Choquequirao Adventure to Machu Picchu 8D

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Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Availability : Every Day
Depart: Capuliyoc
Destination: Machu Picchu
Min Age : 10
Max People : 12

About the Choquequirao & Machu Picchu 8 Day Adventure Hike

The 8 day Choquequirao Adventure to Machu Picchu is one of the most challenging and spectacular hikes in the region. Get off the beaten track and witness plunging river gorges, high mountain views, and remote villages.

This is a difficult trek and should only be attempted by those with high levels of fitness and who have spent at least 3 days acclimatizing at high altitude. Read more about Altitude Acclimatization.

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Choquequirao Hiking Adventure – 8 Day Trek to Machu Picchu

Not for the faint hearted! Our 8 day Choquequirao Adventure trek is a fabulous trek for those with the strength and courage for a real adventurous challenge. This challenging version of Choquequirao covers some amazing, little-visited landscapes as you hike to the Cradle of Gold (Choquequirao) and from there to Machu Picchu.

Our unique itinerary follows the same route as the 7 day Choquequirao & Machu Picchu Trek, with an exciting detour on Day 6 via the Qhiswa Pass. This is a physically challenging day chock-full of jaw-dropping scenery and utter isolation. You will not see any other hikers on this part of the route! The adventure is rounded out by a visit to the unbeatable Machu Picchu on the last day.

The Choquequirao 8 Day Adventure to Machu Picchu is one of the most challenging and spectacular hikes in the region, one that really gets you off the beaten track. This trek should only be attempted by those with high levels of fitness and who have spent at least 3 days acclimatizing at high altitude prior to beginning the trek.

If you are deciding between doing the 7-day or 8-day Choquequirao-Machu Picchu treks, Day 6 is the real deal breaker. Have a careful read of the itinerary for this day and make sure it is right for you. If you are unsure, please ask one of our Trek Experts!

8 Day Choquequirao & Machu Picchu Adventure Highlights

  • Retrace the steps of the Incas as you hike towards Machu Picchu from its “sister city” Choquequirao.
  • An exciting detour on Day 6 to the Qhiswa Pass takes you way off the beaten track for an extra physical challenge and jaw-dropping scenery.
  • The perfect trek for those with high levels of fitness looking for a real adventure.
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>> See more photos and information about Choquequirao and Machu Picchu 

Price
Prices are per person in USD, based on group size. We do not have fixed-date group departures. If you do not want to book a private trek, please see our Trekkers Wanted page for a list of open departures within your dates.

2 people

$3199

3 people

$2469

4-6 people

$1899

7+ people

$1595
WHY BOOK WITH US?

High quality personalized experience

Unique, off-the-beaten track routes

Experienced staff

Verified sustainability practices

$20 of every trek donated to Threads of Peru

Important Details About the 8-day Choquequirao Adventure to Machu Picchu Hike

What is Included?

Accommodation

  • Tent: 2 people in a 4-person tent, allowing for greater comfort and backpack storage!
  • Camping pillows
  • Basic foam mattress. If you would like greater comfort during the trek we can rent you an inflatable mattress. See Optional Extras & Upgrades below.
  • Toilet tent
  • 1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes in a Standard Hotel. This will be a nice, clean and safe hotel with breakfast included and private bathroom. You can also upgrade to a higher quality hotel.

Meals

  • Dining tent with camp tables and chairs, and kitchen tent for the cook to prepare meals
  • Cook and cooking equipment, plus assistants for larger groups.
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary. Our professional cooks prepare a combination of traditional Peruvian and Western cuisine. Talk to your Travel Consultant during the booking process if you have certain preferences!  Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available. When served, salads are washed in boiled water.
  • Boiled water to drink on the hike (which you can carry in your own reusable water bottle)
  • Filtered water provided during the drive on the first day
  • Celebratory dinner in Aguas Calientes
  • Lunch on the last day is included in this itinerary.

Transport

  • Collection from your hotel on the morning of your Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu departure
  • Private transport from Cusco to the trailhead and return at the end of the trek (Please note that some private transport on the road is lower quality than in Cusco)
  • Bus up and down between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
  • Train from Hydroelectric station to Aguas Calientes
  • Train (Expedition service) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
  • Private transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

Trekking Team

  • English/Quechua/Spanish speaking professional guide, plus an assistant guide for groups over 8
  • Horses and horsemen, who carry camping equipment, food and kitchen utensils. We provide duffel bags at your briefing for your personal items (up to 10kg/22lbs per person).
  • Tents, sleeping bags and mattresses for our staff to sleep in, plus a budget for their meals

Safety

  • First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
  • 1 emergency horse which can be ridden if you are feeling ill or if you are a little slower

Additional inclusions

  • Pre-trek briefing
  • Entry fee to Machu Picchu & Choquequirao

What is Not Included?

Meals

  • Breakfast on the first morning
  • Dinner on the last night

Equipment

  • Sleeping bags. Available for rent if you don’t have one with you.
  • Additional horses for your personal luggage or to ride

Other

  • Tips for the guide, cook and muleteers
  • Flights to/from Cusco
  • Travel Insurance
  • Entry to Aguas Calientes hot springs.
  • Entry to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.

Optional Extras & Upgrades

We offer you the opportunity to personalize your trek and make your experience more comfortable through our Optional Extras and Upgrades. All options are available during the reservation process; please ask your sales consultant for more information.

Equipment Available for Rent

  • Extra horse to carry luggage exceeding the allowed 10kg (22lbs) per person
  • Extra horse for you to ride, and horseman to lead it
  • Sleeping Bag suitable for -5˚C
  • Deluxe sleeping bag suitable for -15˚C
  • Light-weight aluminum walking stick. Two sticks are recommended for tough hikes.
  • Thermarest inflatable mattress

Service Upgrades

Optional Activities

Important!

  • When calculating the cost of renting equipment, calculate using the length of the entire trip, not just the number of trekking days.
  • Please be careful with rented equipment! You are responsible for the cost of replacement if something is damaged or broken.
  • Any upgrades or trip extensions must be requested at time of booking.

What to Pack

It gets hot in the Apurimac Canyon!
Although there will be plenty of cold nights along the trail, you should also be prepared to de-layer when we climb down towards Apurimac river.

We recommend that you bring the following items with you:

  • A fleece or down jacket is an essential item at this elevation;
  • Hiking trousers with zip off shorts are a good idea, as day time temperatures can be quite warm, yet temperatures plummet as soon as the sun goes down. You can supplement these with leggings or thermals to wear underneath;
  • A rain poncho or waterproof jacket is also important. It can rain or even snow at certain times of the year!;
  • Water-resistant trekking boots are advisable. The trail on this hike can sometimes be muddy and wet, so we also recommend to bring extra socks!;
  • A warm sleeping bag, rated to -15°C (5°F). If you prefer, you can rent one from us;
  • A headlamp or torch;
  • A high factor (SPF) sunscreen, a sun cap and sunglasses. The sun can be really strong, especially in dry season. Sun protection is essential!;
  • A small daypack to carry your necessary items for each day’s hiking.

For our full packing list for treks in the Andes, see What to Bring.

Our blog How to Prepare for a Trek in Peru will also give you some great tips for how to get ready for your trek, before you even leave home.

Available Discounts

  • Students: USD $30 off, in certain circumstances. Please enquire for details about eligibility.
  • Youth 12-17: 5% off. A valid passport must be presented upon booking.
  • Children 5-11 years: 15% off. A valid passport must be presented upon booking.
  • Children 0-4 years: 75% off. A valid passport must be presented upon booking. Children under 4 will not count towards the total number of guests in a group, but will be charged 25% of the per person price based on final group size. For example, a group of 4 adults and one child under 4: adults will be charged the full price per person based on a group size of 4 and the child will be charged 25% of the per person price for a group of 4. Children under 3 will not be considered to occupy a seat on any train or bus, and instead must ride on a parent’s lap. Car seats, cribs and other baby needs may not be included and must be discussed in advance. For more information about travelling with infants and toddlers, please see this blog as well as the Age Requirements section of our Booking Conditions.
  • 5% off the second trek, if you book two treks or two tours. 5% is discounted from the cheaper of the two treks or tours; only one trek is discounted.

Guides & Safety on the Trail

Our whole trekking team is very familiar to the area and know the Choquequirao region like the back of their hand! They are some of the warmest, endearing and wonderful people you are ever likely to meet.

Our guides are all licensed and receive regular training. They share their experience, professionalism, knowledge and enthusiasm with our passengers on every trek.

Get to know our team!

Trekkers Wanted

Want to join a trek? Ready to confirm a departure date of your own, but interested in having others join you? Then Trekkers Wanted is for you! Our innovative Trekkers Wanted system matches people up who are interested in hiking the same trek, bringing costs down and multiplying the fun for everyone!

Read More about Trekkers Wanted, post your trek or search for confirmed departures!

Important Info

  • Each guide has their own preferred route and so the route you trek might not correspond exactly to the route described here.
  • The times cited in this itinerary are approximate. Walking times depend on the group, and the guide may change lunch spots and campsites, depending on the progress of the group.
  • The 8D Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Adventure trek is one of the toughest hikes in the region. It crosses several high passes, as well as the Rio Blanco which does not have a substantial bridge and can be dangerous to cross in periods of heavy rain. This trek should not be attempted by those who do not have some experience in trekking, plus a solid level of fitness!
  • Trek conditions vary according to the season. In the dry season the trail can be dusty; in the wet season it can be slippery and muddy. Apus Peru takes no responsibility for trail conditions, as it is directly related to the weather.
  • We do not recommend this trek during Dec-Mar, inclusive, though this recommendation depends on the actual weather conditions.
  • Please take note that some private transport on the road is lower quality than in Cusco.
  • Please note: this is a true adventure and things may not go exactly according to plan! Keep an open mind and let yourself enjoy the cultural differences you may experience. There is always an opportunity to learn something!

Ready to Book?

  • Does this trek sound like just what you were looking for? If you’re ready to book or just want to find out a bit more information, fill out the Inquiry Form in the top right-hand corner of this page to get the ball rolling. You’ll be connected with one of our amazing sales people who will be able to turn your dream of hiking in the Andes into a reality. For more information on the entire booking process, please see our How To Book page.
  • Travel insurance is a must! World Nomads offers travel insurance for adventure activities.

Choquequirao Adventure to Machu Picchu 8 Day Itinerary

Day 1Cusco – Cachora – Chiquisca – Santa Rosa

      • Total Walking Distance: 12.2 km
      • Total Walking Time: 6-7h
      • Minimum Altitude: 1520m (4,986 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 2970m (9,744 ft)
      • Altitude of camp: 2095m (6,873 ft)
      • Approx. night temperature: 8°C (47°F)

To start off our Choqequirao to Machu Picchu Adventure, we leave Cusco early and begin the drive towards the Apurimac Canyon. After about an hour and a half of driving, we will have a short stop at Tarawasi (2675m / 8776 ft).

Tarawasi gets its name from two Quechua words: tara, a type tree native to the Andes (latin name: caesalpina espinosa), and wasi, which means “house”. So Tarawasi is “the house of the Tara tree”. Tara is a multipurpose tree that produces large bean pods that turn orange when ripe. The seeds inside are used as a natural dye, and also have medicinal purposes.

Tarawasi is a ceremonial centre that dates to Incan times. One of the most striking features of this archaeological site is the presence of an usnu, a ceremonial structure where ritual offerings would be prepared.

Leaving Tarawasi behind, we continue another 3h to Capuliyoc (2970 m / 9744 ft) where we will have our first glimpse of the stunning Apurimac Valley and the snow-capped peaks of Padreyoc and Huayna Cachora.

In Capuliyoc, we meet our muleteers and walk for about 15 minutes until we reach our lunch spot at the Capuliyoc lookout. After lunch, we’ll start a steep 3-4h descent into the Apurimac Canyon, taking in the spectacular views as we go. We pass Chiquisca (1836m / 6023 ft) and after another hour, arrive at the roaring Apurimac River (1520m / 4986 ft).

After crossing the river, we begin the tough, 2h climb up to the Santa Rosa Campsite (2095m / 6873 ft). As the campsite is further along than the most popular camp, it is often quiet and you can soak up the stars in restful tranquility.

This day is flexible and so the route you trek might not correspond exactly to the route described here. Walking times depend on the time of departure and on the nature of the group. The guide may change lunch spots and campsites, depending on the progress of the group.

Please take note that there might be biting insects on the trail, thus repellent will be needed! It can get very hot on the trail (not just in the canyon!), going up to 30-35ºC (86ºF – 95ºF). It can get as hot as 40ºC (104ºF) in the canyon.

Day 2Santa Rosa – Choquequirao Ruins

      • Total Walking Distance: 16 km
      • Total Walking Time: 5-6h
      • Minimum Altitude: 2095m (6,873 ft) /:Maximum Altitude: 3000m (9,843 ft)
      • Altitude of camp: 3000m (9,843 ft_
      • Approx. night temperature: 5°C (41°F)

We start early again today, and head off around 6am towards Marampata. The climb from Santa Rosa to Marampata (2940m / 9646 ft) is a tough, 3h uphill stretch. As we continue on, we’ll soon have our first views of Choquequirao, and then it’s just another 2h until we reach the ruins. This stretch will be a welcome respite, hiking over gently undulating terrain. We’ll have lunch at the Choquequirao campsite (2900m / 9514 ft) before heading to the site itself in the afternoon.

With only about 30% of the site excavated today, Choquequirao remains somewhat shrouded in mystery. The complex consists of an extensive set of terraces, irrigation channels and various religious and administrative buildings extending over 1800 hectares. And all this set against the dramatic background of the Apurimac Canyon!

Spending the afternoon exploring the ruins, we will watch the sunset and keep our fingers crossed for the chance to see condors!

Day 3Choquequirao – Pinchiunuyoc – Rio Blanco

      • Total Walking Distance: 12km
      • Total Walking Time: 6h
      • Minimum Altitude: 1880m (6,167 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 3300m (10,826 ft)
      • Altitude of camp: 1880m (6,167 ft)
      • Approx. night temperature: 15°C (59°F)

Today we have the whole morning to explore the enigmatic Choquequirao site. Although discovered in 1710 and known to several early European explorers, little importance was historically given to Choquequirao. The site was even visited by Hiram Bingham at the same time as he rediscovered Machu Picchu, but nevertheless Choquequirao remained in the shadow of that of Inca Citadel, largely ignored until the Peruvian government began excavations in the 1970s.

After our guided, visit we climb over a ridge for around 1 hour and then descend about 3h to the ruins at Pinchiunuyoc. We will take a short break at these ruins to admire the majestic views, and then we continue descending another 1.5-2h until we reach Rio Blanco (1880m / 6167 ft), our campsite for the night. Make sure you have insect repellent with you – it is a necessity when camping at Rio Blanco!

Day 4Rio Blanco – Maizal – Mina Victoria/Pajonal

      • Total Walking Distance: 13km
      • Total Walking Time: 7-9h
      • Minimum Altitude: 1850m (6,070 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 4000m (13,123 ft)
      • Altitude of camp: 4000m (13,123 ft)
      • Approx. night temperature: -10°C (14°F)

After a good night’s rest and a hearty breakfast, we’re ready to tackle what for many is the hardest section of the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Adventure trek: a difficult, 3-4h zig-zag uphill climb to a cleared agricultural area on the side of the mountain known as Maizal (3000m / 9843 ft).

After our lunch in Maizal, we climb another 4-5h uphill through the cloud forest to the Victoria Mines. We’ll take a short rest here and admire the outcropping of rocks, shining with their rich mineral content. It’s no wonder this was a mine in ancient times!

We continue our trek over the puna, along well-preserved, zig-zagging Inca trails, until we reach our campsite at Pajonal (4000m / 13,123 ft). Here we’ll be treated to incredible views of the journey we’ve just completed, looking back over the amazing Apurimac Valley. Due to the altitude, it will be a cold night!

Although we don’t have time to visit it, it’s interesting to note the newly discovered Coryhuayrachina ruins, located between Maizal and Yanama. Read more about the little-known Inca history of Coryhuayrachina in this great blog by Gary Ziegler!

Day 5Pajonal – Yanama

      • Total Walking Distance: 6km
      • Total Walking Time: 3-4h
      • Minimum Altitude: 3700m (12,139 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 4150 m (13,615 ft)
      • Altitude of camp: 3700m (12,139 ft)
      • Approx. night temperature: -5°C (23°F)

We wake early and climb for an hour to the Victoria Pass, also known as the San Juan Pass (4150 m / 13,615 ft), where we’ll be treated to spectacular views. From here, we descend about 2.5h to the charming village of Yanama (3700m / 12,139 ft). Yanama is one of the villages from where Apus Peru hires muleteers. We will have lunch and spend the night here.

Day 6Yanama - Qhiswa Pass – Lucmabamba

      • Total Walking Distance: 22km
      • Total Walking Time: 9-10h
      • Minimum Altitude: 2100m (6,889 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 4785m (15,698 ft)
      • Altitude of camp: 2100m (6,889 ft)
      • Approx. night temperature: 10°C (50°F)

Today is the day that puts the “adventure” into the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Adventure trek! We will depart at about 5;30 am as we have a very challenging 22km trek ahead of us and a breathtaking – literally! – peak altitude of 4785m (15,698 ft). The way is narrow, the terrain slippery and rocky; this is the makeshift path we’ll be following for about 9-10h total. Our efforts will be rewarded, though, with some of the most spectacular scenery on the route!

Important: You must have the physical strength and endurance to handle this day, as there is no access to bring an emergency horse with us.

The views are stunning with breathtaking glaciers, cloud-enveloped mountains, and a real sense of Andean isolation. We will not see another soul along this section, although we may be fortunate enough to spot a condor, or even a deer, along with plenty of bird-life.

After a long day trekking, a vehicle will meet us at Totora and transfer us to Lucmabamba which is about a 2 hour drive. We will arrive late, and camp for the night at Lucmabamba.

Please note that some private transport on the road is lower quality than in Cusco.

You can also choose to spend the night in a homestay in Lucmabamba. Spend the night with a local coffee-growing family and enjoy a hot shower and a comfortable bed! There is an extra cost for this option. Read more about our homestay options.

Day 7Santa Teresa Activities – Aguas Calientes

Tonnes of great options today for the adventurous! You will pick your option as a group, either at your briefing or on the trail. Note that this will not be a wilderness experience, and you can expect to encounter other people no matter what you do.

OPTIONS

1. Relax & Unwind
This morning, we travel by vehicle to the busy Santa Teresa campsite where you will have some free time and a chance to visit the nearby Colcamayu hot springs. After this, we will travel to the impressive Machu Picchu Hydroelectric Station where we will have lunch and visit another Inca ruin. We will then walk for another 2.5 hours along the train tracks to arrive at the village of Aguas Calientes. Here, enjoy a celebratory dinner with your group before turning in at your Standard Aguas Calientes hotel. Aguas Calientes Hotel Upgrades also available.

2. For the Adventurous 
We leave early and climb for about three hours through the jungle before descending to the interesting, but largely covered ruins of Llactapacta. Don’t let your guide talk you out of this! Yes, it’s a three hour climb, but it is also a very interesting introduction to Machu Picchu!

Originally discovered by Hiram Bingham at the same time that he re-discovered Machu Picchu, modern day explorers Vincent Lee and Gary Ziegler recently established that these ruins are much bigger and more important than previously thought. From here we have our first view of Machu Picchu, in the saddle of the mountain opposite. We descend very steeply on a muddy track for two hours to the impressive Machu Picchu Hydroelectric Station where we will have lunch and visit another Inca ruin. After this, we will walk for another 2.5 hours along the train tracks to arrive at the village of Aguas Calientes.

Afterward, enjoy a celebratory dinner with your group before turning in at your Standard Aguas Calientes hotel. Aguas Calientes Hotel Upgrades also available.

Note: If you prefer not to walk 2.5h to Aguas Calientes from the Machu Picchu Hydroelectric Station, you also have the option of taking the train (included in the price of your trek).

Day 8Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Today we achieve what for many is a lifelong dream: a visit to the Imperial Inca City of Machu Picchu! In the pre-dawn hours, we’ll take the bus up to the site to enjoy the ruins at sunrise. Your guide will give you a 2-3h walking tour of the historic citadel.

If you’re feeling adventurous you may wish to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, but take note: this requires an extra permit, and they can sell out well in advance! Be sure to tell us at booking if you would like to add one of these hikes. For more tips on what to see, check out our Visiting Machu Picchu page.

Want more time to explore? Consider our Extra Day Upgrades!

 

We return to Cusco in the afternoon by Expedition (tourist class) train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, where our driver will meet us and will transfer you directly back to your hotel in Cusco. Total travel time is about 4 hours from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.

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2 Reviews
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Simon from UK

Family Traveller

Our family of 4 were very well looked after on this amazing trek. If you are fit, it is NOT as hard as described and the excellent Apus guides and team look after you better than any other trekking expedition that I’ve been on. Congratulation to them and to Apus who are a very high quality organisation and can be trusted.

3 September, 2017

Stephanie P. from US

Group Traveller

5 of us did the Choquequirao 8 day trek and I cannot rate Apus Peru highly enough for organization and execution of this trip from the transport, the guide, food and crew who helped us (ranging in age from 41-58) over some exhausting mountain passes (15,700ft) and down glacier fed river valleys (4,500ft). The patience and care shown before and during our trek was very much appreciated especially when we learned that the horsemen they employ from one of the remote villages we passed through can do the trek in half the time it takes us and they would stay with the slowest member of our party and encourage them through the toughest parts.

In the horsemen’s town of Yanama we played an impromptu game of soccer with the local kids which ended up being the highlight of our trip for all of us. Learning about their village and what it takes to live there gave us a true appreciation for their smiling efforts every day. The food was AMAZING and if I have one reservation it was that we felt like there was a ton of food left over and we weren’t quite sure if this was finished off by the crew (hopefully!).

I would highly recommend Apus Peru and this grueling 8 day trek to understand what the region is like and see some of the more remote ruins without the thousands of tourists and the Disney World atmosphere of Machu Picchu.

9 May, 2016

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