CHOQUEQUIRAO
W/MACHU PICCHU 7D/6N
TOUR OVER VIEW
- Tour Type: Hiking, Camping, Culture Adventure
- Duration: 7 days/6 days
- Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging
- Distance: 97 km/60.273 Miles
- Permits: Required (We’ll obtain it after you book with us)
- This trek has challenging and steep switchback
- Elevation: 2040m- 4000m/ 6693ft- 13,123ft
- Meals: All Inclusive
INTRODUCTION
This spectacular expedition of seven days will take you to two major archaeological sites in the Cusco area, Choquequirao and Machu Picchu! Both sites are considered to have been towns of Incan nobles and priestesses, never discovered by Spanish conquistadors. While the paths to Choquequirao and Machu Picchu are challenging, this seven-day expedition offers the opportunity to traverse different ecosystems, receive amazing views, and learn about Incan culture and history.
Itinerary
DAY 01: Cusco Chikisca
TO Capuliyoc
We will pick you up from your Hotel in Cusco, and shuttle you for approximately 4 hours to Cachora; Here, you will meet your team: the outstanding chefs, wranglers and horses that will accompany you on this journey. Together, we will reach a quick lunch with the dazzling snow-capped peaks of Padreyoc and Wayna Cachora near the distance. We will hike five hours this day, arriving at our final resting point of Chikisca by nightfall. After lunch, we will start by ascending two hours to Capuliyoc, where you will have a fantastic view of the entire Apurimac Valley and the Cradle of Gold, Choquequirao. We will then make a steep, 2-hour descent towards the valley floor. Here we will arrive at Chikisca, our grassy campsite, in time for an early dinner and sleep.
Facts and Figures:
- Hiking Distance: 8 Hours/ 17 km
- Elevation Gain: 3200 km (394 ft)
- Highest Elevation Point: 3,000M (9,842 ft)
- Considered: Moderate & Challenging
- Meals:Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Coffee
DAY 02 CHIKISCA TO MARAMPATA
We will enjoy a delicious breakfast before setting out towards the Marampata campsite, high above the Apurimac River. Though this 4-hour ascent is challenging for most hikers, you will be rewarded with amazing views of the river valley below. Crossing the Apurimac river, we will make a steep ascent on the opposite side of the valley for two hours until we reach Santa Rosa, where we will take a long break. From Santa Rosa, we will press 2.5 hours upwards towards the peak of Marampata at 2890m/ 9482ft, where we will have a birds-eye-view of the Apurimac river. We will arrive at our campsite in Marapata by late afternoon in time for a warm dinner. We’ll relax with a hot cup of tea and prepare for an exciting visit to the Choquequirao the following day.
Facts and Figures:
- Active Time: approximately 7 hours
- Distance Covered: 15km/ 8.0miles
- Elevation Gain:940m/ 3083ft
- Starting Point: Chikisca, 1950m/ 6397ft
- Ending point: Marampata Campsite: 2800m/ 9186ft
- Meals:Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Coffee
DAY 03: MARAMPATA to
CHOQUE QUIRAO
After a tasty breakfast, we will depart from Marampata and ascend another 2 hours to the ruins of Choquequirao. Our group will be one of the very few visiting, providing a tranquil and private environment for exploring this ancient city. The ruins cover an area far more significant than Machu Picchu. Huge curving terraces, ritual baths, and a fine central plaza are some of the highlights. Those with the energy can even descend to see the famous white stone of llamas on the rock. If we are fortunate, we will spot condors soaring above. We will spend a whole day here with a guided tour of the ruins and plenty of time to explore and enjoy the surrounding nature. That night, we will set up camp near the ruins. You will have a spectacular views of the canyon as the sun sets.
Facts and Figures:
- Active Time: 2 hours hiking, 4 hours exploring
- Distance Covered: 2km/ 1.24mi
- Elevation Gain: 233m/ 764ft
- Starting Point: Marampata Campsite: 2800m/ 9186ft,
- Ending point: Choquequirao Ruins, 3033m/ 9950ft
- Meals:Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Coffee
DAY 04: CHOQUE QUIRAO TO MAIZAL
Today will be the toughest day of our expedition. From the ruins of Choquequirao, we will climb over a ridge and descend 1400m/ 4600ft to the ruins of Pinchaunuyoc and then down 1.5 hours to the Rio Blanco, the White River, where you can dip your feet into the cool waters. Just be aware of the biting sand-flies, called “Pumahuacachi”, which means “makes the puma cry.” Feeling refreshed, we will take a difficult 4-hour climb to the lovely campsite of Maizal, at 3000m/ 9840ft.
Facts and Figures:
- Active Time: approximately 6 hours
- Distance Covered: 18km/ 11.1mi
- Elevation Gain: 1010m/ 3313ft,
- Starting Point: Choquequirao Ruins, 3033m/ 9950ft
- Ending point: Maizal Campsite, 3000m/ 9842 ft
- Meals:Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Coffee
DAY 05: MAIZAL YANAMA LUCMA
Leaving Maizal, we will climb 3 hours past old silver mines and the newly discovered ruins of Coryhuarachina to the highest part of the trip, Abra San Juan at 4000m/ 13,123ft. Here, we will have spectacular views of the Cordillera Vilcabamba mountain range and of the Yamana valley below. We will then take a delightful 2-hour descent to the charming village of Yamana. Here, a vehicle will be awaiting us; we’ll load up and drive on a dirt road, over the Totora pass, onwards to Lucmabamba, where our campsite will be awaiting us.
Facts and Figures:
- Active Time: approximately 8 hours
- Distance Covered: 17km/ 10.6mi
- Elevation Gain: 1000m/ 3280ft
- Starting Point: Maizal Campsite, 3000m/ 9842ft,
- Ending point: Yamana, 3800m/ 12,467ft,
- Lucmabamba, 2400m/7874ft
- Meals:Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Coffee
DAY 06: LUCMA TO AGUAS CALIENTES
On your final day of hiking, we make a 2.5-hour ascent on a royal Inca trail to Llactapata, a high lookout that provides an exceptional view of the renowned Machu Picchu. Along the way, we will pass through lush coffee and tropical fruit trails, continuing upwards into the pristine cloud forest, to Llaqtapata was just recently re-discovered by archaeologists in 2003. This archaeological complex offers impressive views of both Machu Picchu and Salkantay Mountain. Once down in the valley, we will make our way to the hydroelectric plant of Machu Picchu. From here, you will have a choice: wait for the train and enjoy and short, scenic ride, or hike two more hours beside the railroad tracks to the bustling town of Aguas Calientes, located directly below Machu Picchu. We will eat an early dinner and check in to our three-star hotel accommodation in anticipation of our big visit to Machu Picchu the next day!
Facts and Figures:
- Walking Time: approximately 6.5 hours- 8.5 hours
- Walking Distance: 18km- 29km/ 11.2mi- 18mi
- Elevation Gain: 450m/ 1475ft
- Starting Point: Lucmabamba, 2400m/7874ft
- Aguas Calientes: 2040m/ 6692ft.
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Coffee
DAY 07: MACHU PICCHU to CUSCO
We will board an early bus to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, you will receive a 2-hour guided tour of all of the most significant sites while learning about Incan history and culture. Afterward, you will have some free time to hike to the Inca Bridge, Watchman’s Hut, or just soak in the energizing atmosphere of Machu Picchu before returning to Aguas Calientes as a group by bus. In Aguas Calientes, you will have a large selection of restaurants to choose from for lunch. We’ll then board an afternoon train to return to Cusco. Our drivers will meet us at the train station with Mercedes Benz Sprinter vans to chauffeur you back to your Cusco accommodation.
Facts and Figures:
- Hiking Distance: 4 Hours Including in Machu Picchu
- Considered: Moderate Easy day
- Highlights: Machu Picchu
- Meals: Breakfast at Hotel
- Return: Train and bus
- Highest altitude: 2,400 msl (7874.016 ft.)
Inclusions
01
TOUR GUIDES
All of our guides are native to the region and have a true passion for teaching others about their culture and heritage. They have all studied English; as well as several other languages to ensure that communication is clear on your adventures with us. All our guides are experienced with the Inca Trail, and our other high-altitude treks. They will support you and ensure that you are safe and happy throughout your trip.
02
TICKETS - PERMITS
We are one of the few tour operators authorized to operate many treks in the region of Cusco – Peru, Including Choquequirao and Machu Picchu, and all tickets and permits are included in this magnificent 7-day trek, as well as the entrance to Choquequirao Archeological, Machu Picchu Tickets, etc.
03
MEALS
Our highly trained chefs cook delectable, nutrient-rich meals, that honor your food restrictions while surprising you with International and Peruvian flavors. Prepare for a superb culinary experience to accompany this unforgettable expedition. Food is typically served family-style, three times a day in our dining tent.
04
horses wranglers
We include horses and wranglers, who is responsible for carrying your duffel bag. There is no additional fee for this, however you will not have access to your duffel bag until the campsite. We strive to keep our horses well cared for and healthy, so we limit duffel-bag weights to 7 kg/ 14 lbs, which should include your sleeping bag
05
DUFFLE BAG
During your briefing, you will receive a personal duffel bag to pack all of your necessary belongings in; and will be carried by our porters. The duffle should not exceed more than 6kgs /15.4 lbs, including your sleeping bag. All other personal items needed, should be packed in a personal day pack.
06
TENTS
We consistently maintain 4-season tents in order to ensure peak performance on our treks. In order to ensure maximum comfort, we provide you with a four-person tent to sleep yourself and one other hiker. If you wish to have your own personal tent to yourself, you can request our first class experience option.
07
WATER
We always ensure you have plenty of clean drinking water for mealtimes, as well as enough for you to refill your bottle whenever needed. We use fresh spring water running down from the mountains. We require that you bring your own personal water bottle/s or Camelbak. To care for our spectacular environment, we humbly request that you use a reusable non-single-use plastic bottle.
08
TRANSPORTATION
Your transportation from Cusco to and from this trek is included. You will be picked up directly from your hotel in Cusco and taken to the start of your trek in Cachora. After your return riverside journey on the train, you will reach the train station, where you will be picked up by a van to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
09
FIRST AID
Every guide is first aid trained, and carries a first-aid kit and oxygen for basic medical problems (traveler’s diarrhea, elevation sickness, cuts, scrapes, etc.). In case of emergencies, every guide is equipped with a satellite phone which will allow for a quick exit off the trail to get you directly to a clinic for treatment, if needed.
10
SLEEPING BAG
You will either receive our North Face or Therm-a-rest down alpine mummy bag, which has an impressive temperature limit of -10C. Boasting quilted blanket interior, foot warmer pocket and a cinchible fitted design. Best of all, these sleeping bags are certified for responsible, sustainable down manufacturing. We also carry extra blankets, pillows and sleeping bags for your comfort.
11
BRIEFING
The night before your Machu Picchu hike, you can either come to our office or we can come to your hotel lobby for your briefing. During the briefing, you can also meet some of your fellow travelers that you will be with for the next couple of days. Your guides will explain the itinerary in detail, and will give you your duffel bag for you to pack your personal belongings that will be carried by our porters.
12
EXTRAS
We believe it´s the attention to small details that separates us from our competitors. Every hiker receives a small pillow to sleep with, a foam mattress for insulation, a day pack cover to protect their things while hiking, and a rain poncho. We will work hard to create your best experience to remember for a lifetime!
explorer our
TOUR VIDEO
All of our videos capture the very best of what we do, and can give you a real taste of each of the treks and tours we offer. As they say, «a picture is worth a thousand words», so dive in.
see more
BEFORE HIKING
Important Information
YOU NEED TO KNOW
This page has all the facts, figures and important questions answered, while allowing you the opportunity to explore the adventure activities in detail.
AVAILABILITY
ALTITUDE MAP
TRAVEL INFO
BROCHURE
gallery
Luckily for us the founder of Southern Peru Explorers is also a professional photographer! All our photos show the very best of what we do, and can give you a real taste of each of the treks and tours we offer. We recently added an option for photography specific tours, which are lead by professional photographers alongside our guides.
booking
Once you have decided which adventure is best for you and your adventure partners, head over to the ‘Book Now’ tab. This will provide you with a booking form for you to provide your prsonal information. This will directly notify us about your booking, and after payment/deposit, it will reserve your space on the trek/tour you wish to participate in.
PRICE
PER PERSON-
2 People $990.00
-
3 People $950.00
-
4 People $890.00
-
5 People $830.00
-
6 People $790.00
-
+7 People $750.00
01
FILL YOUR INFORMATION
02
PAYMENT METHODS
The amazing staff is waiting for you and your friends/family!
Safe and easy booking in only 3 steps to secure the adventure of a lifetime!
related tours
Southern Peru Explorers directly operates all of our treks in the Cusco region, with world-renowned expertise, as trekking specialists. Following is our top recommended tour expeditions:
salkantay
This amazing trek hugs the bottom of the sacred Salkantay mountain as it passes through Quechua communities and lesser-known Inca ruins before finally ending at Aguas Calientes.
inca jungle
This adrenaline-packed tour will take you down-hill biking through cloud forests, rafting through rapids, ziplining through trees and trekking on the original Inca trail, making it one
inca trail
During this trek you will get to see the traditional weaving and handicrafts, as well as many other parts of the local culture. The trek culminates at Machu Picchu, a World Heritage site and one of
Our top of the line gear
We recognize that quality gear can make or break an outdoor adventure experience, and have hand-selected the top quality products to ensure you have the best possible experience on your adventures with us.
