Choquequirao to Machu Picchu 9 Days on the Great Vilcabamba Traverse
A true expedition between two Inca cities: the Apurímac canyon, a guided day at Choquequirao, remote Yanama, a 4,840 m pass and a finale at Machu Picchu, from $985.
This is the longest and most complete way to walk from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu. After the drive to Cachora you drop into the Apurímac canyon, climb about 800 m to camp below Choquequirao and spend the third morning exploring the site with your guide, before continuing to the Inca terraces of Pinchaunuyoc.
The following days follow original Inca paths past old colonial mines to Maizal and the village of Yanama, cross the trek’s high point at 4,840 m facing the Salkantay massif and join the Salkantay route at Colpapampa. Coffee farms lead to La Playa, an Inca trail climbs to Llactapata and its view of Machu Picchu, and a train takes you to a hotel in Aguas Calientes for the guided visit on day nine. Seven nights of camping with a cook and horses, both entrances and the return to Cusco are included for US $985. Read our 9-day trek guide.
A guided visit of the sister city of Machu Picchu, still largely unexcavated.
The Apurímac canyon
One of the deepest canyons in the Americas, crossed on the first two days.
Pinchaunuyoc and Maizal
Little-known Inca terraces and camps that few trekkers ever see.
Yanama village
A night on family land in a remote Andean community.
The 4,840 m pass
The high point of the trek, facing the Salkantay massif (6,270 m).
Llactapata
An Inca site with a rare view of Machu Picchu across the valley.
Machu Picchu to finish
A 3–4 hour guided tour after a hotel night in Aguas Calientes.
Fully supported expedition
Horses, muleteers, a cook, oxygen and a first-aid kit throughout.
Day-by-day itinerary
Your complete day-by-day itinerary for the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu 9 Days, with distances, altitudes, meals and what to expect each day.
DAY 1
Cusco to Cachora and Santa Rosa
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.
Distance
15 km / 9.3 mi
Altitude
2,900 m down to 2,200 m
Meals
Lunch, dinner
Difficulty
Hard
DAY 2
Santa Rosa to Choquequirao
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.
Distance
14 km / 8.7 mi
Elevation gain
800 m
Campsite
3,050 m
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Difficulty
Hard
DAY 3
Choquequirao guided tour and Pinchaunuyoc
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.
Visit
Guided Choquequirao tour
Campsite
2,487 m
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Difficulty
Moderate
DAY 4
Pinchaunuyoc to Maizal
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.
Distance
12 km / 7.5 mi
Elevation gain
400 m
Campsite
2,891 m
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Difficulty
Hard
DAY 5
Maizal to Yanama
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.
Distance
14 km / 8.7 mi
Elevation gain
629 m
Campsite
3,520 m
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Difficulty
Hard
DAY 6
Yanama to Colpapampa
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).
Distance
16 km / 10 mi
Max altitude
4,840 m
Campsite
2,900 m
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Difficulty
Hard
DAY 7
Colpapampa to La Playa
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.
Distance
12 km / 7.5 mi
Altitude
2,400 m
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Difficulty
Moderate
DAY 8
La Playa, Llactapata and Aguas Calientes
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.
Distance
12 km / 7.5 mi
Altitude
Aguas Calientes 2,040 m
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Difficulty
Hard
Good to know: Your original passport is required to enter Machu Picchu and must match your ticket, so we collect each traveler's passport details when you book.
DAY 9
Machu Picchu guided tour and return to Cusco
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.
Visit
3–4 hour guided tour
Optional
Huayna Picchu
Meals
Breakfast
Return
Train and bus to Cusco
Difficulty
Easy
Inclusions & exclusions
Exactly what is covered in your Choquequirao to Machu Picchu 9 Days tour — and what to budget separately.
What's Included
Hotel pickup in Cusco
Private transport Cusco to Cachora
Bilingual professional guide (English and Spanish)
Choquequirao entrance ticket
Chef and full camping equipment
Mules and muleteers for gear and luggage
Breakfasts, lunches and dinners as detailed
Oxygen cylinder and first aid kit
Vegetarian options on request
Return transport to Cusco
Machu Picchu entrance and guided tour
Hotel night in Aguas Calientes
Return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
Not Included
Sleeping bag (rent in Cusco)
Trekking poles (rent in Cusco)
Tips and gratuities
Personal expenses
Before you go
A few essentials we recommend to make your Choquequirao to Machu Picchu 9 Days day the most rewarding possible.
Acclimatize in Cusco first
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.
Physical fitness
Very challenging. Nine days of long stages through the Apurímac canyon and over high passes, reaching about 4,840 m on day six, with big daily climbs and descents. Only for experienced, well-acclimatized trekkers.
Best time to go
Dry season: April to October, with clear skies and firm trails; nights at camp are cold, especially from June to August. From December to March rain, mud and cloud are frequent, and snow is possible on the high passes.
Sun & weather
The Andean sun is intense at 4,840 m. Bring sunscreen SPF 50+, a wide-brim hat, sunglasses and lip balm with SPF. Nights at camp can drop below freezing, so pack a warm jacket, hat and gloves.
Cancellations & weather
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour if a verifiable emergency keeps you from joining — an illness, an accident or a cancelled flight, for example, with a document that shows it. If weather or road conditions make the trip unsafe, we will offer you a new date or a full refund. Machu Picchu tickets, train tickets and Inca Trail permits are personal and cannot be refunded once purchased. See our refund policy.
What to pack
Travel light but smart. Here's exactly what we recommend bringing for a comfortable, safe day at altitude.
Essentials
Passport — required for the entrance ticket.
Hiking boots (broken in) — terrain is rocky & uneven.
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
Group discounts apply automatically. Book 4+ travelers and we'll send a custom quote within 2 hours. Larger groups (10+) qualify for additional savings — message us on WhatsApp.
Payment & refund highlights
Secure online payment
Pay with Visa, MasterCard, American Express. All transactions SSL-encrypted via Izipay.
Cancellation policy
We accept cancellations up to 24 hours before the tour when a verifiable emergency prevents you from attending. Machu Picchu tickets, train tickets and Inca Trail permits are personal and cannot be refunded once purchased. Refunds go back to your original payment method and are processed by your bank, not by us: any bank fees are applied by the bank, and the money can take up to 30 business days to reach your account. Thank you for your patience. Read the full policy.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the questions we hear most often. More? See the full FAQ page or reach us on WhatsApp.
Very challenging. You walk 12–16 km most days, with climbs of 400–800 m, a long descent into the Apurímac canyon and a pass at 4,840 m. It is for experienced trekkers who have spent at least two days acclimatizing in Cusco.
The 9-day route adds Pinchaunuyoc and Maizal and crosses a higher pass (4,840 m) before joining the Salkantay route at Colpapampa. The 8-day trek crosses the La Puerta pass at about 4,400 m.
No permit is needed. The Choquequirao and Machu Picchu entrances are included in the price.
Seven nights in campsites with dining and kitchen tents, and one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes before Machu Picchu.
Yes, as an option on day nine, subject to availability. Ask us when you book, as these tickets sell out early.
Yes. Your original passport is required to enter Machu Picchu and must match your ticket, so we collect each traveler’s details at booking.
April to October, the dry season. From December to March expect rain, mud and possible snow on the high pass.
