Choquequirao and Machu Picchu Trek 8D/7N – Camping Nights

We begin our adventure at dawn (around 5:30 a.m.), following the Apurímac River to the fascinating archaeological site of Sayhuite. In Cachora (2,850 m), we will make a short stop to buy snacks before continuing 30 minutes to the starting point of our hike: a magnificent natural balcony overlooking the Apurímac Canyon, dominated by the majestic Padreyoc glacier (5,571 m).

This is where we will meet our muleteers and start the descent toward the Chiquisca hacienda, where we will spend the night in a warm and natural setting.

Distance: 8 km
Negative elevation gain: -1,018 m
Maximum altitude: 2,975 m

Departure briefing:
Your guide or trekking assistant will meet you at your hotel to go over the final details and check the equipment.

After breakfast, we leave early in the morning to descend to Playa Rosalina (1,550 m), then begin the ascent toward Marampata (2,850 m), from where we enjoy a spectacular view of Choquequirao (3,033 m).

We will arrive there for lunch, and then we will have the afternoon to rest and admire the landscape offered by the deep Apurímac canyon.

With a bit of luck, we may observe the flight of the Andean condor at sunset.

Our accommodation is located only 1 hour and 30 minutes from the ruins, at an altitude of 2,950 m.

Distance: 10 km
Positive elevation gain: +1,500 m
Negative elevation loss: -450 m
Maximum altitude: 2,850 m

Today, we will set out to discover the Inca citadel of Choquequirao (3,033 m), known in Quechua as the “cradle of gold.” This impressive archaeological site, still little visited, offers an atmosphere of peace and a unique energy in the heart of the Andes.

We will explore the main restored areas: the palaces, the ceremonial temple, the liturgical fountain, the llama terraces, and the Ushnu, an important ritual platform. To this day, only 30% of the site has been restored, making it an authentic and mysterious experience.

At the end of the visit, we will retrace our steps back to Marampata, where we will spend the night.

Distance: 10 km
Positive elevation gain: +265 m
Negative elevation loss: –145 m
Maximum altitude: 3,040 m

Departure before sunrise for the most demanding stage (13 hours of walking with breaks), but also the most spectacular of the entire trek, with landscapes constantly changing.

We will climb to the Choquequirao pass (3,275 m), offering a unique view of the site, before descending toward the Río Blanco. Then, a steep ascent will take us to Maizal (3,000 m), where we will spend the night in the only farm in the valley. The accommodation is very rustic and basic, but the scenery is sublime.

Distance: 18 km
Ascent: +1,700 m
Descent: -1,600 m
Maximum altitude: 3,275 m

Today, we head toward the San Juan pass, crossing dense vegetation along a trail that alternates between climbs and flat sections. On the way, we will take a break at the ancient silver mines before reaching the pass, which offers a spectacular view of the Vilcanota mountain range.

We will then descend toward the high pastures overlooking the village of Yanama.

A vehicle will pick us up to take us to the community of Lucmabamba. We will cross the Yanama pass (4,670 m), the highest point, where we will enjoy a spectacular view of the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay (6,264 m) and Pintuyu (5,450 m).

We will arrive late in the early evening to rest in a small, comfortable accommodation with a shower.

Distance: 10 km
Ascent: +1,100 m
Descent: -640 m
Maximum altitude: 4,137 m

We will visit the coffee and citrus plantations in Lucmabamba before continuing our trek to the small archaeological site of Llactapata. The walk is short today, and we will arrive early to spend the night in a beautiful lodge with an impressive view of Machu Picchu on the horizon.
Night at the hotel.

Distance: 8 km
Ascent: +820 m
Descent: -250 m
Maximum altitude: 4,670 m

We will start the hike early in the morning, descending from Llactapata (2,650 m) along the Inca Trail to the hydroelectric station (1,950 m). Then, we will follow the railway tracks through the forest to Aguas Calientes (2,050 m).

In the evening, you can relax in the hot springs (20 soles, not included).

We will spend the night in Aguas Calientes in a hotel.

Distance: 18 km
Positive elevation gain: +330 m
Negative elevation loss: –850 m
Maximum altitude: 2,650 m

Today you will experience one of the highlights of your journey: discovering Machu Picchu, a gem of Inca architecture, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Located between the Andes and the Amazon, Machu Picchu remained hidden for centuries before being revealed to the world by Hiram Bingham, with support from National Geographic. Even today, it retains its mystery and spiritual energy.

You’ll walk through its stone alleys at your own pace, among temples, plazas, and terraces, with time to pause in silence in this sacred place that continues to fascinate.

You’ll take the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.

The journey lasts about 1 hour 45 minutes.

Our driver will take you from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.