Choquequirao trek 6 days – This amazing Choquequirao trek is genuinely one of the most spectacular and off-the-beaten-path treks in the Cusco region and a great alternative to the Inca Trail. It is located high atop the Apurimac Valle, in utter isolation and cloud forest, surrounded by a fascinating landscape created by the Vilcabamba mountain range. Choquequirao trek is a remote, rarely-visited and nicknamed the “Twin Sister of Machu Picchu”. Besides, Choquequirao ruins are believed to be the legendary last city of the Incas and larger than Machu Picchu.
On this Choquequirao Trek 6 Days, you will have a full day to explore the Choquequirao archaeological site, including the famous stone llamas and some unexcavated areas still hidden in the jungle. Also, you’ll be awestruck as you take in the beautiful natural surroundings, while in the distance, you can hear the roar of the mighty Apurimac River. You will also see native animals such as Andean Condors and native flora and fauna such as orchids, and so much more.
This expedition will take you to two of the important archaeological sites in the Cusco area: CHOQUEQUIRAO and MACHU PICCHU.
Departure & Return Location:
Hotel Cusco.
Departure Time:
Pick up from your hotel (4:00 am – 4:30 am).
Choquequirao Trek 6 Days plus Machu Picchu highlights:
A non-refundable deposit (varies depending on tour) is payable from the Client to Huaynas Expeditions when reserving any Product. If the reservation is made 7 days or fewer before departure, full payment is required at the time of booking. Depending on the original booking method, the client should send the non-refundable deposit to Huaynas Expeditions or the authorized Agent through whom they made their reservation.
A pre-tour briefing is given to you, ideally two days before the start of the trek. This is comprehensive information on the tour schedule, required gear, altitude, weather, etc. Questions and concerns will be clarified so that you fully comprehend the tour schedule.
It is strongly suggested to be progressively acclimatized; thus, you should arrive in Cusco 2 days previous to trek departure. Altitude sickness causes you a headache, stomache, hands tingling, etc. There is certain medicine you may take to avoid altitude sickness, for instance acetazalomide; moreover, it is helpful to have coca tea; and hot liquids to not become dehydrated. You must descend as the ultimate emergency if you develop serious altitude sickness.
If your hotel is located in the Historical Center of Cusco, Huaynas Expeditions will pick you up there. Although your guide will schedule the pickup time during the briefing, please be aware that the pickup time could change by up to 20 minutes due to traffic.
Cusco is an ancient city, and there are lots of winding cobblestone streets there. It may be challenging to move luggage to some hotels and Airbnbs because they are situated on car-free streets or long, including inclines. Booking lodging with adequate access is something we strongly advise.
You’ll be given a canvas case or duffel bag during your briefing. Our horses will transport them, and the horsemen will hand them to you as you arrive at each camp. They are 60 x 24 x 22 centimetres (23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 in).
Each duffel bag can only contain a maximum of 7 kilogrammes (15.4 lb), which includes the weight of your clothing, sleeping bag, and other personal belongings.
Strikes and demonstrations are frequent in Peru, which may stop some of our tours. Roads can be stopped, and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will attempt to keep your vacation as initially planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date. Under these conditions, trips may potentially be cancelled. In case of changes or cancellations, our operations department will manage everything with you. Your safety is our priority, and our decisions will be taken to protect it.
Because group trips are made up of various persons, physical states and ages may differ. You acknowledge that some persons may be faster or slower than you if you choose to participate in a group trip. As a result, everyone on the road may proceed at their own speed.
It is conceivable that a group may want to change the itinerary; however, after discussing with all participants, the guide will determine if such changes are allowed.
We highly advise you to buy comprehensive travel insurance before departing. A comprehensive travel insurance coverage that covers everything from high-altitude treks to unforeseen trip adjustments is a must-have travel gear. Please remember that your standard medical insurance plan will not cover some possibilities in your own country. We suggest searching for a plan that covers the following coverage:
While we try to be understanding when situations arise, the fact is that Trip Changes and Trip Cancellation incur penalties.
To book the below things in your name, we require a photo of your passport’s bio page (Peruvian Government Requirement). Please keep in mind that each traveler must be aware of the re-entry laws for their place of residence/citizenship. Some nations require a passport valid for 6 months beyond the travel date. Please confirm that your passport is current and meets your country’s and residency standards. We can purchase your flights with an expired passport, but we will require a copy of the current passport as soon as you receive it in order to update your tickets.
Most countries are permitted to obtain a visa at the point of arrival. Only a few nations require visas to be obtained in advance. Please remember that each tourist is responsible for determining whether or not a visa is required before admission. Please remember that tourist visas are usually valid for 90 days or less and require proof of return travel.
Please be aware of where you leave your belongings, and remember to take everything with you once you leave our transportation, tents, or restaurants. You are solely responsible for your items throughout the trip.
Our objective is to provide great treks, tours, and adventure experiences while adhering to environmental, sustainable, ethical, and socially conscious travel practices. We make every effort throughout our excursions to avoid negative affects and enhance benefits to the local people and natural ecosystems we visit. We pay fair, livable rates to ensure that we employ and retain the best guides and support workers. We follow worldwide sustainable tourism criteria and have continuous community projects and charity activities that benefit four or more local Andean villages.
We take pleasure in offering five-star service before, during, and after your vacation. Huaynas Expeditions is committed to providing exceptional customer service and adventure experiences.
When walking over tough mountain terrain at high altitudes in unpredictable weather, it is critical to have the best equipment possible. We supply Mountain Hardwear 4-season tents (3 seasons for Inca Trail because of warmer weather), extra thick mattress mats, dry bags for your overnight gear, and other amenities to ensure a safe and enjoyable trek.
Any hike or tour can be tailored to your travel, fitness, financial, and time constraints. Do you need a journey or tour for a business or work event, a charity organization, or any significant occasion? Get in touch; we can handle everything!
As it should be, our journeys leave nothing but smiles and footprints.
We care about the environment, which is why we reduce, reuse, and recycle. Our equipment is reusable (no paper or plastic plates/cups/utensils), we buy locally and avoid paper/plastic packaging, and we recycle anything we can. This is not the norm in Peru, but we intend to make it so one day soon!
All of our staff are enthusiastic about their jobs. Who wouldn’t want to work in an office surrounded by gorgeous mountains and endless vistas? We are happy to provide our guides and employees with the highest rates in the industry.
Pick up from the hotel at 4:00 am to have 4-hour driving to Capuliyuc 2,900m / 9,512 ft, the beginning of the trail. We’ll meet up our muleteers and horses at this place, where we’ll get ready for the trek.
On the way, we get our first views of the Apurimac Valley stretching below and of the snow-capped peaks of Padreyoc and Wayna Cachora (5,482m). Afterward, we descend through the eastern slopes of the Andes to get Coca Masana (2,330m). The temperature gets higher, and flora and fauna begin to change. Finally, we get to Playa Rosalina (Rosalina Beach) at 1,550m, where we set our tents beside the raging Apurimac River.
Accommodation: Tent (4 season tent, 4 people made a tent for 2 people, allowing greater comfort).
Meals: Lunch, Tea, and Dinner.
Hiking time: 4 – 5 hours approx.
Hiking distance: 8.5 km / 5.28 miles.
Highest elevation: 2,760 m / 9.055 ft.
After early breakfast in Playa Rosalinas, we will start to ascend for about 5 hours on a switchback trail until we reach the Marampata community. Along the way, we will pass by some sugar cane farms, more great views of the valley from the opposite hill, possibly some condors above, and beautiful flora and fauna. This climb is one of the most challenging parts of the Choquequirao Trek.
Upon our arrival at Marampata, we will be done with the uphill portion. Then we will enjoy our just prepared fresh lunch enjoying the view of Choquequirao Inca ruins in a further direction.
We will have to spend the night at Marampata because of the new regulations from the Choquequirao Park (It is not allowed to camp at the Choquequirao Camping site anymore); after lunch, you will have a free afternoon to relax and if you wish for a hot shower the local people can offer you for 3 dollars.
In the evening we will have tea time and dinner.
Accommodation: Tent (4 season tent, 4 people made a tent for 2 people, allowing greater comfort).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea, and Dinner.
Hiking time: 5-6 hours approx.
Hiking distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles.
Highest elevation: 2,950 m / 9,676 ft.
After breakfast, we will need to hike for 1 hour to reach Choquequirao Park, and we will start exploring the entire day. There is so much to see! These ruins are three times the size of Machu Picchu, and new sections, hidden under the dense jungle, are constantly being discovered. Enjoy the private guided tour and explore the beautiful areas of the temples, terraces, palaces, the llama’s area, and much more.
Choquequirao means “Cradle of Gold” in Quechua Inca’s language, although this is probably not its original name. It is another “Lost City of the Incas” rediscovered officially late in the 20th century. It is located high on a ridge spur almost 1750 meters above the raging glacier-fed Apurimac River and is surrounded by the towering Salkantay and Humantay snow-capped peaks. Excavations and restoration of the 1810 hectares site began in the 1990s, and it is estimated that only 30% of the site has been restored to date. Every day archeologists are finding new things.
At noon, our cook and horseman will bring us lunch to the Choquequirao Park, after lunch in the park we will have free time to relax and then continue exploring the lower part of Choquequirao, we will visit the lower part of Choquequirao, where we will find the terraces of Pacchayoc (not all of them go there), whose name corresponds to the extraordinary waterfall that is located in front and the middle of a deep ravine, the crystalline waters of the snowy Padreyoc whispers a beautiful symphony, coming from nature that seemed to want to enchant us with its infinite murmurs.
After visiting Pacchayoc, we will return to the Marampata campsite, where we will have our tea and dinner.
Accommodation: Tent (4 season tent, 4 people made a tent for 2 people, allowing greater comfort).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea, and Dinner.
Hiking time: 4-5 hours approx.
Hiking distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles.
Highest elevation: 3,050 m / 10,006 ft.
After the delicious breakfast, we’ll say goodbye to the Choquequirao ruins and make our way back along the Choquequirao trail. Along the way, our tour guide will point out the beautiful flora and fauna of the area; we will also have an impressive view of the Canyon of Apurimac and waterfalls in the distance, and the clouds lifting from the bottom of the canyon. Also, if the weather is pleasant, we will enjoy the spectacular landscapes of the Andes.
From Marampata, the trail is steep downhill hike to La Playa that requires trekking poles. Halfway down, we’ll have a break to taste some fruit farmed in the area (Cactus fruit is the main attraction). At the Playa, we’ll enjoy a nutritious lunch, and then we’ll ascend for 2 hours to the Chiquisca camp (1950m / 6397ft), located in the backyard of one of the local house families. You’ll be able to observe closely the deep relationship that the Andean settlers have with Pachamama or Mother Nature. We will have our last dinner prepared by our trekking cook of the Choquequirao trek and rest peacefully. All meals included.
Accommodation: Tent (4 season tent, 4 people made a tent for 2 people, allowing greater comfort).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea, and Dinner.
Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours approx.
Hiking distance: 9 km / 5.59 miles.
Highest elevation: 2,950 m / 9,676 ft.
After breakfast, we’ll start our last day of hiking and leave as early as possible to avoid the midday sun hindering our walk. It’ll be a 3 to 4-hour climb upwards to Capuliyoc, where we’ll end our adventure.
At Capuliyoc, we’re once again rewarded with spectacular views, then enjoy our last lunch. Then, we’ll have a farewell time to our muleteers, cook, and other members who were part of our team for five days. Then we’ll board the private transport that will take us to Ollantaytambo for about 6-hour with some stop-offs on the way (we will drive through Curawasi, where the famous local tea Anis is farmed). We will arrive in Ollantaytambo at around 5 pm, where before boarding the train we will have dinner in a restaurant.
Then we take the train at 7:00 pm from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes; we travel for about 2 hours until we reach the town of Aguas Calientes where you’ll stay in a pleasant and comfortable hotel.
All meals included.
Accommodation: Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner at a restaurant.
Hiking time: 3 hours approx.
Hiking distance: 9 km / 5.59 miles.
Highest elevation: 2,760 m / 9.055 ft.
After having an early breakfast at your hotel without being rushed (5:00 am), you’ll meet your guide and take the 25-minute bus ride up to Machu Picchu. At the entrance to the Inca citadel, you must show your entry ticket and your passport. Once you’ll clear the official Machu Picchu checkpoint, you’ll have the happiness of observing how the golden light of the dawn sun gradually covers all the corners of Machu Picchu.
After soaking it all in and taking your first few photographs, you’ll have 2.5 hours guided tour through the most important places including the Inca Palace, Temple of the Sun, main plaza, Intiwatana, and other important temples. Where you will also have information about its history and local flora and fauna. After learning all its secrets and mysteries of the Machu Picchu, you’ll have some free time to explore Machu Picchu on your own. If you chose to climb the Huayna Picchu Mountain (Not included in the package), you must do so at 10:00 am.
After exploring the marvels of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, and in the afternoon you will board the Expedition Class Train heading to Ollantaytambo, where we will pick you up from the train station to travel to Cusco in a private van and drop you off at the hotel door. The time of your arrival will depend on the time of your train ticket.
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel.
We also offer a special service only for you or your group, you have the power to choose the size of your group and the date of departure, we will never add other people since it will be organized only for you.
Our Choquequirao Trek 6 Days plus Machu Picchu private service, includes additional items such as:
Our prices for the Choquequirao Trek 6 Days plus Machu Picchu are reasonable and are in different packages with the prices that are handled in the city of Cusco, and discounts will apply automatically for groups of over 5 people when booking this tour together at the same time.
We are a local tour operator that never shares service with any other company in Cusco, most agencies in Cusco share their service to save operating costs with poor quality. We guarantee to make the trip even if there are only 02 people in your group.
Our booking process is simple and you can secure your trip with only a 30% deposit and pay the rest at the destination.
Adult: | USD 1010 |
Student: | USD 990 |
Child: | USD 980 |
Infant: | Free |
Adult: | USD 1050 |
Student: | USD 1030 |
Child: | USD 1020 |
Infant: | Free |
Adult: | USD 1340 |
Student: | USD 1320 |
Child: | USD 1310 |
Infant: | Free |
Adult: | USD 1090 |
Student: | USD 1070 |
Child: | USD 1060 |
Infant: | Free |
Adult: | USD 1990 |
Student: | Not available |
Child: | Not available |
Infant: | Not available |
Adult: | USD 2350 |
Student: | Not available |
Child: | Not available |
Infant: | Not available |
*Remember that age is considered at the time of completion of the trip.
We want your vacation to Peru to be as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. This section contains answers to any inquiries regarding going with Huaynas Expeditions. Please read the following information; it will assist you if you have any queries regarding our services.
We have the best and easy booking system; learn here how to book any tour with Huaynas Expeditions.
You’ll pay your remaining balance once you arrive in Cusco and in cash in US dollars or soles (Peruvian currency) to the change of the day. If you prefer payment through PayPal, you’ll be charged an additional 6% due to bank commissions. It is better to pay us with cash because there is no transaction fee.
Of course! During the tour to Machu Picchu, your main luggage can be stored in our office or at your hotel. Both of them are free.
Usually, it is not accepted since the permits, and the train tickets are not allowed to change the date or transfer to another name.
But if you need it, we’ll need to buy new permits and train tickets and the cost you’ll pay for it.
Yes! You must bring your original passport, which must be the same one you sent us at the booking time. Your passport will be checked at Machu Picchu checkpoint and when you board the train.
Updating passport numbers: If you are renewing your passport, go ahead and email us a copy of your old passport to book your Machu Picchu ticket. If you no longer have your old passport, any government issue ID will be accepted, as long as the name is the same. Once you receive your new passport, please email us a copy of your new passport ASAP to change the information about your permits and train tickets.
Yes, you can book your hotel. It will decrease the price of $30 per person. If you decide to book your own hotel, don’t forget to tell us where you plan to stay so our guide will take you there safely.
We receive reservations at least 1 week in advance. However, seats are limited and are always subject to availability. Both the permits for Machu Picchu and the train ticket and permits for the mountains of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu are in high demand, sometimes selling out months in advance. For this reason, we recommend that you make your reservation as far in advance recommendable 2 or 3 months in advance.
The Expedition and Vistadome categories offer comfortable leather seats and include a snack and hot or cold drink per person. The first and main difference between both categories is that the Vistadome train has windows on the roof of the cars, which allows a panoramic view of the outside. The second difference is that the Vistadome train offers entertainment services on board, such as typical dances and parades.
If you want to get the student discount, the following requirements must be met:
The university card must meet the following requirements:
If you meet the requirements above, you will get the following discount:
All students have to send a copy of their passport and student card at the time of booking to get the student discount.
Tipping is not required, but it is appreciated if you are satisfied with the services. Even though it might not be familiar in your country, the people who will look after you during the tour place a lot of importance on it. Many Huaynas Expeditions’ destinations encourage top-notch service and are a foundational aspect of the travel and tourism sector. It’s up to you how much to tip based on how well you thought out the tour and how long it lasted. Remember that leaving a tip is optional and should only be done if you receive first-class service.
Yes, Huaynas Expeditions is a local sustainable & responsible tourism operator; for that, we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our staff to know, understand and appreciate the local places and their people.
Our guides make us so happy! Their English is excellent, and they are extremely professional. They have a great deal of knowledge and love for the history and heritage of the Incas. Constant professional and personal growth is a priority for our tour guides. They conduct research to make sure that the Inca and Andean cultural theories you are given are accurate and widely accepted. Our team members are smart, athletic, and fun-loving. All of them have academic backgrounds in archaeology, tourism, botany, history, or anthropology.
You should have at least 48 hours or more in Cusco. It’s recommended to enjoy these days in the city of Cusco and in the Sacred Valley.
The project to make a cable car that connected the town of Cachora to Marampata was not completed due to the frequent presence of landslides, and this plan was gradually lost.
Choquequirao is named after Quechua Chuqi K’iraw, the cradle of gold. Located just over 3,000 meters high, they are Inca terraces and buildings, very similar to the citadel of Machu Picchu in terms of its architecture. Some call it the “Sacred Sister of Machu Picchu” or “Second Machu Picchu.” The site is not as large as Machu Picchu, but travelers much less crowd it; since it can only be accessed on foot, it is the longest and most complete road in Peru with a tour operator.
When making plans for a long-awaited dream journey, choosing the right travel agency or tour operator is the most crucial option you will make. Initially, some businesses might appear more affordable. But if you dig a bit further, you’ll discover why booking with Huaynas Expeditions ensures that your trip will be as remarkable as it can be.
All our Tours & Treks are provided only by Huaynas Expeditions staff and professional guides. That means Huaynas Expeditions will never pass you on to another company or 3rd Party.
Our staff comprises tourism industry veterans eager to share their expertise and serve the passenger. They are prepared to show you the best of Cusco and Peru with their extensive knowledge.
We are a travel agency committed to providing the best tourism services and are eager to help you explore the numerous natural and archaeological treasures found in every region of the nation.
Find excursions and activities that astonish you, then reserve them. You’ll be overjoyed when the tour is over and eager to tell your friends about your fantastic trip to Peru. Choose us for your ideal vacation.