Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek & Expedition: 6 Days

Day 1 | Capuliyoc – Apurímac Canyon – Santa Rosa Camp

We depart Cusco early in the morning and travel through the Andean highlands toward the village of Cachora, the gateway to the Choquequirao trail.

After reaching the Capuliyoc viewpoint, the trek begins with one of the most dramatic introductions to the Andes: a panoramic view of the vast Apurímac Canyon, with the snow-covered peaks of Padreyoc and Qoriwayrachina rising in the distance.

The Experience

The trail descends steadily along a winding path carved into the canyon walls. The dry landscape contrasts with the green ribbon of the Apurímac River far below.

After lunch near the small settlement of Chiquisca, the route reaches the canyon floor before beginning the steep climb toward Santa Rosa Alta, the final challenge of the day.

Arriving at camp, you’ll enjoy a warm meal while watching the sunset over the canyon cliffs.

• Distance: Approx. 12–13 km
• Camp Altitude: 2,200 m
• Terrain: Canyon descent and steep ascent

Day 2 | Santa Rosa – Marampata – Choquequirao

Today we continue climbing toward the ridge above the Apurímac canyon.

The Experience

The trail zigzags steadily through lush vegetation toward Marampata, a small mountain settlement that offers the first clear views toward the Choquequirao complex.

From here the terrain becomes gentler as the trail follows the ridge toward the ruins.

Arriving at Choquequirao (3,050 m) feels like discovering a hidden city in the mountains. Often called the “sister city of Machu Picchu,” this vast Inca site receives only a fraction of the visitors.

In the afternoon, your guide will lead a detailed exploration of the temples, terraces, and ceremonial plazas of the citadel.

Sunset over Choquequirao is one of the most memorable moments of the entire trek.

• Distance: Approx. 9 km
• Max Altitude: 3,050 m
• Activity: Guided exploration of Choquequirao

Day 3 | Choquequirao – Río Blanco – Maizal

After a final morning exploring the terraces and viewpoints of Choquequirao, the journey continues deeper into the Vilcabamba mountain range.

The Experience

The trail climbs briefly before beginning a long descent toward the Río Blanco valley, where the environment becomes warmer and more humid.

The sound of rushing water and dense vegetation marks the transition from high mountain terrain into subtropical forest.

After reaching the river, the route begins another steady ascent through thick jungle vegetation toward the small mountain camp of Maizal.

Along the way you may pass ancient terraces and the archaeological site of Pinchaunuyoc, hidden along the mountainside.

• Distance: Approx. 13 km
• Camp Altitude: 3,000 m
• Terrain: Steep descent and jungle ascent

Day 4 | Maizal – Victoria Pass – Yanama – Colpapampa

Today’s route follows one of the most impressive preserved sections of the ancient Inca road network.

The Experience

The trail climbs gradually toward Victoria Pass (4,150 m) along original stone paths that have survived centuries of weather and earthquakes.

From the pass, panoramic views reveal the rugged peaks of the Vilcabamba range, one of the wildest mountain regions in Peru.

Descending from the pass, the trail reaches the village of Yanama, where the expedition continues by vehicle through high mountain valleys toward the warmer cloud forest region of Colpapampa.

The contrast between alpine landscapes and tropical vegetation is striking.

• Distance: Approx. 14 km trekking
• Max Altitude: 4,150 m
• Transfer: Yanama to Colpapampa

Day 5 | Lucmabamba – Llaqtapata – Aguas Calientes

After breakfast we travel to Lucmabamba, a farming community surrounded by coffee plantations and tropical fruit orchards.

The Experience

Here the trail joins a beautiful section of the original Inca Trail climbing through dense cloud forest.

After several hours of gradual ascent, we reach Llaqtapata, a little-visited archaeological site that offers a rare and spectacular view of Machu Picchu from across the valley.

Few travelers ever see Machu Picchu from this perspective.

From Llaqtapata the trail descends through forest and farmland toward Hidroelectrica, where we stop for lunch.

In the afternoon we follow the railway along the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu.

• Distance: Approx. 18 km
• Highlights: Llaqtapata ruins and first view of Machu Picchu
• Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes

Day 6 | Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco

Our final day begins early as we take the first bus up to Machu Picchu.

The Experience

As the morning mist lifts from the mountains, the Inca citadel appears among the jungle peaks — the culmination of one of the most spectacular trekking journeys in the Andes.

Your guide will lead a 2-hour exploration of Machu Picchu, visiting the temples, terraces, and ceremonial plazas that define this architectural masterpiece.

After the guided tour you will have free time to explore viewpoints or optional hikes such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (if reserved in advance).

The Return

In the afternoon we take the train to Ollantaytambo, where private transportation will be waiting for the final journey back to Cusco.

• Activity: Guided visit of Machu Picchu
• Guided Tour: Approx. 2 hours
• Return to Cusco: Evening arrival