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first we visit the ruins of Choquequirao - awesome in design and also location, perched high on a spur above the Apurimac canyon. From here we venture into what is seriously little visited territory, descending to the Rio Blanco and then on up to the Inca ruins at the Victoria mines. The Inca stonework in this area is quite impressive. We continue to the isolated village of Yanama, from where the climb to spectacular 4850 metre/15900 feetYanama pass starts. After this pass you will join up with the Salkantay route which is considerably more touristed than the paths you have been trekking. We continue descending to the high jungle and arrive on the eighth night in Aguas Calientes. The entire ninth day is spent exploring Machu Picchu. The Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek is absolutely unforgetable and must do for those who like a challenge! Apus Peru are a travel agency that specialise in this trek.

Choquequiro to Machu Picchu trek - at a glance

Contactnos para la version castellano

highlight: visiting the mystical ruins of Choquequirao and enigmatic Machu Picchu. do this trip and make the comparison yourself.

location: departs from cachora (4 hours from cusco, peru) returns from aguas calientes

duration:9 days/8 nights (can be done in 8 days/7 nights for the very fit or people who like to hike for longer times during the day)

level: Difficult - the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek is a a challenging but rewarding 9 day hike.

adventure rating: this is a very adventurous and challenging hike!

departs: any day with two people. We offer affordably priced tours for 2 people so that you can depart any day. To join a group tour or form your own tour, please see Trekkers Wanted. Maximum group size 10.

combos: can be combined with our 'trek extensions' that include Lima and Cusco accomodation and transfers.

map: choquequirao to huancacalle region

Full itinerary

What's included/What should I bring

Lowest price: $495 - see price list below

Testimonials - what people who have done the trip say!

Reservations - to make a booking or enquire about availability, please read our making a booking page and then email us for reservation forms!

Full itinerary Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek

All kilometres and altitude gains & loss cited are approximate and considered a guide only.

Day 1: We depart Cusco at 7am in a private car for a 4 hour drive to the charming village of Cachora, situated on the edge of the Apurimac canyon and surrounded by impressive snowcapped peaks. After lunch, it is a 2 hour hike to Capuliyoc (2915 metres/ 9561 feet) from where we have our first beautiful views of the Apurimac valley stretching below as well as the snow-capped peaks of Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora. Our total hiking time today is about five hours. Accommodation: Camping at Chiccisqa 1950 m

16 km descending 1200m in altitude - cachora to chikisca

Day 2: Departing early, we descend to the magnificent Apurimac River (1550 metres/ 5084 feet) before beginning our climb to Santa Rosa and then onto Maranpata where we will have lunch. The climb from the river takes about 4 hours and is tough. From our lunch spot we can see the ruins of Choquequirao, from here we have two hours more hike to the ruins. (3110 metres/ 10120 feet) We will spend the late evening in the ruins, where we will watch the sunset and have the chance to see condors. Accommodation: Camping at Choquequirao campsite 3033m

13 km ascending 1600 m in altitude -Chikisca to Choquequirao

Day 3: We have a chance to more fully explore the ruins and have a little rest in the morning. In the afternoon we will climbing over a ridge hike to the ruins Pinchinuyoc, where we will camp the night. This is definately the easiest day of the trip! Accommodation: Camping at Pinchinuyoc about 3000m/ or depending on the group at Rio Blanco, a further 1.5 to 2 hours descent.

10 km descending 1450 m in altitude – Choquequirao to Rio Blanco

Day 4: After 2 hours of walking, we will arrive at the canyon of the Rio Blanco (1990 metres/6527 feet) where will have a rest before starting a difficult climb to our campsite of Maizal. The climb is 3- 4 hours. Accommodation: Camping at Maizal 3000m

8km ascend 2000 m in altitude – Rio Blanco to Mina Victoria

Day 5 : We depart at 7am, and walk uphill for about 3 hours through semi-jungle, to the Victoria Mines. We visit the ancient mines and some Inca Ruins before climbing an hour more to the pass of Abra Victoria. (4130 metres/ 13 546 feet). The newly discovered Coryhuayrachina ruins are between Yanama and Maizal and we do follow well constructed inca steps at an area that we call "Mina Victoria" (we started calling it this because that's what the muleeteers called it)

the newly discovered ruins of Coryhuarachina are nearby
http://www.adventurespecialists.org/victoria_report.html
There are spectacular views from the pass as we descend to the charming village of Yanama. (about 2 hours walk). Accommodation: Camping at Yanama 4100m

12km 500m descend and ascend 600m in altitude - Mina victoria to Yanama

Day 6: A day of mountain peaks. In this day we walk for seven hours, preferably rising early to appreciate the chain of snowpeaks that we can see from here. We lightly ascend to the second pass which is the highest of our trek at 4850 metres/ 15908 feet. After the pass we descend for three hours to the Valley of Totora, where will spend the night. Accommodation: Camping at Totora about 3900m

18km 700 m ascend and descend 1900m in altitude - Yanama to Colpapampa

Day 7: A day of botany. Today we also walk for seven hours, but the whole day is descending and we can easily notice the changing scenery and different varieties of plants typical of the high jungle - known in Spanish as the "eyebrow of the jungle". Accommodation: Camping at La Playa 2125m

Please note that from Day 7 onwards, you will be joining the more touristed Salkantay trek. If you are a "purist" who prefers solo hiking experiences please consider that you will be joining the heavily touristed Salkantay trek but if you want to take the Choquequirao - Machu Picchu route you have to join the Salkantay trek at some point. Otherwise you might like to consider the Last Bastion of the Incas trek which is rarely done but does not end at Machu Picchu. OR you could do Last Bastion of the Incas and then do a Machu Picchu extension. Ultimately, as you get closer to Machu picchu there are going to be more tourists.

16 km 800 m descend in altitude Colpapamap to La playa (or Lucumabamba)

Day 8: A day of exploration. Today's walk is about 7 and a half hours as we walk from La Playa to the interesting ruins of Llactapata, from where we have our first tantalising glimpse of Machu Picchu across from us on a ridge. We have three hours of climbing, two hours of descent and 2.5 hours of relatively flat walking as we follow the train tracks into the village of Aguas Calientes. A soak in the thermal baths here are often the perfect respite for aching muscles!!! Accommodation: Hostel in Aguas Calientes

14 km - Santa Theresa to Aguas Calientes (if the group takes the option to go via Llactapata/Patallacta its 10km extra)

Day 9: Cultural day. We have a guided visit of the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu and can appreciate the sunrise from the Inti Punku (the sun gate.) (weather permitting. We return to Cusco in the afternoon by the backpacker train (leaves either at 2.30pm or 6pm) and are met by a driver at Ollantaytambo who will transfer you directly back to your hotel. You will arrive approximately 4 hours after your train's departure from Aguas Calientes. .

Itinerary Notes

• The times cited in this itinerary are approximate. Walking times depend on the group and the guide can change lunch spots and campsites, depending on the progress of the group. Each guide has their own preferred route and it might not correspond exactly to the route described here.
• This is an adventurous trip. You should be sure to bring an open mind, flexibility and a sense of humor. Most of all you should be prepared to go with the flow.
• If required, riding horses or horses to carry luggage can be arranged at a reasonable daily rate.
• An extra night in Aguas Calientes can easily be arranged. We can change the date of your train ticket to the following day. Hotels costs and costs associated with returning to Machu Picchu the following day are additional to trek costs. Please also note that your entry ticket to Machu Picchu is valid for one day only, if you wish to visit the ruins on a second consecutive day you will need to purchase the ticket again, valued at approx $40 US.
  
• The Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek is an adventurous trek, crossing several high passes and the Rio Blanco which does not have a substantial bridge and can be dangerous to cross in periods of heavy rain. We do not recommend this trek during December, January, February, and March but this recommendation depends on the current weather conditions.
• A reasonable level of fitness is required for this hike in a 8 day/ 7 night itinerary. If you would like to do this tour but feel that you need more time, a longer tour is recommended
• This region is not frequently visited by tourists, therefore tourist infrastructure is limited. This tour incorporates public transport, and use of local facilities. Visitors should be aware that things change, or may not go to plan. This is all part of the adventure!

  What's included?

  For complete facts about many aspects of Apus Peru tours, check out our FAQs page!

  • Pre Trek Briefing
  • Collection from your hotel in the morning of trek departure.
  • Transport from Cusco to the trailhead at the beginning of the trek.
  • English/Quechua/Spanish speaking professional guide (you will have an assistant guide for groups over 6 people).
  • Entry fees: Choquequirao and Machu Picchu.
  • Tents - 2 people in a 4 person tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks. All tents were purchased in 07/08.
  • Basic foam mattress. If you require greater comfort during the trek we can hire you an inflatable mattress (eg. Thermarest) for $5 per day.
  • Cook and Cooking equipment (Assistants are provided for larger groups)
  • Toilet tent
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food). Our professional cooks prepare meals that incorporate elements of the western diet and also traditional Peruvian delicacies. (Please communicate with your guide/cook during the trek if you have a preference for certain types of dishes). Salads, if served, are washed in boiled water.
  • Horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen. They carry camping equipment, food and kitchen utensils. We provide duffel bags at your briefing for your personal items (up to 5 kg per person). If you wish to take more, you can hire an extra mule at a cost of $8 per day.
  • 1 emergency horse which can be ridden if you are feeling ill or if are a little slower
  • Dining tent with camp tables and chairs & Kitchen tent for the cook to prepare meals
  • Tents for our staff to sleep in, sleeping bags & mattresses plus a budget for their meals.
  • First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle - but not blister treatments as known in western countries.
  • Bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
  • Train ticket (Backpacker service) Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
  • 1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes in one star hotel. This will be a nice, clean and safe hostel with breakfast included and private bathroom. If you wish to upgrade from this hotel, please check out the options listed on our Aguas Calientes accommodation page.
  • Train from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes (valued at $8)
  • Bus up and down to Machu Picchu (valued at $14 US)
  • Celebratory dinner in Aguas Calientes village
  • Box lunch final day in Machu Picchu

  What is not included?
  

  • Breakfast on the first morning.
  • Entrance to the thermal springs
  • Sleeping bags (can be hired from us for US$5 per day) If you haven't got a sleeping bag or you don't want the hassle of bringing one all the way to Peru with you, then we have sleeping bags for hire.
  • Tips for the guide, cook and porters
  • Additional horses for passengers luggage. If there are any substantial items or backpacks, passengers will need to hire an additional mule at a cost of $8US per day.
  • You should bring:
    
  • A light day pack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek - prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature
  • Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho. Plastic ponchos can be bought for about $1 in Cusco.
  • Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended. Extra socks are a must.
  • Sandals or plastic slip on thongs are also good to give your feet a chance to breath in the evenings if you wish to carry them.
  • Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf and beanie/touk. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
  • Sleeping bag (we can hire these to you)
  • Torch/ Flashlight and spare batteries
  • Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
  • Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
  • Sun block
  • After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
  • Insect repellent - minimum recommended 20% DEET - although no malaria risk has been reported
  • Toilet paper, pack in & pack out
  • Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
  • Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
    We advise you to bring water sterilizing tablets in case you collect water from streams.
  • Your own medical kit with any special medications that you might require, paracetamol etc.
  • Small towel or sarong
  • Bathers/swimsuit (if you intend on swimming in hot springs)
  • Cash - sufficient for your final lunch in Aguas Calientes, tips and souvenirs.
  • Original passport & ISIC card (if you have one).
  • Walking sticks or poles (we can hire these to you. Please note poles with metal tips cannot be carried into Machu Picchu and should be left at your hotel on the final day)
  • Binoculars (if you have them)
    

  optional extras We can hire the following.

  • Sleeping Bag suitable for -5deg. ($4.00 per day)
  • Deluxe Sleeping Bag suitable for -10deg. ($6.00 per day)
  • Walking stick lightweight aluminum ($1.00 per day)
  • Inflatable mattress (eg. Thermarest) ($5.00 per day)
  • Two sticks are recommended for tough hikes.
  • Mule - $9.00 per day Most people carry their own day pack with up to 5-10kg of their things - a change of clothes and wet weather gear etc. However, if you think that you will have much luggage and you want a very light day pack (eg. just camera and water) then its advisable that you hire an extra mule .
  • Single supplement for tent - prices for these treks are calculated on a share basis. If you would like a tent to yourself you need to pay a single supplement - $25 for the whole trek.

• Want to join with others to reduce price? TREKKERS WANTED

prices 2009 Choquequirao to Machu Picchu 9 day trek - if you are interested in the 8 day trek - please contact us directly for prices!

ALL NEW : scans of recent trip reports. Click on the link to view the pdf. After you have viewed it, click on back to return to this page

may 26 report 1/ report 2/ report 3/ report 4/ report 5/ report 6

may 19 report 1/ report 2 may 4 report 1/ report 2/ report 3.

march 17 09 report 1/march 17 09 report 2/march 17 09 report 3/march 17 09 report 4/

September 1st 08 report 1/ September 1st 08 report 2/ September 1st 08 report 3/

June 29th report 1/ June 29th report 2/ June 29th report 3/ July 8th report 1/ July 8th report 2 /

How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 9

How would you rate your guide? (Willy) 10 Very informative & knowledgable, really nice guy, accomodating, good laugh.

How were your meals? 9

What did you think of the route? Challenging route - great views. Liked the fact that not many people were doing it.

What was the highlight of your trip? Day 6 in Yanama up to the highest point and the campsite up in the mountains. Meeting local people.

Andy, UK, January 2008 Email: andy_mcann21@yahoo.co.uk

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How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 8

How would you rate your guide? (Felix) 9 Felix's English is a little hard to understand. He was very considerate, knowledgeable and well organised!

Did trip meet your expectations/was the trip well described on the website? No. The last couple of days were too easy and too urban.

What did you think of the route? First few days before Santa Theresa were great.

What was the highlight of your trip? The high passes

Any other comments? Mule driver and cook worked very hard and cook had excellent sanitary practices

Jim, USA, October 2007

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How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 9

How would you rate your guide? (Felix) 9 Felix was excellent. He was very flexible with our changes in plans. He explained what we were seeing well.

Did trip meet your expectations/was the trip well described on the website? We changed the basic trip. Could have eliminated one day at the end.

What did you think of the route? I most enjoyed the beginning of the trek were there were fewer people on the trail. Once on the Santa Theresa, there were too many other trekkers.

What was the highlight of your trip? First four days.

Steven, USA, October 2007

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How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 10

How would you rate your guide? (Felix) 10 This was the most amazing experience of my life. I chose Apus Peru because the website conveyed a philosophy of tourism that was both genuine and unique, and the trek was both of those things, largely in part to Felix's guidance, knowledge and demeanor. There were so many beautiful moments out in the mountains, I felt that our trek was truly unique and meaningful, not just a routine for the Apus Peru staff, all of whom were wonderful.

Did trip meet your expectations/was the trip well described on the website?
Yes, I felt that the description on the website was a good representation of what we did, although the changes were welcome and really spoke to the particular nature of this trek and of our group.

What did you think of the route?
Life-changing, spectacular, so varied: we must have passed through tens of different microenvironments and climates, every day was such a rewarding challenge, both physically and emotionally. I feel so lucky to have taken this trip, to have had such a wonderful team guide us through the Andes with such graciousness and welcome.

What was the highlight of your trip?
Day 4, climbing from the Rio Blanco campsite up through the Cloud Forest and Victoria mines to our coldest and highest campsite. This day was very challenging; there may have been a personal epiphany reached on this day. The following morning Felix guided us to a lookout point that provided phenomenal views of the Nevado Sacsarayoc.

Any other comments?
I'm missing the mountains and Cusco, so wonderful this experience has been. Victoriano was a wonderful cook and a great dancer and gracious soul. Wilson kept everyone in good spirits and brought a youthful hilarity wherever he went. For example, when approaching the Camino Llactapacta the morning after partying late into the night at La Playa, Wilson says, "Okay cuchihuatos, enjoy the suffering!" Wilson gave each of us Quechua names and stumped us with his riddles. But most of all, Felix really made the trek as amazing as it was.
He always had the group in mind, included us in Andean traditions, and made such an open atmosphere of friendship such that one couldn't help but catch his enthusiasm, listen intently to his many lessons, and try to relate on some level to what is meant by the apus.

Sharon Wu, Great Ruins and Real Adventure, August 2007

To see Sharon's photos go to this page

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How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 10

How would you rate your guide? (Felix) 10

Couldn´t have wished for a better guide, knowledgeable, approachable and great fun. The trek was amazing and the cooks were both talented and top blokes. The addition of Wilson was an added bonus, a great guy.

Did trip meet your expectations/was the trip well described on the website?

Yes And more.

How were your meals? 9

Route name Choquequirao to Machu Picchu What did you think of the route?

Words fail me for many parts of the route. The section between Choquequirao and the Salkantay where we had the route almost to ourselves´´ was aparticular highlight, but too many other parts stand out to mention them all.

What was the highlight of your trip?

Several, the breathtaking scenery, the amazing route and a group of people (guides, cooks and trekkers) who couldn´t have been more fun to trek with.

Kevin Dixon, UK, Great Ruins and Real Adventure, August 2007

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Route Choquequirao - Machu Picchu (Great Ruins Real Adventure)

  How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 10

How would you rate your guide? 10

It was the best trip of my life.

How were your meals? 10

What did you think of the route? Tough trek, excellent guide - Miguel!!!

What was the highlight of your trip? Machu Picchu

Any other comments : Best service ever!

Andrei Komarov, PhD Biology, Biochemistry, USA

To see Andrei´s pictures go to his photo collection

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Route Choquequirao - Machu Picchu (Great Ruins Real Adventure)

How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 9

How would you rate your guide ? (Miguel) 9

The trip was well organized and everything worked well.

How were your meals? (Cook Victoriano) 9

What did you think of the route?It is not as popular like the classic inca trek and not as crowded and still really interesting and different.

What was the highlight of your trip? Yanama Pass

Anna Sablina, USA, PhD Vireology, 23/8/07

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Route Choquequirao - Machu Picchu (Great Ruins Real Adventure)

  How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 8

How would you rate your guide? 9 Miguel was very knowledgable, always friendly and solved all problems on the fly.

  How were your meals? 9

What did you think of the route? Just the right level if difficulty for a group with a 2 year old.

What was the highlight of your trip? Yanama Pass, beautiful weather, amazing views

Aleksey G. Kovalyov, USA, software engineer, 23/8/07

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How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 10

How would you rate your guide? 9

How were your meals? 8

What did you think of the route? Excellent

What was the highlight of your trip? Macchu Picchu, Abra Apucheta pass, Valerio making us Cuy!

Extra comments: Everything was great. We loved the flexibility of being able to start when we wanted and not have a rigid itinerary. Felix was a very good guide and made sure everything was taken care of. He knew how to get things done and he did a nice job teaching us about the flora and area. We also thought Valerio was awesome (positive attitude and VERY hard worker). The food was very good, especially for camp food, although a bit too much oil/fatty ingredients. Thank you!

Karen, USA, Great Ruins and Real Adventure June 2007 To see Karen´s pictures go to Shutterfly

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Route name Great Ruins and Adventure

How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 9

How would you rate your guide? 8 Felix did a great job in leading us He was very knowledgable about the trek, history, fauna, etc. He did an excellent job of dealing with the unexpected (we had an issue with our return train tickets home and he did a great job working out an alternative.) His english was excellent. He worked very well with the cook. I would recommend him as a guide and/or request him for a future trip.

Did trip meet your expectations/was the trip well described on the website?

Route was more challenging that I expected. I would classify it as "difficult"

How were your meals? 9 Our cook, Valario was EXCELLENT. He had such a great attitude and was always smiling. The food was always well prepared and there was a wonderful variety. The freshly made soup each day for lunch and dinner blew me away. The food definitely exceed my expectations.

What did you think of the route? I loved the route. I enjoyed getting away from the crowds. The mountains were beautiful and it was physically challenging.

What was the highlight of your trip? There were several highlights. When we crossed the highest pass, after the difficulty of that climb and saw that amazing vista. It was just an incredible feeling. The amazing night sky with so many stars. Seeing Choquequirao - no crowds!! Machu Picchu in the morning (before the crowds) was simply unbelievable as pictures do not do it justice. Meeting local people along the way. Including the children in the village of Yanama .

Any other comments? Everything was well planned. The equipment, the food, the route.

Lisa, USA, Great Ruins and Real Adventure June 2007

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How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 9
How would you rate your guide? 9
Did trip meet your expectations/was the trip well described on the website? yes
How were your meals? 7
Route name Choquequiraio to Macchu Picchu
What did you think of the route? One of the hardest and one of the nost enjoyable treks that I have done

What was the highlight of your trip? Seeing the ruins of Choquequirao and climbing over 2000m in a single day

Any other comments? Felix was an excellent guide and we appreciated his knowledge of the history, botany and geography of the region.

David & Pennie Briese, Great Ruins & Real Adventure, June 2007

David has a very detailed and interesting website of his travels - for beautiful photos and a good description of the hike please visit his website.

APUS PERU Adventure Travel Specialists - we support sustainable, responsible and ethical tourism...

366 Cuichipunco, Centro Historico, Cusco, Peru- Email: apusperu@westnet.com.au

© A.Svenson 2005. The design, content and photographs (except where noted) are 100% original. The majority of our treks were designed by Apus Peru.