Discover the two major Inca cities on this epic 6-day Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu. This challenging trail is lesser known but offers killer views across the staggering pathways of the Apurimac Canyon to reach the "Cradle of Gold" - Choquequirao. Perfect for those who want to level up their knowledge of the Inca Culture.
Throughout the journey, expect to pass several Andean natural wonders, from the roaring Apurimac River to exhuberating flora and fauna. You will camp in secluded locations and finish with a visit to the stunning World Wonder of Machu Picchu.
Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 6 Days: Face Diverse Climates
The Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu is a 6-day hiking tour in Peru that takes you from the remote Incan ruins of Choquequirao to the iconic Machu Picchu. Choquequirao, which means "cradle of gold" in Quechua, is a lesser-known Incan site located high in the Andes Mountains, and the trek to reach it is challenging but rewarding.
Tour Highlights:
- Explore the remote Inca citadel of Choquequirao.
- Be wowed by the stunning views of the Andes Mountains and the Apurimac Canyon.
- Connect to Machu Picchu on a scenic train ride across the Sacred Valley.
- Participate in the preparation of a Pachamanca Barbecue.
- Book with Confidence and Flexibility
Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu at a Glance
Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Chikiska
The pick-up will be around 4.30 am from Cusco, and we will drive for 4 hours to Capuliyoc (2950 m - 9678 ft), where we will enjoy our first picnic breakfast and begin a 4-hour hike into the Aprumimac Canyon, which is mainly downhill. Chikiska, at an elevation of 1950 m (6398 ft), is where we set up camp for the night.
Day 2: Chikiska – La Playa Rosalina – Marampata
Our trekking team will wake you up early morning with a steaming cup of coffee or coca tea, and you will begin packing for the day. After breakfast, set off on the 6-hour hike to Marampata camp (2940 m - 9646 ft).
Day 3: Discover Choquequirao - Marampata
We will start the day with a hearty breakfast and hike for 2 hours to the magnificent Choquequirao, where you will explore some of the most impressive sights and hear fascinating tales about the Incas in a full-day tour.
Day 4: Marampata – Playa – Coca Masana
After the breathtaking views, you'll have to hike for 4 hours to Playa Rosalina and then another 2 hours up to our Coca-Masana campsite (2,330 m - 7545 ft).
Day 5: Coca Masana – Capuliyoc – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Start the last day with a 4-hour uphill hike to Capuliyoc pass in time for lunch. After lunch, you will drive for 4 hours to Ollantaytambo, where we will board the expedition Train to Aguas Calientes and spend the night in a hotel.
Day 6: Explore Machu Picchu - Return to Cusco
After an early breakfast, we will board the first bus to Machu Picchu and explore the best of the ancient citadel. After the guided tour, you can hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain and board the afternoon Vistadome Panoramic Train to return.
Included:
- Safety briefing the day before the tour
- Pick up and drop off from the hotel
- All transportation for 6 days
- Professional, English-speaking tour guide
- Camping equipment
- Dining and kitchen equipment
- All meals during the trek
- Snacks
- Drinkable water during the trek
- Entrance fee to Choquequirao
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
- Train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- Vistadome Panoramic train to return
- 4 nights camping
- 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Bus tickets to and from Machu Picchu
Not included:
- Flights to and from Cusco
- Accommodation in Cusco before and after the trek
- Travel Insurance
- Tip for guides, cooks, and porters
- Personal expenses, such as souvenirs and snacks
- Last day lunch in Aguas Calientes
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Chikiska
We will start the tour in Cusco city, where you'll be picked up from your hotel at 4:30 am and travel to the small town of Capuliyoc. The drive takes around 4 hours, passing through small villages and offering stunning views of the Andes Mountains. Once you arrive in Capuliyoc, you will meet your trekking team, have breakfast, and start the hike to Chikiska Campsite.
The trail is mostly downhill, descending from Capuliyoc at an altitude of 2950 m (9678 ft) to Chikiska at 1950 m (6398 ft). The hike takes around 4 hours and covers a distance of approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).
Along the way, you'll pass through a canyon and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The campsite at Chikiska is located in a lush valley and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Upon arriving at the campsite, you'll have time to relax and enjoy dinner before settling in for the night in your tent. The first day of the trek is a challenging but rewarding start to the journey, offering a taste of the stunning scenery and wildlife to come.
Day 2: Chikiska – Santa Rosa – Marampata
We will wake up in your tent with a hot cup of coffee or coca tea, start packing and have an early morning breakfast at the campsite. From there, you'll start the trek to Santa Rosa, a small village located at an altitude of 2,300 m (7,500 ft). The second part of Santa Rosa is mostly uphill, passing through lush vegetation and offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Along the way, you'll also have the chance to see a range of birdlife, including the Andean condor.
Once you reach Santa Rosa, you'll take a break for lunch before continuing on to Marampata, which is located at an altitude of 2940 m (9646 ft). The trail to Marampata takes around 3-4 hours. Along the way, you'll pass through a cloud forest and enjoy stunning views of the Apurimac River.
Once you arrive in Marampata, you'll set up camp and enjoy dinner before settling in for the night in your tent. The campsite at Marampata offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Day 3: Marampata – Explore Choquequirao – Marampata
The highlight of day 3 is exploring the remote Inca Citadel of Choquequirao. After breakfast, you'll start the hike up and down to the ruins, which are located at an altitude of 3,050 m (10,006 ft). The trail to Choquequirao takes around 2-3 hours and covers a distance of approximately 3 kilometers (1.8 miles). The trek is challenging but rewarding, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Once you arrive at Choquequirao, you'll have the chance to explore the ruins and learn about Incan history and culture. The site covers an area of approximately 1,800 hectares (4,500 acres) and is thought to have been a religious and administrative center during the Incan empire.
The ruins at Choquequirao are well-preserved and offer a glimpse into the incredible engineering feats of the Incas. You'll have the chance to see the Main Plaza, the Temple of the Sun, and the House of the Waterfalls, among other structures. You'll also have the chance to learn about the Incan farming practices and irrigation systems that allowed them to survive in such a remote location.
After exploring the ruins, you'll hike back down to Marampata, where you'll have dinner and spend the night in your tent. The day spent exploring Choquequirao is often the highlight of the trek, offering a chance to see one of the most impressive Incan ruins in a remote and stunning location.
Day 4: Marampata – La Playa – Coca Masana
After breakfast, you will hike from Marampata to Coca Masana by the small town of La Playa. The day starts with an early breakfast at the campsite in Marampata before starting the descent towards the Apurimac River. The trail descends through a cloud forest, passing through small villages and offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. After around 3 hours of hiking, you'll reach the town of La Playa, where you'll take a break for lunch.
After lunch, you'll continue the hike towards Coca Masana, passing through small villages and enjoying more stunning views of the Andes Mountains. The trail to Coca-Masana takes around 2 hours with beautiful views.
Upon arriving in Coca Masana, you'll set up camp and have dinner. The campsite is located near the Apurimac River and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Day 5: Coca Masana – Capuliyoc – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
The day starts with an early breakfast at the campsite in Coca Masana before starting the ascent back up to Capuliyoc, which is located at an altitude of 2950 m (9678 ft). The trail to Capuliyoc takes around 3 hours, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys along the way. Once you reach Capuliyoc, you'll stop for a special Pachamanca barbecue lunch break before traveling by car for 4 hours to Ollantaytambo, a small town in the Sacred Valley.
From Ollantaytambo, you'll take a train to Aguas Calientes, the town located at the base of Machu Picchu. Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, you'll have dinner and settle into your accommodation for the night.
Day 6: Explore Machu Picchu - Return to Cusco
On the final day of the tour, you will explore the iconic Machu Picchu. The day starts with an early breakfast in Aguas Calientes before taking a bus up to Machu Picchu, which is located at an altitude of 2,430 m (7,970 ft).
Once you arrive at Machu Picchu, you'll have the chance to explore the Iconic Citadel and learn about Incan history and culture. The site was built by the Incas in the 15th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll have the chance to see the Main Plaza, the Temple of the Sun, and the Intihuatana, among other structures.
Your guide will provide you with insights and history about the site and answer any questions you may have. You'll also have time to explore the ruins on your own and soak in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. After exploring Machu Picchu, you'll take a bus back down to Aguas Calientes. You will have lunch before taking the Vistadome Panoramic Train back to Ollantaytambo and a private van back to Cusco. The expected arrival time is around 7.30 pm.
Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu Packing List
For the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu, it is important to pack light and bring only essential items. Additionally, remember to pack warm clothing and rain gear, as the weather in the Andes Mountains can be unpredictable.
Clothing:
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Fleece jacket or sweater
- Hiking pants and shorts
- Long-sleeved shirts
- T-shirts
- Underwear and socks
- Hat and gloves
- Bandana or buff
Footwear:
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Sneakers or sandals for camp
Equipment:
- Backpack (40-50 liters)
- Sleeping bag (-10°C or 14°F rating)
- Sleeping pad or mat
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Water bottles or hydration system
- Trekking poles
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Insect repellent
- Personal toiletries and medication
- Quick-drying towel
Miscellaneous:
- Camera and extra batteries
- Cash and credit cards
- Passport or ID
- Trekking permits and vouchers
- Map and guidebook
- Snacks and energy bars
Price for the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 6 Days
Price per person:
- US$ 890 - Adults
- US$ 850 - Children and students
To book the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek, you need to make an initial payment of US$ 200 per person; the remaining balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco with any card and without booking fees.
Student Discount:
- 40$ off per person
All travelers under 17 have a $40 discount. If you are 25 years old or under when traveling, you can get the discount with your Student ID. Please send us an email to receive a code for the discount.
Valid Student ID for Machu Picchu
To get the student discount, travelers should have a Valid ID with the following:
- 25 years or less. Older than 25 can not enter as a student
- The ID must have the Name of the university, name, and photo of the student
- The ID must have a valid expiration date
Invalid Student IDs
Student IDs are not eligible for a discount when:
- Traveler is older than 25
- Expired ID
- Student ID without expiration date
- ISIC cards are not valid.
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Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu - Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu?
The Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu is a 6-day trek, covering a hiking distance of approximately 55 kilometers (34 miles).
How do I get to the start of the Choquequirao Trek?
The start of the Choquequirao Trek is in the town of Capuliyoc, which is located approximately 4 hours from Cusco by car. Most tour operators will arrange transportation from Cusco to the start of the trek.
How much does the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu cost?
The cost of the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu varies depending on the tour operator you choose and the level of service you require. Prices typically range from $800 to $1000 USD per person.
Do I need a permit to do the Choquequirao or Machu Picchu?
Yes, you need a permit to visit Machu Picchu. The entrance ticket to Choquequirao can be purchased when visiting the site.
How many people are in a group for the Choquequirao Trek?
The size of the group for the Choquequirao varies depending on the season. We usually have small group tours of around 4 to 6 people; on other dates, we may have larger group tours of up to 16 people.
Is altitude sickness a concern on the Choquequirao Trek?
Due to the high altitude, altitude sickness can be a concern on the Choquequirao Trek. To acclimate to the altitude, it is recommended that you spend at least 2-3 days in Cusco before starting the trek.
Are porters available for the Choquequirao?
Yes, porters are included. Porters will carry your equipment and supplies, allowing you to hike with a lighter backpack.
What is the weather like on the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu?
The weather on the Choquequirao Trek can be unpredictable, with cold temperatures and rain possible year-round. The best time to do the trek is during the dry season, from April to October.
Is the Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu difficult?
Yes, the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu is considered a challenging trek due to its high altitude and steep terrain. It's recommended to have a good level of fitness and be prepared for long days of hiking.