9 days from $ 1230 per person
Choquequirao is a destination that is increasingly attracting more visitors. It is an Inca citadel that was also built among the clouds, very similar to Machu Picchu, hence it is nicknamed its younger sister. This tour package of more than a week will allow you to visit both Inca citadels or llaqtas . It will be quite a challenge, but the rewarding part of this journey is that you will be able to walk on the Inca Trails or Qhapac Ñan and reach Machu Picchu. Our activities will begin with the trip from Cusco to Abancay. Once there, we will prepare our belongings and entrust our luggage to the group or team of porters who will accompany us during the adventure. The climate is mild, so we will only need to wear light clothing and at night a sweater or jacket will suffice. We will return to Cusco with a bimodal train and bus service.
Tour details
- Duration: 9 days and 8 nights.
- Includes: 7 nights of camping (tents, thin mattress), food distributed in: 8 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 8 dinners.
- Payment: We accept most cards in the world, debit or credit.
- Confirmation: immediate.
- Flexibility: cancellations are accepted under penalty.
- Entrance: Choquequirao and Machu Picchu.
- Group: 4 to 16 people maximum.
Choquequirao is located in the Cusco region. Geographically it belongs to the district of Santa Teresa, in the province of La Convención. This location places it very close to Machu Picchu and the Salkantay snow-capped mountain. This snow-capped mountain is one of the highest in Cusco.
Summary
| Difficulty |  |
| Total distance | 75 kilometers. (46, 6028 miles). |
| Maximum altitude | Yanama (4,580 meters above sea level). |
| Minimum altitude | Rosalina Beach (1,550 masl). |
| Maximum temperature | Rosalina Beach (from 20°C to 25°C). |
| Minimum temperature | Yanama (6°C to 14°C). |
| Itinerario | |
Day 1 Cusco | ChiquiscaWe start the day, picking up travelers from the door of their hotel. We arrive at Abancay, specifically, Cachora, from there we walk to Chiquisca. This will be our campsite. Day 2 Chiquisca | ChoquequiraoWe will have our first breakfast and get ready to continue the hike. Our first resting point will be in Marampata. After that, we will walk again to the camping area, which is very close to Choquequirao. Day 3 Choquequirao | MaizalAfter breakfast we will go out to explore the entire archaeological center of Choquequirao and have lunch in our camping area. After this we will leave in the direction of Maizal where we will have dinner and spend the night. Day 4 Maizal | YanamaDuring this day we will have to climb a tiring day. We will visit some glaciers and some archaeological remains of the Incas. The destination of the day will be on the slopes of the Yanama or the Pumasillo Glacier. Day 5 Yanama | TotoraWe will visit the highest point of the trip. We will see a change in geography and see the ichu meadows. During the afternoon we will arrive at Totora, a small town where we will spend the night in our camp. Day 6 Totora | WiñaypocoThe path will be easier, we will follow the route of the Totora River and we will feel the vast vegetation and fruit trees again. We will camp on the slopes of the Wiñaypoco mountain. Day 7 Wiñaypoco | LlactapataAs always, we will leave early after breakfast. We will take the left bank of the Santa Teresa River. We will see abundant fruit trees. The camp will be set up in Paltallacta. Day 8 Llactapata | Aguas CalientesWe will be very close to Machu Picchu. We must continue along the path through the abundant vegetation. We will pass by Hidroeléctrica and follow the trail to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a hotel. Day 9 Machu Picchu | CuscoThis day will be the most anticipated. We will be able to visit all the buildings of Machu Picchu after breakfast. In the afternoon we will wait for our train back to Cusco. | |
Itinerary
Getting to Machu Picchu on foot is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. In case you have not been able to get an entrance ticket for the Inca Trail trekking route, this is a solid option. Remember that you will visit two of the best preserved archaeological sites of the Tawantinsuyo. If you are a mountain and history lover, this hike will fulfill all your expectations.
Cusco | Chiquisca
- We will start early in the morning, picking you up at your hotel. This service is done by prior arrangement. Then, we will travel to Abancay, make a short stop and make a short trip to Cachora. From Cachora we begin the hike.
- In Cachora, we will meet the team that will accompany us during this adventure. The cook and the porters will take care of our food and the camps. We will walk for at least 2 hours until we reach Capuliyoq, where we will enjoy our first lunch.
- From this place we can already appreciate the beautiful landscapes of the valley formed by the Apurímac River. We will continue our journey, descending to our camp where we can have dinner and spend the night. This camp is called Chiquisca.
Chiquisca | Choquequirao
- The first action of the day will be to have the exquisite breakfast prepared by our cook. After this we will arrange some belongings and shoes to continue with the walk. Our first stretch will be downhill and we will arrive at Playa Rosalina. During this entire journey, we will approach the valley of the Apurímac River.
- From Playa Rosalina, we will follow an ascending path through the canyon. It will be a long walk of approximately 5 hours, which we will do without any problem because the route will not have a high altitude.
- Our destination will be Marampata, from where we can have a spectacular view of Choquequirao. In Marampata we will have lunch, then we will continue the path until we reach the access area and camp of Choquequirao. Here we will spend the night after dinner.
Choquequirao | Maizal
- We will have breakfast early and receive some instructions from the guide. We will be able to visit all the facilities of Choquequirao at least until lunchtime. It will be a tour of the main buildings and its narrow streets.
- In Choquequirao we will be able to see the Central Plaza, the houses, the ceremonial ushnos, the steps and the platforms. We will also have the opportunity to see the flames of the sun. These platforms are really incredible because you can see the silhouettes of the flames between the platforms.
- In the afternoon and after lunch, we will continue our journey along a water channel that connects Choquequirao with Pinchaunuyoc. The approximate walking time is 3 hours. We will spend the night in Maizal.
Maizal | Yanama
- From Maizal we will have to follow an ascending path. This day it will be important to eat well as we will have to ascend to the Yanama Pass, which will be the highest point we will cross.
- We will pass through the geographical area of the Puna, where the climate is cold and the vegetation is less abundant. We will see one of the mines used during the colonial era. Near this place, we will have our lunch.
- The place where we will spend the night will be in Yanama, a small town where we can buy some things. Tonight we will have dinner with our cook. It will be a cold night so it is recommended to rest early.
Yanama | Totora
- This day we will have to ascend again and cross the Yanama Pass. Here the weather conditions can feel very cold. However, we will be able to see all the mountains that make up the Vilcabamba mountain range.
- Our lunch will be in an area where it is possible to see the flight of the condors. Our descent will take us to the edge of the Cusco jungle. We will spend the night in another small village, this village is called Totora.
Totora | Wiñaypoco
- From Totora, we will be able to appreciate the geography of the Cusco jungle. Our path will be through abundant vegetation, but on safe paths. We will have lunch in one of the camps, near the Santa Teresa River.
- In the afternoon we hope to reach the foothills of the Wiñaypoco mountain, where we will have our camp ready. Here we will have dinner and spend the night.
Wiñaypoco | Llactapata
- The weather will be warm and temperate, we will have breakfast and continue our journey. The destination for this day will be Llaqtapata, a place that borders the Inca Trail. Llaqtapata is an archaeological site from where you can see Machu Picchu from another angle.
- To do this we will have to climb for at least 7 hours to the area where we will camp. On the way we will arrive at the place where we can have lunch on the way. We will spend the night very close to Llaqtapata.
Llactapata | Aguas Calientes
- We are getting closer to Machu Picchu. We will have to descend through coffee, banana and other fruit plantations. Just like the day before, we will take a section of the Inca Trail. We will have lunch at Hidroeléctrica.
- After resting and having lunch, we will continue our journey until we reach Aguas Calientes. In Hidroeléctrica we will say goodbye to our team of porters and the cook. We expect to arrive in Aguas Calientes before nightfall, we will have dinner in a tourist restaurant and spend the night in a hotel.
Machu Picchu | Cusco
- On this last day we will leave the hotel early. If we wish to walk up to Machu Picchu, it is possible, the time it takes is approximately two hours on a route with steps. The other option is by bus, which only takes 30 minutes.
- Visiting Machu Picchu takes approximately 3 hours. Going early will allow you to see the mysterious sunrise in this citadel. During our visit to the wonder of the world, we will do Circuit 2. We will see all the buildings, such as the Guardian’s House, the Temple of the 3 Windows, the House of the Inca, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor and more.
- If we have made a reservation at the Tinkuy restaurant, we can access it from Machu Picchu, since it is very close. This reservation is available to all our clients with a special discount.
- In the afternoon we will wait for the train to return to Cusco. The return to Cusco will be on a bimodal service, the first leg will be by train to Ollantaytambo. The second leg will be by bus to Cusco. We expect to arrive before 9 pm.
Informative summary about Choquequirao and Machu Picchu 9 days
This adventure is one of the most demanding you will find in Peru. However, doing it will be one of the greatest achievements you will ever make. Here are some important details to keep in mind for your next trip.
| What’s included? | What’s not included? | Optional on the tour * | What to bring? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tent with capacity for two people. | Sleeping bag. | Personal tents. | Waterproof poncho. |
| One thin mat per person. | Trekking poles. | Tents for more than 2 people. | Sleeping bag and hiking poles. |
| Adequate spaces for food consumption. | Electrical service. | Carry extra load (up to 12 kg). | Change of clothes for 9 days and personal hygiene accessories. |
| First aid kit. | Breakfast on the first day 1. | Sleeping bag. | Sturdy, comfortable shoes or sneakers. |
| Boiled and purified water. Cleaning supplies. | Dinner and lunch on the last day | Hiking poles | Sunscreen and mosquito repellent. |
| Round trip transportation | Unspecified transport | Vegetarian food ** | Identity documents and cash |
* For an additional cost. ** Free upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
We maintain this space to solve any doubts or questions that may arise regarding this tourist package. It will be nine days in contact with nature, it is normal that you have some questions, in case we do not answer your questions, please write to us at: info@machupicchuterra.com
1) How many kilometers of hiking are done on this tour?
The route from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu covers approximately 75 kilometers, spread over 9 days.
2) I want a vegetarian diet, is that possible?
Yes, you just have to request it when purchasing the tour package. No extra fees are charged.
3) What are the camps like on the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu 9-day package?
Since these are tents, they are quite rustic, but we try to offer you comfort and convenience since the tents are waterproof.
4) Is this 9-day tour easy to do?
No, it is complicated because it is 9 days of long daily walks. If you have experience in hiking, you may find it easy.
5) I want to change the start date, is this possible?
No, we do not accept date changes, but we do accept cancellations under penalty.
6) How can you pay for the services purchased?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, American Express and PayPal. Whether credit or debit.
7) In which months is it recommended to do this hike?
During the months between April and September. The rest of the months the rains begin and complicate the entire route.
8) Will I be able to visit Huayna Picchu?
Yes, but you must request this service at least 3 or 4 months in advance. Remember that visiting Huayna Picchu is in high demand.
9) Is there private service?
Yes, you just have to contact us at info@machupicchuterra.com and leave all your information and the number of people you want to travel with you.
10) Can I cancel my trip?
Yes, you will need to contact info@machupicchuterra.com. Remember to do this at least 15 days before the tour start date.
We are part of MACHUPICCHU TERRA, Travel agency and tour operator authorized to operate the Inca Trail and other hiking routes in Cusco. Our authorization code is "CI1578".
We have the certificate CALTUR, which recognizes the application of good management practices for the service of travel and tourism agencies. We offer a proven quality service!
Machupicchu Terra received the ‘Safe Travels’ seal for its compliance with all the control and prevention protocols against Covid 19. Travel in complete safety!