Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu - 6D/5N
Expedition Overview
The ultimate Andean expedition connecting two of the most important Incan citadels. This epic 6-day trek is designed for experienced hikers seeking a profound physical challenge and a deep dive into the history of the last Incan resistance. You will cross the magnificent Apurimac Canyon, explore the remote ruins of Choquequirao, and then traverse the rugged Vilcabamba mountain range via the ancient Incan pathways used by Manco Inca to flee the Spanish. Crossing passes over 4,600m, you will descend into the high jungle and finally arrive at the spectacular Machu Picchu. This is arguably the toughest and most rewarding trek in Peru.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Chiquiska
We depart Cusco early and drive to the Capuliyoc pass (2,900m). Here we meet our horsemen and begin our grand expedition. We hike down into the Apurimac canyon, a steep descent through dry, cactus-filled landscapes. We enjoy spectacular views of the Padreyoc glaciers and the mighty river below. We reach our first campsite at Chiquiska, located in a warm microclimate. • Trekking Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles • Estimated Time: 5-6 hours • Starting Altitude: 2,900m / 9,514ft • Campsite Altitude: 1,930m / 6,332ft
Day 2: Chiquiska – Playa Rosalina – Marampata – Choquequirao
We descend to Playa Rosalina (1,550m) to cross the Apurimac River, the lowest point of the trek. Now begins a grueling, relentless zigzag ascent up the canyon wall. We climb to Marampata for lunch. The final stretch brings us to our campsite right next to the Choquequirao ruins. In the late afternoon, we'll enjoy a sunset introduction to the site. • Trekking Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles • Estimated Time: 7-8 hours • Highest Altitude: 2,950m / 9,678ft • Campsite Altitude: 2,950m / 9,678ft
Day 3: Choquequirao – Pinchaunuyoc – Rio Blanco – Maizal
After a morning exploring the main sectors of Choquequirao, we leave the standard route behind. We hike up and over the Choquequirao pass (3,270m) and descend steeply into the Rio Blanco valley. We visit the impressive, newly-cleared ruins of Pinchaunuyoc. We descend further to cross the Rio Blanco (1,900m) – prepare to get your feet wet! Finally, a brutal ascent through a cloud forest takes us to our campsite at Maizal. • Trekking Distance: 18 km / 11.2 miles • Estimated Time: 8-9 hours • Highest Altitude: 3,270m / 10,728ft • Campsite Altitude: 3,000m / 9,842ft
Day 4: Maizal – San Juan Pass – Yanama
Today offers some of the most spectacular scenery of the trek. We climb continuously through lush cloud forests and past ancient silver mines (Victoria mines) up to the San Juan Pass (4,150m). From the summit, the views of the Choquetacarpo and Pumasillo glaciers are staggering. We descend on a well-preserved Incan trail into the remote Andean village of Yanama, where we camp for the night. • Trekking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles • Estimated Time: 7-8 hours • Highest Altitude: 4,150m / 13,615ft • Campsite Altitude: 3,520m / 11,548ft
Day 5: Yanama – Yanama Pass – Totora – Aguas Calientes
We begin our ascent to the highest point of the expedition: the Yanama Pass (4,668m). As we climb, the landscape changes to barren puna, and we may walk through snow. After conquering the pass, we begin a massive descent into the high jungle, arriving at the community of Totora. Here, a vehicle will pick us up and drive us to the Hidroelectrica station. From there, we take a short train ride to Aguas Calientes, checking into a hotel for a hot shower and a celebratory dinner. • Trekking Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles (plus transport) • Estimated Time: 8-9 hours • Highest Altitude: 4,668m / 15,314ft • Aguas Calientes Altitude: 2,040m / 6,692ft
Day 6: Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
The grand finale. We take the early bus up to Machu Picchu. Your guide will provide a comprehensive 2-hour walking tour of the citadel, explaining its connection to Choquequirao and the Vilcabamba resistance. Afterwards, you have free time to explore. In the afternoon, we head back down to Aguas Calientes and board the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport waits to return you to Cusco. • Trekking Distance: Exploration of Machu Picchu • Estimated Time: 2-3 hours guided tour • Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,400m / 7,874ft
Guaranteed departure dates, official DIRCETUR entrance permits, and zero intermediary commission fees when you reserve directly with our Cusco headquarters.
✅ What is Included
- ✓Briefing before departure at your hotel
- ✓Private transportation to Capuliyoc
- ✓Professional bilingual guide specialized in Incan history
- ✓Gourmet Chef and Assistant Cook
- ✓Horsemen and mules to carry camping equipment and food
- ✓Personal allowance of 8kg carried by mules
- ✓High-Quality 4-season tents and foam sleeping mats
- ✓All meals during the trek (6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners)
- ✓Official entrance tickets to Choquequirao
- ✓Official entrance tickets to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2 or 3 depending on availability)
- ✓One night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes
- ✓Bus tickets (round trip) to Machu Picchu
- ✓Expedition Train return from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- ✓Private transfer from Ollantaytambo back to Cusco
- ✓First aid kit, emergency oxygen, and satellite phone
✕ Not Included
- —Sleeping bags (Available for rent)
- —Trekking poles (Highly recommended, available for rent)
- —Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain permits
- —Last day lunch in Aguas Calientes
- —Travel Insurance (Mandatory for this trek)
- —Tips for the trekking team
Need Custom Itineraries or Private Dates?
Speak instantly with our experienced mountaineering coordinators in Cusco for immediate itinerary customization and permit verification.