Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek

The alternative Inca Trail ~ Lost Inca fortress of Choquequirao ~ Apurimac Canyon, one of the world’s deepest ~ The incomparable Machu Picchu ~ A fantastic trek, linking Peru's premier Inca sites

Sitting astride a high ridge amongst snow-capped peaks, the Inca outpost of Choquequirao is already a rival to Machu Picchu in terms of its size and splendour - and more of its buildings and llama-decorated terraces are being exposed each year. Our approach to this so-called 'Cradle of Gold' is by way of the awe-inspiring canyon of the Apurimac River, involving a descent and ascent of almost 2000 metres. We then have a day to explore the site, before setting off on trek through the rugged Cordillera Vilcabamba, a region dominated by impressive 6000 metre peaks including Pumasillo and Salcantay. Following a rarely-used Inca trail, we cross the Totora Pass (4500m), then turn north to descend the Rio Colpa, passing untouched Andean villages whose Quechua inhabitants still wear traditional dress. Arriving at the cloud forest cloaked valley of the Rio Urubamba, this great trip concludes with a guided tour of Machu Picchu and a welcome free day in Cusco.

Trip Guide
This trek offers a variety of trekking conditions. Most of the walking is on fairly well-defined tracks, including some sections of ancient Inca highways, which are paved with stone in places. There are occasional river crossings and some steeper sections of trail. It is possible that the highest passes might have a light covering of snow. Overall, the trekking is straightforward and not very sustained. There are however, a couple of long trekking days and we do manage to accumulate more than 5000 metres of ascent and descent during the course of the trek. Crossing the remote Cordillera Vilcabamba, this is a superb short trek which merits its DEMANDING grade.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1. Rendezvous at group hotel in Lima . Complimentary airport transfers are provided between 7am - 12 midnight. KE group package services begins with overnight at hotel.

Day 2. We make an early morning flight along the Andes to Cusco (3326m /10,909ft). In the afternoon we will have a walking tour of this fascinating ancient city. Hotel.

Day 3. Today, we drive to the start of our trek, stopping off at the incredible Inca carved boulder at Sahuite. We camp at Cachora high above the Apurimac Canyon.

Day 4. Accompanied by our mule support, we trek down (1500m / 4920ft) into the Apurimac Canyon and up to our spectacular camping place at Santa Rosa.

Day 5. An early start for the hike up out of the canyon, to our camp just below Choquequirao. Afternoon visit to the site for a quick look round.

Day 6. A full day to explore the amazing ruins of Choquequirao, which are more extensive than Machu Picchu and occupy a much more dramatic location.

Day 7. Beginning our trek out, we have a long and tough day, crossing a pass, descending into the Rio Blanco Valley and climbing to camp at Maizal.

Day 8. Today, we cross the Abra San Juan and visit the newly discovered ruins of Corihuayrachina and the silver mines of Mina Victoria. Camp at the village of Yanama.

Day 9. Hiking up the Yanama Valley we climb towards our final challenge - the Tortora Pass - highest point of the trip at 4500m with spectacular views of snow-capped Sacsayraoc. Camp below the pass.

Day 10. A day of descent to our camp at the village of Lucmabamba. We follow the Rio Santa Terese and enjoy views of waterfalls, birdlife, and exotic vegetation.

Day 11. Our final day of hiking through pristine cloudforest continues on an ancient Inca Trail to Llactapata, a newly excavated Inca site. From Urubamba, we take the train to our hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Day 12. A full day at Machu Picchu, with a guided tour of the site. We take the afternoon train to Poroy from where we drive back to Cusco.

Day 13. Full free day in Cusco, where there is much to see and do. Options include exploring Inca ruins, visiting colonial churches, bargain hunting in the markets or simply relaxing. Overnight in our hotel.

Day 14. We take a late morning flight to Lima Airport where KE group package services end.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

On arrival in Cusco, the group will spend one night in our centrally located hotel. There are a total of 3 nights in Cusco and 1 night in a basic hotel in Aguas Calientes. Lunches and evening meals are not included in Cusco or Aguas Calientes. Whilst trekking there will be a total of 8 nights camping.