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 take a short break to buy snacks before continuing for 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 mule drivers and begin the descent to the Chiquisca hacienda, where we will spend the night in a warm and natural setting.

Distance: 8km

Elevation loss: -1,018m

Maximum altitude: 2,975m

After breakfast, we set off early in the morning to descend to Playa Rosalina (1,550 m), then begin the ascent to Marampata (2,850 m), where we enjoy spectacular views of Choquequirao (3,033 m).

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

With a little luck, we will be able to watch the Andean condor fly at sunset.

Our accommodation is only 1.5 hours from the ruins, at an altitude of 2,950 m.

Today, we will set off to explore the Inca citadel of Choquequirao (3,033 m), known in Quechua as the ‘golden cradle’. This impressive archaeological site, still relatively unknown, offers a peaceful atmosphere and unique energy in the heart of the Andes.

We will visit the main restored areas: the palaces, the ceremonial temple, the liturgical fountain, the llama terraces and the Ushnu, a ritual platform of great importance. To date, 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 to Marampata, where we will spend the night.

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

We will climb to the Choquequirao Pass (3,275 m), offering a unique view of the site, before descending to the Río Blanco. Then, an intense climb 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 setting is sublime.

Distance: 18 km

Elevation gain: +1,700 m

Elevation loss: -1,600 m

Maximum altitude: 3,275 m

Today, we set off towards the San Juan Pass, crossing dense vegetation on a trail that alternates between climbs and flat sections. Along the way, we will stop at the old silver mines before reaching the pass, which offers spectacular views of the Vilcanota mountain range.

We will then descend to the mountain pastures overlooking the village of Yanama.

A vehicle will pick us up and take us to the community of Lucmabamba. We will pass the Yanama Pass (4,670 m), the highest point, where we will enjoy spectacular views 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 at our camp.

Distance: 10 km

Elevation gain: +1,100 m

Elevation loss: -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.