The Challenging Inca Trail from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu: A Journey Reserved for the Most Daring Adventurers
Tunqui Expeditions will take you on an expedition to two of Peru’s largest and most important archaeological sites: Choquequirao and Machu Picchu. These two ancient, marvelous cities of the Inca Empire were considered some of the most difficult to access during the Inca era, highlighting their great significance to the Incas.
On this epic 8-day Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu, our professional guides, passionate about history and adventure, will give you the opportunity to learn about the legends and treasures left behind by the Incas and hear the stories that the majestic mountains are eager to share with you.
The small villages we will reach reveal the beginning of the end of the Inca Empire. These sites were abandoned before the Spanish conquistadors could arrive and exploit their treasures.
Join Tunqui Expeditions on this 8-day Choquequirao Trek to experience pure beauty, immerse yourself in fascinating history, and walk the final steps of one of the most influential ancient cultures in the world – the Incas.
Would you love to step back in time to the era of the Incas, when society lived in harmony with nature? Does the thought of visiting two incredible lost Inca cities – Choquequirao and Machu Picchu – fill you with excitement? Then join Tunqui Expeditions on this incredible 8-day expedition to Choquequirao and Machu Picchu, the two most important Inca sites ever known. You can come with friends, family, a large group, or as a couple. We can accommodate you and plan every detail you need.
The Choquequirao Trek follows one of the many ancient and beautiful trails that shine through the Amazon cloud forest. Many travel magazines around the world include it as one of the top ten treks globally due to its incredible biodiversity and wildlife. Along the way, you will hike through high mountains and deep jungle valleys. The word “unique” doesn’t even begin to describe this experience! Choquequirao is rarely visited and lies off the crowded paths, perfect for those who love escaping large tourist crowds.
Your next stop is Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Many other hikers will join you on this part of the journey, but it is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Due to the remote and challenging nature of the trek, it is essential to travel only with the most qualified tour operators. Our highly trained staff is eager to make your journey as enjoyable as possible. So, what are you waiting for? Join us today for this unforgettable adventure!
HIGHLIGHTS
ITINERARY SUMMARY
DAY 01: CUSCO | CACHORA – CAPULIYUC – CHIQUISCA
A day full of energy to begin our trek. You will see beautiful Andean landscapes leading to the Apurímac Valley and enjoy the impressive and vast Colca Canyon. We will spend the night near the Apurímac River.
DAY 02: CHIQUISCA | PLAYA ROSALINAS – SANTA ROSA – MARAMPATA
We will hike to the deepest part of the valley, followed by an ascent to the town of Marampata, where our Tunqui Expeditions team will have our camp ready. Enjoy the incredible landscapes along the way.
DAY 03: MARAMPATA | CHOQUEQUIRAO ARCHAEOLOGICAL COMPLEX – PINCHAUNUYOC
Enjoy the sunrise behind Choquequirao before further exploring the site. Then, continue hiking towards the mountains and spend the night at Pinchaunuyoc.
DAY 04: PINCHAUNUYOC | RIO BLANCO – MAIZAL – VICTORIA MINES – SAN JUAN PASS – YANAMA
After breakfast, we will begin our descent to the Rio Blanco valley and continue the day’s most challenging hike – the ascent to San Juan Pass. Afterward, we will descend to our camp in Yanama.
DAY 05: YANAMA | YANAMA PASS – TOTORA – COLLPAPAMPA
With renewed energy, we will hike to Yanama Pass, the highest point of the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek. Along the way, you will see farmers working in their fields and witness the beauty of the Salkantay glacier. Tonight, we camp in Collpapampa.
DAY 06: COLLPAPAMPA | WIÑAY POCCO – LA PLAYA – LUCMABAMBA – LLACTAPATA
Today, you will hike through the jungle and witness impressive wildlife. You will also connect with the local community, visit an organic coffee farm, and enjoy a delicious cup of freshly brewed coffee. At noon, you will participate in a cooking class organized by Tunqui Expeditions. Tonight, you will sleep in our private camp in Llactapata, surrounded by mountains and nature, with a unique view of Machu Picchu.
DAY 07: LLACTAPATA | HIDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES
After breakfast in the mountains, visit the Llactapata archaeological site and observe Machu Picchu from afar. In the afternoon, hike to Aguas Calientes and enjoy free time at the hot springs before having dinner at a local restaurant and staying in a hotel.
DAY 08: AGUAS CALIENTES | MACHU PICCHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO
Spend the entire morning exploring Machu Picchu with our expert guide. At noon, have lunch in Aguas Calientes before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, our private transportation will take you directly to your hotel in Cusco.
Highlight of the Day: Witness the magnificent landscape that surrounds you.
Exploring Panoramic Andean Landscapes
Your epic journey will begin at 4:30 am when we pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco and travel for 4 to 5 hours to Capuliyoc in our private Tunqui Expeditions transport. Along the way, you will enjoy and appreciate spectacular views of the Salkantay and Humantay snow-capped peaks.
Upon arrival in Cachora, we will visit the small town and walk through its picturesque streets that tell the story of its rich culture, traditions, and way of life. We will enjoy a nutritious and delicious breakfast to fuel our positive energy for the trek. Then, we will continue by private transport to Capuliyoc (2,890 m / 9,482 ft), where we will meet the rest of our Tunqui Expeditions trekking team – cooks, porters, and muleteers – who will carefully carry our belongings, food, and camping equipment along the entire route. After reviewing the final details, we will begin hiking for approximately 2 hours through the Apurímac Canyon, mostly descending, to our lunch spot at the Coca Manzana sector. After lunch and a brief rest, we will descend in a zigzag pattern for about 2 more hours until we reach Chiquisca (1,900 m / 6,234 ft), a beautiful hamlet filled with fruit fields.
During this beautiful trek, we will appreciate the impressive cloud forest landscape offered by the Apurímac Valley. We will also have the chance to witness the majestic flight of the condor and stunning views of two massive glacier-covered mountains, Padreyoc and Qoriwayrachina. As we become immersed in the valley, the warmth, abundant vegetation, and rhythmic sounds of the mighty Apurímac River grow more noticeable, providing motivation to continue, aided by Mother Nature.
Hours later, we will arrive at the tropical village of Chiquisca, a warm, green campsite nestled within the arid mountain landscape, where we will enjoy dinner and spend the night.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate
Walking Distance: 13 km / 8.08 miles
Highest Elevation: 2,890 m / 9,482 ft
Campsite Elevation: 1,970 m / 6,463 ft
Highlight of the Day: Be amazed by the most spectacular views of the Andes.
Witness the Beautiful Andean Sunset
We will wake up with coca tea and enjoy a delicious breakfast to replenish our energy and keep a positive mindset. “Remember to have faith in yourself every day to achieve the goal of reaching the end.” We will continue towards our next campsite. A zigzag ascent awaits us until we reach Marampata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft), where you will capture stunning photographs of the canyon and surrounding snow-capped peaks.
We will begin the 1 hour and 15-minute descent to the deepest part of the valley, known as Playa Rosalinas (1,500 m / 4,921 ft). We will cross the pedestrian bridge to start the most challenging part of our hike. First, we must thank Mother Nature for helping us ascend successfully.
Along the way, we will stop briefly in the village of Santa Rosa (1,970 m / 6,463 ft), where you will enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by our Tunqui Expeditions chef and team to recharge your energy. After lunch, we will continue the uphill trek for about three hours until we reach our Marampata campsite. In the afternoon, you will marvel at the stunning views, feel the positive energy, and realize the reward of being so close to the citadel of Choquequirao.
As dusk approaches, we will watch the beautiful sunset accompanied by a sky filled with thousands of stars, covering the surrounding landscape and vegetation. Dinner will be served before we rest for the night, dreaming of the next day’s adventure.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Challenging
Walking Distance: 11 km / 6.82 miles
Highest Elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
Campsite Elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
Highlight of the Day: Witness the morning sun rise and illuminate the complex.
Enjoy the Magic of Sunrise Over the Mysterious Choquequirao
Today we will rise early with coca tea to witness one of the most spectacular sunrises imaginable. The first rays of sunlight will fill Choquequirao with color and life.
Take a moment to thank Mother Nature for all the wonderful things she has given us. After breakfast, we will begin a 1.5-hour hike with views of the cloud-covered valley. You will feel as though you are above the clouds. Once at Choquequirao, all of our hard trekking will be rewarded. On Day 3, we will rise early to explore the Choquequirao Archaeological Complex. Your guide will lead you through the site, showing you the most important sections and explaining the history of Choquequirao. You will learn about the Inca Empire, their traditions and culture, and the differences between Choquequirao and Machu Picchu.
Unlike Machu Picchu, Choquequirao has not been fully explored or studied despite being discovered earlier. The first non-Inca visitor to Choquequirao was the explorer Juan Arias Díaz in 1710, two centuries before Hiram Bingham rediscovered Machu Picchu. However, the site remained abandoned and forgotten until recent years, when archaeologists and tourists began to pay more attention to it. Even now, only about 30-40% of the archaeological site has been explored, leaving many secrets yet to be uncovered.
Currently, we know Choquequirao is divided into 12 sectors, with common Inca agricultural terraces throughout the complex. Most buildings appear to have been constructed for ceremonial purposes, as priest residences or food storage. You will have plenty of time to explore Choquequirao, both with your guide and on your own. Around midday, we will enjoy an outdoor lunch prepared by our chef. Afterward, we will hike to Usnu for a panoramic view of the area. If we are lucky, we may witness the majestic condor soaring in the Andean sky. We will also visit the terraces and Pacchayoc waterfall.
After this magical experience at the enigmatic citadel, we will begin a 1-hour ascent to Choquequirao Pass (3,270 m / 10,728 ft), followed by a descent to the next archaeological complex on our route, Pinchaunuyoc (2,420 m / 7,940 ft). You will be amazed by the terraces that seem to hang over the canyon of the Blanco River. After a brief exploration, we will camp near the complex for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Challenging – Strenuous
Walking Distance: 8 km / 4.97 miles
Highest Elevation: 3,270 m / 10,728 ft
Campsite Elevation: 2,420 m / 7,940 ft
Highlight of the Day: Trek among snow-capped mountain glaciers.
You will enjoy breathtaking views, making every moment worthwhile, while also learning about the origins of Tunqui Expeditions.
After a nutritious breakfast, we will begin our descent towards the Blanco River. Along the way, we will observe various bird species, including the Andean cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus), as well as orchids and coca plantations. After crossing the river, we will start the most demanding uphill hike of the day, eventually reaching our lunch spot, Maizal (3,000 m / 9,843 ft). Today will be the most challenging day of the trek, but you will have a chance to rest your legs before continuing.
Following lunch, we will ascend for approximately 3.5 hours to reach the summit. This part of the trail holds significant historical importance, with numerous archaeological sites along the way. We will pass the impressive Inca mines known as Victoria Mines, once used to extract silver. Next, we will head toward San Juan Pass (4,200 m / 13,780 ft).
We will trek through cloud forests and Andean puna grasslands, known for their iconic ichu grass. We will enjoy lunch with panoramic views of the Choquetacarpo and Padreyoc mountains. If you haven’t yet seen condors, there may be an opportunity here, depending on the season.
Finally, we will descend to our campsite in Yanama (3,600 m / 11,811 ft), where a delicious dinner awaits, followed by another restful night in the heart of nature.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Challenging
Walking Distance: 18 km / 11.18 miles
Highest Elevation: 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
Campsite Elevation: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
Highlight of the Day: Admire the famous Apu Salkantay mountain and walk among more glaciers.
Enjoy the Natural Beauty and Changing Climate
Today we will wake up to the sounds of the jungle and a relaxing waterfall. The local people in Yanama have preserved their ancient customs and traditions to this day – a perfect opportunity to learn about their culture. You can make new friends and share gifts with local children.
After a hearty breakfast, we will begin a 5-hour ascent to the highest point of the trek, Yanama Pass (4,650 m / 15,256 ft). Along the way, you will see farmers working their potato fields. You will also witness the stunning snow-capped peaks of Saqsarayoc and Padreyoc. Depending on the time of year, you might even walk through patches of snow. For the first time, you will catch a glimpse of the mighty Salkantay Mountain in the distance.
At midday, we will descend for three hours along a mystical foggy path until we reach the village of Totora, where we will have lunch to regain our energy.
After lunch, we will continue for another hour until we reach Collpapampa, where a spectacular dinner and a peaceful night of rest await us at our campsite, surrounded by nature.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Challenging
Walking Distance: 15 km / 9.32 miles
Highest Elevation: 4,650 m / 15,256 ft
Campsite Elevation: 2,800 m / 9,186 ft
Highlight of the Day: Explore the Cusco jungle, connect with the local community, visit an organic coffee farm, and take part in a cooking class.
Learn and Connect with Local Culture
After a delicious breakfast prepared by our expert Andean chef at Tunqui Expeditions, we will continue the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu – one of the most exciting parts of the adventure.
Together with the Tunqui Expeditions team, we will take photos and videos while exploring the tropical forest. We will visit local organic coffee plantations and fruit orchards. During the coffee plantation visit, you will receive a brief introduction to the region’s coffee history and its importance to the area.
With Tunqui Expeditions, you will participate in harvesting organic coffee and learn step by step how it is processed, from picking to roasting and grinding. At midday, before lunch, you will join a cooking class led by our talented chef. Afterward, enjoy an incredible meal.
Following lunch, we will hike along the Inca trail for approximately 2.5 hours until we reach the ancient Inca ruins of Llactapata. Along the way, you will enjoy incredible views of the Santa Teresa Valley. From Llactapata, you will have your first glimpse of Machu Picchu, as well as the sacred mountains of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.
You will have time to explore the Llactapata archaeological site and take unforgettable photos. Afterward, a short 15-minute downhill hike will lead to our exclusive campsite. This campsite, owned by a local family, is available only to Tunqui Expeditions, ensuring a peaceful experience away from the crowds.
Our campsite offers a beautiful setting to relax, witness the sunset, and camp directly across from Machu Picchu. In the afternoon, you will have free time to stretch, relax, and enjoy the views.
Before dinner, we will have tea time with hot drinks, popcorn, cookies, and more. After dinner, prepare for another unforgettable night under the stars, where you can observe the Milky Way and constellations that the Incas used to predict the weather.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate
Walking Distance: 12 km / 7.45 miles
Highest Elevation: 2,800 m / 9,186 ft
Campsite Elevation: 2,700 m / 8,858 ft
Highlight of the Day: Wake up to Machu Picchu right in front of your tent – thank Mother Nature for this view!
Wake Up to Spectacular Views of Machu Picchu
Open your tent, and the first thing you will see is Machu Picchu on a nearby mountain. Meanwhile, your Tunqui Expeditions trekking team will serve you coca tea or coffee to start your day with positive energy.
After a nutritious breakfast, we will enjoy an easy 2-hour downhill hike to the hydroelectric station. Here, a natural 300-meter-high waterfall generates electricity for the Cusco region. At this site, you will enjoy your final lunch with the Tunqui Expeditions trekking chef and team, expressing gratitude for making this adventure possible.
After lunch, we will hike for three hours along the railway, following the Urubamba River as it flows down from the Sacred Valley. Along this part of the trek, you will stop at the Mandor Botanical Gardens – a site famously visited by Hiram Bingham in 1911. You will also visit the farm of Arteaga, the local farmer who led Bingham to Machu Picchu. This area is home to endemic birds like the Andean cock-of-the-rock, parrots, hummingbirds, and toucans.
Once in Aguas Calientes, you will check into your hotel and have the rest of the afternoon free. You can relax in your room, explore the town, or visit the hot springs to unwind.
We will meet for dinner at a local restaurant, where you will receive the final briefing for your Machu Picchu visit the next day.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel
Difficulty: Moderate
Walking Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
Highest Elevation: 2,800 m / 9,186 ft
Hotel Elevation: 2,040 m / 6,692 ft
Highlight of the Day: Walk the stone streets of Machu Picchu and imagine life centuries ago.
Marvel at the Energy of Machu Picchu and Discover the Secrets of the Incas
Your epic journey concludes today with a visit to the New Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Heritage site – Machu Picchu. In the morning, enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes before departing early. We will board the bus from Aguas Calientes to the archaeological complex, aiming to arrive before the crowds. This way, you can take advantage of the morning light and watch the first rays of sunshine illuminate the ancient stones.
You can store your luggage at the hotel and bring only a small backpack with essential items for the visit. The bus ride from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu takes about 30 minutes. Once at Machu Picchu, your guide will take you directly to the best spot to witness the sunrise (weather permitting) and capture stunning photographs. Afterward, your knowledgeable local guide will provide a 2.5-hour tour of the main sectors of the citadel. During the guided visit, you will learn about the history and culture of the Inca Empire.
For those looking for an extra adventure, you can hike Huayna Picchu Mountain (advance booking required, as spots sell out quickly at $75 per person). Your guide will show you where to start this hike, which takes about two hours round trip. Alternatively, you can choose to hike Machu Picchu Mountain – a more strenuous and challenging trek that takes a minimum of three hours round trip (also $75 per person).
After exploring this magical site, we will return to Aguas Calientes around midday for lunch at a restaurant of your choice. In the afternoon (around 2 pm), we will head to the train station for the return journey to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our private transportation will take you back to Cusco, where we will drop you off at your hotel.
Now it will be time to rest your legs after this unforgettable 8-day adventure through the mountains and jungle. We are certain this life-changing trek will stay with you forever.
Meals: Breakfast
Difficulty: Easy
Machu Picchu Site Elevation: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
Machu Picchu Mountain Elevation: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft
Huayna Picchu Mountain Elevation: 2,720 m / 8,924 ft
Optional Activities (Difficulty – Duration): Moderate (2-4 hours)
