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Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 8 Days

Cusco 8 days / 7 nights Max 16 Code CHOQ-MP-8D
Duration8 days / 7 nights
DifficultyDifficult
Max. altitude4,670 m
Group sizeMax 16
Tour type
Adventure and cultural
Languages
EN / ES
Starts in
Cusco
Ends in
Cusco
The journey

Overview

Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 8 days is the ultimate adventure for travelers who want to experience a more remote, more challenging, and more rewarding side of Peru. This unforgettable journey takes you across dramatic Andean landscapes, hidden Inca trails, deep mountain canyons, and breathtaking archaeological sites before ending at the world-famous citadel of Machu Picchu.

The Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 8 days is one of the most extraordinary trekking experiences in the Cusco region. Unlike more traditional routes, this trek leads you through quieter and more remote scenery, where every day feels more immersive and more authentic. Along the way, you will explore the remarkable ruins of Choquequirao, a spectacular Inca site often described as one of Peru’s great hidden treasures, before continuing through rugged mountain paths toward Machu Picchu.

This journey is perfect for travelers seeking more than a classic trek. The route crosses powerful Andean terrain with high passes, remote valleys, and striking natural contrasts that make every stage of the adventure feel unique. From the vast silence of the Apurímac Canyon to the changing landscapes on the way to Machu Picchu, the experience offers a rare balance of history, scenery, and personal challenge. Several operators also highlight the cultural and natural diversity of this route, including archaeological sites, mountain views, and cloud-forest transitions.

  • Choquequirao and its llama terraces
  • Apurímac canyon and Victoria mines
  • Llactapata facing Machu Picchu
  • Guided Machu Picchu visit
8 days, step by step

Day-by-day itinerary

3,300 m 2,902 m 3,300 m 4,200 m 4,670 m 3,500 m 2,800 m 2,430 m
Day 1Highest point of each dayDay 8
  1. Day01

    Cusco - Capuliyoc - Santa Rosa

    Early pick up from your hotel and ride by minivan to our trailhead at Capuliyoc. From here we start to walk downhill for 3 hours until Chiquisca. Along the way we will see the amazing snowcapped mountain of Pedrayoc. On…

    7 h3,300 m Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Campsite
  2. Day02

    Santa Rosa - Maranpata - Choquequirao

    We will wake up early in the morning. Once enjoyed an energy buffet breakfast, we start to climb up for 3 hours until we reach the village of Marampata (2900m/9514ft). After this challenging hike we will have a break an…

    15 km7 h2,902 m Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Campsite
  3. Day03

    Choquequirao - Maizal

    We wake up early in the morning to have an energetic buffet breakfast. From the campsite of Choquequirao we climb up a trail that ascends through the forest, for 2 hours, until Choquequirao pass (3300m/9842ft). From the…

    13 km8 h3,300 m Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Campsite
  4. Day04

    Maizal - Minas Victoria - Yanama

    We wake up early in the morning and enjoy an energetic breakfast while the sun rises above the mountains. Then we start climbing up a dusty rocky path for four hours. On our way we will go through green valleys and pass…

    10 km7 h4,200 m Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Campsite
  5. Day05

    Yanama - Totora

    We wake up early in the morning to have our delicious healthy breakfast and then start to hike for five hours all the way up to the pass of Mariano LLamoja (4700m/15419ft). From here we will appreciate the Vilcabamba mo…

    16 km8 h4,670 m Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Campsite
  6. Day06

    Totora - Collpapampa - Playa

    You will be woken up with a hot drink, followed by breakfast and the magical sunrise over the mountains and then start our hike with destination “La Playa”. The trail continues down the valley into the forest, where we…

    12 km6 h3,500 m Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Campsite
  7. Day07

    Playa - LLaqtapata - Aguas Calientes

    Today our hike will only take six hours. We will wake up at 5:00 a.m in the morning and enjoy our last breakfast. Then we will start walking for three hours uphill. Along the way we will have spectacular views on the Sa…

    12 km6 h2,800 m Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
  8. Day08

    Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco

    After 7 days of hiking, we finally reached our destination Machu Picchu, one of the new seven wonder of the world. Our tour guide will pick you up at 5:00 a.m in order to get to Machu Picchu early and enjoy the sunrise.…

    Full day2,430 m Breakfast
Clear prices

What's included

Included

  • Professional English & Spanish speaking tour guide throughout the entire trek and Machu Picchu visit.
  • Private transportation from Cusco to the Choquequirao trailhead.
  • Muleteer drivers and pack animals to carry trekking equipment during the trek.
  • Official Choquequirao Trail permit.
  • Choquequirao archaeological site entrance ticket.
  • Official Salkantay Trail permit (connection route).
  • Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
  • All meals during the trek prepared by a professional trekking chef.
  • Healthy and energetic breakfasts.
  • Organic buffet lunches.

Not included

  • Trekking poles.
  • Sleeping bags.
  • Air mattresses.
  • Sleeping bag for the tour guide.
  • Lunch in Aguas Calientes on the last day.
  • Tips for muleteers, trekking chef, and tour guide (optional and voluntary).
  • Personal expenses and extra services not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended).
Get ready

Packing list and tips

  • Original passport (checked at checkpoints, trains and Machu Picchu)
  • Broken-in hiking boots with ankle support
  • Daypack of 25 to 35 litres
  • Rain jacket or poncho
  • Warm layers: fleece, down jacket, hat and gloves
  • Sun hat, sunglasses and SPF 50 sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Headlamp with spare batteries
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Personal medication and toilet paper
  • Some Peruvian soles in cash
  • Swimsuit if hot springs are on the route

Recommendations

Arrive in Cusco at least two or three days before the trek to acclimatize properly.
Bring your original passport, as it may be required at checkpoints.
Wear well-broken-in hiking boots with good traction and ankle support.
Dress in layers to adapt to changing mountain weather conditions.
Carry a waterproof jacket or poncho at all times.
Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat due to strong UV radiation.
Bring a warm sleeping bag suitable for cold nights in the Andes.
Stay well hydrated and drink water frequently during the trek.
Avoid alcohol and heavy meals before and during hiking days.
Carry a small daypack for personal items, water, and daily essentials.
Bring some cash in Peruvian soles for tips and personal expenses.
Consider renting trekking poles for added stability on steep sections.
Purchase travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking activities.
Respect nature, archaeological sites, and follow your guide’s instructions at all times.

Important information and precautions

  • This route goes above 4,000 m: spend at least two nights in Cusco before departure
  • Tell us about any medical condition when you book; consult your doctor if you have heart or respiratory problems
  • Weather in the high Andes changes quickly: the guide may adapt the route for safety
  • Pickup is in the historic centre of Cusco; the exact time is confirmed at the briefing
  • Machu Picchu circuits and entry times are assigned by the Ministry of Culture based on availability at the moment of purchase
  • Tickets are nominal: bring the same passport you used to book
  • Train luggage is limited to one small bag of up to 5 kg per person
  • Hotel pickup is in the historic centre of Cusco; the exact time is confirmed the evening before
  • Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain have very limited spaces: request them when you book

Route map

  1. 1Cusco
  2. 2Cachora / Capuliyoc
  3. 3Chiquisca
  4. 4Marampata
  5. 5Choquequirao
  6. 6Maizal
  7. 7Yanama
  8. 8Totora
  9. 9La Playa
  10. 10Llactapata (Salkantay)
  11. 11Hidroeléctrica
  12. 12Aguas Calientes
  13. 13Machu Picchu

Frequently asked questions

This trek is considered challenging due to its long duration, remote terrain, and significant altitude changes. It involves steep ascents and descents, long hiking days, and high mountain passes. It is recommended for travelers with good physical condition and previous trekking experience. Proper acclimatization before the trek is essential, and our professional guides maintain a steady pace with regular breaks to ensure safety and enjoyment.

The best time to hike the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu route is during the dry season, from April to October. Weather conditions are more stable, trails are safer, and views are clearer. June, July, and August are popular months and require early booking. March and November are good shoulder-season options, while February is not recommended due to heavy rainfall.

Yes, all meals during the trek are included and prepared by a professional trekking chef. Breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, and drinking water are provided daily. Muleteers carry the main camping equipment, allowing you to hike with only a small daypack. This setup ensures comfort and energy throughout this demanding multi-day adventure.

You should bring well-broken-in hiking boots, layered clothing for cold and variable weather, rain gear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a warm sleeping bag. Trekking poles, sleeping bags, and air mattresses are not included but can be rented if needed. A small daypack for personal items and daily essentials is recommended.

Travel insurance is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. Your insurance should cover high-altitude trekking, emergency medical assistance, and evacuation. Although our team provides first-aid support and professional guidance, having insurance offers peace of mind during this remote and physically demanding trek.

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From, per personUS$ 850