Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu - 9D/8N

Your Choquequirao Trek begins with an early morning pickup from your Cusco hotel, followed by a scenic 4–5 hour drive through Peru’s breathtaking highlands. Arriving at the Capuliyoc viewpoint (2,900 m), enjoy brunch while soaking in panoramic views of the dramatic Apurímac Canyon. Here, you’ll meet your team and hit the trail. The day’s hike is a rewarding 3-4 hour descent dropping through diverse landscapes to the welcoming Chiquisca campsite (1,900 m). Savor a delicious dinner prepared by your team under a blanket of brilliant stars. • Lowest Elevation: 1,900 m / 6,234 ft • Highest Elevation: 2,915 m / 9,564 ft • Walking Distance: 8 km / 5 miles • Walking Time: 3-4 hours

Rise and shine for a great breakfast, then descend 1 hour to the mighty Apurimac River (1,550 m), crossing its bridge before conquering a 5-hour uphill push to Maranpata (2,850 m). Lunch here rewards you with tantalizing glimpses of Choquequirao ruins. After, a gentle 90-minute hike leads to your epic campsite just 45 minutes from the ruins. Arrive by 4 p.m., kick back with happy hour, and toast to the day’s triumphs over dinner. • Lowest Elevation: 1,550 m / 5,117 ft • Highest Elevation: 3,150 m / 10,397 ft • Walking Distance: 14 km / 9 miles • Walking Time: 8-9 hours

Start with a hearty breakfast before diving into the ancient Inca ruins of Choquequirao. Join your guide for a tour of this vast site, featuring palaces, temples, ritual fountains, and the famous “llama sector”. After the tour, ascend 1 hour to Choquequirao Pass (3,318 m) for breathtaking panoramas of the Vilcabamba range. Then descend 2 hours through lush terraces to camp at Pinchuyniyoc (2,487 m). Enjoy a relaxing evening with campfire stories and the gentle sounds of the river. • Lowest Elevation: 2,487 m / 8,159 ft • Highest Elevation: 3,318 m / 10,883 ft • Walking Distance: 8 km / 5 miles • Walking Time: 3-4 hours

Fuel up with breakfast for an exhilarating day: a steep 1.5-hour drop to Rio Blanco (1,990 m), followed by the Choquequirao Trek’s toughest climb – a 3-4 hour zigzag ascent to Maizal (3,000 m). Push your boundaries through lush cloud forests, and arrive triumphant for lunch and a well-deserved camp under the canopy. This leg builds resilience and rewards with unparalleled serenity. • Lowest Elevation: 1,990 m / 6,527 ft • Highest Elevation: 3,000 m / 9,842 ft • Walking Distance: 9.6 km / 6 miles • Walking Time: 5-6 hours

After breakfast, ascend 4-5 hours through enchanting cloud forests to Victoria Mines (4,000 m). Pause, then summit Abra San Juan Pass (4,130 m) for lunch amid soaring Andean condors, sweeping Vilcabamba Valley views, and the icy Pumasillo Glacier. Descend 2-3 hours to Yanama (4,100 m), camping in a village that feels worlds away. • Lowest Elevation: 3,000 m / 9,842 ft • Highest Elevation: 4,130 m / 13,546 ft • Walking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles • Walking Time: 8-9 hours

After an early breakfast, climb steadily 4-5 hours to Yanama Pass (4,672 m), the trek’s pinnacle, passing cascading waterfalls and friendly locals. Summit for epic sights of Apu Salkantay. Descend 2 hours for lunch, then 2.5 hours to Totora (3,398 m), with a quick 25-minute drive to Colpapampa camp. Every step builds to euphoria! • Lowest Elevation: 2,950 m / 9,678 ft • Highest Elevation: 4,672 m / 15,324 ft • Walking Distance: 14 km / 9 miles • Walking Time: 8-10 hours

Ease into a leisurely 5-6 hour trek through the lush rainforest, following the winding path along the Santa Teresa River. Meander past coffee, banana, and passion fruit plantations, before encountering a captivating waterfall. Arrive in Lucmabamba around noon for lunch. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in an extraordinary coffee tour: hand-pick fresh beans, learn the art of roasting, and savor a cup of your own creation. • Lowest Elevation: 2,050 m / 6,725 ft • Highest Elevation: 3,398 m / 11,445 ft • Walking Distance: 14 km / 8 miles • Walking Time: 5-6 hours

Enjoy a delicious breakfast before setting off on an original Inca trail. Ascend steadily for 3 hours through lush cloud forest to the remote Llactapata ruins (2,700–2,840 m). Take in breathtaking panoramic views of Machu Picchu framed by sacred peaks – a magical first glimpse! After exploring, descend 2 hours to lunch. Continue downhill to Hidroeléctrica station before boarding the scenic 40-minute train ride to Aguas Calientes. Check into your hotel and enjoy a gourmet dinner. • Lowest Elevation: 1,800 m / 5,905 ft • Highest Elevation: 3,100 m / 10,170 ft • Walking Distance: 13 km / 8 miles • Walking Time: 6-7 hours

Enjoy an early hotel breakfast, then take the first shuttle bus up to Machu Picchu. Your expert guide leads a fascinating 2-hour tour, exploring temples, terraces, and the Intihuatana stone. Add the thrilling Huayna Picchu hike if booked in advance. Return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch, then board the scenic train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy. A private van transfers you back to your Cusco hotel. Congratulations—you did it! • Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m / 6,691 ft • Highest Elevation: 2,440 m / 8,052 ft • Highlights: Machu Picchu Tour