CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK

DAY 1: Cusco – Cachora – Capuliyoc – Playa Rosalina (Campsite)

We pick you up from your hotel and drive in a private bus to the traditional town of Cachora (3,100 m), where our muleteers and support team await. Here begins our adventure. The trek starts with a gentle path leading toward Capuliyoc (2,915 m), a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the Apurímac Canyon and the snowcapped peaks of Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora. From this point, we descend gradually into warmer valleys, passing Coca Masana (2,330 m) where the landscape begins to shift into semi-tropical vegetation. We finish the day at Playa Rosalina (1,550 m), on the banks of the Apurímac River, where dinner and our first campsite await.

DAY 2: Playa Rosalina – Marampata – Choquequirao Archaeological Complex

Today is considered the toughest ascent of the route. After an early breakfast, we climb steadily for approximately 5 hours until reaching Raqaypata, a peaceful spot surrounded by orchids, hummingbirds, and lush vegetation where we enjoy lunch.
We then continue for about 2 more hours toward the magnificent Inca citadel of Choquequirao. Upon arrival, you may witness the Andean sunset and—if lucky—the flight of condors over the terraces. Our campsite is set close to the archaeological complex.

DAY 3: Choquequirao – Pinchinuyoc – Río Blanco – Maizal (Campsite)

After breakfast, we dedicate the morning to exploring Choquequirao: altars, terraces, ritual areas, and its remarkable architecture built on the mountain ridge.
We then continue the trek toward the Pinchinuyoc agricultural terraces, descending through cloud forest until reaching the refreshing waters of the Río Blanco, where lunch awaits and you can cool your feet.
A demanding but rewarding ascent of 3–4 hours takes us to Maizal (3,000 m), a quiet campsite with mountain views.

DAY 4: Maizal – Minas Victoria – San Juan Pass – Yanama (Campsite)

After breakfast, we ascend through a trail surrounded by continuously changing ecosystems. We walk past remnants of old mining operations at Minas Victoria and gradually climb to the San Juan Pass (4,170 m), where sweeping views of valleys, glaciers, and towering Andean peaks reward our efforts. We descend to the remote village of Yanama (3,530 m), where we set camp and enjoy the tranquility of this isolated Andean community.

DAY 5: Yanama – Yanama Pass – Totora Pampa (Campsite)

We start early, heading toward the highest point of the entire expedition: Yanama Pass (4,670 m). From here, the scenery becomes truly breathtaking—glaciers such as Salkantay (6,264 m) and Pintuyu (5,450 m) dominate the landscape. If fortune is on our side, condors may accompany us from above. We then descend through dramatic landscapes until reaching Totora Pampa (3,100 m) for our campsite.

DAY 6: Totora Pampa – La Playa Sahuayaco / Santa Teresa (Campsite)

This day allows us to connect with Andean communities who preserve ancestral traditions. The vegetation becomes more tropical as we descend, revealing orchids, bromeliads, waterfalls, and plantations of coffee, papaya, passion fruit, and avocado.
We camp either at La Playa (2,100 m) or Santa Teresa (1,600 m), depending on group preference. Optional: Visit the relaxing hot springs in Santa Teresa.

DAY 7: La Playa – Llactapata – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes

After our last breakfast with the trekking crew, we drive briefly to Hidroeléctrica and begin the hike toward Aguas Calientes. This section offers abundant orchids, birdlife, and a dramatic first view of Machu Picchu from Llactapata’s perspective—an unforgettable moment.
We follow the iconic railway path to Aguas Calientes.
Optional: Train from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes (US$ 18). Overnight in a hotel.

DAY 8: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

We start early, either by bus (optional US$ 16 each way) or on foot. Inside Machu Picchu, your guide will lead a 2-hour exploration through its temples, terraces, plazas, and sacred symbols such as the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Royal Quarters, and more.
After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to explore further, take photos, or climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (subject to availability).
In the afternoon, we return to Aguas Calientes, take the train to Ollantaytambo, and then a private transfer back to Cusco and your hotel.