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.
A nine-day expedition connecting Choquequirao and Machu Picchu, two lost Inca cities. From $985 per person.
Connect two of the great Inca cities on this epic 9-day trek with INKANET ADVENTURE, linking the remote Choquequirao citadel with Machu Picchu along ancient Andean trails.
Cross the deep Apurímac Canyon, hidden ruins and high passes, merging with the Salkantay route for a spectacular finish at the Lost City of the Incas. A true expedition for seasoned hikers.
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 9 Days, with distances, altitudes, meals and what to expect each day.
A four-hour drive reaches the village of Cachora, where the trail drops into the Apurímac Canyon with the snow peaks above and your first distant glimpse of Choquequirao across the valley.
You descend through rich birdlife to camp at Santa Rosa (2,200 m), a quiet spot away from the crowds.
The toughest day climbs roughly 800 m across the Apurímac Valley through orchids, bromeliads and bamboo, with chances to spot quetzals, toucans and hummingbirds.
After about five hours you reach camp near Choquequirao (3,050 m) for sunset views and perhaps a condor over the canyon.
A guided tour explores Choquequirao, one of the largest Inca sites still being excavated, before you descend into the Rio Blanco Valley.
You camp on the Pinchaunuyoc terraces (2,487 m) amid Inca agricultural ruins.
You descend to the river — a fine spot for a refreshing swim in the dry season — then climb to camp at Maizal (2,891 m), surrounded by native flora, birds and a nearby Inca site.
Walking original Inca trails past disused colonial mines, you cross beautiful Andean scenery to the village of Yanama (3,520 m), camping on family land with a chance to learn local customs.
You climb to the trek's highest point (4,840 m) with views of the Salkantay massif (6,270 m), then descend to meet the Salkantay route at Colpapampa (2,900 m).
A gentler day follows the Lluskamayo River through coffee and fruit farms to the village of La Playa (2,400 m), with optional nearby hot springs.
You climb an original Inca trail to Llactapata (2,700 m) for sweeping views of Machu Picchu, then descend to the Hydroelectric Station and take the train to Aguas Calientes for a hotel night.
An early bus takes you to Machu Picchu for a 3–4 hour guided tour as the site opens, with an optional Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climb, then the train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco.
Exactly what is covered in your Choquequirao to Machu Picchu 9 Days tour — and what to budget separately.
A few essentials we recommend to make your Choquequirao to Machu Picchu 9 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 $985 / pp | Mixed international group · set departure |
| Family Package | 4+ adults & kids | US $936 / pp | 5% discount for adolescents & children |
| Group of 8+ | 8 or more travelers | From US $886 / 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 9 Days guides
