Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 7 Days Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Chikiska – Santa Rosa

After being collected from your Cusco hotel at 4:30 am, drive for 4 hours to the trailhead located at the village of Capuliyoc. On the way, you will visit the Inca site of Sayhuite, an enormous monolithic rock with geometrical and animal figures, considered an engineering map that shows the complex irrigation system of the area. After enjoying a delicious breakfast, you will meet the trekking staff and start the Trek to the great “lost cities of the Incas.” The first 4 hours are downhill to Chikiska, starting the hike in the highlands into the Apurimac Canyon, where the weather is warmer. Lunch is served by your trekking chef using fresh products from the area. The second part of the day is 2.5 hours uphill to the campsite in Santa Rosa village 2095 m / 6873 ft).

• Hiking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
• Duration: 7 hours
• Campsite Altitude: 2,095 m  / 6,873 ft
• Highest Altitude: 2,970 m / 9,744 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Difficulty: Challenging 

Day 2: Santa Rosa – Marampata – Choquequirao

After breakfast, you will start the most challenging part of the tour. The hike begins with a 4-hour zig-zag climb to Marampata, where lunch will be waiting for you with a fantastic view of the mountains and a wide variety of flora and fauna. After lunch, hike for two more hours to the Choquequirao Inca Site. In the afternoon, you can go to explore and enjoy the sunset. The campsite is located near the archaeological site.

• Hiking Distance: 9 km / 5.6 mi
• Duration: 5-6 hours
• Campsite Altitude: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
• Highest Altitude: 3,050 m / 10,007 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 3: Choquequirao – Pinchiunuyoc – Rio Blanco

Wake up with a nice hot cup of coffee or tea in your tent while enjoying the Andes view. You will have a guided tour of the most impressive sights at the great citadel of Choquequirao. After lunch, you will ascend for 1 hour to Choquequirao pass; next is a 3-hour downhill to the Inca Site of Pinchiunuyoc. After exploring the ancient terraces, you will continue for 2-more hours downhill. The Campsite is at Rio Blanco (1880 m / 6167 ft) – Be sure you bring a good mosquito repellent.

• Hiking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
• Duration: 6 hours
• Campsite Altitude: 1,880 m / 6168 ft
• Highest Altitude: 3,300 m / 10,827 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4: Rio Blanco – Maizal – Pajonal

After breakfast, you will continue the Trek; the first part is a 4-hour challenging zig-zag climb to Maizal (2891m / 9488 ft.). After enjoying a well-deserved lunch, you will continue a steep climb for 4 hours until the Campsite at  Pajonal at (4000m /13124ft). Along the way, you will enjoy the beautiful views of farming lands, native plants, birds, and the ancient Victoria Mines.

• Hiking Distance: 13 km / 8 mi
• Duration: 8 hours
• Campsite Altitude: 4,000 m / 13,123 ft
• Highest Altitude: 4,150 m / 13,615 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Difficulty: Challenging

Day 5: Pajonal – Yanama – Lucmabamba

After breakfast, hike for 1 hour to San Juan Pass at (4210 m / 13812 ft). Once reaching the top, you’ll take some time to enjoy the mountains’ fantastic vistas; then you will go down the hill for 3 hours until the Village of Yanama at (3700 m /12139 ft). After lunch, say goodbye to the muleteers and take the transportation to Lucmabamba (2100 m / 6890 ft.) There, you’ll spend the night in a coffee farmer’s house.

• Hiking Distance: 6 km / 3.7 mi
• Duration: 4 hours
• Campsite Altitude: 2,100 m / 6,890 ft
• Highest Altitude: 4210 m / 13,812 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 6: Lucmabamba – Llaqtapata – Aguas Calientes

Wake up among coffee and avocado trees, visit the organic coffee farm, and learn the process of harvesting. Then, you will follow a 3-hour trek through an ancient Inca Trail up to Llaqtapata. You will have the first and best view of the Great Inca city of Machu Picchu. After enjoying the sights, you will continue down to the hydroelectric for lunch, then hike for three more hours, the final part along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes where you take a comforting dinner. Spend the night in a Hotel in Aguas Calientes.

• Hiking Distance: 14 km / 8.7 mi
• Duration: 6-7 hours
• Aguas Calientes Altitude: 2,000 m / 6,562 ft
• Highest Altitude: 2,800 m / 9,186 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 7: Machu Picchu – Cusco

Waking up early and preparing for the Trek’s most important day, you will take the first bus back up to Machu Picchu to enter before sunrise. You will see the most important streets, plazas, and temples touring Machu Picchu through Circuit 2. After the guided tour, you will have time to explore by yourself or hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain (Extra hikes different from the citadel). In the afternoon, take the Vistadome panoramic train back to Cusco.  Drop off at your Cusco hotel around 7.30 pm, where the Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu ends.

• Guided Tour Duration: 2-3 hours in Machu Picchu
• Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
• Meals: Breakfast
• Difficulty: Easy

• The assigned circuit in Machu Picchu depends on availability at the time of booking. If tickets for the Machu Picchu Circuit 2 are sold out, we will secure tickets for Circuit 1 or 3. We strongly recommend booking as early as possible. Entrance tickets are first‑come, first‑served, and the best circuits and schedules sell out first.

Packing List for the Choquequirao Trek 7 Days

You'll need good hiking gear for the Choquequirao Trail to Machu Picchu, as you'll be in the wild for several days. Here's everything you need to take on your trip:

Essentials

• Original Passport: Must be valid for 6 months beyond your travel dates to Peru.
• Valid Student card (if you’d booked as a student)
• Sturdy hiking boots: A good pair of hiking boots with ankle support is essential for steep and rocky terrain.
• Cash: Bring enough cash for park entrance fees, camping fees, and food and drink purchases along the way.
• Trekking poles: Trekking poles can be helpful for stability and reducing strain on the knees during steep descents.
• A daypack (at least 30-40 liters)

What to Pack in the Daypack

• Sun protection: The high altitude and intense sun can cause sunburn and dehydration, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
• Water: Bring a reusable water bottle and purification tablets or a filtration system, as there are limited opportunities to purchase water along the trail.
• Snacks: High-energy snacks like nuts, dried fruit, and energy bars are essential for sustained daily energy.
• First aid kit: Band-aids, pain relievers, and antiseptics are necessary for minor injuries or illnesses. Personal medication, band-aids, moleskin and Altitude Sickness pills.
• Camera: The Choquequirao Trek offers stunning views of the Andes Mountains and the Inca ruins, so don't forget your camera to capture the experience.
• Insect repellent is very important
• Binoculars (optional for bird-watching or wildlife spotting)
• Toiletries and hand sanitizer
• Flashlight and extra batteries

What to put in the Duffle Bag

TreXperience will provide you with a duffel bag to pack items you do not need to keep during the day. Our Porters will carry this bag for you throughout the trek. Please note that this bag should weigh a maximum of 7 kg (15 lb), including your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you bring/rent one). These 2 items weigh about 3 kg (2 kg sleeping bag and 1 kg air pad).

During the safety briefing, duffel bags will be available at our office the day before the trek. If you need it earlier, you can also request it by email and pick it up in advance from our centrally located office in Cusco City.

• Sleeping bags: If you rent from us, these sleeping bags weigh 2 kilos. If you bring yours or rent somewhere else, make sure it is warm enough for the Inca Trail and clean.
• Air mattress (can be rented from us): Having an extra layer to sleep in will make your hike more comfortable and enjoyable. We provide a foam mattress included on the Choquequirao  tour.
• Shoes for the campsite: After long hours of hiking with boots, you may want to remove the heavy hiking boots and have something light to wear at the campsite.
• Warm jacket: Temperatures can drop sharply at night, so wear warm layers when the sun goes down. Don't forget to pack a hat and gloves!
• T-shirts (wicking T-shirts are best): Synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon are good options, as they wick away sweat and dry quickly. Avoid cotton shirts, as they hold onto moisture. Take around 5 T-shirts.
• 2-3 hiking pants/trousers: There are two main types of hiking pants. Cargo pants have large pockets on the sides of the legs, which are great for carrying extra gear. Convertible pants have legs that zip off at the knee, making them perfect for hot weather or changing conditions on the trail.
• Leggings work very well for ladies on the Inca Trail.
• 4 sets of undergarments, wearing a sports bra, and compression shorts will help keep you comfortable and prevent chafing.
• 4 sets of hiking socks, make sure the socks are made from a breathable material like wool or synthetic fibers.
• 1 Fleece: A fleece jacket or pullover is a good choice; you can layer it with other clothing if necessary.
• 1 Warm, down jacket for the coldest nights. The best jackets are made of down or synthetic insulation, keeping you warm even when wet.
• Quick-dry towel: This is a must-have for anyone planning to trek the Choquequirao trek heading to Machu Picchu.
• Biodegradable soap: To break down quickly and safely in nature, so it won't pollute the trail or harm any wildlife.
• Wet wipes: pack plenty of wet wipes! The trail can be dusty and dirty, so keeping your skin clean is essential.
• Toothbrush and paste: Make sure the brush and paste are small and compact for camping trips.
• Face moisturizer, high altitude, and the harsh sun can damage skin.
• Plastic bags to keep wet or muddy clothes separate

Travel Info of Trekking Choquequirao Machu Picchu 7 days

What is Choquequirao

Choquequirao (3,050 m.a.s.l. / 10007 ft.) is an Inca citadel above the Apurímac Canyon. Its name combines the Aymara word Chuqui (“gold”) and the Quechua word K’iraw (“cradle”), so it literally means “cradle of gold.” With fewer crowds than Machu Picchu, it features broad terraces, ceremonial plazas, and big mountain views. Reached by a challenging multi-day hike, it offers quiet trails, ongoing restoration areas, and starlit camps, a strong choice for travelers who want archaeology and nature together. For all these reasons, Choquequirao is also known as the "sister of Machu Picchu".

Where is Choquequirao

Choquequirao sits in Peru’s Cusco region, high above the Apurímac Canyon in the Vilcabamba range (Santa Teresa district, La Convención). Most travelers begin at Capuliyoc near Cachora in Apurímac, about 4–5 hours by road from Cusco, and then hike two days via Marampata to reach the archaeological site. The remote location delivers wide viewpoints and a quiet experience for hikers who enjoy multi-day treks.

Choquequirao Altitude

Choquequirao sits around 3,050 m (10,000 ft) above sea level, high above the Apurímac Canyon. The trek brings big climbs and descents between 1,500 and 3,050 m, so acclimatize in Cusco and keep a steady pace. The altitude rewards you with wide mountain views and a thrilling arrival among terraces and plazas. If you enjoy a good challenge and open scenery, you’ll love it. Carry layers, water, and snacks to make the most of it.

Weather of Choquequirao

Expect high-Andean conditions: mild sunny days and cold nights. From May to September is drier with steadier trails. From November to March, the months bring frequent rain and humid heat in the canyon. Pack layers, a waterproof shell, a hat, and sunscreen, and stay hydrated. Weather shifts quickly, so early starts and a flexible pace help you enjoy the day.

Best time to visit Choquequirao

The best time to tour it is from May to September: drier weather, clearer views, and safer river crossings. April and October are shoulder months; greener scenery with some rain. From November to March, heavy showers can make descents slick. Acclimatize in Cusco and start early to feel stronger and get the most from the route.

Choquequirao brief history

Rebuilt in the late 1400s to early 1500s, likely under Pachacutec, the nine Sapac Inca, Choquequirao served as a ceremonial, administrative, and agricultural hub on the Qhapaq Ñan, the extensive road system of the Inca Empire, that linked Cusco and Vilcabamba. Before the arrival of the Incas, the site had been inhabited by groups such as the Antis and the Pilcozones. After the Spanish arrival, it became a refuge. Ongoing research shows new sectors in the citadel, adding depth to every visit.

What to see in Choquequirao

Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trail 7 Days - FAQs