It is moderately to highly demanding, with steep ascents and descents in and out of the Apurímac Canyon. A good level of fitness is recommended.
An eight-day trek linking Choquequirao and Machu Picchu through remote Andean wilderness. From $930 per person.
Trek from charming Cachora to the hidden Choquequirao citadel and on to Machu Picchu over eight unforgettable days with INKANET ADVENTURE, through cloud forests and remote Andean wilderness.
Explore Choquequirao, Machu Picchu's sister city, cross rugged passes and verdant valleys spotting condors and orchids, then finish guided through the temples of the Lost City of the Incas.
Explore the remote Choquequirao, the sister city of Machu Picchu, with only a third excavated and far from the crowds.
Trek across one of the world's deepest canyons, the dramatic Apurímac Canyon, with sweeping Andean views.
Watch for the majestic Andean condor soaring over the valley, plus orchids, bromeliads and hummingbirds.
Walk ancient Inca paths past lesser-known ruins such as Pinchaunuyoc and Qorihuayrachina.
On longer routes, reach Llactapata for a rare view of Machu Picchu before the final guided tour.
Rest in well-equipped campsites with dining and kitchen tents, all gear carried by horses and muleteers.
Certified English and Spanish guides share deep insight into Inca history and the region's ecosystems.
Travel with a first aid kit, oxygen and emergency horses for a safe, well-supported adventure.
Your complete day-by-day itinerary for the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu 8 Days, with distances, altitudes, meals and what to expect each day.
A 5:00 AM transfer reaches San Pedro de Cachora (2,800 m). You hike to the Capulichayoc viewpoint over the Apurímac Canyon for lunch with a first view of Choquequirao, then descend to camp at Chikisca (1,800 m).
You descend to the Playa Rosalina bridge, then climb 4–5 hours to Marampata (2,950 m) for lunch and on to the Inca citadel of Choquequirao (3,033 m), the Cradle of Gold, camping among the ruins.
A full guided tour explores the urban, agricultural and ceremonial sectors of Choquequirao, of which only a third has been excavated, with chances to watch Andean condors over the canyon.
You trek across the mountain past the recently uncovered site of Qorihuayrachina and the Pincha Unuyoq terraces through varied Andean terrain to camp at Santa Rosa (2,200 m).
Climbing ancient Inca trails past old silver mines, you reach a high lunch spot near 4,000 m, then descend to the peaceful village of Yanama (3,520 m).
You cross the La Puerta pass (about 4,400 m) amid waterfalls, glaciers and snow peaks, then descend to camp at La Playa (2,400 m).
A three-hour climb on an original Inca trail reaches Llactapata (2,700 m) for panoramic Machu Picchu views, then you descend to the Hydroelectric Station and walk to Aguas Calientes for a hotel night.
An early 5:00 AM start lets you enter Machu Picchu among the first groups for a two-hour guided tour, with optional Huayna Picchu, then the train to Ollantaytambo and a private transfer to Cusco.
Exactly what is covered in your Choquequirao to Machu Picchu 8 Days tour — and what to budget separately.
A few essentials we recommend to make your Choquequirao to Machu Picchu 8 Days day the most rewarding possible.
Spend a day or two in Cusco (3,400 m) before this high-altitude trek. Hydrate well, eat light, drink coca tea and avoid alcohol. Our guides carry oxygen and a first aid kit throughout.
The hike is rated moderate: 3 hours uphill + 1.5 hours back down. If you can walk steadily for 4–5 hours at home, you'll be fine. Horses are available at the trailhead (~ US $20) if needed.
Dry season: April to October. Skies are clearer, trails firm, colors most vibrant. Avoid the rainy season (Dec–Mar), when colors mute under cloud cover. We run tours year-round but recommend the dry months.
The Andean sun is intense at 5,000 m. Bring sunscreen SPF 50+, a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, lip balm with SPF, and dress in layers. Pre-dawn is below freezing; midday can hit 18°C in the sun.
Free cancellation up to 30 days before the tour. In case of dangerous weather (snowstorms, road closures), we'll offer a free reschedule or full refund. Safety always comes first.
Travel light but smart. Here's exactly what we recommend bringing for a comfortable, safe day at altitude.
Transparent pricing — no hidden fees. The more travelers in your group, the lower the price per person.
| Group Type | Group Size | Price / Person | What's Different |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Group Most popular | 2 – 14 travelers | US $930 / pp | Mixed international group · set departure |
| Family Package | 4+ adults & kids | US $884 / pp | 5% discount for adolescents & children |
| Group of 8+ | 8 or more travelers | From US $837 / pp | Automatic group discount at checkout |
Pay with Visa, MasterCard, American Express. All transactions SSL-encrypted via Izipay.
Full refund for cancellations 30+ days before. 50% refund 15–29 days before. Weather-related cancellations from our side = full refund or free reschedule.
Quick answers to the questions we hear most often. More? See the full FAQ page or reach us on WhatsApp.
Choquequirao to Machu Picchu 8 Days guides
