Call Today

+1 888-812-8687

Mail

info@tourleadersperu.com

Choquequirao To Machu Picchu Trek – 9D/8N

  Hike to this incredible inca site in Cusco in our Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek

Duration

9 days / 8 nights

Price

$ 1160

Max. Alttitude

4215 m / 13829 ft

Best Time

MAY / NOV

6

ACCOMODATTION

REI Tents

g

DIFFICULTY

Moderate/Challenging

GROUP SIZE

8 People Max

CHOQUEQUIRAO 

Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 9D/8N

Choquequirao To Machu Picchu Trek. In this Adventure, you will have the opportunity to visit the two most important archaeological sites in the region of Cusco, Peru. This archaeological site is a hidden archaeological gem that is considered as the second Machupicchu because of its strong similarity to the famous citadel.

You will find a different type of rock architecture used by the Incas that has managed to stay upright all these years. Just like Machupicchu, the Spaniards never discovered this site. Along with this Adventure, you’ll discover the only blueprint stone left by the Incas in all of Peru. After your tour in Choquequirao Trek Tour To Machu Picchu.

Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Video

Choquequirao Map: Go to Choquequirao for a hike in the Andes.

Choquequirao Trek 9 Days to Machu Picchu details

Day 1: Training Day: Cusco – Cachora – Chiquisca

You will have a pre-departure briefing the night before your trek. Here you will meet your Tour Leader and have all your questions answered prior to your adventure. Your Tour Leader will also give you any tips for your trip and give you a duffel bag where you can take your belongings. On the following day pick up from your hotel will be at 5:00 am.

You’ll go on a 5-hour drive in our private transportation until we reach the first stop of the famous and impressive stone of Saywite. This stone is a remnant of an Inca blueprint of an unknown location. We will have a brief stop here so you can have breakfast and take pictures. We’ll continue our ride until we reach Cachora**. We make a brief stop in this village to pick up our horsemen for the tour and then set off towards Capuliyoc. Here you’ll have lunch and commence your downhill hike until you reach Chiquisca campsite where you will sleep overnight.

  • Minimum Altitude: 6102ft / 1860m
  • Maximum Altitude: 9514ft / 2900m
  • Distance Traveled: 4.97mi / 8km
  • Walking Time: 5 hrs

**Cachora village is the first town and point of entry to Choquequirao with a population of approximately 5,000 people. Tour Leaders Peru Adventure works with this population by giving employment to people of this village and involving them in the tourism sector. People from Cachora hold jobs such as horsemen, assistant chefs, horse rental and much more. In this manner, we support our local economy and social work.

Day 2: Challenging Day: Chiquisca- Marampata -Choquequirao

We will wake you up gently at 5:00 am with hot coca tea and enjoy some delicious breakfast. We will then head out on the trail. Today is one of the most challenging days. Your hike will be one of the steepest uphill hikes of the trek. Halfway through the trail, you’ll have a brief rest and snack stop. You’ll resume your hike until you reach the small community of Marampata where you’ll enjoy lunch. After 3 more hours of walking, you’ll reach Choquequirao. Prior to reaching Choquequirao, you will have a beautiful panoramic view of the Apurimac Canyon and various farmlands along the path. Dinner will be served and enjoy a much deserved good night’s rest.

  • Minimum Altitude: 6023ft / 1836m
  • Maximum Altitude: 9679ft /2950m
  • Distance Travelled: 8.7mi/14km
  • Walking Time: 6 hrs

Day 3: The Hidden Citadel: Full Day Choquequirao

On this day you will have the opportunity to visit the entire archaeological citadel of Choquequirao. After an early breakfast, you will head towards Choquequirao and begin your guided tour. Your tour leader will explore with you and guide you to the most recent excavations and findings in the last years.

The Temple of the Llamas, Temple of Water, Ceremonial Platform, Storehouses, and much more will be seen on this day. For lunch, you’ll return to your campsite and then head off again to explore this site. As sunset is approaching your tour leader will take you to the highest platform of Choquequirao. You’ll observe a beautiful sunset and absorb all the magical energy Choquequirao offers. Dinner is served at your campsite followed by a good night’s rest.

  • Minimum Altitude: 9514ft / 2900m
  • Maximum Altitude: 9843ft / 3000m
  • Distance Travelled: 3mi / 5km
  • Walking Time: 6 hrs

Day 4: The Bamboo Pat

Day 4: The Bamboo Path: Choquequirao – Pinchaunuyoc – Maizal

After waking up call and a good breakfast, we will leave the archeological site of Choquequirao. We begin hiking for an hour in a path that will lead us to the humid subtropical Andean forest. You will observe a variety of vegetation and paths filled with Andean bamboo.

We will continue on a narrow path but impressive path where we might have the opportunity to observe the largest bird of the Andes, The Condor. We then begin descending to the Pinchaunuyoc complex where lunch is served. Afterward, you will have a short tour of this recently discovered archaeological site. Your trek continues downward towards a river called “Rio Blanco.” After crossing the river you will begin an ascent hike for a period of 3 hours to the Maizal campsite. Here you will have dinner and camp overnight.

  • Minimum Altitude: 4921ft / 1500m
  • Maximum Altitude: 10827ft / 3300m
  • Distance Travelled: 8.7mi / 14km
  • Walking Time: 8 hrs

Day 5: The Puma Path: Maizal – Minas Victoria Trail – San Juan Pass – Yanama

Early in the morning we will leave Maizal campsite and begin an uphill hike towards San Juan Pass. We walk along a path that today is used by mule drivers and miners from previous years. We’ll pass a lot of mine tunnels. You will walk an original Inca path until you reach San Juan Pass. Lunch is served here. Impressive views of the surrounding glaciers are appreciated here amongst the high Andean valleys. After a break, we begin walking to the last part of the trail to the community of Yanama. Here we have dinner camp overnight.

  • Minimum Altitude: 12467ft / 3800m
  • Maximum Altitude: 13615ft / 4150m
  • Distance Travelled: 6.84mi /11km
  • Walking Time: 7 hrs

Day 6: The Condor Pass: Yanama – Abra Apacheta – Totora

Like every Morning after a wakeup call and a good breakfast, we will continue the route from Yanama to Totora camping site. Yanama is a Quechua speaking community that still continues a bond of traditions and customs of our Inca ancestors. On this day we will appreciate the farmland as people from these communities cultivate organic products such as potatoes and their variants as is Chuńo, and Moraraya (dried potatoes). You will be surrounded by beautiful nature views such as glaciers, flora and fauna, and wildlife.

Today will be the ascent to the highest point of our adventure. We will gradually walk uphill for approximately 4 to 5 hours to the Yanama pass. This pass is over 15,000ft or 4600 meters above sea level. Lunch will be served along the way prior to your descent hike. After reaching the highest point we will continue downhill for approximately 3 hours to Totora. Here we camp and enjoy dinner.

  • Minimum Altitude: 11680ft / 3560m
  • Maximum Altitude: 15091ft / 4600m
  • Distance Travelled: 11.2mi / 18km
  • Walking Time: 9 hrs

Day 7: Cloud Forest Path: Totora – Colpapampa – La Playa Hotsprings – Lucmabamba

Today you will walk for half a day as you view Peru’s beautiful ecosystems and microclimates. In this path, you can appreciate a variety of wildlife flora, and natural landscapes. The diversity of nature such as orchids, birds, hummingbirds, toucans, waterfalls, and rivers will be seen along this route.

Our destination is to reach the community of La Playa where we will have lunch and camp overnight. In La Playa, we are officially in the high jungle of Peru. The high jungle means we will see different vegetation as well as farmlands of Coffee, Avocado, passion fruits, Bananas, Coca leaves, Pineapples and etc. We will try to eat the fruits grown in the place according to their season. Afterward, you will go to the beautiful Santa Teresa Hot Springs by bus. When you return back to La Playa after a few hours of the Hot Springs you will have dinner followed by a campfire with warm drinks.

Note: Round trip transportation and the entrance fee to Santa Teresa Hot Springs is included in your tour at no extra cost to you!!

  • Minimum Altitude: 6850ft / 2088m
  • Maximum Altitude: 9383ft / 2860m
  • Distance Travelled: 6.84mi/ 11km
  • Walking Time: 5 hrs

Day 8: An Inca Path: Coffee Plantation – Lucmabamba – Llactapata- Hydroelectric Town – Aguas Calientes

We’ll have breakfast around 7:00 am and then begin our trek to Llactapata. On the way, you will walk through coffee plantations, visit a local family, and taste the world-renowned Peruvian Coffee (coffee lovers you are in for a treat!) You will continue your hike until you reach the balcony view of Machupicchu. After some photos and rest, you will continue on a two-hour downhill hike to the hydroelectric town. There you will be served lunch. At around 3 pm you will board your train to Aguas Calientes where you will spend the night.

Enjoy a nice warm shower and we will meet up for dinner at the famous Indio Feliz restaurant. You will have a delicious dinner at this 5-star restaurant. Afterward, you can explore this small town on your own as it is very touristy or you can head back to your hotel. Make sure to have a good night’s rest because you will get up very early the following day to visit Machupicchu.

Note: The 5-star restaurant Indio Feliz is Included in your tour at no extra cost to you!!

  • Minimum Altitude: 5905ft / 1800m
  • Maximum Altitude: 6562ft / 2000m
  • Distance Travelled: 6.84mi / 11km
  • Walking Time: 5 hours

Day 9: Magical Day: Machupicchu Tour – Return to Cusco

To avoid large lines and crowds we highly suggest you have a very early breakfast (5:00 am) at your hotel before taking the earliest bus to Machupicchu. We recommend everyone to try and be the first ones in line because it fills up incredibly quickly. Enjoy the first view of Machupicchu and the sunrise (depending on the weather). Your tour leader will guide you throughout this magnificent site for about 3 hours.

  • Meals: Breakfast at your hotel
  • Minimum Altitude: 6791ft / 2070m
  • Maximum Altitude: 8005ft / 2440m
  • Distance Travelled: 1mi / 1.61km
  • Walking Time: Approx. 3 hrs

Additional Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek Information

You will head towards Machupicchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. In between this trip Choquequirao and Machupicchu expedition, you will see great biodiversity of Flora and Fauna and more Inca remains along the way. A portion of various Inca Trails will be trekked upon. These trails are only traveled through this route. If we are lucky we will be able to spot the Andean Condor and definitely be able to see great biodiversity of birds. At night you will be able to view the stars up at 3,600m/11,811ft or more. The view is breathtaking and you will feel as if you were in a Planetarium using our Telescope.

For you coffee lovers a coffee plantation will be visited and you will have the pleasure of tasting Peru’s renowned coffee. Do not let others tell you about how great this tour is, come and do it yourself. This tour includes a 5-star meal in the famous Indio Feliz restaurant in Aguas Calientes town and entrance fees to Santa Teresa Hot Springs. You will sleep for the first 7 nights in the top of the line REI equipment and have personalized service in your hands the whole trek. Come and join us on this adventure and discover the hidden treasures of Peru for yourself.

Included

  • Pre-departure briefing at 7:00 pm the night before your tour in our office or your Hotel.
  • Private transportation (Start of our trek).
  • Breakfast after trek.
  • 11 Full meals for the entire tour (4 Breakfast, 4 Lunch 3 Dinner) + snacks (vegetarian, vegan option, gluten, wheat-free, or special diets upon your request.)
  • Porters to carry (camping equipment: client tents, dining and cooking tents, table, stools, cooking gear, stove, gas container, cutlery, plates, food, and fresh vegetables).
  • 7-kilogram duffle bags (per Person)
  • 2 Excellent experienced top tour guides (9-16 person / 6-8 with 1 tour guide)
  • 2 expert gourmet mountain cooks, assistants.
  • Hot drinks every afternoon include popcorn.
  • Boiled water provided from 2nd day.
  • 2 people per tent, clean, new, spacious (4 people REI Half Dome 4 tents).
  • Thick, comfortable sleeping mattress,
  • Buckets of hot water for washing in your tent every day.
  • Biodegradable soap and hand cleansing gel.
  • Emergency First-aid kit and Oxygen assistance.
  • 3-4 hours guided tour in Machupicchu
  • Round trip Bus Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machupicchu.
  • Tourist Expedition train return to Poroy Station or Ollantaytambo.
  • Bus to Cusco

Not Included

  • Sleeping bag (4 season -Minus 8ºC)
  • Tips for the trekking crew, Guides, Cooks, and porters at your discretion.
  • Flight Ticket to Cusco.
  • Accommodation in Cusco. (see recommendation)
  • Travel Insurance. (check that your insurance covers you for treks above 4,200 masl) and (COVID-19)

We are excited to be part of your adventure and lead you to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Make sure to book your tour in advance. If you are thinking to do the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Only 500 people a day are permitting on the Inca Trail of which 250 are reserved for tourists. Machu Picchu allows 2500 tourists daily. Don’t miss your adventure!

Price Group Service

Our tours are personalized and customized for you. Our Tour Leaders have years of experience guiding tourists with different hiking abilities. You can expect a wonderful time with Tour Leaders Peru Adventure!

Price Group Service

Our tours are personalized and customized for you. Our Tour Leaders have years of experience guiding tourists with different hiking abilities. You can expect a wonderful time with Tour Leaders Peru Adventure!

From: $ 1160 per person

2 Trekkers: $1,810 per person

3 Trekkers: $1,660 per person

4 Trekkers: $1,460 per person

5 Trekkers: $1,310 per person

6+ Trekkers: $1,160 per person

Note: An initial deposit of $250.00 is required to reserve your spot. We require this deposit to buy train and bus tickets, entrance fees to Machu Picchu, Inca trail admission ticket, and for your return transportation. The remaining balance is due 21 days prior to your trek. Please see our Terms and Conditions.

minimum of 2 people to book a tour
This price is based on Double Accommodation

ACCOMMODATIONS

This tour of Choquequirao Trek Tour To Machu Picchu includes a three-star Hotel in which wifi, a private bathroom, and a hot shower are included. Prices are based on shared room occupancy. Single rooms are available for an extra fee ($40). Please inform your booking if you wish to have a single room otherwise you will share with another member of the group.

SPECIAL DISCOUNT INFORMATION

SPECIAL DISCOUNT INFORMATION If you have a group of 6-8 people we give you a special discount. More than 10 people you can even travel free! If your interested starting date IS NOT LISTED we can open a new departure date at a group rate.

CLOTHING:

1st Layer:

  • Underwear
  • Long-sleeved Thermal Shirt
  • Thermal form-fitting pants

2nd Layer:

  • Polar Fleece
  • Trekking pants
  • Thick socks

3rd Layer:

  • Waterproof Jacket
  • Waterproof pants (optional)
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Scarf
  • Cold weather Hat
  • Gloves
  • Buff/ handkerchief
  • Sun hat

TRAVEL ACCESSORIES:

  • Backpack 20-30 L
  • Waterproof cover for backpack
  • Trekking shoes (waterproof and firm)
  • Sport shoes/ sandals for campsites
  • Camping pillow
  • Sleeping bag liner (optional)
  • Sturdy water bottle
  • Trekking poles
  • Headlamp
  • Plastic bags for wet items
  • Toiletry kit (toothbrush, wet wipes, etc)
  • Swimsuit/ towel
  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+ recommended)
  • Sunscreen lip protector
  • Sunglasses
  • Insect repellent 

OTHER:

  • Personal Medications
  • Motion sickness tablets for the van ride
  • Camera/ Extra battery
  • Personal snacks
  • Hand warmers (optional)
  • Leisure book for evenings
  • Cash and small coins

    Items for rent

    • Single Tent $40 (if you wish to sleep alone)
    • Sleeping Bag $20 per person (minus 5 degrees Celsius)
    • Air Mattress $20 per person (REI inflatable mattress)
    • Professional Walking Poles $20 per pair
    • Backpacks $25
    • Head Lamp $10
    • Extra kilograms $10/kg (Example 5kg=$50)

    Choquequirao Trek Peru

    Message Us

    We are available 24/7

    Get in Touch

    Call Us

    (888) 812-8687

    Food & Drink

    Healthy Organic Gourmet meals in all of your Choquequirao trek

    Daily Seasonal Food on each trip and Tours

    Peruvian cuisine has only recently exploded onto the international culinary stage, but Peruvians have always been crazy about their nation’s culinary heritage, and they steadfastly cling to the traditional, multiculti flavors of home. Even in the face of modern gastronomic innovation. A range of climates, from high altitude to low, offers an impressive diversity of produce. Yes, that means potatoes over 3800 kinds but also a variety of corn and other grains, to say nothing of the country’s native aji chilies that are often puréed into sauces.

    Coffee, Tea, Water, & Assorted Beverages

    Every morning and afternoon, before and after your daily hikes you will find hot drinks and snacks in your dining tent.

    *Special Diets Available Upon Request
    Information

    Why You Should Travel with Tour Leader Peru?

    Free Luggage Storage

    We make easy your trip, Free luggage storage when you are traveling or Hiking with us for more details contact us, please. 

    REI Camping Equipment for each trip

    We are not affiliated with this rei.com Brand But as a local Tour operator we support local business and our customer enjoy their private Sleeping tent only for two persons to learn more in our Camping Equipment for Inca trail

    Private Eco Toilets

    We do not share public toilet along the Inca trail we carry our portable ECO Toilets Only for our Groups

    n
    Peruvian Gourmet Food on each Tours

    Food Include in each Trek, Vegetarian option available. we really take care of your gluten-free food contact with our office for any food restriction.

    Private Transportation on each trip

    As a responsible tour operator in Peru, we do not share our mobility with other tourists, all our transportation is only for your group or family members.

    Best Chaskis (Porters)

    We do not overbear our staff, they are principal resources in this travel industry

    We leave no trace

    We carry all our Trash From The begging to the end of each hike keeping clean all our hiking trail

    7
    Product Types
    • Private and Group Tours
    • Small-Group Tours (consisting of 8 people)
    • Escorted Bus Tours
    • Independent City Stays
    • Multi-Destination Rail Packages
    • Customized Travel Vacations
    • Custom Groups and Individuals Packages
    • Group Air Packages

    Have a Question about Choquequirao Trek

    Talk With The Experts

    INFORMATION

    CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK TOUR FAQ’s

    Choquequirao Trek is the longest and hardest hike in Cusco, it requires a lot of effort and that makes it one of the most beautiful adventures and one of the most memorable.

    How much it actually cost to hike the Choquequirao Trek?

    The price tag for hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu depends largely on the tour company, package, and guide you choose. Here are some of the general costs, plus actual specifics from our own recent treks on 2021.

    The general cost for the Choquequirao trek: $1,160

    On average, the Choquequirao hike costs around $1160/person (this generally includes transportation to the trailhead from Cusco, a guide, porters, three meals a day, hiking permits, entry to Choquequirao, and tents). You can find it even cheaper. But besides the advertised sticker price, there are a few other things to consider when choosing a tour company: How many hikers are in each group? How often and how much food is provided during the trek? And finally, what’s the reputation for the company’s treatment of its porters?

    Budget

    Even though we tend to focus on budget traveling, it’s good to remember that sometimes the cheapest option isn’t always the best option. Cheaper companies for the Choquequirao Trek often have larger groups (15-25 people), provide smaller meals, and/or no snacks.

    Some even have a bad reputation for inadequately providing their porters (i.e. lacking rain ponchos, jackets, or even proper hiking shoes). I was surprised by how many people online included snacks as a necessary item to pack and bring along because some companies don’t provide enough food pro by other companies.

    How hard is the Choquequirao Trek?

    Choquequirao is a long route, this is one of the main reasons why the route is a little difficult.

    Are there toilets on the Choquequirao Trek?

    Choquequirao, toilet quality

    This is where the bad news begins. Choquequirao toilets are not the most hygienic, clean, or private affairs. You’ll be lucky if your toilet has a lock. On the first day, the toilets are usually fairly decent and clean. However, as you venture further along the trail the quality rapidly decreases.

    By the next day, you will use a squat floor toilet. In which you squat over. The flushing mechanism often floods meaning that toilet waste is on the floor of many Choquequirao toilets. Be sure to wear your hiking boots when going to the toilet.

    There is often no light and you’ll want to make sure you bring a headlamp for those night-time toilet visits. We have even seen toilet blocks with no bin or container in which to place used toilet paper. Piles of used toilet paper inevitably build up in a pile in the corner of the toilet.

    You will also be lucky to get a sink to wash your hands. Luckier still to get soap. Therefore it is highly recommended that you bring your own hand sanitizer. Most campsites will have a tap where you can wash your hands.

     

    When to book the Choquequirao Tour?

    Choquequirao is not a route that has a limit of tickets, you can buy if you want a day before, but we recommend you to plan your trip to Cusco so that everything goes well.

    Is The Choquequirao Trek Worth it?

    Of course, it is one of the places that is only visited by the brave and adventure lovers.

    Is the Choquequirao Trek dangerous?

    Like everything in life, the Choquequira Trek has risks. But you are much more likely to have an accident on the roads back home than on the Choquequira Trek.

    There is always a risk of landslides on any mountain. The life cycle of a mountain involves it gradually eroding and working its way downhill to the sea via rivers. That’s what mountains do. But some parts of a mountain are more prone to landslides than others. Just as you’re more likely to get mugged in certain parts of California, New York or the Alps than others, the key is to understand and manage the risks.

    Part of risk management is making sure that everyone involved is aware of the risks, including you, our customers. You can read more about our risk and safety policies here. And at the bottom of each trip on our websites, there is an “F&Q” section, with more details about the risks of a particular trip.

    How long does it take to hike to Choquequirao?

    We will arrive after 2 days of trekking, the third day we will visit the citadel of Choquequirao and the remaining 2 days are to return to Cusco.

    Best time to hike Choquequirao

    Early April, May, June, July, August, September and October, are the best times to trek the Choquequirao.

    VIDEO / Machu Picchu Tours.

    Features and inclusions presented in this video may differ from your selected itinerary.

    RELATED INCA TRAIL HIKING TOURS

    SHORTH INCA TRAIL 2 DAY WITH HOTEL

    This itinerary is rated moderate hike. The trek starts at 2100m (KM 104) and climbs to 2700m (Wiñay Wayna) before descending to 2400m (Machu Picchu). Since the trek is carried out at a much lower altitude than the Short 2 day Inca Trail trek you do not need to worry about acclimatization as much.

    5 DAY INCA TRAIL | FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS

    Total distance: 26 miles/23km
    Elevation: 4,200m/13,779ft
    Good for Hikers
    Difficulty: Quite Challenging
    Inca Trail: Permit Require

    INCA TRAIL 7 DAYS

    SALKANTAY & INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 7 DAYS

    Total distance: 46.7 miles/75km
    Elevation: 4,821m/15,817ft
    Good for Hikers
    Difficulty: Quite Challenging
    Inca Trail: Permit Require

    LARES TREK & INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS

    Total distance: 29,3miles/47km
    Elevation: 4,700m/15,419ft
    Good for Hikers
    Difficulty: Quite Challenging
    Inca Trail: Permit Require

    CONTACT US