Cusco & Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu: For the first part you’ll travel to Cusco to acclimatise. This 65 km trek takes you through lush jungles, deep canyons, and many snow-capped peaks along the way to Machu Picchu. If you’re in for a great Peru adventure, this is one of the most beautiful treks in the Cusco Region.
The Inca city is situated in the vast landscape of the Vilcabamba Range above the Apurimac River Canyon. Thick forest has covered this Inca site for many years and it has only been discovered in relatively recent times.
Choquequirao was the dwelling of the last rebel Incas of Vilcabamba and similar to Machu Picchu, it is thought that the Spanish never discovered it. This is a challenging trek traversing different ecosystems; it’s possible to do this route in 7 days by just exploring Choquequirao in the morning on day 3 and then continuing.
There are amazing views of the Vilcabamba Range and the trail descends deep into the Apurimac Canyon, which makes this a truly magnificent hike.
The main ruins of this trek — Choquequirao, Llactapata, & Machu Picchu — all have their own distinct features and functions. The Incas built an all encompassing trail system spanning these sites and the whole of the Sacred Valley, making for a detailed and adventurous trek.
Highlights
Trek Facts | |
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Trek min. duration | 7 days |
Max. elevation | 4,650m (15,260 ft) |
Start/finish | Cusco/Cusco |
Difficulty | Challenging |
Best season | Late Spring/Early Fall |
Sleeping | Camping |
Included
Breakfast x 9
Lunch x 7
Dinner x 5
Private Transport – collection & drop-off
Professional bilingual guide
Cook
Horsemen & mules
All camping equipment (Sleeping bags to hire + Walking sticks)
Entrance to Machu Picchu & return trip bus tickets to Aguas Calientes
Accommodation in Aguas Calientes x 1 night
Train tickets to Cusco
Accomodation in Cusco/Lima x 3 nights
Domestic flights from Lima to Cusco (return)
Excluded
International Airfares
Tips for crew
Any additional extras
Joining Arrangements | There will be a pre-trek briefing held usually the evening before departure, at your hotel, to go over the details of the trek and any specific requirements not already captured. |
Food & Water | Prior to setting off we recommend you steer clear of street food and only eat in good restaurants, to avoid any stomach complaints. Likewise with tap water, it is largely untreated, please only consume bottled water only or sterilised water if you have the right equipment. |
Special Diets | We’ll ensure that we cater for all of your dietary needs, at the point of booking we’ll collect this information from you. We can secure special menu requests also for your trek party. |
Trekking Crew | We are able to customise our treks to suit you, but usually our treks are guided by a professional bilingual guide, mountain cook, arriero (horseman) and mules to carry all equipment (passenger horses also available on request). They become a large part of your trekking expedition and it’s a great experience working together. |
Acclimatisation |
This is a really important part of your trip planning process, please find a link below which explains a little more about preparing for altitude. Altitude Preparation
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Preparation |
Attached below are a couple of links which will explain how to prepare for your trip & trek in advance of your arrival. We recommend being prepared in advance to save time & stress whilst you’re in Peru. Trip Planning | Trek Planning
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Machu Picchu | An excursion to Machu Picchu can be included as part of your trip, including professional bilingual guide, entrance tickets, return trip bus tickets, Huayna Picchu & Machu Picchu Mountains (mountain climbs to be confirmed on reservation) & your return train ticket to Cusco. To be confirmed on reservation. |
Covid-19 (Coronavirus) | We are working with the latest protocols issued by the Ministerio de Salud (Ministry of Health) to ensure our operations are safe and compliant for the future. We also have access to on-call health services for your time with us. |
Covid-19 (Useful Links) | World Health Organisation | World Health Organisation – Peru | Covid-19 Data – Peru | Covid-19 Daily Statistics |
Available Discounts | Throughout 2021 we’re offfering a 25% discount for each member of a group larger than 4+ |
Reservation | Please contact us to reserve your trek and we will send you our deposit & payment options. |
Customer Service | Please feel free to contact us at any point before your trip for any queries or problems. |
¡Bienvenidos! Welcome to Lima, Peru’s largest city and central metropolitan hub, and home to one-third of the country’s population. Located at the site of a pre-Columbian indigenous Ychsma settlement, which was conquered by the Inca empire in the 15th century and later by the Spanish conquistadores, Lima has a fascinating history and a diverse mix of cultures. Amerindian, European, Afro-Peruvian, and Asian—especially Chinese and Japanese—influences make Lima a dynamic and exciting city to explore.
Lima’s breezy location on the Pacific Ocean and mild desert climate make it the perfect city for exploring on foot. Head downtown to mingle with locals, stretch your legs, and grab a bite to eat in one of the many award-winning restaurants.
Head to the Lima airport for your transfer flight to Cusco. This ancient city is the former capital of the Inca empire, which reigned from the 13th to 16th centuries after conquering the Killke settlement on the same location. Remember: you will be 11,000 feet (3,000 m) above sea level, so take it easy and remember to drink lots of water. Since Cusco was designed by the Incas as a city for walking, start your exploration of the narrow stone alleyways on foot. Take a walk through the plaza — if the weather is beautiful, it’s a perfect place to sit on a balcony and have a cup of coca tea while adjusting to the elevation.
Depart from your campsite at Chikiska and continue your trek across the Apurimac River and pass through the communities of Santa Rosa andMarampata. The steep path passes through territory which can get humid and hot depending on the season. One of the more strenuous days, with dramatic views of the canyon as you approach the ruins of Choquequirao. In the evening, we will arrive at our campsite, located right near the ruins of Choquequirao.
Accommodation: Camping
Overnight: Choquequirao
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is your last day in Peru! You will be met at your hotel for a transfer to Cusco Airport, where you will transfer to your international departure. ¡Buen viaje!
James did an awesome job. Due to bad weather conditions, we had to change to a different route and he met all my needs. The Choquequirao Trek was beautiful, my guide Noé was fit, knowledgeable and always in a good mood. The equipment was brand new and well suited for the trek. I was able to get a special diet during the trek and the food tasted very good. The cook and horseman worked really hard! I thank James for this five star experience in the Andes!