Choquequirao to Machu Picchu in 9 days: expedition guide
Our longest trek links two great Inca cities through some of the wildest country in the Andes: the deep Apurímac Canyon, remote Inca terraces, colonial mines, the village of Yanama and a 4,840 m pass beneath the Salkantay range, before joining the route to Machu Picchu. It is a true expedition for seasoned hikers.
The trek at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 9 days: 7 nights camping, 1 night in a hotel |
| Highest point | About 4,840 m, on day six |
| Difficulty | Very challenging |
| Permit | Not needed; Choquequirao and Machu Picchu entrances included |
| Price with us | US $985 |
Day by day
| Day | Route | Camp / night |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drive of about 4 hours to Cachora, descent into the Apurímac Canyon | Santa Rosa, about 2,200 m |
| 2 | The toughest climb, about 800 m, through orchids and bamboo | Near Choquequirao, about 3,050 m |
| 3 | Guided tour of Choquequirao, descent to the Río Blanco valley | Pinchaunuyoc terraces, about 2,487 m |
| 4 | Down to the river, then a climb | Maizal, about 2,891 m |
| 5 | Inca trails past old colonial mines | Yanama, about 3,520 m |
| 6 | The highest pass, about 4,840 m, with views of the Salkantay massif | Colpapampa, about 2,900 m |
| 7 | Along the river through coffee and fruit farms (optional hot springs) | La Playa, about 2,400 m |
| 8 | Inca trail to Llactapata, Hidroeléctrica, train to Aguas Calientes | Hotel in Aguas Calientes |
| 9 | Guided tour of Machu Picchu (3–4 hours), train and return to Cusco | — |
Our ultimate Andean expedition
Nine days from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu with guide, chef, mules, hotel, train and entrances — US $985.
Why this route is special
Very few people walk this route. You see Choquequirao, camp on Inca terraces at Pinchaunuyoc, camp on family land in Yanama, cross a pass close to 4,850 m with views of the Salkantay glaciers and descend through cloud forest and coffee farms to Llactapata, with its distant view of Machu Picchu. The birdlife in the canyon — hummingbirds, toucans and, with luck, condors — is a highlight in itself.
How hard is it?
Very challenging: long days, big climbs and descents, heat in the canyon and cold on the high pass. It suits fit hikers with experience of multi-day treks at altitude. Acclimatize for at least three days in Cusco and train seriously beforehand. Mules carry the gear, and a chef and support team travel with you; oxygen and a first-aid kit are carried.
What is included
| Included | Not included |
|---|---|
| Hotel pickup and private transport to Cachora | Sleeping bag and trekking poles (rent in Cusco) |
| Bilingual guide, chef, full camping equipment, mules and muleteers | Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional) |
| Meals as detailed (vegetarian on request), oxygen and first-aid kit | Tips and personal expenses |
| Choquequirao and Machu Picchu entrances, guided tour of Machu Picchu | — |
| Hotel night in Aguas Calientes, return train and transfer to Cusco | — |
8 or 9 days?
The 8-day trek crosses a pass of about 4,400 m via Yanama and La Playa; the 9-day route goes higher, close to the Salkantay range, at a slightly gentler daily pace. For a shorter visit, see the 4-day Choquequirao trek. The best time to go is the dry season, from May to September.
Frequently asked questions
Very challenging: long days, big climbs and descents and a pass of about 4,840 m. For fit, experienced and well-acclimatized hikers.
About 4,840 m, on day six, with views of the Salkantay massif.
The 9-day route goes higher, near the Salkantay range, with a slightly gentler daily pace; the 8-day route crosses a pass of about 4,400 m.
No trekking permit is needed; the Choquequirao and Machu Picchu entrances are included.
Seven nights camping and one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
