Walk from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu

12 de May de 2023

Inside the mountains, with abundant vegetation, in the company of diverse animals, crossing rivers and among more natural attractions there is an unmissable hike from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu. Here is the itinerary that you should do to get to this beautiful place.

The Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Route

It is a very interesting circuit, which passes through the Inca Trail where it will show you its great biodiversity because you will reach different sites that tell their own traditions and customs. It will be a physically demanding hike, but of great joy pleased to reach these impressive Inca constructions.

Duration of the trek from Choquequirao to the Machu Picchu wonder

This route usually takes about 8 days, however, if you want to go slower it can take from 9 to 12 days, depending on your physical condition or if you do the hike personally or with a travel agency.

Travel Itinerary

Already looking forward to visiting Choquequirao and Machu Picchu? This is the itinerary of the tour in 8 days:

Day 1: Cusco - Cachora - Chiquisca

The tour will start early in Cusco to travel in the direction of Cachora, arriving at the destination you will have a rest time for breakfast and make the last necessary purchases, then start with the trek to the viewpoint of Capuliyoc (lunch), from here you can see the view of the great Apurimac Canyon and if possible the flight of a condor; We continue the hike downhill to Chiquisca (dinner and overnight at the camp).

Day 2: Chiquisca - Marampata - Choquequirao  

The next day in Chiquisca(breakfast), early in the morning you will descend to Rosalinas Beach which is located at an altitude of 1 500 meters and from this place you will have a great challenge with good physical endurance because you will follow uphill zigzagging roads for five hours to reach Marampata (lunch).

This is a very special day because you will visit the Choquequirao Archaeological Center to enjoy the surrounding landscape and the varied vegetation and you will visit the sector of the plazas, temples, warehouses, houses and the andenería system with decoration of the snake and the sun flames. In the afternoon, you will return to the Marampata camp for dinner and sleep.

Day 3: Choquequirao - Río Blanco - Maizal

Early before sunrise, you can see the splendid sunrise that offers the place, after breakfast we start the long awaited road to Machu Picchu, passing through the constructions of Choquequiorao uphill you will cross the cloud forest between bush to reach the archaeological remains of Pinchinoyoc, in the course you will see orchids, a variety of birds and coca plantations. Then you will have lunch near the Blanco River to cross it and continue the route uphill to the resting place of the day which will be in the Maizal camp.

Day 4: Maizal - Yanama

The next morning, after breakfast we start the long climb of 7 hours where you will appreciate the scenery of the mountains, flora and fauna of the site, we will pass the Victoria Mines until we reach the top which is the point of lunch, the day ends with the descent to Yanama for rest.

Day 5: Yanama - Totora

Another day to wake up early, after breakfast in the community, with all the energy we start the 5 hour uphill trek through the Yanama pass at more than 4 500 m.a.s.l.

On the way you will see beautiful mountains, crops, fruit trees, plants, animals of the site and if possible a condor flying nearby. After a rest you will continue the route passing bushes until you reach the community of Totora where you will stay overnight.

Day 6: Totora - The beach - Santa Teresa

In the morning, after breakfast you will ascend to the highlands and then descend to the Santa Teresa river passing through banana, passion fruit and coffee plantations and more vegetation until you reach La Playa (lunch), then take a vehicle to Santa Teresa (dinner and night's rest).

Day 7: Santa Teresa - Hydroelectric power plant - Aguas Calientes

The penultimate day, you will have the necessary time to take a short visit to the town of Santa Teresa, after recharging energy (breakfast), we continue the penultimate day, you will take a transport to the Hydroelectric (lunch) where you will already visualize a part of Machu Picchu; then you will take a 3 hour hike to Aguas Calientes, a place where you will be surrounded by spectacular mountains and you can also choose to visit the thermal baths to relax your body (night of rest).  

Day 8: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

It is the most important day of the whole tour, you will visit one of the seven wonders of the world, the majestic Machu Picchu Sanctuary, which receives a large number of tourists every day for its amazing view, Inca constructions that have various functions and where you pass will not miss the impressive photographs of the memory. To get to this impressive paradise, you will go by bus from Aguas Calientes that will leave you at the entrance of the imperial citadel.

In the afternoon you will return to Aguas Calientes where you will travel by train to Ollantaytambo and take a bus to Cusco, destination where this challenging and extreme adventure experience will culminate.

Travel Recommendations

  • Have all the necessary documents, entrance and train tickets before traveling.
  • Light and waterproof clothing for the 8 days.
  • Bring a hat or cap, a coat and a sleeping bag.
  • Hiking shoes or boots.
  • Personal hygiene and medicine kit.
  • Sun block and insect repellent to avoid insect bites.
  • Bastones de trekking.
  • It is necessary to have water for the hikes.
  • Have a camera, watch, flashlight and more than one battery.
  • Without exception

Why book this hike with Illapa?

We are a travel agency committed to tourists for over 20 years, Illapa has an excellent team of professionals passionate about their work that will give you the best quality in tourist services and you will live the most authentic experiences throughout the tour process.

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