Grand Expedition Trek: from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu with homestays (8 Days)

Your adventure begins at dawn by leaving Cusco to follow the course of the Apurímac River to the fascinating archaeological site of Sayhuite. After a short logistical break in the village of Cachora (2,850 m), you reach a magnificent natural balcony offering a plunging view of the Apurímac canyon, dominated by the majestic Padreyoc glacier (5,571 m). You meet your muleteers there before starting the long descent on foot towards the Chiquisca hacienda, where you spend the night in a natural and warm setting.

Distance: 8 km
Elevation loss: -1,018 m
Maximum altitude: 2,975 m
Accommodation: Night at the Chiquisca hacienda.

You leave early this morning to finish descending to the bottom of the canyon to Playa Rosalina (1,550 m). After crossing the river, you tackle the great physical challenge of the beginning of the trek: a sustained ascent of 1,300 meters in elevation to Marampata (2,850 m). You reach this perched village for lunch, which leaves you the whole afternoon to rest with your host family, contemplate the panorama over the abyss, and try to observe the majestic flight of the Andean condor at sunset.

Accommodation: Homestay in Marampata (1.5 hours from the ruins).

An entire day dedicated to the guided discovery of Choquequirao (3,033 m), the 'cradle of gold' in the Quechua language. Still preserved from mass tourism due to its exclusively pedestrian access, the citadel reveals a unique mystical atmosphere. You explore its most emblematic restored sectors: the ceremonial palaces, the liturgical fountain, the main temple, the terraces adorned with white stone llamas, and the Ushnu (ritual platform). To date, only 30% of this gigantic site has been uncovered. At the end of the day, return to Marampata.

Accommodation: Homestay in Marampata.

Departure before sunrise for the most demanding but also the wildest stage of the circuit (about 13 hours of walking including breaks). You first cross the Choquequirao pass (3,275 m) for a farewell view of the site, before starting a steep descent towards the waters of the Río Blanco. An intense and vertical ascent through the cloud forest follows, up to the hamlet of Maizal (3,000 m). You settle in for the night in the only farm of this isolated valley. The accommodation there is very rustic and basic, but the natural setting is strikingly beautiful.

Distance: 18 km
Elevation gain/loss: +1,700 m / -1,600 m
Maximum altitude: 3,275 m
Accommodation: Night in a rustic farm in Maizal.

The trail rises this morning towards the San Juan pass through dense vegetation, alternating climbs and flat sections. After a break near old silver mines, you reach the pass to enjoy a spectacular view of the peaks of the Vilcabamba mountain range. You then descend towards the alpine pastures of Yanama, where a private vehicle awaits you. The road connection takes you over the Yanama pass (4,670 m), the highest point of the expedition, offering exceptional panoramas of the Salkantay (6,264 m) and Pintuyu glaciers. Arrival in the evening in the community of Lucmabamba for a well-deserved night of rest.

Distance: 10 km (walking)
Elevation gain/loss: +1,100 m / -640 m
Maximum altitude: 4,670 m
Accommodation: Homestay in Lucmabamba (simple comfort with a shower).

A morning dedicated to slow tourism: you start with a visit to the local coffee and citrus plantations of Lucmabamba. You then resume your walk on a preserved section of the Inca Trail climbing towards the archaeological site of Llactapata. This shorter day allows you to arrive early at your accommodation: a magnificent lodge offering a unique and direct panoramic view of Machu Picchu taking shape on the opposite ridge on the horizon.

Distance: 8 km
Elevation gain/loss: +820 m / -250 m
Maximum altitude: 2,800 m
Accommodation: Night in a lodge in Llactapata.

You begin your morning hike by descending through the tropical forest from the heights of Llactapata (2,650 m) to the hydroelectric plant (1,950 m). From there, you follow the railway tracks for a flat and pleasant 3-hour walk through lush vegetation to the village of Aguas Calientes (2,050 m). In the evening, you have the opportunity to relax in the municipal thermal baths to soothe your muscles after these long days of effort.

Distance: 18 km
Elevation gain/loss: +330 m / -850 m
Maximum altitude: 2,650 m
Accommodation: Night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes.

The long-awaited moment has arrived. Early in the morning, you take the shuttle to reach the gates of Machu Picchu (2,430 m), one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Accompanied by your expert guide, you enjoy an in-depth tour of this iconic Inca city, exploring its sacred temples, cobbled squares, and agricultural terraces in perfect harmony with the surrounding nature. After this unforgettable immersion, you head back down to Aguas Calientes to board the train to Ollantaytambo (1h45 journey).
At the station, your private driver welcomes you to ensure your return transfer to Cusco.