Choquequirao is called the sister of Machu Picchu, but only 30 people per day reach it. This 6 Day Expedition links Choquequirao and Machu Picchu by foot over the Vilcabamba range, the wildest part of the Andes. No crowds, no buses, just original Inca road, deep Apurimac Canyon and cloud forest all the way to Machu Picchu.
Most companies end at Choquequirao. We connect it to Machu Picchu in 6 days with one night in our Sky Domes at Colpapampa where sauna and jacuzzi wait for you after crossing Victoria Pass.
Day 1 you drop 1,400 meters into Apurimac Canyon. Day 2 you climb to Choquequirao at 3,050 meters and have sunset alone in the ruins. Day 3 you go deeper into Vilcabamba to Maizal. Day 4 you cross Victoria Pass at 4,150 meters on perfect original Inca stone road and descend to Yanama then transfer to our Colpapampa Sky Domes. Day 5 you hike Llactapata for your first view of Machu Picchu across the valley and walk to Aguas Calientes. Day 6 full morning in Machu Picchu with Circuit 2 classic photo.
This trek follows a remote network of Inca trails linking the Apurímac canyon with the Vilcabamba mountain range, eventually reconnecting with the routes leading toward Machu Picchu.
Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights from Cusco to Cusco
Route: Capuliyoc to Choquequirao to Victoria Pass to Colpapampa to Llactapata to Machu Picchu
Max Altitude: 4,150 meters at Victoria Pass
Total Distance: Around 70 km trekking
Accommodation: 4 nights camping with private toilet tent and dining tent, 1 night Sky Domes at Colpapampa with sauna and jacuzzi, 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes
Difficulty: Very challenging. Steep canyons, big ascents and descents, remote camps
The Sky Dome Camps Difference on Choquequirao
Choquequirao Specialists: Licensed guides who know Choquequirao terraces, Llama Terraces and Pinchaunuyoc. Small groups max 8.
One Sky Dome Night Included: Night 4 at Colpapampa at 2,850 meters with private toilet, hot shower, sauna and jacuzzi. Best recovery on any Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek.
Real Inca Trail Sections: You walk original Inca stone road to Choquequirao and to Victoria Pass and to Llactapata, not just dirt paths.
Guaranteed Machu Picchu Entry: We secure Circuit 2 classic photo if you book 4 months ahead for 2026 and 2027.
Day 1 | Capuliyoc – Apurímac Canyon – Santa Rosa Camp
We depart Cusco at 4:00 am and travel through Andean highlands toward Cachora, gateway to Choquequirao trail. After reaching Capuliyoc viewpoint at 2,915 meters, the trek begins with one of the most dramatic introductions in the Andes, panoramic view of vast Apurimac Canyon with snow peaks Padreyoc and Qoriwayrachina.
The Experience: Trail descends steadily along winding path carved into canyon walls. Dry landscape contrasts with green ribbon of Apurimac River far below. After lunch near Chiquisca at 1,900 meters, route reaches canyon floor at 1,550 meters before steep climb to Santa Rosa Alta, final challenge of day. You feel canyon heat and scale.
The Night: Camp at Santa Rosa at 2,200 meters. Warm meal while watching sunset over canyon cliffs. Horses carry duffel up to 7kg, you carry daypack.
Stats: Distance 12 to 13 km | 7 hours hiking | Camp altitude 2,200m | Terrain canyon descent and steep ascent
Day 2 | Santa Rosa – Marampata – Choquequirao
Today we continue climbing toward ridge above Apurimac Canyon.
The Experience: Trail zigzags steadily through lush vegetation toward Marampata at 2,950 meters, small settlement that offers first clear views toward Choquequirao complex. From here terrain gentler as trail follows ridge to ruins. Arriving at Choquequirao at 3,050 meters feels like discovering hidden city in mountains. Often called sister city of Machu Picchu, this vast Inca site receives fraction of visitors. In afternoon guide leads detailed exploration of temples, terraces and ceremonial plazas including famous Llama Terraces. Sunset over Choquequirao is most memorable moment of entire trek.
The Night: Camp near Choquequirao at 3,000 meters with private toilet tent and dining tent. Night sky with no light pollution.
Stats: Distance 9 km | 6 hours hiking | Max altitude 3,050m at Choquequirao | Activity guided exploration
Day 3 | Choquequirao – Río Blanco – Maizal
After final morning exploring terraces and viewpoints of Choquequirao, journey continues deeper into Vilcabamba mountain range.
The Experience: Trail climbs briefly before long descent toward Rio Blanco valley at 1,900 meters where environment becomes warmer and more humid. Sound of rushing water and dense vegetation marks transition from high mountain to subtropical forest. After reaching river, route begins steady ascent through thick jungle toward small mountain camp of Maizal at 3,000 meters. Along way you pass ancient terraces and archaeological site of Pinchaunuyoc at 2,500 meters hidden on mountainside, rarely visited.
The Night: Camp at Maizal at 3,000 meters surrounded by jungle and stars.
Stats: Distance 13 km | 7 to 8 hours hiking | Camp altitude 3,000m | Terrain steep descent and jungle ascent
Day 4 | Maizal – Victoria Pass – Yanama – Colpapampa
Today follows one of most impressive preserved sections of ancient Inca road network.
The Experience: Trail climbs gradually toward Victoria Pass at 4,150 meters along original stone paths that survived centuries of weather and earthquakes. From pass panoramic views reveal rugged peaks of Vilcabamba range, one of wildest mountain regions in Peru. Descending from pass trail reaches village of Yanama at 3,500 meters where expedition continues by vehicle through high mountain valleys toward warmer cloud forest region of Colpapampa. Contrast between alpine landscapes and tropical vegetation is striking.
The Night: Arrive at our Colpapampa Sky Domes at 2,850 meters. Private toilet, hot shower, sauna and jacuzzi and dining dome by fireplace. Real bed after three nights camping.
Stats: Distance 14 km trekking | 8 hours hiking | Max altitude 4,150m at Victoria Pass | Transfer Yanama to Colpapampa 2 hours
Day 5 | Lucmabamba – Llaqtapata – Aguas Calientes
After breakfast travel to Lucmabamba farming community surrounded by coffee plantations and tropical fruit orchards.
The Experience: Trail joins beautiful section of original Inca Trail climbing through dense cloud forest. After several hours gradual ascent reach Llactapata at 2,700 meters, little visited archaeological site that offers rare and spectacular view of Machu Picchu from across valley. Few travelers ever see Machu Picchu from this perspective. This is highlight of Salkantay side. From Llactapata trail descends through forest and farmland toward Hidroelectrica at 1,900 meters for lunch. In afternoon follow railway along Urubamba River 3 hours to Aguas Calientes or optional train 35 USD.
The Night: Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private bathroom and hot shower. Dinner on your own.
Stats: Distance 18 km | 7 hours hiking | Highlights Llactapata ruins and first view of Machu Picchu | Accommodation hotel
Day 6 | Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
Final day begins early as we take first bus 30 minutes up to Machu Picchu.
The Experience: As morning mist lifts citadel appears among jungle peaks, culmination of most spectacular trekking journeys in Andes. Your guide leads 2.5 hour exploration of Machu Picchu visiting temples, terraces and ceremonial plazas that define this architectural masterpiece. Ticket is Circuit 2 classic photo. After guided tour free time to explore viewpoints. Optional hikes such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain if reserved in advance, 60 USD each, without guide.
The Return: In afternoon take Expedition train to Ollantaytambo where private transportation waits for final journey back to Cusco. Evening arrival around 8:00 pm.
Stats: Activity guided visit of Machu Picchu | Guided tour 2.5 hours | Return to Cusco evening
Package Details
Included & Not Included
What is Included for the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek & Expedition?
Transportation & Logistics
Door-to-Door Service: Private pickup from your Cusco hotel and a comfortable transfer to the Soraypampa trailhead.
Return Transfers: Seamless transport from the Ollantaytambo station back to your Cusco hotel.
Rail Journey: Return train tickets from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo for a scenic ride through the Andes.
Machu Picchu Shuttle: Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and the Machu Picchu sanctuary.
Expert Orientation: A pre-trek briefing session to finalize gear, luggage storage, and logistics.
Access & Discovery
Official Permits: All required entrance fees for the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek.
Professional Leadership: Expert, bilingual professional guide(s) trained in high-altitude safety and Andean history.
Guided Exploration: An immersive, private guided tour of the Machu Picchu sanctuary.
Accommodations & Mountain Dining
The Campsite Experience: High-quality trekking tents and insulated sleeping mats for all camping nights.
Luxury Social Areas: Dedicated dining, kitchen, and toilet tents equipped with comfortable tables and chairs.
Urban Comfort: One night’s stay in a hand-picked hotel in Aguas Calientes with private facilities.
Gourmet Mountain Meals: All meals on the trail (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) plus daily snacks and traditional Andean “Tea Time.”
Bespoke Menus: Specialized dietary options (vegan, gluten-free, etc.) are available upon request.
Hydration: Continuous supply of drinking water throughout the trek.
Porterage & Safety
Load Management: Professional porters or horses to carry all camping equipment and your personal belongings (weight limits apply).
Safety Protocol: Comprehensive first aid kit and emergency medical oxygen available 24/7.
Emergency Support: A standby emergency horse is provided to ensure the safety and pace of the group.
Not Included
Personal Trekking Gear: Professional rentals are available for high-altitude sleeping bags ($15) and trekking poles ($10).
Optional Mountain Climbs: Entrance tickets for Huayna Picchu ($69) or Machu Picchu Mountain ($69). (Must be booked months in advance).
Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is highly recommended and must be arranged independently.
Urban Dining: Meals in Cusco or Aguas Calientes before and after the trek itinerary.
Personal Wellness: Entrance fees to the local Hot Springs in Aguas Calientes ($4) and personal items like laundry or phone calls.
Extra Transport: International or domestic flights to Cusco and any unscheduled transportation.
Tipping: Gratuities for your dedicated trekking crew (guides, chefs, and porters) are at your discretion.
Contingency Costs: Medical or emergency evacuation costs and any additional nights of accommodation outside the itinerary.
Travel Essentials
Important Information
Remote Canyon Trekking and How to Prepare for 4,150 Meters
This is remote expedition trekking, not lodge to lodge. You descend 1,400 meters into Apurimac Canyon on Day 1 and climb back out, you cross Victoria Pass at 4,150 meters Day 4 and sleep three nights at 2,200 to 3,000 meters in tents with no road access. That is more demanding than Inca Trail. You must arrive in Cusco 48 to 72 hours before Day 1 to acclimatize. Day 2 and Day 3 are steepest with 6 to 8 hours hiking. Walk slow at altitude, tell guide how you feel and drink at least 3 liters per day. Your guide carries oxygen and pulse oximeter and has satellite communication.
What Mules Carry and What You Carry
You hike with daypack only. Mules and horses carry your duffel up to 7kg, camping tents, food and dining tent. Your big suitcase stays free and safe in our office in Cusco at Garcilaso 210. Your duffel meets you at each camp and is transferred by vehicle from Yanama to Colpapampa Sky Domes and to Aguas Calientes hotel. On Day 6 you only need daypack for Machu Picchu. Keep duffel at 7kg max including sleeping bag.
Cash and What You Pay On Trail
Almost everything included: private transport, 3 nights camping with toilet tent, 1 night Sky Dome with sauna and jacuzzi, 1 night hotel, all meals from breakfast Day 1 to breakfast Day 6 except dinner Day 5 and lunch Day 6, mules and horsemen, Machu Picchu Circuit 2 ticket, bus and train. You only need cash in soles for water and snacks Days 1 to 4, coffee at Marampata viewpoint, lunch Day 5 at Hidroelectrica area, dinner Day 5 and lunch Day 6 in Aguas Calientes, tips for guide, chef and muleteers. No ATMs or shops on Choquequirao side first 3 days, no card payments. Get soles in Cusco.
Insurance That Actually Covers This Route
Mandatory to have real expedition insurance. Your policy must cover trekking up to 5,000 meters, emergency evacuation in remote canyon, medical treatment, trip cancellation and train delays. Machu Picchu and Choquequirao permits are 100 percent non refundable by Peruvian law. Helicopter evacuation from Apurimac Canyon is extremely expensive without cover. Check that remote trekking is included, not just hiking.
Passport and Tickets You Must Have
Bring original passport that matches your Machu Picchu ticket. Exact same number and name you gave at booking. You show it at Capuliyoc checkpoint Day 1, Choquequirao entrance Day 2, Colpapampa checkpoint Day 4, to board train Day 5 and Day 6 and at Machu Picchu entrance for Circuit 2. Photo or copy not accepted and means no entry and no refund. Carry train and bus tickets Day 6, we give them at briefing.
Packing for Canyon, Pass and Jungle in One Duffel
You need three climates in one bag. Hot dry canyon Day 1, freezing at Victoria Pass Day 4 and humid jungle Day 3 and Day 5.
Keep duffel at 7kg max. Daypack inside Machu Picchu must not be bigger than 25L.
Essential Documents:Original passport mandatory, insurance card, train and bus tickets Day 6.
Protection:Sunscreen SPF 50, sunglasses UV, sun hat, beanie and gloves for 4,150m pass, insect repellent for Rio Blanco and Maizal.
Weather Gear:Waterproof jacket and pants always in daypack, warm down jacket for pass, rain poncho extra.
Clothing:Moisture wicking base layers, 2 trekking pants, warm layers for 3,000m camps, quick dry shirts, swimsuit for sauna and jacuzzi at Colpapampa.
Footwear:Broken in waterproof hiking boots mandatory, river shoes or sandals for camps, 4 pairs trekking socks.
Hydration:Reusable 2L capacity. We provide boiled water from lunch Day 1.
Small Extras:Headlamp mandatory for camps, power bank 20,000mAh, trekking poles with rubber tips highly recommended for canyon descents, camera, small cash in soles.
Expedition Pro Tip: Pack clothes in dry bags inside duffel. Canyon is dusty, river crossings and jungle humidity will wet everything. Keep sleeping clothes dry for night and keep waterproof jacket on top always.
Questions & Answers
FAQs
Very challenging and the hardest trek we run. You hike 70 km in 6 days with huge vertical. Day 1 you descend 1,400 meters into Apurimac Canyon then climb 650 meters. Day 3 you drop to Rio Blanco at 1,900 meters then climb back to 3,000 meters at Maizal. Day 4 you cross Victoria Pass at 4,150 meters. Compared to Salkantay 4 day and Inca Trail, Choquequirao is longer, steeper and more remote with no lodges until Colpapampa.
You need excellent fitness and prior multi day trekking experience. Not for first time trekkers. If you can hike 8 hours two days in a row with elevation, you can finish.
You have four climates: hot dry canyon, cold 4,150m pass, humid jungle and warm Machu Picchu. Keep duffel for horses and mules at 7kg max.
Daypack daily: Waterproof jacket and pants, warm down jacket for Victoria Pass, fleece, 3 to 4 wicking shirts, 2 trekking pants, thermal top and bottom for nights at 3,000 meters, warm beanie, gloves, sun hat, sunglasses, SPF 50, insect repellent for Rio Blanco and Maizal.
Essentials: Broken in waterproof hiking boots with ankle support mandatory, 4 pairs hiking socks, sandals for camps, headlamp, 2L water bladder plus 1L bottle, power bank, trekking poles with rubber tips, daypack 25L max for Machu Picchu.
Leave at home: Drones, big backpacks over 25L, cotton clothes.
Groups are limited to a maximum of 10 travelers.
Maximum 8 travelers, average 4 to 5. Smaller than standard Choquequirao groups. Mules and horses carry your duffel up to 7kg all the way to Colpapampa, you only carry daypack. Mules carry camping equipment, food and dining tent. From Colpapampa vehicle carries duffel to Aguas Calientes. If you want to carry almost nothing hire private porter for daypack, 80 USD for full trek.
Essential. You go from 1,550 meters at canyon floor to 4,150 meters at Victoria Pass in 4 days. Arrive in Cusco at least 2 full days before Day 1, ideally 3 days if coming from sea level. No hard tours before. Stay hydrated, light meals, rest. Sacred Valley at 2,800 meters is good to adjust before. Your guide carries oxygen and checks you at Victoria Pass. Do not do Rainbow Mountain before this trek.
Yes and highly recommended for this trek. Your main duffel is already included, but private porter can carry extra 5kg and help on steep ascents from canyon. Emergency horse to ride can be arranged from Santa Rosa to Choquequirao and from Rio Blanco to Maizal if you are exhausted, around 120 to 150 USD per section paid in soles to local communities. Tell us at briefing if you want to prebook.
Yes. Sky Dome Camps is owned and operated by Sam Travel Corporation, licensed Peruvian operator based in Cusco at Garcilaso 210. We hold full permits for Choquequirao trail, Salkantay side and Machu Picchu Circuit 2 entry. Our camps are private with toilet tent and dining tent, our Sky Dome at Colpapampa is private with sauna and jacuzzi. Guides are licensed and wilderness first aid trained. We provide 100 percent Machu Picchu Circuit 2 guarantee if you book 4 months ahead for 2026 and 2027.
Night 1 Santa Rosa camp at 2,200m, tents with sleeping mats and toilet tent.
Night 2 Choquequirao camp at 3,000m near ruins, tents with private toilet tent and dining tent.
Night 3 Maizal camp at 3,000m in jungle, remote, tents and toilet tent.
Night 4 Colpapampa Sky Domes at 2,850m, glass dome with real bed, electric blanket, private toilet, hot shower, sauna and jacuzzi and dining dome.
Night 5 hotel in Aguas Calientes with private bathroom and hot shower.
No lodges in canyon, this is real expedition camping first 3 nights.
Your ticket included is Circuit 2 classic photo, the circuit everyone wants with Guardian’s House view. In 2026 and 2027 Circuit 2 is limited to 900 tickets per day. It allows 2.5 hour stay. If you want Huayna Picchu 60 USD, Machu Picchu Mountain 60 USD or Sun Gate and Inca Bridge 55 USD you must book 3 months ahead. These are without guide after main tour.
Best time May to September dry season, clear skies over Apurimac Canyon and Victoria Pass. April and October good with less crowds but some rain. November to March rainy season, trail muddy and slippery, Rio Blanco crossing difficult, not recommended for this route.
For 2027, book 5 to 6 months ahead for June to August, 3 to 4 months ahead for shoulder season to guarantee Sky Dome at Colpapampa and Circuit 2. Mules and camps in Choquequirao are limited.
No signal Days 1 to 4 until Yanama village where some Claro signal. No electricity first 3 nights, bring power bank 20,000mAh. We provide boiled water to refill from lunch Day 1, bring 2L capacity. At Colpapampa Sky Domes Night 4 you have electricity, WiFi, hot shower and can charge. In Aguas Calientes hotel has electricity and WiFi. No shops first 3 days, bring all you need.
Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek & Expedition: 6 Days
Real experiences from travelers who slept under the Andean sky
James WhitfieldOctober 8, 2025London, UK
G
★★★★★
Sleeping Under the Stars at 4,600m
I never thought I could sleep in a luxury bed while staring at the Milky Way through a transparent dome. The Salkantay glacier right in front of you at sunrise — absolutely unreal. Worth every penny.
SkyDomeCamps - Sky Dome
Sofia MartínezOctober 7, 2025Buenos Aires, Argentina
G
★★★★★
The Dome Made the Trek Unforgettable
We did the full Salkantay Trek and stayed at the dome on night two. After a hard day of hiking, coming back to a real bed, hot shower and that view of the mountain? Nothing compares to that.
SkyDomeCamps - Salkantay Trek
Thomas BrauerOctober 7, 2025Munich, Germany
G
★★★★★
Best Night of My Life
I have camped across Patagonia and Nepal but nothing matched this. The dome is warm, beautifully designed and the silence at 4,600m is something else entirely. I woke up at 3am just to stare at the stars.
SkyDomeCamps - Sky Dome
SDC
@skydomecampsTransparent domes under the Andean sky. Tag us #SkyDomeCamps ✦
