Embark on the ultimate 7 days Trek Choquequirao to Machu Picchu. This trail connects these two iconic Inca sites and promises an exciting journey starting from the remote ruins of Choquequirao, nested high in the Andes, and ending at the legendary World Wonder of Machu Picchu.
This trek is a solid challenge covering about 65 kilometers, but the rewards are well worth it. Throughout the trip, you'll get jaw-dropping canyon views, ancient history, and a Cloud Forest spectacle that's absolutely off the charts. Test your endurance on this expedition!
Duration
7 Days 6 Nights
Activities
Trekking & History
Average Group Size
12 people
Difficulty
Moderate to Challenging
Accommodation
Camping and Hotel
Tour Language
English, Spanish
Hiking Distance
65 km / 41 miles
Starts/Ends
Cusco / Cusco
Choquequirao trail 7 days to Machu Picchu: Two Inca Citadels in One Epic Trail
While Machu Picchu is one of the best attractions in the world, Choquequirao still remains less visited. This doesn't mean it's less spectacular. What if we tell you that Choquequirao is bigger? Hard to imagine, right? This expedition will precisely combine these amazing trails to reach these two Inca wonders. Both are tucked away on stunning mountain hills, but Choquequirao can only be reached on foot, which gives you an idea of the task!
Starting from Cusco, we'll delve into the Apurimac Canyon, one of the deepest in Peru. It'll be 5 days of hiking across the Choquequirao Trail rolling mountains to the wonder itself, located at more than 3,000 m (9,974 ft). We'll challenge ourselves down to the Apurimac River foot and then climb to the top of the site. After unveiling the most recent discoveries of Choquequirao, you'll join other trekkers on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. You'll get a glimpse of the Cloud Forest and spend one night in a hotel before the big day.
Tour Highlights:
- Connect Choquequirao to Machu Picchu, hiking the less crowded part of the Inca Trails.
- Visit the mysterious Choquequirao Inca Site.
- Witness the Apurimac Canyon, the deepest in Peru.
- Discover the magical Inca citadel of Machu Picchu
- Enjoy a full exploration of Machu Picchu with an expert guide.
- Watch flora and fauna on the way, including the beautiful Andean Condor.
Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 7 days at a Glance
Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Chikiska – Santa Rosa
Pick up from your Cusco hotel at 4:00 am and drive to the start of the Trail at Capuliyoc; the hike takes 4 hours down and around 2 hours up to the first Campsite at Santa Rosa (2,095 m / 6,873 ft).
Day 2: Santa Rosa – Marampata – Choquequirao
Wake up early and hike for 2 hours up to Marampata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft) and then two more hours to Choquequirao Inca Site; spend the afternoon exploring and discovering the great Inca City, considered the twin sister of Machu Picchu.
Day 3: Choquequirao – Pinchiunuyoc – Rio Blanco
After breakfast with the spectacular views of the mountains, start the hike with 1 hour up to the Choquequirao pass (3,318 m/ 10,886 ft), then hike down for 6 hours to the 3rd Campsite located at Rio Blanco (1,880 m / 6,167 ft).
Day 4: Rio Blanco – Maizal – Pajonal
After breakfast, the most challenging day of the Trek, hike up for 4 hours to Maizal (2,891 m / 9,488 ft). Next, another steep climb for 4 hours until the Campsite at Pajonal (4,000 m /13,124 ft).
Day 5: Pajonal – Yanama – Lucmabamba
Wake up early and get ready for the final part of the hike in the Choquequirao region. 1-hour up to San Juan pass (4,210 m / 13,812 ft), then 3 hours down to the village of Yanama (4,645 m / 15,240 ft), from where we take the bus to Lucmabamba (2,100m / 6,869 ft).
Day 6: Lucmabamba – Llaqtapata – Aguas Calientes
Early in the Morning, visit the coffee farms, start climbing the last mountain along the Inca trail to Llaqtapata (2,840 m / 8,136 ft), and hike for 3 hours along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes. Spend the night in a Hotel.
Day 7: Machu Picchu – Cusco
On the Final Day, take the first bus back up to Machu Picchu and explore the best of Machu Picchu through Circuit 2 with your tour guide. Later in the afternoon, take the Vistadome panoramic train back to Cusco. Drop off at your Cusco hotel around 7.30 pm.
- 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.
Included
- Briefing one day before the start of the hike.
- Pick up and drop off from your hotel in Cusco
- All transportation during the tour
- Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Vistadome Panoramic Train back to Cusco
- Entrance ticket to Choquequirao
- Entrance to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2)
- Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
- Second Tour Guide for groups of 9+
- Chef, porters, muleteers
- Camping equipment (tents, table, chairs, portable toilet)
- Portable toilets
- 1 duffle bag up to 7 kg (15 lb) for your personal belongings
- Cargo mules to carry food and 7 kg of your equipment
- All meals are included except the last day’s lunch and dinner
- Drinking water except for the last day
- Five nights camping with comfortable equipment
- One night 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Sleeping foam mattress, pillows, sheets
- First aid kit, satellite phones, oxygen bottle
Not Included
- Sleeping Bag
- Trekking poles
- Air mattress
- Last day lunch and dinner
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain
- Gratuities (optional)
- Travel Insurance (strongly recommended)
Machu Picchu Circuits included
- Circuit 2-A: This is the classic route to visit Machu Picchu. It allows you to visit the lower observatory, the Quarry, the Square of Temples, The Sacred Rock, the Twelve Niches, the Warehouses, the Water Mirrors, the Temple of the Condor, and the possibility of having 360° views of Machu Picchu!
It is the most popular option as it allows you to visit almost the entire archaeological complex. 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. For more details, visit Machu Picchu Entrances & Circuits 2026.
Extra hikes after Machu Picchu Tour:
- Sleeping Bag: But, you can hire it with us for 35.00 $ USD per person.
- Trekking poles: But, you can hire them with us for 30.00 $ USD per person.
- Air mattress: But, you can hire it with us for 30.00 $ USD per person.
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – additional US$ 68 per person (2 hours round-trip)
- Machu Picchu Mountain – additional US$ 68 per person (3 hours round-trip).
You can only hike one of these mountains, and it is done after the guided tour in Machu Picchu. Advance booking is required for both hikes.
Why book with TreXperience?
- Local Expert: Get the best prices and best service with a 100% Peruvian company
- Expert Tour Guides: Our tour guides are professionals and fluent in English
- Our Porters: At TreXperience, we set the highest standard for our porter welfare on the Trail
- Food on the trail: The food we provide during our trek is always of high quality and great variety
- High-Quality Equipment: We provide of high-quality camping gear
- Panoramic Trains: We are the only company that includes Panoramic trains Vistadome
Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 7 Days Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Chikiska – Santa Rosa
After being collected from your Cusco hotel at 4:00 a.m, 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.
Price for the Choquequirao Trek 7 Days
We organize small group tours to ensure a personalized and intimate travel experience. For those traveling with a large party or seeking an exclusive adventure, we offer the Choquequirao trail to Machu Picchu in 7 days. Contact us today, and we'll provide a customized price and design the perfect tour to meet your needs, ensuring an unforgettable journey.
Price per person:
- From US$ 998 - Adults
- From US$ 958 - Children and Students
Student Discount:
- US$ 30 off
Applies to all travelers under 17 and students under 25 with a valid university ID. To get the discount, the ID must include:
- Student name, photo, and university name.
- Have a valid expiration date (expired IDs will not be accepted)
- ISIC cards are not valid.
For students and children, you must submit a copy of the student's and children's ID when booking; if the ID is rejected, you will be charged the adult rate. In that case, please email us at info@trexperienceperu.com at the time of booking to receive your discount.
Booking and payment
- Deposit: US$ 400 per person (to reserve your spot). The remaining can be paid online or at our office in Cusco, using any credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer. Contact us to see alternative payment options.
How to book
To book this tour:
- Click on the BOOK NOW button, choose your travel date, and select the tour option of your choice (group or private service).
- Fill in all the requested details with your passport data. If you can hire a sleeping bag, an air mattress, or trekking poles with us, this is the moment, too.
- Finally, enter your credit/debit card details and make the payment.
- Our team will contact you shortly to reconfirm your payment and give you more information.
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
Bring a daypack (at least 30-40 liters) to carry all the essentials you'll need on the trail.
What to wear?
What to put in the Daypack?
What to put in the Duffel Bag?
TreXperience will provide a duffel bag (up to 7 kg / 15 lb) for the items you won’t need during the day, and our porters will carry it straight to the campsite. Pack your sleeping bag (own or rented) together with the mattress inside your duffel bag.
During the safety briefing, you’ll receive your duffel bag at our office the day before the trek. If you need it earlier, just email us and you can pick it up in advance from our centrally located Cusco office.
What we provide?
What can you rent with TreXperience?
Travel Info of Trekking Choquequirao Machu Picchu 7 days
What is Choquequirao
Choquequirao (3,050 m / 10,007 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
Hanan Temple Area
North of the main plaza, Hanan (“upper” in Quechua) gathers temples, rooms, canals, and a stepped waterfall. It splits into two sectors with corridors, terraces, and continuous buildings, great for seeing how ritual and daily life were organized.
Qolqas (Storehouses)
These large storehouses ensured food supply. Southeast of Hanan Temple, two areas sit on platforms with multiple structures and corridors. Some have two floors and built-in ventilation shafts that helped preserve crops and supplies.
Main Plaza Sector
At the heart of the city, the Main Plaza comprises nine buildings. Highlights include two-story Kallankas used as residences, the Sunturwasi, and the Main Temple. Four terraces frame a sacred enclave known as Haucaypata, the ceremonial plaza.
Gateways (Portadas)
South of the main plaza stand four double-jamb trapezoidal gateways. Archaeologists call this space a “Monument Dedicated to the Ancestors,” likely a sacred enclosure where malkis, mummified nobles,were kept during religious ceremonies.
Ushno
On a hill south of the plaza, the Ushno is a ceremonial platform with a 147-meter enclosing wall and three horseshoe-shaped terraces. It hosted rituals, offerings, and libations, and served as an important spot for astronomical observation, with sweeping canyon views.
House of the Priests
Near the Ushno sits the so-called House of the Priests, split into two areas: one with five retaining walls and another with two large rectangular buildings. It likely served as a preparation space for officiants, with restricted access, and a history you can sense onsite.
Sacred Terraces
Northeast of the plaza, the Sacred Terraces form five sub-sectors arranged in a concave shape toward the southeast and northeast. The longest terrace stretches about 116 meters, an impressive example of Inca engineering and landscape control.
Llama Terraces
In the north sector, the Llama Terraces, found in 2002, rise in sixteen steep levels inlaid with white limestone figures of camelids, humans, and geometric motifs. The staircase is very steep, so watch your footing while you admire the stone artwork.
Paraqtepata Terraces
This sector stacks 18 striking terraces vertically on the mountainside, grouped into five irrigated blocks for cultivation. Set on a landslide zone along the right bank of the Ch’unchu Mayu, they’re visible long before you reach the core of Choquequirao.
Phaqchayoq Terraces
Phaqchayoq holds the largest terrace groups at Choquequirao: nine cultivation sectors with a central promontory hosting three buildings. A complex water-channel system irrigated the terraces, showing refined hydraulic design and careful planning.
Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trail 7 Days - FAQs
Do I need a Choquequirao permit?
No Inca-Trail-style permit. You usually register at the control and pay a local entrance fee that your Choquequirao tour operator includes. Always check current rules.
Can I trek the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu route without a guide?
Possible, and some hikers do. Still, many choose a guide/operator for safety, camps, water, and transport logistics.
What’s the highest point on the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu route?
Yanama Pass, at about 4,645 m.a.s.l or 15,240 ft. It’s the route’s main altitude challenge, and the overall trek is longer and tougher than itineraries that visit only Choquequirao.
How crowded is it?
Far fewer visitors than Machu Picchu; the hike-only access keeps numbers low and the experience quiet.
Are there daily quotas like on the Inca Trail?
No strict daily caps as on the Inca Trail; expect a local ticket and registration. Always confirm the latest rules.
Is Choquequirao suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
No. The trail is steep, uneven, and demanding. It isn’t recommended for people with mobility limitations, heart or respiratory conditions, or for anyone who isn’t in good physical condition.
Can I book a “Choquequirao-only” version of the 7-day trip?
Yes, Choquequirao can be done without Machu Picchu (3 Nights–4 days), Choquequirao Trek 4 Days 3 Nights.
Are there food options for vegetarians?
If so, just let us know your dietary restrictions in advance so we can have everything ready for you.
What makes this trek stand out vs. other Cusco routes?
Bigger elevation swings, real remoteness, and major archaeology without the crowds, great if you want a demanding hike plus Andean culture.