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Choquequirao Vilcabamba Trek to Machu Picchu 10 Days

10 Days from $ USD 100.00

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Choquequirao Vilcabamba Trek to Machu Picchu 10 Days

Choquequirao Vilcabamba Trek to Machu Picchu 10 Days

10 Days from $ USD 100.00

Price
$ USD 100.00
Duration
10 Days
Physical Level
Easy
Altitude
3300 m (10 826 ft)
Accomodation
Hotel / Hostel
Accomodation
Hotel / Hostel

Overview

The Choquequirao Vilcabamba Trek to Machu Picchu, spanning 10 days, offers an opportunity to explore an Inca settlement from the 15th and 16th centuries nestled amidst the breathtaking Vilcabamba mountain range. Starting from the charming village of Cachora, located near Aguas Calientes, the trek takes you through the mountains, descending into the Apurimac River Canyon. This trek offers a more exclusive view of the cultural and natural highlights of Peru, making it an excellent alternative to the more popular Inca Trail. Along the way, you will be treated to awe-inspiring views of the Pumasillo and Salkantay peaks and the deep canyons carved out by the Apurimac and Blanco rivers. As you make your way to Machu Picchu, the most popular tourist attraction in the region, you will have ample time to take in its splendor. Although relatively unknown to tourists, the main archaeological site you will visit during this challenging but fulfilling trek is Choquequirao.

Price from
$ 100.00
Per person in Group service

Highlights

Trip Details

  • Activities: Trekking Adventure
  • Shuttle to Capulioc: 3½ hour by bus from Cusco.
  • Difficulty Levels: 4 of 5
  • Maximum Altitude: 4350 masl. / 14271 ft.
  • Accommodation: 1 Day Lodge, 1 Days Hostel, 5 Days Camping
  • Optional Activities: Horse Reading, Zipline, Hotspring.
  • Locations: Choqueauirao, Machupicchu.
  • Departures Day: Daily Departures.
  • Starts: Pick up at your accommodation in Cusco around 4:00 AM
  • Ends: Drop-off at Cusco around 22:15 PM

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Cusco — Capuliyoc — Marampata.

On Day 1, we will collect you from your hotel at around 3:30 to 4:00 AM to commence our journey in a private van, heading northeast from Cusco city. We will travel for approximately 4 hours through small towns until we reach Capuliyoc town (2.800masl), where we will enjoy a delicious breakfast and meet our trek staff, including muleteers and horses.

Following breakfast, we will embark on our hike for about 20 minutes to reach our first viewpoint, offering a panoramic view of the Vilcabamba mountain range (known as Padreyoc) and the famous Apurimac Canyon. After admiring the breathtaking scenery, we will begin a 3-hour descent through stunning landscapes, where you will see various medicinal plants used by our ancestors, such as muña, chilca, and other plant varieties. With a bit of luck, we may spot the majestic Condor. We will descend until Chiquisca Hamlet (1800masl), where we will enjoy a delicious traditional Cusco lunch buffet.

After lunch, we will take a 30-minute break before continuing our descent for another 45 minutes until we reach Playa Rosalinas (1700masl). This location is situated on the Apurimac River, marking the boundary between two important Peruvian regions, Cusco and Apurimac.

After crossing the famous Apurimac river, we will continue descending for 4 hours until we reach Marampata (3500masl). Along the way, we may witness a bird dance, and at sunset, we will observe the Andean people and their way of life in the mountains, which may seem hard to believe compared to city life. We will arrive at our private Choquequirao trek Lodge at approximately 5:30 pm. After a brief rest, we will have dinner at around 7 pm, and then we will spend the night in our lodge, where you may observe constellations according to Andean or Inca religion.

  • Hiking distance: 15 Km. / 9.3 mile.
  • Hiking time: Approximately 6½ to 7 hours.
  • Climate: Hot during the day and warm at night.
  • Accommodation: Lodge – Choquequirao Sanctuary Lodge.
  • Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
  • Maximum Altitude: 2850 masl. / 9350 ft. (Marampata)
  • Minimum Altitude: 1475 masl. / 4839 ft. (Playa Rosalinas)
Day 2

Maranpata — Choquequirao — Choquequirao Camp Site.

You will be awakened in the early morning with coca tea and given enough time to organize your belongings. Around 7:30am, we will have a delicious typical breakfast before continuing our hike to Marampata. This day’s hike will be physically demanding, but will offer stunning views of the Archaeological Choquequirao Complex (3900masl). Along the way, our tour guide will explain the flora and fauna of the area, and we will have 3 hours to explore all of the Choquequirao Complex, also known as the “cradle of gold.” Here, we will visit important sectors such as plazas, llamas, and astronomy.

After visiting all of these places, we will begin our descent to Choquequirao Camping, where our picnic lunch will be waiting for us. After lunch, we will take a 30-minute break before continuing to an amazing place that only we know about: the Pachayoc waterfalls. This is a place where you can truly connect with nature. Finally, we will return to Choquequirao Camp where dinner will be served, and it will be time to rest.

  • Hiking distance: 8 Km. / 4.9 miles.
  • Hiking time: Approximately 5½ to 6 hours.
  • Climate: Hot during the day and warm at night.
  • Accommodation: Lodge: Choquequirao Sanctuary Lodge.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
  • Maximum Altitude: 3106 masl / 10190 ft. (Choquequirao)
  • Minimum Altitude: 2850 masl / 9350 ft. (Marampata)
DAY 3

Choquequirao — Choquequirao Pass — Pinchinuyoc.

We kick off another day at base camp, surrounded by the native community of Yamana. The sun shines on the campground, and the sound of a grand waterfall accompanies breakfast on the outdoor table. The local children greet us with big smiles as we prepare for our uphill hike to the highest pass of the trek (a 5-hour journey). The Yamana pass (4700 MASL – 15419 FASL) offers breathtaking views of the Saqsarayoc and Pedreyoc mountain ranges and Andean farmers cultivating potatoes in their fields (some frozen). We may even catch sight of condors soaring above us as we climb through new landscapes, including wet grass fields and streams below the snowline.

At the pass, we may encounter snow as we enter the Santa Teresa Valley and catch a glimpse of the Incan God, Salkantay Mountain. From there, we descend on a long, foggy path through grassy fields and bush areas, crossing bridges on our way to Totora community, where we stop for lunch.

After a short break, we continue our descent towards warmer climates, eventually converging with Colpapampa (2900m / 9514 ft.), where we will camp for the night.

  • Hiking distance: 26 Km / 16.1 mile
  • Hiking time: approximately 6-7 hours
  • Climate: starting with cold weather and ending in a tropical climate
  • Accommodation: Hostel: Aguas Calientes
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude: 2900 masl / 9514 ft. (Chaullay)
  • Minimum Altitude: 2040 masl / 6692 ft. (Aguas Calientes)
DAY 4

Pinchinuyoc — Rio Blanco — Maizal.

Today, you will have the opportunity to explore one of the most extensive Inca sites ever discovered – Choquequirao. Your guided tour will take you to all the main sites of interest, including Parectapata, Paqchayoc, the farming platforms, and the llama sector. You will also have some free time to explore on your own. It’s worth noting that a large part of Choquequirao has not yet been excavated, so there may be even more to discover.

After lunch, we will begin our descent towards the citadel of Machu Picchu. We will start by making our way down from the Choquequirao pass to the Río Blanco valley below, where we will camp for the night on the Pinchinuyoc terraces.

  • Hiking distance: 19 Km. / 12.3 mile
  • Hiking time: Approximately 6 hours.
  • Climate: Hot during the day and warm at night.
  • Accommodation: Camping at Soraypampa.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
  • Maximum Altitude: 4200 masl / 13779 ft. (Laguna Humantay)
  • Minimum Altitude: 1475 masl. / 4839 ft. (Playa Rosalinas)
DAY 5

Maizal — Minas Victoria — Yanama

Starting the day with the sounds of the forest and birds, we recharge with a good breakfast before following the trail uphill. The lush green vegetation provides a stunning landscape as we make the 7-hour climb to the summit. This trail is historically important due to archaeological remains and Inca channels along the way.

Along the path, we pass the impressive Incan mines of Minas Victoria, which were once used for silver extraction. We continue toward the Victoria Pass (4200 MASL – 13773 FASL), a long climb through breathtaking terrain of cloud forest and Andean Puna with its famous Ichu grass.

As we near the top, we appreciate the original paved Inca trails and have lunch with stunning views of the Choquetakarpo and Pedrayoc mountains. With luck and good weather, we may even see the flight of the condors.

Finally, we descend to our campsite at Yamana, a small village settlement in a long valley surrounded by mountains (3800 MASL – 12467 FASL). Along the way, we pass by interesting archaeological sites and enjoy the views of snow-capped mountains.

  • Hiking distance: 22 Km. / 13.7 mile
  • Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours approximately.
  • Climate: starts with cold weather and ends up in a tropical climate.
  • Accommodation: Camping in Soraypampa.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
  • Maximum Altitude: 4630 masl / 15190 ft. (Paso Salkantay)
  • Minimum Altitude: 2900 masl. / 9514 ft. (Chaullay)
DAY 6

Yanama — Yutuypata — Quellqua Machay

Today’s trek offers a great opportunity to take in the dramatic mountain views while walking through the Quellqua Machay valley for about 4 hours on gentle terrain. After lunch, we will climb another 2 hours to reach the Choquetacarpo Pass, the highest point along the Choquequirao to Vilcabamba route, standing at 4600m / 15,091ft. The view from the pass is simply breathtaking, offering a spectacular panorama of craggy mountain peaks.

One of the highlights of this trek is the chance to walk on an almost perfectly preserved Inca trail. This ancient trail, created by the Incas themselves, was used by their messengers or chaskis, and it is amazing to see the engineering skill that went into creating it. As we head down, we’ll pass by numerous ancient Inca dwellings and immerse ourselves in the fascinating history of the Incas.

We’ll end the long day at a beautiful, isolated campsite where we can rest our legs and enjoy the tranquility and awe-inspiring scenery.

Travel Tip: To prepare for this long day of hiking, make sure to have a hearty breakfast and pack enough snacks and water to keep you energized throughout the day. Don’t forget to wear comfortable and sturdy hiking shoes and bring warm clothing as the night temperature can drop to as low as -10°C.

  • Total Walking Distance – 17km
  • Total Walking Time – 9h
  • Minimum Altitude – 4000m/ 13,123ft
  • Maximum Altitude – 4600m / 15,091ft
  • Altitude of camp – 4000m/ 13,123ft
  • Approx. night temperature – -10°C

Tourist Information: After the trek, we will stay in Aguas Calientes, a small town near Machu Picchu. You can soak in the hot springs or explore the local market, which is full of souvenirs and handicrafts. Make sure to get a good night’s rest for the exciting day ahead at Machu Picchu.

DAY 7

Quellqua Machay — Inca Machay — Huancacalle

This morning, we continue our trek downhill, passing by small roads that are no longer used for transportation. The gentle slope makes for an easy walk, taking about 4 hours until we reach the village of Huancacalle (2900m / 9,514ft), where we will stop for lunch.

After lunch, we will climb up to the interesting ruins of Vitcos-Rosaspata and Ñustahispana, which are ancient Incan sites with fascinating history and impressive architecture. We will have the afternoon to explore these ruins before returning to Huancacalle for the night. The route from Huancacalle to the ruins and back again takes around 3.5 hours.

If you’re planning to join this trek, it’s recommended to bring comfortable and sturdy hiking shoes or boots, warm clothing for the cold temperatures, and a hat and sunscreen for the sun exposure. It’s also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the trek.

  • Total Walking Distance – 17km
  • Total Walking Time – 8-9h
  • Minimum Altitude – 2900m / 9,514ft / Maximum Altitude – 4000m/ 13,123ft
  • Altitude of camp – 2900m / 9,514ft
  • Approx. night temperature – 0°C

If you’re interested in exploring more of the region, the nearby city of Cusco offers a variety of historical sites and cultural experiences. The Sacred Valley of the Incas is also a popular destination for tourists, featuring stunning landscapes and ancient Incan ruins. It’s recommended to book tours and transportation in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

DAY 8

Huancacalle — Vitcos Rosaspata — Santa Teresa

We will start our day early at 7:30 am after a good night’s sleep. We will embark on a 4-hour walk to explore the fascinating and less-visited archaeological sites of Rosaspata and Ñustajispana, also known as White Rock.

After the morning hike, we will provide private transportation to the village of Santa Teresa, which is situated at an altitude of 1800 meters or 5900 feet. Here, we will have ample time to soak in the natural hot springs of Cocalmayo. We will spend the night camping in Santa Teresa.

The distance covered during the day will be 8 km or 4.9 miles, and the hiking time will be approximately 2 hours. For those interested, there is an optional shuttle to Machu Picchu, which takes only 25 minutes from Aguas Calientes. The guided tour of Machu Picchu is around 2.5 hours.

The climate in the area is warm and tropical. When it’s time to depart, there is a shuttle available from Aguas Calientes to Cusco, which takes around 3 hours by train and bus. Breakfast will be provided, and the maximum altitude during this leg of the journey is 3399 masl or 11151 ft. (Cusco), while the minimum altitude is 2040 masl or 6692 ft. (Aguas Calientes).

  • Distance Travelled: 8 Km. / 4.9 mile
  • Hiking time: 2 hour approximately.
  • Optional: Shuttle to Machu Picchu:25 minutes from Aguas Calientes.
  • Machu Picchu guided tour: 2½ hour.
  • Climate: tropical warm.
  • Shuttle to Cusco:3 hours by train and bus from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.
  • Meals: Breakfast.
  • Maximum Altitude: 3399 masl / 11151 ft. (Cusco)
  • Minimum Altitude: 2040 masl. / 6692 ft. (Aguas Calientes)
DAY 9

Santa Teresa — Hidrioelectrica — Aguas Calientes.

After breakfast, we’ll board our transportation to the hydroelectric plant, where the government control is located and the entrance to Machu Picchu National Park (Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary). From there, we’ll begin our trek to the town of Aguas Calientes, passing through the area called Intihuatana, a small archaeological site where our guide will provide an explanation to help us better understand the site.

Continuing on, we’ll reach Inka Rakay where we’ll enjoy lunch. Along the way, we’ll take in the breathtaking views of the Machu Picchu mountains, Huayna Picchu, and other archaeological sites located high in the mountains.

Our hike will end in the town of Aguas Calientes, where we’ll spend the third night of the tour. Accommodation will be provided at a hostel in Aguas Calientes and meals will include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

  • Hiking distance: 26 Km. / 16.1 miles
  • Hiking time: approximately 6 to 7 hours
  • Climate: the weather starts off cold and ends in a tropical climate
  • Maximum Altitude: 2900 masl. / 9514 ft. (Chaullay)
  • Minimum Altitude: 2040 masl. / 6692 ft. (Aguas Calientes)
DAY 10

Aguas Calientes — Machupicchu — Cusco.

Today is the much-anticipated finale of our trek, as we reach one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – Machu Picchu! We will rise early after a restful night at our hostel to beat the crowds to the top of Machu Picchu and take in its serene beauty in the soft morning light. The Machu Picchu entrance check point is open from 06:00 AM until 17:00 PM. We will hike up to Machu Picchu (a bus ride is optional and included if you prefer not to walk) and enter the hidden Royal Citadel of the Incas.

Here we will embark on a 2-hour guided tour through this incredible ancient city, visiting temples, terraces, palaces, priest’s houses, the sundial, the industrial sector, and the farming fields. Be amazed at the engineering ingenuity of the Incas, which was so far ahead of their time and still partially a mystery today! The people who built this city were geniuses in organizing a sustainable and beautiful community on the side of a mountain, even bringing water in canals through its streets for people to use, without having modern tools or even steel and iron to work with. When a Peruvian guide showed this site to Hiram Bingham, it was almost unrecognizable, covered in thick vegetation and in a state of disrepair. It has since been cleaned and restored and is now protected and treasured by the world at large!

After the tour, you can choose to climb up to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (be sure to book in advance to get tickets!). Each mountain takes about 3 hours to hike up and down. Another option is a lower-impact trek to the Sun Gate, the main entrance from the Inca Trail (this takes about 2 or 2.5 hours round-trip). You can also opt to walk to see the Incan Bridge. You will have more than 7 hours to stay and enjoy this magical city before hiking back down to Aguas Calientes for the train ride at 6:45 PM to Ollantaytambo. A private bus will pick up our group and drop you off at your hostel in Cusco at about 11:00 PM. Rest your feet and your body now, but we can assure you that your heart will still be soaring for weeks and years to come!

  • Distance Travelled: 8 Km. / 4.9 miles
  • Hiking time: About 2 hours
  • Optional: Shuttle to Machu Picchu: 25 minutes from Aguas Calientes
  • Machu Picchu guided tour: 2.5 hours
  • Climate: Warm and tropical
  • Shuttle to Cusco: 3 hours by train and bus from Aguas Calientes to Cusco
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Maximum Altitude: 3399 masl / 11151 ft. (Cusco)
  • Minimum Altitude: 2040 masl. / 6692 ft. (Aguas Calientes)

Inclusions

Included

  • Private transportation from Cusco to the Cachora trailhead
  • Transportation from Capuliyoc to Soraypampa for all camping and personal luggage
  • Transportation from La Playa to Hidroelectrica
  • North Face or Eureka tents for two people
  • Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco, or train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco
  • Basic hostel accommodations in Aguas Calientes
  • Dinner in Aguas Calientes
  • Entrance fees for Choquequirao
  • Entrance fees for Machu Picchu Sanctuary
  • Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
  • High-quality camping equipment including tents for two people, mattresses, an eating tent with table and chairs, and a bathroom tent
  • Meals during the excursion, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, with vegetarian options available
  • Cook and cooking equipment
  • Horseman and mules for all camping equipment and customer’s luggage (up to 7 kg)
  • Emergency horse for groups of over six people
  • First aid kit and oxygen bottle

No Included

  • Sleeping bag
  • Day 1: Breakfast
  • Lunch and Dinner on the last day
  • Walking Sticks: you can hire from our company
  • Inflatable mattresses
  • Tips: Please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish

What to Bring

Recommendations

Here are some recommendations for your visit to Choquequirao:

  1. Plan your trip well: To get to Choquequirao, you’ll need at least two days of hiking from Cusco. It’s important to plan your itinerary carefully, taking into account the timing and logistics.
  2. Bring enough water: During the hike to Choquequirao, you won’t find many sources of water, so it’s important to bring enough to last you the entire trip.
  3. Pack light: Since you’ll be carrying your own backpack during the hike, it’s important to pack only the essentials and keep your load as light as possible.
  4. Dress in layers: The weather in the Andes can be unpredictable, so it’s important to dress in layers that you can add or remove as needed.
  5. Take your time: The hike to Choquequirao can be challenging, so it’s important to take your time and go at your own pace. Don’t be afraid to take breaks and rest when you need to.
  6. Hire a guide: Hiring a guide can be very helpful, especially if you’re not an experienced hiker. They can provide valuable information about the trail and the history of Choquequirao.
  7. Respect the site: Choquequirao is an important archaeological site, so it’s important to respect the rules and regulations when visiting. Don’t touch or move any of the ruins, and don’t litter or leave any trash behind.

Pricing List

Price in Group Service
Price per person $100.00 Inquire Now

Travel Guide

Choquequirao is a lesser-known Incan archaeological site located in the Vilcabamba mountain range in Peru. It’s often referred to as the “sister city” of Machu Picchu because of its similarities in architecture and history. While it’s not as well-known as Machu Picchu, Choquequirao is a popular destination for adventure travelers and history buffs who want to explore the ruins and learn more about Incan culture.

Getting to Choquequirao requires a bit of effort, as the site is only accessible by foot. Most people begin their journey in Cusco and hike to the ruins over the course of two or three days. Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Andean mountains, as well as encounters with local communities who live along the trail.

Once you arrive at Choquequirao, you’ll be able to explore the ruins and learn more about the history of the site. Unlike Machu Picchu, which can get crowded with tourists, Choquequirao is relatively untouched and offers a more authentic and intimate experience. Some of the highlights of the site include the terraces, plazas, and ceremonial spaces, as well as the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

If you’re planning a trip to Choquequirao, it’s important to do your research and plan ahead. The site is remote and requires some physical fitness, so it’s important to be prepared with the right gear and to acclimate to the altitude before beginning the hike. Hiring a guide can be helpful, as they can provide valuable information about the site and ensure that you stay safe along the way.

Overall, a trip to Choquequirao is a unique and rewarding experience that’s well worth the effort it takes to get there. With its stunning scenery and fascinating history, it’s a destination that’s sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits.

Faqs Choquequirao Vilcabamba Trek to Machu Picchu 10 Days

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Choquequirao trek over a period of 10 days:

How long is the trek?

The Choquequirao trek over 10 days is approximately 68 kilometers (42 miles) long, with a total elevation gain of about 4,000 meters (13,000 feet).

What is the difficulty level of the trek?

The Choquequirao trek is considered to be challenging due to its steep ascents and descents, high altitude, and variable weather conditions. It’s recommended for experienced hikers who are in good physical condition.

What is the best time of year to do the trek?

The best time of year to do the Choquequirao trek is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. During this time, the weather is generally clear and dry, making for optimal hiking conditions.

What kind of gear do I need to bring?

You’ll need to bring appropriate hiking gear, including sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing for cold nights, and rain gear in case of wet weather. It’s also important to bring a good backpack and a water filtration system, as there are few water sources along the trail.

Do I need to be in good physical condition to do the trek?

Yes, the Choquequirao trek is physically demanding and requires a good level of fitness. It’s recommended that you acclimate to the altitude in Cusco before beginning the trek and that you engage in regular exercise in the months leading up to your trip.

Are there any permits required to do the trek?

There are no permits required to do the Choquequirao trek, but you’ll need to pay an entrance fee to access the archaeological site once you arrive.

Can I do the trek independently or do I need a guide?

While it’s possible to do the trek independently, it’s recommended to hire a guide for safety and navigation purposes. A guide can also provide valuable information about the history and culture of the region.

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