Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu
Overview
Highlights
- Tucked high in the Andes, Choquequirao may not get the same fanfare as Machu Picchu, but is no less spectacular. Few visitors make the journey each day, meaning you often have the whole Inca site to yourself!
- Your trek through the Apurimac Valley to Choquequirao may be challenging, but it’s incredibly scenic. See cloud forests and canyons, high passes and snow-capped peaks, often without another trekking group in sight.
- After visiting Choquequirao, continue on to enjoy a guided tour of Peru’s most acclaimed Inca city, Machu Picchu, as well as the Inca citadels of Pisac and Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley.
- Spend time exploring artisan markets, lively squares, historic sites and thriving nightlife in Cusco – South America’s oldest continuously inhabited city, and an interesting blend of Inca and colonial influences.
- With a knowledgeable local leader and a team of guides and porters assisting you along the trail, all you have to worry about is keeping your footing and capturing the best photos you can.
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Itinerary
Welcome to Cusco! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 2 pm where you'll meet your group leader and fellow travellers. After this important briefing, get acquainted with this charming city's intriguing blend of Inca and Spanish culture on a guided walking t...
You’ve got a free day to explore the sights of Cusco. Perhaps revisit the San Blas neighbourhood and spend time browsing its boutique shops and handicrafts made by local artisans, or simply grab a coffee and people watch in Plaza de Armas. Alternatively, use this day ...
Today you start your trek! It’s a 5-hour drive to Capuliyoc Pass, the start of the Choquequirao Trek, so you need to wake early and be ready to leave the hotel at 5 am. Stop twice along the way to explore two incredible but lesser-visited Inca archaeological sites: Ta...
Today is one of the longer, more challenging days of the trip, but the awe-inspiring views make it worth it. Start very early and descend to Playa Rosalina. Cross the Apurimac River here and begin the long and steep climb through dusty desert up to the village of Sant...
Spend most of the day exploring the vast, sprawling ruins of Choquequirao. Meaning ‘cradle of gold’ in Quechua, Choquequirao sits nearly 1600 metres (5250 feet) above the roaring Apurimac River. Significantly larger than Machu Picchu, only about 30 percent of this anc...
In the morning, embark on a short but steep climb to the top of the Choquequirao Pass (3215 metres/10,550 feet) for sweeping views of Choquequirao. You’ll get a real sense of the enormity of the ruins from this vantage point, as well as its isolation. Then begin the d...
Start the day with a five-hour, steep switchback climb up the San Juan Pass (4170 metres/13,680 feet). The climb is challenging, but the reward is panoramic views of the snow-capped Vilcabamba mountain range at the top. Make a stop at the 500-year-old La Victoria silv...
Journey through stunning landscapes as you climb to the highest point of the trek, the Yanama Pass (4660 metres/15,290 feet), where the magnificent snow-capped Vilcabamba mountain range dominates the skyline. Our rocky trail follows the river up the valley, then begin...
Continue to descend today as you make your way to the Salcantay Trail, where you’ll begin to notice more trekkers and greener surroundings. Follow a road for a short section, then a gravel path beside the river that runs through a lush cloud forest. You’ll notice lots...
Rise early today and follow an original Inca trail that climbs uphill for three hours to the Inca complex, Llactapata. Spend some time exploring the site, then descend for two hours to Santa Teresa, where we stop for lunch. Afterwards, continue the last leg of the tre...
In order to beat the crowds (and queues), rise very early to tour the famous Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu. This fascinating Inca complex is considered one of the architectural and engineering marvels of the ancient world – made only more dramatic by its stunni...
Explore the village of Ollantaytambo this morning and spend time strolling its narrow, cobblestone streets. See the colossal Inca stone terraces carved into the surrounding hillside up close, then continue to Pisac in the Sacred Valley, where you’ll visit the ruins of...
With no activities planned for today, bid farewell to Cusco and your fellow travellers. Your Peruvian adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you would like to spend more time in Cusco, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation.
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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