Choquequirao Trek 6 Days plus Machu Picchu

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.

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.

• Pre trek Briefing (briefing at the hotel or office).
• Pick up from your hotel on the morning of departure.
• Transportation from Cusco to the trailhead at the beginning of the hike by private car.
• English / Quechua / Spanish professional guide speak.
• Second Tour Guide over 12 people.
• Tents – 2 people in a 4-person tent, which allows for greater comfort and storage of backpacks.
• Thermarest air-inflate Comfortable sleeping Mattress.
• Cook and assistance of the Cook.
• Cooking equipment.
• Snacks.
• Daily tea service.
• Dining equipment, including chairs and tables.
• Portable environmental Biodegradable toilet (The Pett).
• Foodservice in the campsites (5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners, 5 snacks) – nutritionally balanced menu.
• Vegetarian and free gluten food for no extra cost.
• Horseman and Horses. (To carry our camping equipment, food and 8 kilos of your personal stuff like sleeping bag and mat as well as clothes) We Never overload our Horses (well Animal Welfare).
• Choquequirao entrance fees.
• Camping spots fees.
• First-aid kit.
• Emergency oxygen bottle.
• Insurance policy for our porters and cooks.
• Entrance fee to Machu Picchu (Huayna Picchu US$ 80 extra).
• 1-night accommodation in Aguas Calientes (twin bedroom with private bathroom and hot shower).
• Tourist Expeditions Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (round trip).
• Visit Machupicchu on the last day (2 hours of guided tour to explore the whole Incan sites).
• Private transportation (Ollantaytambo – Cusco).

• Extra expenses.
• Breakfast – Day 1.
• Lunch & Dinner – Day 6.
• Pillows.
• Not detailed meals.
• Travel and health insurance (bring copies with you).
• Sleeping bags (it can be rented from us for US$ 30 for the entire trip).
• Walking sticks (it can be rented from us for US$ 20 for the entire trip).
• Bus Round Trip (Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes).
• Tips (optinal).

• Original Passport.
• Original Student Card (if you book as a student).
• A travel insurance card is essential.
• Sleeping bag.
• Walking sticks.
• Rain gear (jacket and pants) or poncho. Plastic ponchos can be purchased for about $ 2 in Cusco.
• Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots are recommended. Extra socks are a must.
• Sandals or plastic slip thongs are also good to give your feet a chance to breathe at night if you want to take them.
• Warm clothes include jackets, fleeces, gloves, scarf, and knit / tour beanies. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• Camera, and batteries.
• Hat or cap to protect you from sun, rain, and cold.
• Sunblock.
• Insect repellent – minimum recommended 40% DEET – although no malaria risk has been reported.
• Toilet paper.
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
• Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
• We recommend bringing water purification tablets in case you pick up water from streams.
• Your own special medicines you may need, paracetamol, second skin blisters, etc.
• Small towel.
• Cash – sufficient for snacks, tips, and souvenirs.
• Bathers/swimsuit (if you think of swimming in the hot springs).
• Eager and adventurous spirit to enjoy your hike.

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:

Additional Inclusions:

• Extra Emergency Horse to ride.
• North Face 4 season tents.
• Sleeping Bag.
• 02 Waking Poles per person.
• 1 Duffel Bag to carry all your sleeping bags, self-inflating pad as well as clothes.
• Private Transportation just for you.
• Sleeping bag / Silk Liner included.
• Hotel 3 Stars (At Aguas Calientes Town).
• Entrance to climb Huaynapicchu Mountain.
• Vistadome Train (First Class train back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo).
• Private Van from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
• Bus Round Trip (Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes).
• Lunch in Machupicchu or Aguas Calientes.
• Tour Guide to explore Choquequirao, Machupicchu, and Huaynapicchu all day. And of course, we pay a little more to our Staff and Guide.

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.

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.