Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 8 days / 7 nights

We continue our Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu early in the morning, taking advantage of the cool hours before the strong midday sun. We will descend to the majestic Apurímac River, where we will cross the Playa Rosalina bridge, a key point before beginning the ascent to the archaeological complex.

From this section, the real challenge of the day begins: a constant climb towards Choquequirao, crossing the small community of Santa Rosa, where you can stop at a local store to buy water or rehydration drinks and share a moment with the locals.

We will continue ascending to Marampata, where a well-deserved lunch and a rest await us surrounded by spectacular landscapes. From there, we will continue for approximately two more hours until we reach the enigmatic and secluded Inca city of Choquequirao (3,033 m / 9,950 ft).

In the afternoon, you will have free time to explore the temples, terraces, and ceremonial areas of this ancient site, considered the “sacred sister of Machu Picchu,” with your guide. At dusk, it is common to observe the flight of the Andean condor over the Apurímac Canyon, a unique natural spectacle.

We will spend the night at our camp near Choquequirao, enjoying the tranquility and mysticism of this sacred place, before continuing with the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu 8-day hike the next day.

After breakfast, we will make a brief visit to the main complex of Choquequirao before continuing our hike to Pinchaunuyoc. After a short ascent through a forest of native trees, we will reach the highest point of the day and then descend to Pajunal.

We will continue the tour to the Inca ruins of Pinchaunuyoc, where we will enjoy lunch surrounded by stunning Andean landscapes. Afterwards, we will descend towards the Río Blanco stream, cross its bridge and begin the climb to Maizal, an ideal place to observe birds and rest in our camp.

We leave early from the camp in Maizal to face the ascent to the San Juan Pass. It is a demanding climb, but the landscape rewards the effort: first we cross a cloud forest full of native vegetation and then the Andean puna covered by the typical ichu grass.

Along the way, we will visit the old mines of Victoria, where the stones shine due to their high concentration of minerals. We will continue along well-preserved Inca trails with their characteristic zigzag pattern, an example of ancient engineering that can still be seen along the route.

We will have lunch at a viewpoint at 4,000 meters with panoramic views of the Choquetakarpo mountain. From there, we will begin the descent to Yanama, a small and cozy town at the foot of a long mountain valley.

This section is one of the most representative of the Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu, and is part of the complete route of the Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 8 days, combining height, history and ecological diversity in a memorable day.

From Yanama, we continue our journey through the beautiful Andean valley until we reach the highest point of the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek, the Yanama Pass (4,500 m a.s.l.). During the ascent, we can enjoy impressive views of the majestic Sacsarayoc snow-capped mountain, a natural spectacle that marks the heart of the route.

During this part of the journey, it is common to see condors flying over the mountains, while the route passes through fresh landscapes and fields of wet grass below the snow line. Upon reaching the pass, hikers have the opportunity to touch the snow and enjoy the impressive natural surroundings.

The descent takes us through the mist, crossing small wooden bridges and bushy areas, until we reach the community of Totora, where we will rest after a day full of adventure and unforgettable landscapes.

This day represents one of the most challenging and rewarding stages of the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu 8-Day Trek Itinerary, combining altitude, nature, and culture every step of the way.

After an energetic breakfast, we continue with our Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu, leaving early from Totora. We follow the course of the Totora River until we reach the Chalán River, enjoying an environment surrounded by lush vegetation, imposing waterfalls, and the beauty of the tropical forest.

During this stage, the landscape changes noticeably as we enter the warm valley of the jungle eyebrow, where we will find coffee plantations, banana trees, and a great diversity of flora and fauna typical of the region.

We will arrive at the community of La Playa, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch before continuing to Lucmabamba, our campsite for the night. In the afternoon, we’ll visit a local farm and participate in a traditional coffee tour, learning about the cultivation and roasting process and ending with a tasting of the area’s best organic coffee.

This is one of the most enjoyable days of the 8-Day Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek, combining tropical nature, local culture, and authentic experiences that connect travelers with Andean life.

After a nutritious breakfast, we continue our Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu, ready for one of the most exciting sections of the tour. On this day, you’ll hike a section of the original Inca Trail, a unique experience that connects history, nature, and adventure.

After a climb of approximately two hours with spectacular views of the Santa Teresa Valley, we’ll arrive at Llactapata (2,700 m / 8,858 ft), an Inca archaeological site located directly in front of Machu Picchu. From this point, you’ll have your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu, an impressive reward after days of hiking. Here you will learn about the secrets of Inca culture and the profound symbolism of this ancient site.

Afterwards, we will descend for an hour and a half until we reach Aobamba, where we will enjoy lunch. Along the way, you will once again admire the views of the Inca fortress and the tropical surroundings that frame the journey. Then we will continue to Hidroeléctrica (1,800 m / 5,906 ft), where the impressive 250-meter artificial waterfall that supplies power to the city of Cusco stands out.

Once at Hidroeléctrica, you will have two options:
1️⃣ Take the train to Aguas Calientes (optional, not included).
2️⃣ Take a leisurely walk of approximately three hours along the train tracks, enjoying the natural surroundings and observing the Intihuatana, a solar rock used by the Incas to measure the solstices and agricultural cycles.

After several days of adventure and nature, the most anticipated moment of our Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu arrives. Today we will explore the legendary Lost City of the Incas, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We will wake up early to take advantage of the magical light of sunrise and avoid the crowds. After a quick breakfast, we’ll board the bus from Aguas Calientes to the majestic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, where an unforgettable experience will begin.

During a guided tour of approximately two hours, we’ll explore Machu Picchu’s most iconic sites: temples, agricultural terraces, sacred sites, and ancient waterways that demonstrate the architectural genius of the Incas. Every corner of the citadel tells a story of wisdom, spirituality, and connection with nature.

Those who wish can climb the Huayna Picchu mountain (2,720 m / 8,924 ft) or the Machu Picchu mountain (3,000 m / 9,843 ft), from where you get an incomparable panoramic view of the citadel and the Andean surroundings. It’s important to book these tickets in advance, as space is limited.

After our visit, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes to enjoy lunch and, later, board the panoramic train to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our private transportation will take you back to your hotel in Cusco, marking the end of this unforgettable 8-Day Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek.

Beyond the physical exhaustion, there will remain a deep sense of connection with the Andes, their history and their energy, an experience that will remain in your heart forever.