Tour Information
How would you like to connect two of Peru's most amazing Inca citadels in a single trek? Our 5-day expedition does exactly that. Join us on this intense and dynamic journey, ideal for hikers in peak physical condition who are looking to experience the ultimate Andean adventure.
The route connects Choquequirao with Machu Picchu, the most famous Inca citadel in the world. Along the way, you will cross the San Juan Pass—one of the highest and most challenging points of the trek—before descending toward Aguas Calientes. Very few travelers complete this route, as it demands a high level of fitness and several days of hiking, but it rewards you with diverse Andean landscapes and the unique opportunity to explore two of the Inca Empire's most important archaeological sites in a single expedition.
Itinerary
Day 1
Cusco – Capuliyoc – Marampata
- Early pickup from your hotel in Cusco and a scenic 4‑hour drive to the village of Cachora.
- Short transfer to the Choquequirao trailhead at Capuliyoc (2,900 m / 9,500 ft).
- Begin the trek with a long, steep descent into the Apurímac Canyon, passing Chiquisca and Playa Rosalina.
- Final climb up to the campsite at Santa Rosa Alta (1,950 m / 6,400 ft) for dinner and overnight in tents.
Day 2
Marampata – Choquequirao – Pinchaunuyoc
- Early start with coca tea and breakfast, then a very steep 3–4 hour climb to Marampata (3,000 m / 9,800 ft).
- Continue to the Choquequirao Archaeological Complex (2,900–3,050 m / 9,500–10,000 ft), arriving in the late morning.
- Guided tour of the main ruins (plazas, temples, terraces, and the famous “Llamas” sector), followed by lunch near the site.
- Short walk to the Choquequirao campsite for dinner and overnight in tents.
Day 3
Pinchaunuyoc – Maizal – San Juan Pass – Yanama
- Breakfast at Choquequirao, then hike up to Abra Choquequirao (3,270 m / 10,730 ft) for panoramic views of the ruins.
- Descend to the river crossing and continue to the Inca terraces of Pinchaunuyoc.
- Steep climb up to the campsite at Maizal (3,000 m / 9,800 ft) for dinner and overnight in tents.
Day 4
Yanama – Totora – Lucmabamba (Transport) – Aguas Calientes
- Breakfast at Maizal, then a challenging climb up to Minas Victoria (old Inca mines) and the San Juan Pass (4,100 m / 13,450 ft).
- Explore the mining area and Inca outpost of Qoriwayrachina, then descend to the village of Yanama (3,450–3,700 m / 11,300–12,100 ft).
- From Yanama, we go on a 3.5-hour car ride to Santa Teresa. At Santa Teresa, we visit the hot springs pools.
- Overnight in a hotel in Santa Teresa.
Day 5
Machu Picchu – Cusco
Early start (630am) with a car ride to Hidroelectrica, where we will catch our train to Aguas Calientes. From Aguas Calientes we will ride the shuttle bus to Machu Picchu where we will have a 3 hour guided tour of Machu Picchu. After the tour, we will catch the train to Ollantaytambo, then transfer to our van to Cusco. We arrive in Cusco at 10 pm.
Trek Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 days / 4 nights |
| Route | Cusco → Cachora → Choquequirao → Yanama → Santa Teresa → Hidroeléctrica → Cusco |
| Distance | ~39.5 km (24.2mi) |
| Max altitude | ~4,660 m (15,280 ft) at Yanama Pass |
| Min altitude | ~2,000 m (6,600 ft) in the lower jungle |
| Difficulty | Very challenging (long days, high passes, steep ascents/descents) |
| Accommodation | Camping in tents (Days 1–3) + hotel in Santa Teresa, (Day 4) |
| Best season | April–October (dry season) |
What's Included
- ✓ Private transport from your hotel in Cusco to the trailhead (Capuliyoc) and back to Cusco at the end of the trek.
- ✓ Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish) to lead the hike and provide a detailed tour of the Choquequirao ruins.
- ✓ Full meals on the trek: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks (including coca tea, coffee, and hot drinks).
- ✓ Camping equipment: high‑quality tents, dining tent, tables, stools, and kitchen gear.
- ✓ Horse support to carry group gear (tents, food, cooking equipment) and reduce the load on the trail.
- ✓ Entrance fee to the Choquequirao Archaeological Park.
- ✓ Boiled drinking water is provided at each campsite (morning and afternoon) to refill your bottles.
- ✓ Basic first‑aid kit and emergency oxygen, carried by the guide.
- ✓ Pre‑trek briefing in Cusco to go over the itinerary, meet your guide, and answer any questions.
- ✓ Personal porter to carry your overnight bag (up to 5–6 kg / 11–13 lbs) between campsites.
- ✓ Hotel accommodation in Cusco (before and after the trek).
- ✓ Walking poles / trekking poles (can be rented locally).
- ✓ Sleeping bag and inflatable mattress (can be rented if needed).
Not Included
- ✕ Personal expenses (snacks, drinks, souvenirs, tips for the crew).
- ✕ Travel insurance (strongly recommended).
Price per person
$2500
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