Inca Jungle Trek | Peru Machu Picchu Hiking Adventure Specialists.

Duration 6 Days

Tour Type Specific Tour

Difficulty Challenging

Group Size Up to 10 people

Languages Spanish, English

Tour Choquequirao Salkantay to Machu Picchu 6 Days

We walk along coffee and banana plantations before arriving at Aguas Calientes. The last day is devoted to exploring the Lost City of Incas – Machu Picchu. You must join us on this unforgettable and challenging adventure. Choquequirao and Salkantay to Machu Picchu new route 2 Important archaeological sites and the magical view of the Salkantay mountain.

Overview

Choquequirao Salkantay to Machu picchu is the second most important archeological site in Cusco region. It has a connection with the last Inca city of Vilcabamba and with Machu Picchu. It is in the middle of different Inca roads that traversed all of the Inca empire. After quite a tough hike we will see fascinating and remote Choquequirao (“cradle of gold” in Quechua) – awesome in design and also location, perched high on a spur above the Apurimac canyon – the third deepest canyon in Peru. This is the great place to see condors inhabiting the area.

Activities

Trekking Adventure

Difficulty Levels

4 of 5

Accommodation

2 Day Lodge, 1 Days Hostel, 2 Days Camping

Maximum Altitude

4350 masl. / 14271 ft.

Starts

Pick up at your accommodation in Cusco around 6:00 AM.

Ends

Drop-off at your accommodation in Cusco around 9:45 PM.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 Cusco — Capuliyoc — Marampata.
We will pick you up from your hotel between 3:30 to 4:00 AM to start our trip in a private van for 4 hours to northeast of Cusco city, through small towns until Capuliyoc town (2.800masl) where we have a delicious breakfast and where also we will meet with our trip staff (muleteers and horses).

After having Lunch we will have a 30 min break to continue with or hiking, Descending 45 minutes more until Playa Rosalinas (1700masl), located in Apurimac River separated by two important Peruvian regions CUSCO and APURIMAC.

After passing the famous Apurimac river we continue descending for 4 hours until Marampata (3500masl) on the way we will see bird dance, at sunset we will see andean people, how they live in the mountains with a style of life that maybe you wont believe compared to the city. We will arrive to our private Choquequirao trek Lodge approximately at 5:30 pm, after a small break its time for dinner, approximately at 7pm and overnight in our LOGDE, during the night you will be able to see constellations according Andean or Inca religión.
- Meals
  Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation
  Lodge: Choquequirao Sanctuary Lodge.
- Difficulty
  Challenging
- Walking Distance
  15 Km. / 9.3 mile.
- Walking Time
  6.5 to 7 hours approximately.
- Maximum Altitude
  2850 masl. / 9350 ft. (Marampata)
Day 2 Marampata ― Choquequirao ― Marampata.
In the early morning you will be woke up with a coca tea and have enough time to organize our stuff. Approximately at 7:30am we will have a delicious typical Breakfast. Then we will continue with our hiking to Marampata, on this day the hiking is going to have a high level physically, where we will be able to see an amazing view of the Archeological Choquequirao Complex (3900masl) through our hiking we will have amazing canon views where our tour guide will explain about the flora and fauna, we´ll have 3 hours to explore all the Choquequirao Complex (cradle of gold) also knew as the lost city where you will visit plazas sector, llamas sector, astronomic sector and other important places.

After to visit all of this places we will start our descend until Choquequirao Camping where our picnic Lunch is waiting for us, after having lunch we will take a 30min break and continue to an amazing place that only us know about it, this place is called cataratas de Pachayoc (water falls) a place where you will be in touch with the nature. Finally we will return to MARAMPATA where dinner is ready and is time to stop over.
- Meals
  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
- Difficulty
  Easy
- Walking Distance
  8 Km. / 4.9 mile.
- Walking Time
  5.5 to 6 hours approximately.
- Maximum Altitude
  3106 masl / 10190 ft. (Choquequirao)
Day 3 Marampata — Capulioc — Soraypampa.
On this day we wake up very early (4am) to start our hiking, descending for 3 hours to Chiquisca where we have a healthy breakfast.

After having Breakfast in Chiquisqa (07:00 AM) we will return for the same path to arrive to paso Capuliyoc, from chiquisca we practice horseback riding with profesional muleteers for 2 hours aproximately.

Our private transport is waiting for us to make conection to Salkantay (4 hours approx) during the trip we will see different ecosystems and valleys till arrive to our destination soraypama(3900masl) where we have Lunch.

After Lunch we will continue hiking for about 1 hour and 30 min approx. We will head to one of the most visited places in Cusco called Humantay Lagoon which has con agua turquose water like the men throw Paint on it, which is on the foothills of Humantay snowcapped (vilcabamba mountain rang) then we will make our descent (40min) to our Soraypampa Camping, where you can see the sky and the earth as if they were together.
- Meals
  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
- Difficulty
  Challengings
- Walking Distance
  19 Km. / 12.3 mile
- Walking Time
  6 hours approximately.
- Maximum Altitude
  4200 masl / 13779 ft. (Laguna Humantay)
Day 4 Soraypampa — Salkantay Pass — Wayracmachay — Chaullay
We will head to Salkantay towards the highest peak of the mountain towards the highest peak of the mountain in front of your eyes the whole mountain Challenge yourself as you move up steep slopes while you contemplate the valley far below until you reach the base of Apu Salkantay. Around noon, you will be in the middle of the Andes mountain range! In the afternoon, we enter the incredible cloud forest and the tropical jungle surrounding Chaullay. This is your most challenging but also rewarding day!

Early with the first light of day at 05:30 am and a quick breakfast, we will start walking to the highest point of the trail: the Salkantay Pass (4650 MASL). The distance is 7 km of difficult climb in 3 hours between the base of the rocky valley and the magnificent Salkantay Mountain (6271 MASL). When we reach the top of the pass, we will appreciate the spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and the imposing snow peaks of Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay and Pumasillo. Mountain Salkantay is the second highest mountain in the Cusco region. Continuing from this highlight of today's hike, there is a 5 km downhill walk to the place where we have Lunch. The rocky snake-shaped way down to the place where we will have lunch is Huayracmachay. In the afternoon, after our meal, we will enter to the upper part of the Amazon rainforest, which is also known as "the cloud forest". This is a 10 km (6.2 miles) hike is a wide trail in dense and magical tropical forest. During this part of the walk, you will notice a dramatic change in the landscape and energy of the land as we move into the Amazon. This walk is truly beautiful; The hills are decorated with colorful landscapes, wildlife and native plants. The forests are warm and tropical most of the year with temperate climates. At the end of this exceptional hike, we arrive at Chaullay (2900 MASL) for a well deserved rest from our long trekking day!
- Meals
  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
- Difficulty
  Challenging
- Walking Distance
  22 Km. / 13.7 mile
- Walking Time
  6 to 7 hours approximately.
- Maximum Altitude
  4630 masl / 15190 ft. (Salkantay Pass)
Day 5 Chaullay — La Playa — Hidrolectrica — Aguas Calientes.
At 06:00 AM, we will begin our trek to the small town of La Playa through the Santa Teresa Valley. You can see this new and exuberant landscape during the 6 hours of walking today! During the walk we will see rivers, waterfalls, wild orchids and plantations of coffee, banana and avocado. We will see a town called Colpapampa, also called "the top of the cloud forest", where you can see waterfalls, birds, hot springs, fruit trees and flora and fauna. If we are lucky, we can even see the beautiful bird called "The rooster of the rocks", the national bird of Peru! After a lunch at La Playa, we will take the local transport to the Hidroeléctrica train station.

Here you will have two options:
- If you are exhausted, you can take the train to Aguas Calientes ($ 31.00 extra).
- If you still feel like walking, you can walk from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes for about 3 hours along the train track. There is a nice path next to the tracks through the warm cloud forest paradise. This is the same trail used by the American professor Hiram Bingham who rediscovered Machu Picchu after centuries of being lost to the outside world!
Once in Aguas Calientes, you can rest a little before dinner or stroll through this attractive place that has the feeling of being a California Gold Rush city. There are no cars in Aguas Calientes, so it's a quiet place to be. At 7:00 PM, we will have dinner at a local restaurant. All expenses in Aguas Calientes are covered by the company, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight stay at our hostel. In your room, you will have a private bathroom, hot shower, wifi, breakfast in the morning and luggage storage while visiting Machu Picchu.
- Meals
  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
- Difficulty
  Challenging
- Walking Distance
  26 Km. / 16.1 mile
- Walking Time
  6 to 7 hours approximately.
- Maximum Altitude
  2900 masl. / 9514 ft. (Chaullay)
Day 5 Aguas Calientes — Machu Picchu — Cusco.
The Expectation towards Machu Picchu will increase as we go through the forest in the morning to reach the site before most other tourists, even the Inca Trail hikers! You will have plenty of time to explore this magnificent wonder of the world while enjoying the beautiful sunrise from this unique point of view in life. Your group will learn about this mystical place on a two-hour guided tour of the ruins. Afterwards, you can choose to climb Huayna Picchu or Machupicchu Mountain (if you have reserved tickets) or walk to Puerta del Sol (without additional entrance tickets).

Today we will reach the long-awaited end of our trek, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO: Machu Picchu! We will get up early after a refreshing night in our hostel to beat the crowds to the top of Machu Picchu and enjoy their serenity in the soft light of the morning. The entrance control point to Machu Picchu is open from 06:00 AM to 17:00 PM. We will walk to Machu Picchu (a bus trip is optional for $ 12.00) and we will enter to the Real City of the Incas which is hidden in the mountains. Here we will have a guided tour of 2 hours through this incredible ancient city to visit temples, terraces, palaces, priests' houses, the sundial, the industrial sector and the fields of cultivation. Surprise yourself with the engineering ingenuity of the Incas, which was far ahead of its time and even today it is a mystery! Without having modern tools, not even steel and iron to work, the people who built this city were great at organizing this community in a sustainable and beautiful way on the side of a mountain, even carrying water in water ways through its streets so that people can use.When a Peruvian guide showed this site to Hiram Bingham, it was almost unrecognizable, covered in thick vegetation and in poor conditions. Since then, it has been cleaned and restored and now is protected and treasured by the world in general.

After this tour, you can go up to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (make sure to book tickets in advance!). Each mountain takes about 3 hours to go up and down. Another option with less impact for which you do not need an additional ticket is to walk to Puerta del Sol, the main entrance from the Inca Trail (this takes around 2 or 2.5 hours round trip). Another option is to walk to see the Inca Bridge. You can stay and enjoy this magical city for more than 7 hours before returning to Aguas Calientes for the train trip at 16:22 hrs (according Train Tickets availability) to Ollantaytambo. A private bus will pick up our group and drop you off at your hotel in Cusco at approximately 9:45 p.m.
- Meals
  Breakfast.
- Difficulty
  Moderate
- Walking Distance
  |8 Km. / 4.9 mile
- Walking Time
  2 hours approximately.
- Machu Picchu guided tour
  2.5 hours.
- Maximum Altitude
  3399 masl / 11151 ft. (Cusco)

Trip Info & Details

Private transport from Cusco to Cachora trail head

Transport from Capulioc to Soraypampa (for all camping and personal luggage)

Transport from La Playa to Hidroelectrica

The north face or Eureka tents - 2 persons

Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco or train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco

Hotel in Aguas Calientes

Dinner in Aguas Calientes

Entrance fees to Choquequirao

Entrance fees to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu

Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)

High quality camping equipment, tents are big enough for 2 persons. Mattresses, eating tent with table and chairs, bathroom tent

Meals during the excursion (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks / option vegetarian)

Cook and cooking equipment

Horseman and mules, for all camping equipment and customer’s luggage (Up to 7 kg)

Emergency horse over 6 persons

First-aid kit and oxygen bottle

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

Is Choquequirao and Salkantay Trek 6 Days difficult, do I need to be in good physical condition?

The trail is certainly not easy, but it is not necessary to be an athlete or a trekking expert to complete it. Physical fitness is naturally important for the walk, and obviously the more fit you are, the more you will enjoy the trail and have more chances to enjoy the scenery and appreciate the Inca ruins dotted along the way. If you do not exercise regularly, it is advisable to do walks, walks or some type of additional aerobic activity in the months prior to your trip. This hike is moderate to difficult.

How would you categorize this trek?

It is a 5-day hike across the Andean highlands and jungle border, on day 2 you will have enough time to know about choquequirao. So it can be categorized as a challenging, difficult trek. We recommend having previous training where you live (long walks on the countryside with backpack, hiking boots, etc) and being on a good fitness level.

How can I deal with altitude symptoms?

The best solution is arriving at Cusco City with a few days of antecedence so your body will trigger adaptation, compensation processes. Drink plenty of water, coca leaves tea and don’t do much physical effort. Also, take to the hike a good amount of water and coca tea. Finally, bring some altitude sickness pills just for precaution, although most people will not actually need them.

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

We recommend you do the Choquequirao Trek on dry season, that is, from April until November, because the path and distances are demanding. Now if you want to really activate your inner soldier to defeat Andean heavy showers, mud, cold winds and mountains, rain season goes from November to March!

What should I know about the weather?

On dry season (April-November) it tends to be cold, windy, lowest temperatures occurring between June-July, no rain at all. You should bring warm clothing. On rainy season (November-March) it gets warmer but the showers are hard -although brief- and there can be hail too. Overall, Cusco heights must be approached as a winterly region. On the jungle border, the climate is subtropical.

What should I pack for this trek?

This is an essential, very important Choquequirao Trek FAQ. Next we list the most important items:

Woolen hood, sun hat or cap
Sunglasses, scarf, gloves
Polyester t-shirts (they keep you dry, comfortable)
Warm jackets (preferably windproof)
Nylon pants
Mountaineering socks
Hiking boots
Sunblock and mosquito repellent (both mandatory)
Of course do not forget your camera and smartphone.
Small plastic bags for garbage
Also: we will be on the wilderness for long periods of time, so you must bring bottled water (also purifying water pills so you can drink from the river), canned food, energy bars, snacks. Don’t be short of supplies.
BUT DO NOT OVERLOAD YOUR BACKPACK! The trek is long and weight may become an issue.

How is the geography?

Uneven, rocky, unpaved paths along the Andean chain and the subtropical jungle border. You will be hiking below a wide blue sky of passing cotton clouds, exuberant green mountains, rivers, the valley and the canyon, lush, exotic flora. It is a healthy, clean, energizing and relaxing environment. The Choquequirao trek is an ultimate, ideal exercise for both body and mind.

Will the route and Choquequirao site be much crowded?

Not at all. Since this is a new package and of difficult level, it is attracting mainly seasoned hikers, so the paths and the site itself are still not receiving much general public. It is hiking on green light all the time. Know more about the Choquequirao Trek, Machu Picchu’s twin citadel.

Will I need a hiking pole?

A very useful Choquequirao Trek FAQ. And it is totally recomendable! The walking stick will give you complete balance and save a lot of physical energy. We rent them at a convenient price.

Are there bathrooms on the Walk to Choquequirao 3 Days?

It has been highlighted by most of our clients, especially hikers, who want a private, clean and sanitary bathroom! On the first day we will be in our private hotel and there are rooms with private bathrooms you can request a room with private bathroom.

Are there bathrooms on the Walk to Choquequirao 3 Days?

What happens if I can't finish the Choquequirao Trek 3 Days?

In case you cannot finish the walk due to a health problem, our guide will assist you and take you to the nearest city to get help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the walk for any respiratory problem. In extreme cases, you can organize the collection of a helicopter at your expense. (Travel insurance is required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you cannot finish the walk.

Are you leaving us at the hotel at the end of the 3-Day Choquequirao Walk?

Absolutely!! This is included in the Choquequirao Tour package, the last day we will leave you at your hotel! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will also leave you there! (It has an extra cost of (100 soles).

Can I change the departure date after the tickets have been purchased?

Of course. If you require it, we can change the departure dates. However, tickets are not transferable or refundable. Contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date. If you cancel your Choquequirao Tour 3 Days and 2 Nights, the deposit is not refundable at all!

What is the weather like in Choquequirao Trek 3 Days?

The weather is very unpredictable and difficult to predict. We recommend dressing always in layers, since it is easier to adapt to different climates.

Can I suffer from altitude sickness during the Choquequirao Tour 3 Days and 2 Nights?

In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you can acclimatize normally. It usually takes between 24 hours and 2 days.

The recommended remedies for altitude sickness are WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NECESSARY; Our guides are trained to treat you for altitude sickness.

How many people are there per group?

The group size is a maximum of 10 people. Our groups are usually between 2-6 people. We specialize in small and private groups and offer a personalized service.

Can I store my luggage in your office?

Of course! During the Choquequirao Tour 3 Days and 2 Nights, your main luggage can be stored in our office or in your hotel, both are free.

Is it important to request a saddle horse?

The First Day Walk is a challenge. We recommend taking between 70 to 100 soles (approximately 22-30 dollars) in case you are not good walking uphill so you can rent a horse on the route.

Essential

Valid passport
Extra money (recommended soles)
Water bottle or CamelBak
Sunblock: factor 70 or more
Insect repellent
Personal Care Products
Hiking boots or shoes (preferably waterproof)
Trekking pants (*)
Trekking socks
Pair of thermal pants
Shorts
Warm jacket
Waterproof jacket
Raincoat or rain poncho
Waterproof or wool gloves
Sun hat to protect neck and face
Sunglasses with UV protection
Trekking poles
Medium trekking backpack (15 - 25 liter)
Camera and charger
Power bank

Customer Reviews

9 day Choquequirao trek

As soon as Alex our guide met us at our hotel for our briefing, I felt that we were in safe hands. He was full of enthusiasm and information and looked after us really well. The other staff on our trip worked very hard and did not stop smiling. Andreas our chef created amazing meals with minimal resources, every day. I'm pretty sure we put on weight despite walking 105kms. Razer and Juillby, the Horse men took great care of our luggage and doubled up with efficent tent pitching, slick meal service, clean water, morning cups of tea and hot water. Nothing was too much trouble for these guys.

Paul E

Published at June 19, 2024 on Tripadvisor

A 5 star professional tour company.

A very professional tour company. Absolutely everything was taken care of. A real 5 star experience. Some little luxuries like hot water bottles at the higher altitude camps, tea, coffee, daily snacks, double mattresses for comfort, and 3 course meals for lunch and dinner really added to the experience. My partner and I booked the 8 day Choquequirao trek GROUP tour and were very fortunate to be the only 2 people! The tour still went ahead even though there was only 2 of us.

Joseph C

Published at 10th April, 2024 on Tripadvisor

4 day CHOQUEQUIRAO, everything perfect

We did the 4 day CHOQUEQUIRAO tour with Salkantay trekking, with our guide Fredie, chef Rene and horseman Carlos. Everything was amazing, we never felt rushed, and everything was taken care of (from tents ready upon arrival and super tasty food)

Sara A

Published at 11th December 2023 on Tripadvisor

Andean Pilgrimage

Walking with Yuri our guide to the ancient city of Choquequirao was the highlight of our year! We learned so much about the plants, animals, history, and culture of Peru! I could not recommend this trip more.

Juan Carlos was an amazing chef cooking up huge amounts of authentic Peruvian cuisine that was tasty and healthy! There was never a dull moment.

James L

Published at August 5, 2023 on Tripadvisor

Tour Choquequirao Salkantay to Machu Picchu 6 Days

Overview

Activities

Difficulty Levels

Accommodation

Maximum Altitude

Starts

Ends

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 Cusco — Capuliyoc — Marampata.

Day 2 Marampata ― Choquequirao ― Marampata.

Day 3 Marampata — Capulioc — Soraypampa.

Day 4 Soraypampa — Salkantay Pass — Wayracmachay — Chaullay

Day 5 Chaullay — La Playa — Hidrolectrica — Aguas Calientes.

Day 5 Aguas Calientes — Machu Picchu — Cusco.

Trip Info & Details

Is Choquequirao and Salkantay Trek 6 Days difficult, do I need to be in good physical condition?

How would you categorize this trek?

How can I deal with altitude symptoms?

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

What should I know about the weather?

What should I pack for this trek?

How is the geography?

Will the route and Choquequirao site be much crowded?

Will I need a hiking pole?

Are there bathrooms on the Walk to Choquequirao 3 Days?

Are there bathrooms on the Walk to Choquequirao 3 Days?

What happens if I can't finish the Choquequirao Trek 3 Days?

Are you leaving us at the hotel at the end of the 3-Day Choquequirao Walk?

Can I change the departure date after the tickets have been purchased?

What is the weather like in Choquequirao Trek 3 Days?

Can I suffer from altitude sickness during the Choquequirao Tour 3 Days and 2 Nights?

How many people are there per group?

Can I store my luggage in your office?

Is it important to request a saddle horse?

Essential

Customer Reviews