. He went above and beyond to encourage me when I was unwell. He made the trip the best ever. A beautiful and wonderful trek.

Written July 14, 2025

Family

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Kendall C

Hiking the Short Inca Trail was hands-down one of the highlights of my entire trip to Peru. This trek is the perfect option if you want a taste of the iconic Inca Trail without committing to the full 4-day hike.

From the moment we started the hike at KM 104 Carlos our guide was amazing and patient. we were surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, lush cloud forests, and fascinating Inca ruins. The trail itself is moderately challenging—expect a steady incline, stone steps, and a bit of cardio—but it’s absolutely doable for anyone with a decent fitness level. The sense of accomplishment when you reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu is

Written July 8, 2025

Couples

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