Choquequirao Trek To Machu Picchu 9 Days

Start Your Epic Choquequirao Trek Machu Picchu Adventure

Day 01 Cusco | Cachora – Capuliyoc – Chiquisca

Your Choquequirao Trek Machu Picchu begins at 4:30 am when we pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco. Travel for 4–5 hours in our private Tunqui Expeditions transport to Capuliyoc, enjoying spectacular views of the Salkantay and Humantay snow-capped peaks along the way.

Upon arrival in Cachora, explore the small village with its picturesque streets full of culture and tradition. Enjoy a nutritious breakfast to fuel your Choquequirao Trek Machu Picchu journey. Continue to Capuliyoc (2,890 m / 9,482 ft) and meet the rest of the trekking team – cooks, porters, and muleteers – who will carry your equipment, food, and camping gear throughout the Choquequirao Trek Machu Picchu.

After final preparations, begin hiking through the Apurímac Canyon for approximately 2 hours downhill until reaching the Coca Manzana sector for lunch. After a short rest, continue descending for about 2 more hours until arriving at Chiquisca (1,900 m / 6,234 ft), a beautiful hamlet surrounded by fruit fields.

Along the trail, admire the cloud forest of the Apurímac Valley, watch for the majestic Andean condor, and enjoy views of the Padreyoc and Qoriwayrachina snow-capped mountains. As you descend into the valley, the tropical heat, lush vegetation, and rhythmic sounds of the Apurímac River enhance the Choquequirao Trek Machu Picchu experience.

Finally, reach the tropical village of Chiquisca, a warm and green campsite nestled in the arid mountains, where you will have dinner and spend your first night of the Choquequirao Trek Machu Picchu adventure.

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

Day 02 Chiquisca | Playa Rosalinas – Santa Rosa – Marampata

Highlight of the Day: Be amazed by the most spectacular views of the Andes and experience the magic of the Choquequirao Trek Machu Picchu. Witness a breathtaking sunset over the Andean sky.

Start your morning with coca tea and a nutritious breakfast to fuel your Choquequirao Trek Machu Picchu journey. “Remember to believe in yourself every day to complete the adventure.” Begin the day’s trek with a zigzag ascent toward Marampata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft), perfect for capturing incredible photos of the canyon and surrounding snow-capped peaks along your Choquequirao Trek Machu Picchu route.

The climb begins with a 1 hour and 15-minute descent to the deepest part of the valley, Playa Rosalinas (1,500 m / 4,921 ft). After crossing the pedestrian bridge, prepare for the most challenging part of the Choquequirao Trek Machu Picchu – a steep uphill ascent. Stop briefly at the village of Santa Rosa (1,970 m / 6,463 ft) to enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by our Tunqui Expeditions team.

After lunch, continue the uphill trek for approximately three hours until reaching Marampata. In the afternoon, take in the incredible views and feel the positive energy near Choquequirao. End your day admiring the sunset, with the orange glow filling the valleys and mountains – an unforgettable moment on your Choquequirao Trek Machu Picchu 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

Day 03 Marampata | Choquequirao Archaeological Site – Pinchaunuyoc

Highlight of the Day: Witness a magical sunrise illuminating the mysterious Choquequirao.

Wake up early with coca tea and enjoy one of the most spectacular sunrises on your Choquequirao Trek Machu Picchu, as the first rays of light bring color and life to the site. After breakfast, hike 1.5 hours above the clouds to reach the archaeological complex.

Explore Choquequirao with your guide, learning about its history, Inca traditions, and how it differs from Machu Picchu. Despite being discovered before Machu Picchu, only 30–40% of Choquequirao has been studied, leaving many secrets hidden.

Admire the 12 sectors, ceremonial buildings, agricultural terraces, and enjoy lunch prepared by our chef. Hike to Usnu for panoramic views, spot condors, and visit terraces and the Pacchayoc waterfall.

End the day with a 1-hour ascent to Choquequirao Pass (3,270 m / 10,728 ft), then descend to Pinchaunuyoc (2,420 m / 7,940 ft), where we set up camp for the night on this unforgettable Choquequirao Trek Machu Picchu adventure.

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

Day 04 Pinchaunuyoc | Rio Blanco – Maizal

Highlight of the Day: Watch the sunrise over the wonders of Choquequirao.

Wake up before dawn to witness the stunning sunrise over the archaeological site and surrounding landscape. The rays of the sun, or Tayta Inti, will breathe life into the area, filling every corner with light. Connect with the sun’s warmth and give thanks to the sacred mountains and the mighty Apurímac River. This will be the perfect farewell to Choquequirao.

After breakfast, we will descend to the Blanco River (1,900 m / 6,234 ft) through the lush cloud forest. This unique area feels like a dream as you walk among the clouds.

Upon reaching the valley floor, you can spot a variety of bird species, orchids, and coca plantations – an essential plant since the Inca Empire. Some travelers take this opportunity to cool off in the river’s crystal-clear waters, a refreshing treat after three days of hiking.

After a break, we will continue on a zigzagging uphill path for about three hours, eventually arriving at Maizal (3,000 m / 9,843 ft), a small village offering spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains and three beautiful valleys.

After lunch, we will rest and spend the night at this peaceful campsite.

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: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft

Day 05 Maizal | Victoria Mines – San Juan Pass – Yanama

Highlight of the Day: Enjoy once again being surrounded by the beautiful snow-capped mountains.

Ascend to the High Andes and Experience a Change in Scenery.

Today, you will wake up to the cheerful songs of birds welcoming the sun, helping you start the day energized and ready. After recharging with a delicious breakfast, we will begin an uphill trail covered in lush vegetation. Soon, the snow-capped mountains will surround us once again, reminding us of their power and natural beauty. If the sky is not clear, you will see how the clouds settle over the valley below. Regardless of the weather, the view will be impressive.

A five-hour ascent lies ahead. This section of the route holds great historical significance, with several archaeological sites scattered along the way. You will also pass by the ancient Inca silver mines, known as Victoria Mines, before ascending to San Juan Pass (4,200 m / 13,780 ft). The climb will be long, but the immense beauty of the route will make the effort worthwhile.

We will trek through the Amazonian cloud forest and gradually enter the Andean Puna, characterized by grasslands. Near the summit, stone paths built by the Incas will begin to appear. Lunch will be served with breathtaking views of the Choquetakarpo and Padreyoc glaciers.

If luck is on our side and the weather is favorable, you may witness the majestic flight of the Andean condor, whose wings span up to 3 meters – the largest of any flying bird in the world.

Finally, we will descend to the Yanama campsite (3,600 m / 11,811 ft), a small village nestled at the bottom of a large valley. As always, we will end the day with a tasty dinner and a restful night surrounded by nature.

Day 06 Yanama | Yanama Pass – Totora – Collpapampa

Highlight of the Day: Admire the famous Apu Salkantay Mountain and walk among glaciers.

Enjoy the natural beauty and experience the changing climate to the fullest.

Today, we will wake up to the sounds of the forest and a nearby waterfall. The community of Yanama has preserved its ancient traditions and customs to this day, offering the 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. The Saqsarayoc and Padreyoc Mountains will also stand before you in all their snowy splendor. Depending on the time of year, you may even walk on snow at this point.

For the first time, we will catch a distant view of the imposing Salkantay Mountain.

At midday, we will descend for three hours along a misty, mysterious trail until we reach the community of Totora, where we will have lunch to regain our energy.

After lunch, we will continue walking for another hour until we reach Collpapampa, where a spectacular dinner and peaceful night of rest await us at our nature-immersed campsite.

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

Day 07 Collpapampa | La Playa – Lucmabamba – Llactapata

Highlight of the Day: Explore the Cusco jungle, connect with the local community, visit an organic coffee plantation, and participate 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 on the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu – one of the most exciting parts of the journey.

We will explore the tropical forest as a group, taking photos and videos along the way. During the hike, we will visit organic coffee plantations and fruit orchards. At the coffee farm, 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 coffee, learning step by step how it is processed and eventually exported. You will also have the unique opportunity to roast, grind, and taste the freshest coffee. At midday, our chef will guide you through a special cooking class before we enjoy an incredible lunch.

After lunch, we will continue hiking along the Inca trail for approximately 2.5 hours until we reach the ancient ruins of Llactapata. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of the Santa Teresa Valley. From Llactapata, you will have your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu and the sacred mountains, Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.

After exploring the site, we will descend for 15 minutes to our exclusive campsite, owned by a local family and available only to Tunqui Expeditions groups.

In the afternoon, enjoy the peaceful setting with views of Machu Picchu in the distance.

Before dinner, we will have tea time with hot drinks, popcorn, cookies, and more. Afterward, prepare for another unforgettable night under the stars, observing the Milky Way and constellations used by the Incas to predict weather patterns.

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

Day 08 Llactapata | Hydroelectric – Mandor – Aguas Calientes

Highlight of the Day: As you open your tent, you’ll see that Machu Picchu is near – give thanks to Mother Nature.

Wake up in front of Machu Picchu with a spectacular view.

As you open your tent, the first thing you will see is Machu Picchu from across the mountain, while the Tunqui Expeditions trekking team offers you a cup of coffee or coca tea to boost your energy for the day.

After a nutritious breakfast, we will enjoy an easy 2-hour descent to the hydroelectric station, which was built to harness the natural 300-meter waterfall that generates electricity for the Cusco region. At this location, we will have our final lunch with the Tunqui Expeditions trekking chef and team. Take a moment to express heartfelt gratitude – without them, this Unforgettable Choquequirao to Machu Picchu adventure wouldn’t be possible.

Following lunch, a final 3-hour walk awaits along the railway, following the Urubamba River as it flows from the Sacred Valley, originating at Ausangate. This part of the trek is rich in history. We will stop at the Mandor Botanical Gardens, famously visited by Hiram Bingham, who met a local farmer named Arteaga living in the area. Arteaga was the first to guide Americans to Machu Picchu in 1911.

You will visit Arteaga’s farm, home to various endemic birds such as the Andean cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus, locally known as “Tunqui” in Quechua), parrots, toucans, hummingbirds, and orchids.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will check into your hotel and have the rest of the afternoon free to relax, explore the town, or visit the hot springs to unwind after the trek.

In the evening, we will meet for dinner at a nice restaurant and go over the final details for the next day’s visit to Machu Picchu. Afterward, it’s time to rest as we will need to rise early to reach the Lost City of the Incas.

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

Day 09 Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

Highlight of the Day: Walk through the stone streets of Machu Picchu and imagine life centuries ago.

Marvel at the energy of Machu Picchu and uncover 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 take the bus from Aguas Calientes to the archaeological site, arriving before the crowds. This allows you to take advantage of the morning light and witness the first rays of sun shining on the ancient stones.

You can store your belongings 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 approximately 30 minutes. Upon arrival, your guide will lead you to the best spot to watch the sunrise (weather permitting) and take stunning photographs.

Afterward, your expert local guide will provide a 2.5-hour tour, explaining the main sectors of the citadel. During the guided visit, you will learn more about the history and culture of the Inca Empire.

For those seeking an extra adventure, you can hike Huayna Picchu Mountain (advance reservation required, as tickets sell out quickly – $75 per person). Your guide will show you where to begin this hike, which takes about 2 hours round trip.

Alternatively, you can hike Machu Picchu Mountain, a more strenuous and challenging route that takes at least 3 hours round trip (also $75 per person).

After fully exploring the site, around midday, we will return to Aguas Calientes for lunch at a restaurant of your choice. In the afternoon (around 2 pm), we will head to the train station for our return to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, Tunqui Expeditions’ private transportation will take you back to Cusco, dropping you off at your hotel.

Now it’s time to rest your legs after this epic 9-day Choquequirao Trek Machu Picchu through the mountains and jungle. We are confident 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)

At Tunqui Expeditions we specify the included and non-included services for all the itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please check the details to make sure you do not miss anything. Some items may be different for certain programmes, so please read carefully before booking with us.

WHAT IS INCLUIDED?

Permits & Tickets

• Entrance for the Choquequirao Trek
• Entry Ticket to Machu Picchu Archaeological Site

The “Machu Picchu Circuit 2” ticket offers the most complete tour of the Machu Picchu citadel and is also the most requested. For this reason, we recommend booking it well in advance to secure your entry.  (Circuit 2)

High Quality Service & Safety

• Pre-departure briefing

You’ll meet your guide and group at our office for a pre trek briefing. There you’ll receive your duffle bags, which will be carried by our horses. The meeting is at 17:00 the evening before the Ausangate trek.

• Experienced guides

Our official guides speak English and Spanish and are professionally trained and certified. We choose them for their experience, responsibility, unbridled passion for exploration and pride in sharing our culture and history. On every experience they will keep you safe and comfortable, so you can enjoy your time worry-free!

Private Camping Equipment

• Tents: Spacious dining tents to enjoy your meals worry-free.
• Tables, chairs, and cooking equipment
• A Portable travel toilet
• Sleeping Pad

All equipment will be carried by our horses.

• A duffle bag

On the trek you can carry your personal belongings up to a maximum weight of 7kg / 15.4 lb (this weight includes your sleeping bag).

• Medical or First Aid Kit

All Tunqui Expeditions guides have received specialised first aid training. We hold mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit for basic emergencies (altitude sickness, traveller’s diarrhoea, cuts, abrasions, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the trail as quickly as possible and get you to a clinic for treatment.

• Extras included in our service

We believe that attention to detail is what sets us apart from other local companies. You’ll receive a cover to protect your rucksack on the road and a rain poncho.

• 24/7 customer service

We have a telephone service available 24 hours a day for easy communication with Tunqui Expeditions prior to your trek.

• Satellite phone

Your comfort is our first priority. Although our guides are prepared for emergencies in the mountains, calling a doctor, hospital or friend can make you feel more secure. For this reason, every Tunqui Expeditions guide carries a satellite phone to call anywhere in the world from anywhere on the mountain.

Accommodation 

• 7 Nights Accommodation in Tents

Tunqui Expeditions uses the best equipment to ensure your safety and comfort. Every 2 people will share Eureka Timberline or Mountain Hard Wear tents with a capacity for 4 people.

• Hotel in Aguas Calientes

Day 8: The last night of this trek is spent in a 2-star hotel in Aguas Calientes with a matrimonial, double or triple room, private bathroom, hot shower, wifi, breakfast, and luggage storage while you visit Machu Picchu.

Meals

• 9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches and 8 Dinners

Our chef prepares the most amazing dishes in the middle of the mountain. Our passengers love our food! We respect all diets (vegetarian, vegan or special menus are available at no extra cost), so please let us know on your booking form if you have any special allergies or restrictions and remind your guide during the briefing. You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks and snacks.

• Water on the trek

We’ll provide you with boiled, filtered and chilled water throughout the trek, from your first lunch to your last breakfast. You will need to bring a camel bag or an empty bottle (we recommend a capacity of 2 litres).

• Wake up tea

Every morning at the campsite you’ll be woken with a cup of hot coca tea. Our staff will bring the tea to your tent so that you are warm from the inside out before you start your day.

• Tea time or happy hour

Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide you with popcorn, biscuits, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, hot water, etc. After a long day of trekking, you don’t have to wait until dinner to relax, warm up and enjoy a bite to eat!

• Daily snacks on the trek

Before you start your trek, your guide will provide you with a cloth bag containing local fruit, biscuits, chocolate, caramels, etc. We’ll refill it every morning so you can enjoy your snacks on the trail.

• One canvas snack bag per person

We’ll provide you with a cloth bag for your snacks – perfect for storing wrappers and keeping the environment clean. Feel free to use it throughout the walk!

Transportation

• Transport
  • Day 1: You’ll be picked up from your hotel in the morning and will travel in our private transportation to Capuliyoc, the trek’s starting point.
  • Day 9: Transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
• Train Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Day 9)
  • PeruRail Expedition Service
• Round-Trip Consettur Bus Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (Day 9)
• Cargo Mules

Cargo mules will carry all the camping equipment and your baggage allowance (7 kg / 15.4 lb). Muleteers will be responsible for your duffle bag and personal items.

• Transport of personal belongings.

Cargo mules will carry all the camping equipment and your baggage allowance (7 kg / 15.4 lb). Muleteers will be responsible for your duffle bag and personal items.

Muleteers and Porters (Tunquis)

During the Choquequirao Trek, our muleteers and porters (tunquis) will carry all our camping equipment, from personal tents, clothes and sleeping bags to extra tents for eating and cooking, food, water, tables, chairs and a gas stove. We will include the personal service of a porter to carry your duffel bag and personal belongings.

They will be responsible for transporting all camping equipment and food, setting up and taking down each camp, and assisting the cook with food preparation. By law they can only carry a maximum of 20 kg, a rule we take very seriously.

Extras

We believe that it is the attention to detail that sets us apart from other tour operators. As we wrote above, each walker receives

• A small pillow to sleep on.
• Sponge mattress to sleep on.
• Backpack cover to protect your rucksack from rain, dust and dirt.
• Rain poncho
• T-shirt Once you have completed the Choquequirao Trek, you will receive our ultimate Choquequirao Trek T-shirt.
• We provide hot water canisters every day to help our clients get clean and comfortable at night.
• We have a happy hour every night to relax, unwind and talk about the day’s events.
• We work very hard to make your holiday the best it can be.

Taxes and fees

All taxes and permit fees associated with this trek are included in our price. There are no hidden charges.

The Tunqui difference

The following list is less tangible, but equally important and part of everything we do and include at Tunqui Expeditions.

• Ethical and responsible treatment of our porters: Most people would not be able to cope with the challenges of these treks without the porters who help with all the lifting, preparation and cheering. They are the backbone of our company and the reason why Silvio Tunqui founded Tunqui Expeditions.

He started in the industry as a porter and understands your needs better than anyone. We are committed and promise a better life for every member of Team Tunqui.

This includes better wages that they can live on so they don’t have to beg for tips to make ends meet. This is our job. We provide them with all the equipment they need, including warm down jackets, proper walking boots, rucksacks, hats, headlamps, sleeping bags and mats, and tents for them to sleep in.

We also help their families by supporting their village schools, bringing doctors and dentists to the families and planting trees in their valleys. We are committed to our social projects and the more than 300 porters on our team appreciate this.

• The porters’ trip: We love meeting all our customers, but our favourite trips are when our porters and their families become our customers.

While our porters trek to Machu Picchu dozens of times a year, they never enter our famous citadel. We make four trips a year to take our team inside and spend two days touring the important ruins, allowing them to touch and see the history of their ancestors.

• Equality matters: Another big difference is that we believe we are all equal and that each person brings something different and beautiful to our team. Since 2022, we have always had female guides, porters and cooks on our team.

Although the numbers are not yet equal, we look forward to the day when we have 50/50 men and women working in the mountains as part of the Tunqui Expeditions team.

• Sustainable and responsible operator: Tunqui Expeditions is way ahead of our competitors when it comes to being a sustainable tour operator. We respect our planet by ensuring that no trace is left behind on any of our treks. We even include an extra porter to help clean up the rubbish left behind by other groups.

We use local products that are biodegradable and organic wherever possible.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?

• Sleeping bag

You can hire one from us if you don’t have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable, protecting you from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy-shaped and include a sleeping liner. They are cleaned after each use and have a maximum use of 30 trips.

• • US$ 25.00 per person
• Walking sticks

Walking sticks (with rubber tips) can be very useful on rough terrain and for ascending and descending. You can hire a set from us if you’d like.

• • US$ 25.00 per person
• Huayna Picchu Mountain

You can climb the famous mountain you always see in the photos behind the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It’s 45 minutes uphill, and coming back down can be scary if you fear heights. You can take this excursion once your guided tour to Machu Picchu ends. The permit must be issued at least two to three months in advance due to high demand. Consider that there could be changes to protect your integrity, mainly due to weather conditions.

• • The ticket for Huayna Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person.
• Machu Picchu Mountain

Machu Picchu Mountain is another of the mountains that surround the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It offers less steep, wider, and visually less frightening trails than Huayna Picchu, and it takes 1.5 hours to reach the top. This walk requires an entrance ticket which we can secure for you if we have time in advance.

• • The ticket for Machu Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person.
• Lunch in Aguas Calientes and Dinner in Cusco (Day 8)
• Personal clothing and equipment
• Travel insurance
• Tips for our staff

Tipping is the norm on any trip to Machu Picchu. Although we pay our entire team well, a little extra is always welcome, especially considering the hard work they put in. Typically, group members collect their tips to share with the drivers and cooks.

• Extra costs or delays beyond our control

Landslides, bad weather, changes in itinerary due to safety concerns, illness, pandemics, changes in government policy, political instability, strikes, acts of God, etc.

We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and worry free as possible. In this section you’ll find the answers to all your questions about travelling with Tunqui Expeditions in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions you may have about our services.

Is it for me?

The Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu is an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail trek and is better suited for more adventurous trekkers who can handle higher altitudes and longer distances.

Plastic-Free Choquequirao Trek

Join us on this journey toward a plastic-free ultimate Choquequirao Trek, where the beauty of the landscape is matched only by our commitment to environmental stewardship. Together we will pave the way for a more sustainable and responsible adventure through the heart of history.

How many days do I need to acclimatise in Cusco before the Choquequirao trek?

It’s very important to be well acclimatised to the altitude before embarking on a trek. We recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the start of the trek to help you acclimatise and avoid any problems with altitude sickness during the trek.

You may have been in another area of Peru at high altitude before arriving in Cusco. If this is the case, we still recommend that you spend a full day in Cusco to rest, recover from the journey and enjoy the sights and sounds of Cusco before starting the trek.

Recommended activities around Cusco before your Choquequirao Trek 9 Days:

• 🏞️ Sacred Highlands Hike To Pisac: US$ 210.00 → Special offer: US$ 180.00
• 🏛️ Cusco Ruins Hike: US$ 210.00 → Special offer: US$ 180.00
• 🎒 Authentic Andean Experience: US$ 180.00 → Special offer: US$ 150.00
• 🥾 Chinchero to Urquillos Inca Trail Adventure: US$ 210.00 → Special offer: US$ 180.00
• 🦙 Scenic Day Hike with Llamas: US$ 210.00 → Special offer: US$ 180.00

Briefing or information meeting

All information meetings and briefings are held at our main office in Cusco (or your hotel) at 17:00 the night before the tour starts. These meetings last between 30 and 45 minutes. If you can’t make it, you will need to arrange another time by email, phone or in person at the Tunqui Expeditions office.

Trek balance payment (in Cusco)

If you have an outstanding balance, you must pay it 2 days before your trek. Otherwise your reservation will not be confirmed.

If possible, we would appreciate it if you could pay the balance for the trek/tour in cash, either in US dollars or local currency, at our office in Cusco. You can withdraw money from several ATM’s along the Avenida Sol, which offer both US Dollars and Peruvian Soles.

Alternatively, you can pay by credit/debit card or PAYPAL, either online or in person, but please note that a 5% service charge will be applied by our payment gateway (Niubiz) and PAYPAL. We regret to inform you that we are unable to accept bank drafts or traveller’s cheques as payment for the balance.

Duffle bag or canvas bag

You’ll be given a duffel bag or canvas bag during your briefing. Our team of porters will carry it with you throughout the trek and hand it to you at each camp. They measure 60 x 24 x 22 cm (23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 in).

A maximum of 6 kg / 13.2 lb is allowed for each duffel, including the weight of your sleeping bag, sleeping mat, clothes and other personal items.

Can I store my luggage in your office?

Of course you can! During the trip your main luggage can be stored at our office (you can arrange this with us on the day of the briefing or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.

Any equipment you don’t need on the trek can be safely stored at your hotel. Almost all hotels offer this service. Don’t leave anything of value with your luggage; put it in the hotel safe and get a detailed receipt (in the unlikely event of theft, many insurance companies require a copy of the receipt detailing everything). It’s best to put items such as credit cards in a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.

Collecting guests

Please note:

• All pick-ups are within the city of Cusco, but we recommend that you book a hotel in the historic centre for its convenient location.
• Our guide or staff will confirm the pick up time the day before the tour.
• Due to traffic conditions the pick up time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes.
• Cusco is an old city with many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs are located on streets that are inaccessible by car or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. For these reasons, we strongly recommend that you book accommodation with good access.

Group Tours

Group tours are made up of different types of people, therefore physical conditions and ages may vary. By agreeing to join a group tour, you accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, everyone will be able to move at their own pace.

There may be occasions when a group wishes to make changes to the tour, but it is up to the guide to decide, in consultation with all participants, whether such changes are possible.

Strikes and demonstrations

Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru and may interrupt some of our tours. Roads may be blocked and railway lines may be occupied. However, we will try to keep your trip as originally planned, even if this means leaving the night before the scheduled date.

Tours may be cancelled in these circumstances. In the event of a change or cancellation, our Operations Department will liaise with you. Your safety is our number one priority and our decisions will be made to protect it.

Lost items

Please be careful where you leave your belongings and remember to take everything with you when you leave your transport, accommodation or restaurant. You are responsible for your belongings while you’re on the tour.

BASICS

• Valid passport: A copy will not be accepted, the passport must be valid for at least 6 months. You must present the exact same document that you used to reserve your Inca Trail permits.
• Extra money (soles recommended): For souvenirs, drinks and tips.
  Personal medication.
• Water bottle or CamelBak: We recommend containers such as Camelbags, but at least 2-3 litres.
• Sunscreen: factor 70 or higher

CLOTHING

• Walking boots or shoes (preferably waterproof)
• Trekking pants
• Trekking socks
• A pair of thermal trousers
• A warm jacket
• Waterproof jacket
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Waterproof or wool gloves
• Sun hat to protect your neck and face
• Wool hat for the cold
• Neck gaiter or buff
• Sunglasses with UV protection

EQUIPMENT

The porters will carry up to 7kg of your personal belongings. This should include your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you are bring/renting one). In our case these two items weigh 3.5kg.

• Medium trekking rucksack (15 – 25 litres): You will be responsible for carrying water on the first day, as we will not have time to filter the water before your first lunch.
• Large plastic bags: to help organise and separate the clean from the dirty.
  Sleeping bag: we recommend bags for -10°C minimum.
• Towel: We provide a small one, you may like a slightly larger one.
• Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water every day for cleaning – it might make you feel fresh if you had some soap.

RECOMMENDED

• Camera and charger
• Extra battery or laptop to charge mobile phones

“Choquequirao Trek & Machu Picchu 9 Days” is available any day of the week, from March to January. We do not operate this itinerary in February due to the rainy season and route maintenance. In addition, during this month, our Tunqui Expeditions team – guides, cooks, porters and muleteers – receive training and plan the year to ensure that you, our travelers, enjoy the trekking experience with us to the fullest.

Cost

Group Price: US$ 1600.00 per person.

Required Pre-payment : US$ 300.00 per person.

Balance (Cusco): US$ 1300.00 (Commonly paid in Cusco after briefing).

This small group tour is guaranteed to operate with just 2 people.

Please note that PayPal charges a 5% fee, which we ask the client to cover as it is due to the use of their service. This tax is only for online deposits so you will pay the rest in cash (on the day of the briefing in Cusco) without charge.

Extensions and Offers

Enhance your Peru adventure with these optional tours:

• 🌈 Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley: US$ 180.00 → Special offer: US$ 150.00
• 🏞️ Sacred Highlands Hike To Pisac: US$ 210.00 → Special offer: US$ 180.00
• 🏛️ Cusco Ruins Hike: US$ 210.00 → Special offer: US$ 180.00

Additional Equipment

There are additional items that you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices.

• Sleeping bag: US$ 20.00
• Walking sticks (pair): US$ 20.00

Price guarantee

Once your reservation is confirmed, we guarantee that the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. So, before you book, please make sure you have read all our important information about the tour.

Student Discount

• US$20.00 discount

Student discounts apply to anyone 17 years of age or younger. To receive the discount, we require a copy or clear photo of your passport at the time of booking. It must be current and not expire within the dates of travel. Please send it to [email protected].