Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 8 Days / 7 Nights

Overview:

This trek combines the mysteries of Choquequirao with the wonder of Machu Picchu. It’s a long hike, but the best way to see two of the largest, most unique Inca ruins in the same trek.

• Starting Altitude – 2900m / 9515ft.
• Highest Altitude – 4840m / 15,879ft.
• Walking Distance – 100km / 62 miles
• Longest Day – Days 1 and 6, approximately 18km / 11.2 miles
• Overall Difficulty – Difficult
• Aclimatization is highly Recommended.

Itinerary

Pre-trek briefing:

You will have a thorough briefing with your guide 1 or 2 days before your Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 8 Days / 7 Nights. Your guide will meet you at our office in Cusco and you can take this opportunity to ask questions and make any final preparations.

Day 1: Cusco – Cachora – Chiquisca

We will pick you up from your Cusco hotel at 5.00 am in our transport, and then drive for 2 hours to Curahuasi (2909 m. / 9543 ft.), village where we will have breakfast, and then we continue to Capuliyoc, we arrive to nice view point called Capuliyoc (2915 m. / 9561 ft.), from here, we will have the privilege to see spectacular views of Padriyoc and Wayna Cachora snowcapped peaks (mountains over 5400 m.). At this point we will have some time to enjoy our snacks and we take some pictures of the breathtaking views of the river and the canyon stretching down the valley. From here we will descend through a unique zigzag path for 2 hours more to reach our place for lunch. Finally around 1 pm. we will have lunch. You have time to relax, put your feet up and have some refreshing tea, before we get ready to hike again for 2 hours more descending, so, we will reach our campsite located at Chiquisca (1836 m. / 6023 ft.) around 5 pm. where we will spend the night.

• Hiking time: 5 hours
• Walking distance: 11 km.
• Weather: warm
• Altitude: from 2909 m. down to 1836 m.
• Accommodation: Camping

Day 2: Chiquisca – Marampata – Choquequirao Ruins

After our breakfast, we will leave early, throughout the day we will see a wide variety of bromeliads, orchids and stands of bamboo; we’ll also hope see birds such as Andean Quetzals, Toucans an a variety of hummingbirds. From our campsite we walk around 1 hour in order to descend to the bottom of the Canyon, called Playa rosalina and the magnificent Apurimac river  (1550 m./ 5084 ft). From here we will begin probably the hardest section of the path due to the ascension; 2 hours steep climb to Santa rosa (2095 m. / 6873 ft.) where We will have time to take a refreshing break. From Santa rosa we will continue uphill for another 2 hours towards marampata (2913m / 9557ft), a flat ground where we can have a break and enjoy the views of Apurimac Canyon and the famous Inca site of Choquequirao. Here We’ll have lunch and take advantage of the facilities (toilets and wash room).After lunch We will continue to hike for another one hour to reach our campsite which is located just outside of the Great Inca Site Choquequirao (3110 m. / 10120 ft.) and We will spend the late evening in the ruins, where we will see a very nice sunset over mountains, and if we may be lucky enough to spot Condors soaring nearby over the valley below. Camping at Choquequirao campsite (bathrooms and cold water showers are available).

• Hiking time: 7-8 hours
• Walking distance: 14 km.
• Weather: Hot
• Altitude: from 1836 m. down to 1550 m. and from 1550 m. up to 3110 m.
• Accommodation: Camping

Day 3: Choquequirao Ruins – Choquequirao Pass – Maizal

After our early breakfast we will visit the mysterious Inca site of Choquequirao, where our professional Tour Guide will explain about the history of this magnificent Inca site. Originally discovered in the 17th century by the Spanish, it lay abandoned and forgotten until recent years when tourism raised the profile of the city and exploration began. Even with this increased interest only 25% of the city has been explored and many of its secrets still wait to be discovered. Actually we can visit the most important zones such as the main plaza, the inca houses, the granaries, the ceremonial sector and its altars, the famous terraces, and the great Llama sector where Incas represented this sacred animal on their buildings. After our guiding visit, you have extra time to explore and enjoy the place by yourselves, after this, we continue with our trail, we will begin walking uphill until the highest point for this day called Choquequirao pass located at 3,300 masl. or 10,890 ft., then we will descend until to the deepest point of the small canyon known as White River or Río Blanco (1900m/6234f), On the way we will pass by Pinchiunuyoj, a small archaeological site. From Rio Blanco we will climb up for about 3 hrs. and during this time we will observe different species of birds, different varieties of orquids, and local coca plantations, we continue hiking until our campsite at the place called maizal (3000 masl. / 9900 ft.).

• Hiking time: 4-5 hours
• Walking distance: 10 km.
• Weather: Hot
• Altitude: from 3110 m. up to 3300 m. and from 3300 m. down to 3000 m.
• Accommodation: Camping

 Day 4: Maizal – San Juan Pass – Yanama

Today after a very good breakfast we will start a superb day’s hike on a path surrounded by vegetation and flowers climbing by 3 ½ hours along the way you will see evidence of mines that at one time were exploited, but are no longer used. As we continue and ascend, the weather will become a little colder and we will find the remains of an Inca trail. This trail will take us toward the pass called San Juan Pass (4200m/13,780ft). From this beautiful place you can see a great landscape with a grand chain of mountains such us Sacsarayoc, Pumasillo and Choquetecarpo, from which some of the latter peak more than 5000m/16404 feet. You will also see glaciers and many mountains that surround it. After some pictures and a break at the San Juan Pass, we’ll head down and in the distance another recently discovered Inca ruin, Corihuayrachina and the equally interesting old silver mines of Mina Victoria, and we continue Descending by 3 hours to the north into the River Yanama Valley, we follow a high trail which traverses steep slopes and provides another excellent opportunity to spot condors. We camp beside the river at the little Andean village of yanama (3530 m / 11,581 ft.). In the afternoon once again our cook will prepare a tea time for us and after a delicious dinner.

• Hiking time: 6-7 hours
• Walking distance: 10 km.
• Weather: Hot
• Altitude: from 3000 m. up to 4200 m. and from 4200 m. down to 3530 m.
• Accommodation: Camping

Day 5: Yanama – Yanama Pass – Totora – Colpapampa

After early breakfast, we make our way out of the Yanama valley, as we ascend we return to a more barren environment where only the local grasses and hardiest plants can survive. we will start climbing slowly to the highest point of the whole trek, this pass is known as yanama pass(4670 masl. or 15410 feet), again the view will be amazing from here, we will be surrounded by snowcapped mountains as the Sacsarayoj mountain and the Padreyoj mountain and if we are lucky we will even see a condor flying., After a small stop, from this pass we make our way down in to the valley and back in to warmer climes. About 1hour beyond the pass we arrive to a small community called totora at 3,630 masl. or 11,979 ft. where we will have our lunch. After lunch, during the afternoon, we will enjoy frequently the view of snowcapped mountains such as Salkantay (6264 m.) and Pintuyu (5450 m.) and we continue going down for another 2 hours to colpapampa (2750 m.) which is where we’ll be camping for the night; when we arrive you’ll notice a change – now that we’re nearly to Machu Picchu the communities are larger and more well supplied, there are also more tourists whom came from the route of the Salkantay trek and they converge at this point.

• Hiking time: 8 hours
• Walking distance: 18 km.
• Weather: Warm
• Altitude: from 3530 m. up to 4670 m. and from 4670 m. down to 2750 m.
• Accommodation: Camping

Day 6: Colpapampa – Playa Sahuayacu 

Our destination today is the village of La Playa about 12km down the valley from Colpapampa. Our route takes us along the Lluskamayo River through an area that is teeming with life and that has various coffee and fruit plantations. Tonight we will stay at the village of La Playa (2400m / 7874ft.) which is well connected and there are plenty of places where you can buy snacks and refreshments, you can also try some of the locally grown coffee. If you are interested there is the option to visit some hot springs that are close by, let your guide know in advance so that he can organise this for you.

******* On this day you may enjoy the Hot Springss – not included in the price.

• Hiking time: 5 hours
• Walking distance: 16 km.
• Weather: Warm
• Altitude: from 2750 m. down to 1900 m.
• Accommodation: Camping

Day 7: La Playa – Hydroelectric Station – Aguas Calientes Town

Today is your last hiking day. It will end around lunch time. This climb along the Inca Trail takes about six hours. It is three hours uphill, along the hillside with great views of the Santa Teresa Valley and some coffee and passion fruit farms. Once we arrive at the top of this mountain, we will be at the famous Inca site of Llactapata, which was built by the Incas. They used it to observe the sunrise during the winter solstice. You will also see Machu Picchu for the first time from this location, as well as views of the surrounding areas, such as, the valleys and mountains of Machu Picchu (Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountains). Then, we will walk the last three hours, descending down to the hydroelectric station. Here, we will enjoy our last lunch and say goodbye to your trekking chef. You will retrieve your duffel bags and catch the train around 3:30 p.m. After a one hour ride to Aguas Calientes, you will be taken to your hotel for a hot shower. If you would like, you can visit the famous hot springs at Aguas Calientes (the entrance fee is $3 per person), then enjoy dinner at a restaurant.

• Walking Distance: 12 km
• Aguas Calientes Elevation: 2,000 m
• Weather: Hot and humid
• Accommodation: Hotel

Day 8: Aguas Calientes Town – Machu Picchu – Cusco

After breakfast we will board the bus which will take us to the biggest energetic center of the Incas, “Machu Picchu”. As part of our itinerary the same professional tour guide from the Choquequirao trek; Will teach you about all the history of this mysterious and mystical place. We will visit the Sun Temple, Royal palace, Main Temple, Three Windows Temple and Sun Dial. It will be an unforgettable experience. After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore on your own.

If you have booked Wayna picchu, you will need to coordinate with your guide for Machu Picchu visiting depending on your scheduled time to the mountain, for people not hiking any of the mountains there are some other optional activities on your own (not included in the price):

• Visit the Sun Gate: You will have an opportunity to walk (approx. 2 hours up and down) up to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) to see Machu Picchu from a different angle.
• Hike to the Inca Bridge: The Inca Bridge offers a dose of adventure for your next Machu Picchu visit. However in this case, the adventure is a little less strenuous, but a lot more death defying, not for people with vertigo.

Train back to Cusco: In the afternoon you will return to the train station in Aguas Calientes for the trip back to Ollantaytambo. Upon your arrival to train station you will be transferred by car to your hotel in Cusco.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m/ 6,691 ft
• Highest Elevation: 2,440 m/ 8,052 ft

Included in your tour:

• Pre-Trek briefing the night before the trek to go over the itinerary, meet your guide(s) and answer any questions
• Transportation from the hotel to Capuliyoc (trailhead).
• Round trip bus ticket in Machu Picchu town.
• Train ticket back to Cusco at the end of our hike.
• Train ticket from Hidroelectrica town to Machu Picchu Pueblo/Aguas Calientes Town on day 8
• One night hotel in Machupicchu town.
• Entrance ticket to Choquequirao
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
• Camping equipment 4 season tent in Black Diamond or North Face Summit Series brand (04 people tent for 02 people),
• Air sleeping pads (Therma-Rest mattresses) and Pillow.
• Other camping equipment, a dining tent with table and chairs, and a kitchen tent, manned by a professional cooking staff.
• Private transportation from the train station to the hotel in Cusco.
• Trek Leader.
• Meals (Option for vegetarians, or other options): Breakfast (7), lunch (7), dinner (7), and snacks.
• A professional chef.
• Horses, and muleteers; horses carry your 7-kg / 14-pound personal items.
• Oxygen tank.
• Emergency (backup) Horse to escort us during the trek.

Not included:

• Entry fee to Huayna Picchu Mountain $75
• Entry fee to Machu Picchu Mountain $75
• Sleeping bags 
• Hiking poles 
• Extra expenditure or things of a personal nature during the trek – laundry and telephone calls, personal taxis, souvenirs, soda, alcoholic drinks, extra snacks, tickets for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
• First breakfast and last dinner on day 7.
• Gratuities for the guides, porters or muleteers, and other staff.
• Travel insurance (bring copies with you please), we highly recommend to get an insurance of trip cancellation, interruption; an insurance to protect your travel investment, Included with your pre-departure package, bring your travel insurance to cover trip cancellation, interruption, baggage loss and delay, emergency medical evacuation insurance and emergency medical expense insurance. Any unexpected situations occurred during the journey and which are beyond our control, including changes in scheduling trains or flights, delays, strikes, cancellations, missed connections, etc. it should be covered by the passenger as a whole. Also, if you for physical reasons of health cannot continue the trek or walk, and will need emergency evacuation then all charges incurred such as transportation, hotel, ambulance, doctors, medication, hospitalization, etc. will be at passenger’s expense.

What to bring for your trek: 

• Sleeping bags and walking poles (poles must have intact rubber bottoms)
• Sleeping bag liner (for your sleeping bag if you wish)
• Mattress pad – while we provide a mattress pad, being rested is essential for a great hiking experience and we find that sleep habits are very individualized. Therefore we recommend bringing your own pad that you know you are comfortable sleeping on, as well as any other sleep items you might want to have (camp pillow, etc).
• Sunscreen: the sun is very strong in Cusco
• Sun hat, Sunglasses, Lip balm.
• Hiking shoes/boots
• Hiking pants and shirts (layers)
• Layers – long underwear and/or warm sleep pants for cold nights
• Hand warmers if you wish
• Warm hat, gloves, scarf and thick warm socks (or you can buy a traditional peruvian hat and scarf – they are beautiful!)
• Daypack and rain cover
• Rain gear – rain jacket and rain pants (optional for the pants), can buy an inexpensive poncho before the trek
• Cash for tipping porters, cooks, horsemen, guides, buying items along the trail, for in town, emergencies, etc. Note: Cash should be in perfect condition (ripped, damaged soles are NOT accepted anywhere in Peru)
• Swim suit, flip flops, towel for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes if you wish to go
• Sandals
• Torch/flashlight/headlamp (and batteries)
• Insect repellent
• Extra snacks if you wish (beyond snacks provided by us)
• First aid kit, including blister protection (though your guide will have one, you may wish to carry one of your own)
• Personal medication and toiletries you might want
• Camera, extra memory cards/film, batteries
• Water bottle or water bladder to refill
• Passport (must be valid 6 months past your travel dates for most countries)
• Copies of passport (keep copies separate, give to travel friends to keep, etc)
• Power adapter/converter
• Any medications you currently are taking or need/may need (see suggestions below)

Prices:

Our Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 8 Days 7 Nights, can leave any day of the week, from March through January. We do not run this trek in February

• 2-3 Trekkers:  $1109 per person
• 4-5 Trekkers: $1019 per person
• 6 or more Trekkers: $959 per person

Important: Price includes up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need of extra Porter hire!).

Discounts:

• Student Discount: US$20.00 Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17-years-old or younger. For those using a University Student Card our under 17-years-old, we need to see a copy of their card or passport at the time of booking to receive the discount.Please send all to info@cuscojourneys.com.

Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):

• Machu Picchu Mountain climbing:  USD 25.00 (Need to book in advance)
• Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 25.00 (Need to book in advance)

Upgrades:

Hotel Upgrades:

The hotel is 2-star and is based on sharing a room – either double, matrimonial, or triple. There is a single room surcharge of $30 if you are booking alone. Rooms all include private bathrooms, with hot showers and wifi. We can also upgrade your hotel if you prefer something fancier. Please remember that the service you receive in Aguas Calientes may not be comparable to that in Cusco. Below is a list of possible upgrade options, although we can usually work with most hotels in Aguas Calientes.

• Belmond Sanctuary Lodge (5 star hotel) – US $580 per person per night (double occupancy)
• Sumaq Machu Picchu hotel (4 star hotel) – US $345 per person per night (double occupancy)
• Santuario Hotel (3+ star hotel) – US $65 per person per night (double occupancy)

Train Upgrades:

• Vistadome train -US $65 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Hiram Bingham train (deluxe) -US $485 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy

Rentals:

• Hiking poles – US$30.00
• Sleeping bag – US$35.00
• Sleeping bag Deluxe Package (+ Pillow & Liners) US$45.00
• Private Tent – US$40.00

By booking or participating in a tour and any related products or services (a “Tour”) with Cusco Journeys, you agree to these Terms & Conditions.

Booking:

1. Your booking is confirmed and a contract exists when the Tour Operator or your travel agent issues a written confirmation after receipt of the applicable deposit amount. Please check your confirmation carefully and report any incorrect or incomplete information to the Tour Operator or authorized agent immediately. Please ensure that names are exactly as stated in the relevant passport.
2. You will pay a deposit which is completely non-refundable in any situation. There are no exceptions.
3. You will be required to show the original passport (not a copy) that you booked with, at the checkpoint to enter the Inca Trail. If you originally booked with an old passport and then renewed your passport, you must also bring your expired passport along with your new, valid passport to permit entry or they will refuse your entrance to the trail.
4. The only acceptable ID to receive a Student Discount is your University Card with a clear expiration date that must be the same year as trek. IDs with expiry dates the following year, even though clearly valid, will not be accepted by the Peruvian government. You must submit a copy of this card at time of booking.

Cancellations:

1. Cancellations: In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 40% is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing (we do not accept medical notes of any kind) as our out of pocket expenses are non-refundable to us.. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:

ONCE BOOKED, DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. CHART BELOW OUTLINES WHAT FURTHER FEES WILL BE DUE.

Inca Trail Tours:

1. Permits: Permits for the Inca Trail are in your name and can not be transferred to anyone else under any circumstances. Change of dates is also not possible once a permit has been purchased. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. The deposit will be forfeited. Please note that this is a regulation of the Peruvian government and not Cusco Journeys (or any agency).
2. In extreme cases when the “Inca Trail to Machu Picchu” is declared closed for safety reasons, Cusco Journeys will replace your trek with an alternative trek.
3. Those who booked PERMITS with a Student ID must bring that ID with them on the trek. If they fail to show this card to the Park Rangers, they will not be allowed entry onto the trail.

Medical Information:

1. You must advise Cusco Journeys of any medical problems or allergies you may have. You need to be in good physical health, and if your health is questionable, then you should consult a doctor. If you are over the age of 70 years old, then you will need to present us with a current good health medical certificate.
2. You are responsible for assessing whether a Tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions. The Tour Operator does not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the Tour based on your own unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level and medical requirements.
3. Cusco Journeys reserves the right to deny you permission to travel or participate in any aspect of a Tour at any time and at your own risk and expense where the Tour Operator determines that your physical or mental condition renders you unfit for travel or you represent a danger to yourself or others.
4. Pregnancy is considered a medical condition and must be disclosed to the Tour Operator at the time of booking. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry pregnant women over 24 weeks. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry anyone with certain medical conditions if reasonable accommodation or alternatives cannot be arranged.
5. It is strongly encouraged to purchase Travel Insurance to protect you in case of medical emergency or any tour cancellations.

Tours and Treks:

1. All balances need to be paid in either cash, Western Union, Transfer Bank or PayPal (in full) prior to the briefing which will be held the night before your tour. Visa incurs a 5% service fee and if you need to use another card, it must be through PayPal which incurs a 5.5% service fee.
   You must advise your guide if you wish to leave the group or the camping area for independent walks or sightseeing. If you are experiencing any problems with the services of the guide or tour, please advise the guide in that moment, so that he can resolve any problems.
2. All Adventure Treks include transportation to Cusco. The return train route depends on train availability.
3. If you become ill or injured on the trail and are unable to continue, a porter will be provided to accompany you back to an area with emergency assistance capabilities. Helicopter air lifts and medical assistance are at the expense of the trekker. If you are unable to complete the tour due to illness, we will assist you in meeting your group at Machu Picchu to recommence your tour at that point. There will be no refund of the original payment. However, we will prepare a document to certify illness which can be presented for your travel insurance.
4. Cusco Journeys will take all reasonable care in providing to our clients avoidance of accident, illness, and loss of personal property, and will only employ suitably qualified staff. We accept responsibility for the actions of our own employees. Cusco Journeys cannot, however, be responsible for any action of third parties. You are totally responsible for your own personal property and rented equipment.
5. Cusco Journeys does not take responsibility for unfavorable weather conditions, natural catastrophe, strikes, accidents, illness, injury, loss of personal ítems, etc. It is the client’s responsibility to carry insurance to cover these types of events. We reserve the right to modify or cancel the program due to any of the unforeseen conditions listed above.
6. Cusco Journeys may modify your itinerary where reasonably required in its sole discretion.
7. Group tours might be as large as 16 participants. Groups are open to everyone no matter skill or age. By accepting a Group Tour you acknowledge that others might change the speed and timing of the tour.
8. All tours are done in English.

Delays:

1. Any costs, whether direct or incidental, incurred by the Customer as the result of delays caused by bad weather, trail conditions, river levels, road conditions, transportation delays, sickness, government intervention or other contingencies which are beyond the control of southern explorations will not be reimbursed.

Thank you so much for choosing Cusco Journeys!!!