This is the most remote Choquequirao to Machu Picchu route we offer. Unlike the 6-day version, which connects Choquequirao and Machu Picchu with a faster trek-and-train route, this 7-day expedition continues deeper through Pinchiunuyoc, Rio Blanco, Maizal, San Juan Pass, Yanama, Lucmabamba, and Llactapata.

Choose this route if you want the full expedition feeling: more remote camps, bigger landscape changes, fewer people, stronger hiking days, and a deeper connection with the Andes before reaching Machu Picchu.

If you want a shorter and more comfortable connection, consider the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 6 Days. If you want Choquequirao only, consider the Choquequirao Trek 5 Days.

Choquequirao is a remote Inca archaeological site located high above the Apurimac Canyon. Its name is often translated as “Cradle of Gold,” and it is known for its terraces, plazas, ceremonial areas, mountain views, and strong connection with the final period of the Inca world.

Unlike Machu Picchu, Choquequirao can only be reached by a multi-day hike. That effort is part of what makes the experience so powerful: fewer crowds, remote trails, and a true feeling of discovery. For more background before your trip, read our Choquequirao, The Golden Cradle of the Incas.

This route starts at Capuliyoc, descends into the Apurimac Canyon, climbs toward Marampata and Choquequirao, then continues behind the archaeological site toward Pinchiunuyoc and Rio Blanco. From there, the trail climbs to Maizal, crosses San Juan Pass, descends to Yanama, and continues by vehicle to Lucmabamba.

The final trekking section passes through coffee farms and cloud forest to Llactapata, one of the best viewpoints toward Machu Picchu. After that, you continue to Aguas Calientes and visit Machu Picchu the next day.

This is not a technical climb, but it is a serious remote trek. You need good fitness, strong legs, and a positive mindset for long descents, long climbs, heat in the canyon, cold nights, high passes, and changing trail conditions.

This route moves through major elevation changes. You will descend into warm valleys near the Apurimac Canyon, climb to Choquequirao at around 3,050 m / 10,006 ft, and later cross San Juan Pass at approximately 4,210 m / 13,812 ft.

We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek. During your first days, keep activities light, drink water, avoid excess alcohol, and rest well. A gentle Cusco City Tour or Sacred Valley VIP Tour can help you acclimatize before the expedition.

For general health guidance, review the official CDC Travel to High Altitudes information.

The best months for this expedition are usually during the dry season, from May to September, when trail conditions are more stable and mountain views are often clearer. April and October can also be good transition months.

The rainy season, from November to March, brings greener landscapes but also wetter trails, more mud, and more unpredictable conditions. Because this route crosses canyon, highlands, high passes, cloud forest, and Machu Picchu environments, you should pack for strong sun, cold nights, wind, rain, insects, and heat.

Your entrance ticket to the Choquequirao archaeological site is included in this tour. During the visit, your guide will explain the official rules and help you explore the site responsibly.

Choquequirao is a protected archaeological park. Visitors must respect the site, avoid climbing on walls, avoid entering restricted areas, and never camp inside restricted archaeological zones. Drones require official authorization.

For official information, visit the Choquequirao Archaeological Park page from Cultura Cusco.

Your Machu Picchu entrance ticket is included in this tour. Circuit 2 is included by default whenever available because it gives one of the most complete visits to the citadel. If Circuit 2 is sold out for your date, we will secure the best available alternative, usually Circuit 1 or Circuit 3.

Machu Picchu tickets are limited and assigned by date, time, and circuit. For this reason, early booking is strongly recommended, especially during high season. You can read our Machu Picchu Tickets guide or check the official Machu Picchu circuits and routes.

This is a remote expedition, but TreXperience adds comfort where it matters. You will sleep in comfortable tents, eat in a dining setup prepared by the team, and use quality camping equipment throughout the trekking section.

Portable toilets are included during the camping section. A camp shower setup for the group is also included, depending on campsite conditions, water access, and weather. Facilities are still simple because this is a remote route, but these details make the expedition cleaner and more comfortable.

TreXperience provides a duffle bag for up to 10 kg / 22 lb of your personal belongings. Cargo mules carry this bag from camp to camp during the trekking section.

You will only carry your daypack while hiking. This should include water, snacks, rain protection, warm layers, sunscreen, insect repellent, personal medication, and anything you need during the day.

Meals are one of the highlights of the expedition. Our trekking chefs prepare fresh, warm, and varied meals on the trail to keep you energized during long hiking days.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinking water, and snacks are included during the trekking days. Breakfast is included at the hotel in Aguas Calientes. Lunch and dinner on the last day are not included. Vegetarian, vegan, and special dietary options are available with advance notice.

This is a remote route, so you should not expect reliable phone signal, Wi-Fi, or charging points during most trekking days. Bring a fully charged power bank and let family or friends know that you may be offline for much of the expedition.

For safety, TreXperience carries a first-aid kit, oxygen bottle, and satellite phone. Our guides are trained to manage pace, monitor the group, and respond if a traveler feels unwell or needs support.

This trek is best for active travelers with strong fitness and some multi-day hiking experience. You do not need to be an elite athlete, but you should be ready for long days, steep climbs, exposed descents, high altitude, and basic remote conditions.

The best preparation includes regular hiking, stairs, hill training, long walks, and walking with a loaded daypack. Trekking poles are strongly recommended. You can read our guide on how to use trekking poles in the Andes.

Llactapata is one of the most special points of the route because it offers a distant view of Machu Picchu from across the valley. After days of remote trekking, this first view of Machu Picchu feels powerful and emotional.

The hike to Llactapata also passes through coffee farms and cloud forest, making Day 6 very different from the canyon and high-pass sections earlier in the trek.

It is a remote trekking expedition that connects Choquequirao and Machu Picchu through one of the most demanding and beautiful routes in Peru. You hike through the Apurimac Canyon, explore Choquequirao, cross remote mountain areas, visit Llactapata, and finish at Machu Picchu.

This is a challenging trek. The route includes long descents, steep climbs, remote camps, high-altitude sections, warm canyon areas, and long hiking days. It is best for active travelers with good fitness and previous hiking experience.

The reward is huge: fewer crowds, powerful landscapes, major Inca sites, and one of the most complete trekking experiences to Machu Picchu.

The 6-day version is a smarter trek-and-train route. It visits Choquequirao and then connects to Machu Picchu with transportation and train travel.

The 7-day version is more remote and expedition-style. It continues beyond Choquequirao through Pinchiunuyoc, Rio Blanco, Maizal, San Juan Pass, Yanama, Lucmabamba, and Llactapata before reaching Machu Picchu.

You do not need an Inca Trail-style permit for Choquequirao, but you do need an entrance ticket to visit the archaeological site. This ticket is included in your TreXperience tour.

Rules can change, so your guide will explain the current visitor regulations during the trek. For official information, you can check the Choquequirao page from Cultura Cusco.

Yes. Your Machu Picchu entrance ticket is included. Circuit 2 is included by default whenever available because it offers one of the most complete visits.

If Circuit 2 is sold out, we will secure the best available alternative, usually Circuit 1 or Circuit 3. For more details, read our Machu Picchu Tickets guide.

The highest point of this itinerary is San Juan Pass, at approximately 4,210 m / 13,812 ft. This is one of the main altitude challenges of the trek.

Choquequirao sits around 3,050 m / 10,006 ft, while Machu Picchu is lower, at about 2,430 m / 7,972 ft. The real challenge is the combination of altitude, distance, climbs, descents, and changing climates.

Yes. We strongly recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek. This gives your body time to adjust to the altitude and helps you feel stronger during the expedition.

During your first days, drink water, rest well, avoid excess alcohol, and keep activities light. You can also review the official CDC Travel to High Altitudes guidance.

Yes. Portable toilets are included during the camping section of the trek. This is an important comfort feature on such a remote route, where public facilities are basic or unavailable.

Yes. A camp shower setup for the group is included during the trekking section, depending on campsite conditions, water access, and weather.

This is still a remote expedition, so the shower setup is simple, but it adds comfort and helps make the long route feel better managed.

TreXperience provides a duffle bag for up to 10 kg / 22 lb of personal belongings. Cargo mules carry this bag from camp to camp during the trekking section.

You will only carry your daypack with daily essentials such as water, snacks, rain gear, warm layers, sunscreen, insect repellent, camera, and personal medication.

Some experienced trekkers may attempt parts of the Choquequirao route independently, but this full route to Machu Picchu is remote, long, and logistically complex.

We strongly recommend doing it with an experienced local operator for safety, camps, meals, water, transport, route timing, emergency support, and Machu Picchu logistics.

This trek is not recommended for complete beginners. It is better for active travelers with hiking experience, good fitness, and a strong mindset for remote conditions.

If you are new to multi-day trekking, consider a shorter route such as the Choquequirao Trek 5 Days or another alternative trek before choosing this expedition.

The best time is usually from May to September, during the dry season. These months normally offer clearer views and better trail conditions.

April and October can also be good transition months. From November to March, rain is more frequent, trails can be muddy, and some sections may be more difficult.

Fresh meals are prepared by our trekking chefs during the camping section. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and drinking water are included during the trekking days.

Lunch and dinner on the last day are not included. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs can be arranged with advance notice.

Yes. On Day 6, you hike to Llactapata, a special viewpoint where you can see Machu Picchu from across the valley. This is one of the most emotional moments of the expedition.

Phone signal is very limited or unavailable during most of the trekking section. You should not rely on Wi-Fi or charging points in the mountains.

Bring a fully charged power bank. TreXperience carries a satellite phone for emergency support.

Yes, you can add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain if tickets are available. These hikes take place after the guided Machu Picchu tour and must be booked in advance.

You can only hike one of these mountains. Read more about Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain.

TreXperience is a 100% Peruvian local tour operator based in Cusco. We organize premium small-group expeditions with expert local guides, fresh meals, comfortable camping equipment, portable toilets, camp shower setup, cargo support, safe logistics, and responsible travel practices.

This is not just a tour. It is a remote Andean expedition designed with care, experience, safety, and respect for the people and places that make the journey possible.