Inca Jungle Trek | Peru Machu Picchu Hiking Adventure Specialists.

Duration 8 Days

Tour Type Specific Tour

Difficulty Challenging

Group Size Up to 10 people

Languages Spanish, English

Tour Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 8 Days

These towns mark the beginning and end of the Incan society. Both cities were abandoned by the Incas before their conquerers could follow them there and then later found by explorers on expeditions in the Andes. Come on this trek and feel the real adventure of nature that is still untouched! During the trek, you will be able to experience hiking on the trail of one of the oldest world cultures. Choquequirao is situated in the spurs of the mountain range of Salkantay at 3035 MASL – 9957 FASL, surrounded by the snowcapped Apus of Yanama, Ampay, Choquetacarpo, Pumasillo, and Panta on the right side of Apurimac river. Choquequirao is an Incan town consisting of many small sites which form a complex metropolis placed on the crest of the mountain called Choquequirao

Overview

Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 8 Days, This is one of the many trails crossing the amazing Andes mountain range. As such, it was featured in traveling magazines and is being considered one of the top ten hikes in the world for its biodiversity and wildlife. Most of the trail passes through the Andes and then touches the jungle where we will see local fruit plantations. On this trip we, offer selective and exclusive service. Members of our staff are trained and ready for all activities to make your trip as enjoyable as possible. This is one of the luxuries we have to offer - expert guides, rated as such by our clients. This expedition will take you to two of the major archaeological sites in the Cusco area: CHOQUEQUIRAO and MACHU PICCHU. Both cities were considered towns of nobles and priestesses, and you will get the chance to know about the legends and treasures left by them through time on these majestic mountains.

Activities

Trekking Adventure

Difficulty Levels

4 of 5

Accommodation

1 Day Lodge, 1 Days Hostel, 5 Days Camping

Maximum Altitude

4350 masl. / 14271 ft.

Starts

Pick up at your accommodation in Cusco around 4:00 AM

Ends

Drop-off at Cusco around 22:15 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 breakfast we begin with our hiking for about 20 minutes and will arrive to our first viewer where we have a panoramic view, in front of us we can see the vilcabamba mountain range called ( padreyoc) and the famous Apurimac Canon, after having an amazing view we will start our descend for 3 hours through beautiful landscapes where you will be able to see different medicinal plants which were used by our ancestors ( muña, chilca and different varieties of plants) If we are lucky we will be able to see the majestic Condor, we descend until Chiquisca Hamlet (1800masl) where we have a delicious tipycal Cusco Lunch Buffet.

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 ― Choquequirao Camp Site.
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 Choquequirao — Rio Blanco — Maizal.
Before breakfast, we recommend going to appreciate the magnificent sunrise from this picturesque spot! We will have breakfast at 6 AM.

We start today’s trek passing through and exploring the Choquequirao ruins. We hike uphill through cloud forest, mountains, and valleys to reach the Choquequirao pass. After 5 hours trekking, the trail continues through agricultural terraces called Pinchinoyoc which means “water jumping forward” (2750 MASL – 9022 FASL).

There we will see different species of birds, varieties of orchids, and local coca plantations. We will have our lunch near the Rio Blanco. We use the break here to take a refreshing dip in the cold, clear river water if you would like.

We cross the river by walking because there are no bridges. On the other side, we start the long, steep climb to our camp in Maizal high over the river and closer to the sacred Apus of the Incas. This climb takes about 3 hours. This is the most challenging day. We will camp at 3000 MASL – 9842 FASL.
- 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 Maizal — Minas Victoria — Yanama.
Waking up on the hillside with the sounds of the forest and birds is a truly great experience! Recharging our energy with a good breakfast and following the trail upward, the landscape is lush green vegetation. If we keep up our motivation and the gods give us a clear sky, we will be able to just sit and appreciate the snow-capped mountains around us. The uphill climb today is around 7 hours to the summit, and this trail is historically important due to some archaeological remains and Inca channels along the way.

We will pass by the impressive Incan mines called Minas Victoria, from which silver used to be extracted. and head toward the Victoria Pass (4200 MASL – 13773 FASL). This is a long climb, but we will walk through an absolutely breath-taking area, first with cloud forest and then over the Andean Puna with its well-known Ichu grass.

As we approach the top, we can appreciate original paved Inca trails. We will have lunch on the pass with views of the mountains Choquetakarpo and Pedrayoc. While we have lunch, we will hopefully be able to appreciate the flight of the condors, depending on the climate.

Finally, we will descend to our campsite at Yamana, a small village settlement at the bottom of a long valley surrounded by mountains (3800 MASL – 12467 FASL).
- 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 Yanama — Totora — Colpapama.
The native community of Yamana surrounds the base camp. We begin another long day with the big smiles of local children, the sun is shining on camp ground, the noise of a grand waterfall, and breakfast on a table outside to appreciate everything around us.

We then start hiking uphill to the highest pass in this trek (5 hours). This is Yamana pass (4700 MASL – 15419 FASL).

During the day, it is common to observe the Andean farmers growing potatoes in their fields and possibly even some frozen potatoes. Again, the view will be amazing from here as we will be surrounded by the mountain ranges of Saqsarayoc and Pedreyoc.

Once again, we have the chance to see condors flying about, and this morning’s smooth climb brings us through new landscapes - especially the wet grass fields under the snowline and water stream. In the pass, we may be walking through snow in a new entrance to the Santa Teresa Valley. Here, we can observe one of the Incan Gods – Salkantay Mountain.

Afterward, we descend on a long, foggy path through grassy fields and bush areas, crossing bridges on the way to the community of Totora. where we will have lunch

After a short break we continue back down to warmer climes again and our path will eventually converge with in Colpapampa (2900m / 9514 ft.) where we will camp for the night.
- 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 6 Colpapampa — Playa — Santa Teresa.
After breakfast at 6:00 AM we begin our day hiking until we reach our lunch site at La Playa. After lunch we will have a fairly easy descent where you will be able to experience Ceja de Sela, the jungle highland. Here, you will see coca, coffee, fruit plantations, birds, orchids, and begonias.

We will then have a bus drive us for two hours down to the village of Santa Teresa where, we have dinner and spend the night in tents.
- Meals
  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
- Difficulty
  Moderate
- Walking Distance
  26 Km. / 16.1 mile
- Walking Time
  6 - 7 hours approximately.
- Maximum Altitude
  2900 masl. / 9514 ft. (Chaullay)
Day 7 Santa Teresa — Hidrioelectrica — Aguas Calientes.
After breakfast, we will board our transport to the hydroelectric plant, where the government control is located and the entrance to Machu Picchu National Park (Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary).

At this point we will start our trekking to the town of Aguas Calientes, passing through the area called Intihuatana, a small archaeological site where the guide will share an explanation to better understand the site.

Then we will continue to Inka Rakay, where we will enjoy our lunch. During the journey, we will enjoy and contemplate the majesty of the Machu Picchu mountains, Huayna Picchu as well as other agrological sites in the heights of the mountain.

We will finish the hike in the town of Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the third night of the tour.
- Meals
  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
- Difficulty
  Moderate
- Walking Distance
  26 Km. / 16.1 mile
- Walking Time
  6 - 7 hours approximately.
- Maximum Altitude
  2900 masl. / 9514 ft. (Chaullay)
Day 7 Santa Teresa — Hidrioelectrica — Aguas Calientes.
After breakfast, we will board our transport to the hydroelectric plant, where the government control is located and the entrance to Machu Picchu National Park (Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary).

At this point we will start our trekking to the town of Aguas Calientes, passing through the area called Intihuatana, a small archaeological site where the guide will share an explanation to better understand the site.

Then we will continue to Inka Rakay, where we will enjoy our lunch. During the journey, we will enjoy and contemplate the majesty of the Machu Picchu mountains, Huayna Picchu as well as other agrological sites in the heights of the mountain.

We will finish the hike in the town of Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the third night of the tour.
- Meals
  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
- Difficulty
  Moderate
- Walking Distance
  26 Km. / 16.1 mile
- Walking Time
  6 - 7 hours approximately.
- Maximum Altitude
  2900 masl. / 9514 ft. (Chaullay)
Day 8 Aguas Calientes — Machupicchu — Cusco.
Today we arrive at the long-awaited finale of our trek, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – Machu Picchu! We will wake up early after a refreshing night at our hostel to beat the crowds to the top of Machu Picchu and enjoy its serenity 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 do not want to walk) and enter the hidden Royal Citadel of the Incas. Here we will have a 2-hour guided tour through this incredible ancient city to visit 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! Without having modern tools or even steel and iron to work with, the people who built this city were genius in organizing this community in a sustainable and beautiful way on the side of a mountain, even bringing water in canals through its streets for the people to use. 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 this tour, you are free to climb up to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (Be sure to book in advance to get tickets for these!). Each mountain takes approximately 3 hours to hike up and down. Another lower-impact option for which you do not need an extra ticket is to trek to the Sun Gate, the main entrance from the Inca Trail (this takes about 2 or 2.5 hours round-trip).

Another option is walking to see the Incan Bridge. You will be able to stay and enjoy this magical city for more than 7 hours 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 your heart will still be soaring for weeks and years to come!
- Meals
  Breakfast.
- Difficulty
  Easy
- Walking Distance
  8 Km. / 4.9 mile
- Walking Time
  2 hours approximately.
- 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 Trek to Machu Picchu 8 Days

Overview

Activities

Difficulty Levels

Accommodation

Maximum Altitude

Starts

Ends

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 Cusco — Capuliyoc — Marampata.

Day 2 Marampata ― Choquequirao ― Choquequirao Camp Site.

Accommodation

Day 3 Choquequirao — Rio Blanco — Maizal.

Accommodation

Day 4 Maizal — Minas Victoria — Yanama.

Accommodation

Day 5 Yanama — Totora — Colpapama.

Accommodation

Day 6 Colpapampa — Playa — Santa Teresa.

Accommodation

Day 7 Santa Teresa — Hidrioelectrica — Aguas Calientes.

Accommodation

Day 7 Santa Teresa — Hidrioelectrica — Aguas Calientes.

Accommodation

Day 8 Aguas Calientes — Machupicchu — Cusco.

Accommodation

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