Choquequirao Trek and Machu Picchu

From $ 2300.00 / £ 1425.00 per person 15 Days

In summary: Are you looking for a challenge and keen to see the real peru? The scenery between Choquequirao and Aguas Calientes, the closest town to Machu Picchu is superb and epitomises that often used phrase "off the beaten track". This Peru tour really is the best of both worlds and the challenging trek is worth the effort for the more experienced hiker.

Confused about the different options for trekking in Peru? Contact us and one of our experts with first hand knowledge will explain the options and find the best trek for you.

Highlights

  • Machu Picchu and Choquequirao - superb testimony to the Inca civilisation
  • Condor spotting and mountain gazing at the Yanama pass
  • Seeing Machu Picchu for the first time from Llactapata

Day 1. Lima

Arrive into the capital city of Lima, private transport to your hotel.

Day 2. Cusco

Fly to Cusco and transfer to your hotel. We suggest you take it easy today to get used to the high altitude. If you do feel like a stroll there are shops, restaurants and museums within a short walk of your hotel.

Day 3. Cusco City Tour

Half day tour of Cusco and the outlying Inca sites with the option of a gentle hike in the countryside. In the evening you will have a full Inca Trail briefing.

Day 4. Sacred Valley Tour

Full day tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas including Pisac market and Ollantaytambo before returning to Cusco to spend the night.

Day 5. Cusco to Chikisca

An early start today to drive to the small remote village of Cachora. From here we have a gentle start to the trek, heading down towards the Apurimac river and the first night's camp at Chikisca.

Day 6. Chikisca to Choquequirao

This morning we cross the migthty Apurimac river and then make a steep ascent on the other side of the gorge. After lunch the path is easier, Choquequirao can soon be seen in the distance, and we will have a chance to enjoy the sunset at the ruins before camping here for the night (3110m).

Day 7. Choquequirao to Pinchinuyoc

The morning is spent exploring the ruins further, the site is extensive with more and more being uncovered each year by archaelogists. In the afternoon we walk to our next campsite at Pinchinuyoc (3000m).

Day 8. Pinchinuyoc to Maizal

We head down to cross Rio Blanco where you may like to pause for a refreshing dip in the glacial waters! From here it is a climb up to the campsite of Maizal (3000m).

Day 9. Maizal to Yanama

Today we climb up through dense vegetation passed ancient silver mines and up to Abra Victoria (4130m). In good weather the views from here are breathtaking and you may be lucky enough to spot a condor soaring above the mountains. The path continues down to Yanama, be careful to keep your eyes on where you are going, it is easy to be distracted by the amazing view! Camp at Yanama (4100m).

Day 10. Yanama to Totora

This morning we cross another high pass with snow capped mountain views all around us. A gentle descent takes us to camp atTotora ( 3900m).

Day 11. Totota to La Playa

Today is a long but more gentle walk and we have time to enjoy the lush vegetation as we follow the river to La Playa. Here we join onto the more well trodden route of the Salkantay trek so you are likely to begin seeing other tourists from this point on. Camp at La Playa (2125m).

Day 12. La Playa to Aguas Calientes

We set out this morning with an ascent up to the Inca site of Llactapata. From here you can see Machu Picchu in the distance. It is then a descent to the valley floor below and we arrive at the hydroelectrica train station from where it is a short train ride to Aguas Calientes town, and a cosy hotel.

Day 13. Machu Picchu

An early start to take the bus up to the site (really keen trekkers may choose to walk!) for a 2 hour tour with your guide. You have some free time for personal exploration before heading back to Cusco by train and bus.

Day 14. Lima

Fly to Lima.

Day 15. Fly home

Transfer to the airport for your international flight home.

Customize this Itinerary

  • see the real Lima with our Lima detour or visit the traditional fishing village of Pucusana
  • add on a day hike in the hills beyond Cusco where very few tourists ever tread
  • take a yoga class in Cusco to unwind and stretch those hard working legs after the trek

Included

  • safe private transfers
  • all tours as described
  • all entrance fees
  • accommodation in 3 star hotel with breakfast
  • fully supported trek with 3 meals a day and all equipment apart from sleeping bag which can be hired.

Not Included

  • International flights to and from Lima
  • Flights Lima to Cusco return (approx $140 - $180 per leg)
  • airport taxes ($30 international, $6 domestic)
  • sleeping bag
  • other meals not stated above
  • tips and expenses of a personal nature such as laundry.

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