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 and bus you back. We keep going. You cross from the Apurimac Canyon to the Salkantay side of the Andes, linking two Inca citadels on one continuous footpath.
What makes this expedition survivable is recovery. You spend 3 nights in true expedition camps, then we break the trek at our private Colpapampa Skydomes at 2,850m. Private toilet, hot shower, real bed, sauna and jacuzzi after crossing Victoria Pass. Day 5 you climb the original Inca Trail to Llaqtapata for your first private view of Machu Picchu across the canyon, a view 99% of visitors never see.
This is Choquequirao engineered for endurance, authenticity and comfort.
Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights from Cusco to Cusco
Route: Capuliyoc to Choquequirao to Victoria Pass to Colpapampa to Llactapata to Machu Picchu
Difficulty: Very Challenging – Steep canyons, 70km, remote camps, 1,400m descents and 4,150m pass
Highest Altitude: 4,150m / 13,615ft at Victoria Pass
Key Highlights: Apurimac Canyon, Choquequirao Citadel & Llama Terraces, Pinchaunuyoc Ruins, Victoria Pass on Original Inca Stone Road, Llaqtapata Panoramic Viewpoint, Machu Picchu Circuit 2 Classic Photo
The Skydome Advantage: 1 night in our exclusive Colpapampa Skydomes with real beds, private bathroom, hot showers, sauna, jacuzzi and panoramic dining dome.
The Sky Dome Camps Difference on Choquequirao
Two Citadels, One Trek: The only itinerary that connects Choquequirao and Machu Picchu without backtracking to Cusco.
Real Inca Trail Sections: You walk perfectly preserved original stone road to Choquequirao, over Victoria Pass, and to Llaqtapata – not just dirt mule tracks.
Expedition Recovery: Sauna, jacuzzi and real bed at Colpapampa Skydomes on Night 4. The best recovery on any Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek.
Guaranteed Machu Picchu Circuit 2: We secure the classic postcard circuit ticket if you book 4 months ahead for 2026/2027.
Day 1 | The Canyon: Cusco to Capuliyoc to Santa Rosa
A 1,400-meter descent into the deepest canyon in the Americas.
Private Transfer to Capuliyoc – The Condor Viewpoint We depart Cusco at 4:00 am via Cachora to Capuliyoc at 2,915m. Your first view is overwhelming: the vast Apurimac Canyon with snow peaks Padreyoc and Qoriwayrachina on the horizon.
Descent to the Apurimac River The trail carves into the canyon wall. Dry, dusty switchbacks with the green ribbon of the Apurimac River 1,400m below. The heat rises as you drop. Lunch near Chiquisca at 1,900m.
Climb to Santa Rosa After touching the canyon floor at 1,550m, a steep, hot climb to Santa Rosa Alta. This is your first test. Mules carry your duffel, you carry only a daypack.
Day 2 | The Discovery: Santa Rosa to Choquequirao
You enter a city where you have the sunset alone.
Climb to Marampata Steady zigzags through changing vegetation to Marampata at 2,950m. First clear views of Choquequirao across the ridge.
Sunset in Choquequirao Ridge walk to Choquequirao at 3,050m. It feels like a discovery, not a tour. Your guide leads you through temples, ceremonial plazas and the famous Llama Terraces with no crowds. Sunset over the Vilcabamba range is the most memorable moment of the trek.
Overnight: Expedition camp near Choquequirao ruins at 3,000m, pure dark sky
Day 2 Stats: 9 km | 6 hours | Max altitude 3,050m | Moderate to Challenging
Day 3 | The Wild: Choquequirao to Rio Blanco to Maizal
Deeper into the Vilcabamba, where almost no one goes.
Final Morning in Choquequirao Early exploration of upper terraces and viewpoints for photos without anyone else in frame.
Descent to Rio Blanco and Pinchaunuyoc Long descent to the Rio Blanco Valley at 1,900m. The air turns humid, jungle closes in. En route, the hidden archaeological site of Pinchaunuyoc at 2,500m, a rarely visited terrace complex clinging to the mountainside.
Jungle Ascent to Maizal Steady climb through thick cloud forest to Maizal camp at 3,000m, surrounded by jungle and stars.
Overnight: Remote expedition camp at Maizal at 3,000m
Day 3 Stats: 13 km | 7-8 hours | Camp 3,000m | Challenging, steep descent + jungle ascent
Day 4 | The Pass: Maizal to Victoria Pass to Colpapampa Skydomes
The best preserved Inca road in Peru and your reward at the end.
Original Inca Road to Victoria Pass The most impressive section of the entire expedition. You climb on original, perfectly preserved Inca stone paving that survived centuries of earthquakes to Victoria Pass at 4,150m. Panoramic views over the wildest peaks of the Vilcabamba.
Yanama to Colpapampa Descend to Yanama at 3,500m, then private vehicle transfer through high valleys to the cloud forest. The contrast from alpine to tropical is immediate.
Colpapampa Skydome Night Arrive at our private Colpapampa Skydomes at 2,850m. Real bed, electric blanket, private toilet, hot shower, and immediate access to sauna and jacuzzi. Dining dome by the fireplace. This is the recovery that makes this trek possible.
Overnight: Colpapampa Skydomes at 2,850m with sauna, jacuzzi, hot showers and WiFi
Day 4 Stats: 14 km trekking | 8 hours | Max altitude 4,150m | Challenging | 2h vehicle transfer
Day 5 | The Perspective: Llaqtapata to Aguas Calientes
The first view of Machu Picchu that few travelers ever see.
Inca Trail to Llaqtapata From Lucmabamba coffee farms, you join a beautiful original Inca Trail climbing through orchids and coffee plantations to Llaqtapata at 2,700m. From this ridge, Machu Picchu sits directly across the canyon. Your first view, in complete solitude.
Descent to Hidroelectrica and Train Panoramic lunch, then descend to Hidroelectrica at 1,900m. Afternoon walk along the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes – 3 hours on foot or optional train $35.
Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private bathroom
Day 5 Stats: 18 km | 7 hours | Max altitude 2,700m | Moderate, highlight Llaqtapata
Day 6 | The Icon: Machu Picchu to Cusco
The grand finale. 6 days of wild Andes for this moment.
Early Bus and Private Guided Tour – Circuit 2 Classic Photo First bus 30 minutes up the switchbacks. Enter as mist lifts over the citadel. Your expert guide leads you on a private 2.5-hour tour on Circuit 2 – The Classic Postcard Circuit – the circuit everyone wants.
What you will see on Circuit 2:
Guardian’s House Viewpoint: The iconic postcard shot of Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu behind
Sacred Rock & Agricultural Terraces: The endless terraces that made life possible at 2,430m
Temple of the Sun: Curved masterpiece built over a natural cave, the most sacred temple in Machu Picchu
Main Temple & Sacred Plaza: Perfectly fitted stonework that survived 500 years of earthquakes
Intihuatana Sector: The carved stone that worked as a solar calendar
Temple of the Three Windows: Three perfect windows aligned with the rising sun
Day 6 Stats: Exploration inside Machu Picchu | 2.5 hours guided tour | Max altitude 2,430m
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 transfer to Capuliyoc trailhead.
Return Transfers: Seamless private transport from Ollantaytambo station back to your Cusco hotel.
Rail Journey: Expedition train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
Expert Orientation: Pre-trek briefing to finalize gear, luggage storage and logistics.
Vehicle Transfer: Yanama to Colpapampa transfer on Day 4.
Access & Discovery
Official Permits: All entrance fees for Choquequirao and Machu Picchu Circuit 2 Classic Photo.
Professional Leadership: Expert bilingual guide trained in high-altitude and remote wilderness first aid.
Guided Exploration: Full guided tour of Choquequirao, Pinchaunuyoc, Llaqtapata and Machu Picchu sanctuary.
Accommodations & Mountain Dining
The Skydome Experience: 1 night in exclusive Colpapampa Skydomes at 2,850m with real beds, private toilet, hot showers, sauna, jacuzzi, dining dome and WiFi.
The Campsite Experience: 3 nights in high-quality expedition tents with insulated mats, dining tent and private toilet tent.
Urban Comfort: 1 night in hand-picked 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Gourmet Mountain Meals: All meals from breakfast Day 1 to breakfast Day 6 except dinner Day 5 and lunch Day 6. Daily snacks and Andean Tea Time.
Bespoke Menus: Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free available on request.
Hydration: Continuous supply of boiled drinking water from lunch Day 1.
Porterage & Safety
Load Management: Horses and mules to carry up to 7kg of your personal gear plus all camping equipment.
Safety Protocol: First aid kit, emergency oxygen, pulse oximeter and satellite communication available 24/7.
Emergency Support: Standby emergency horse for remote sections.
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 – This is Harder Than Inca Trail: This is expedition trekking, not lodge-to-lodge. You descend 1,400m into Apurimac Canyon on Day 1 and climb back out. You cross Victoria Pass at 4,150m on Day 4 and sleep 3 nights at 2,200-3,000m with no road access. You must arrive in Cusco 48-72 hours before Day 1. Day 1, 3 and 4 are the hardest with 7-8 hours hiking. Walk slow, tell your guide how you feel, drink 3L per day.
Luggage Policy: You hike light with daypack only. Our mules carry your duffel up to 7kg. Your main suitcase stays free and safe in our Cusco office at Garcilaso 210. Duffel meets you each night at camps and is transferred by vehicle from Yanama to Colpapampa Skydomes and to your hotel in Aguas Calientes. Day 6 you only need daypack for Machu Picchu. Keep Machu Picchu daypack under 25L / 40x35x20cm.
Cash: Almost everything is included. You only need small cash in soles for water/snacks Days 1-4, coffee at Marampata, lunch at Hidroelectrica Day 5, dinner Day 5 and lunch Day 6 in Aguas Calientes, and tips. No ATMs or shops Days 1-3 on Choquequirao side, no card payments. Get soles in Cusco. ATMs in Aguas Calientes are unreliable.
Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is highly recommended. We advise a policy that covers trekking up to 5,000m, emergency evacuation, medical treatment, trip cancellation and train delays.
Mandatory Documentation: Bring original passport matching your Machu Picchu ticket exactly – same number and same name. You show it at Capuliyoc checkpoint, Choquequirao entrance, train Day 5/6 and Machu Picchu entrance Circuit 2. Copy or photo = no entry, no refund.
Packing Essentials – 3 Climates in One Duffle: Essential Documents: Original passport mandatory, insurance card, train and bus tickets Day 6.
Sun Protection: SPF 50, sunglasses, 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 Victoria Pass.
Clothing: Moisture-wicking base layers, 2 trekking pants, warm layers for 3,000m camps, quick-dry shirts, swimsuit for sauna/jacuzzi at Colpapampa.
Footwear: Broken-in waterproof boots with solid ankle support mandatory, sandals for camps, 4 pairs trekking socks.
Hydration: Reusable 2L capacity. We provide boiled water from lunch Day 1.
Small Extras: Headlamp mandatory, power bank 20,000mAh, trekking poles with rubber tips highly recommended for canyon descents.
Pro Tip: Pack clothes in dry bags inside duffel. Canyon is dusty, jungle humidity will wet everything. 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 4 climates in one 7kg duffel: hot dry Apurimac Canyon on Day 1, freezing Victoria Pass at 4,150m on Day 4, humid jungle at Rio Blanco and Maizal, and warm Machu Picchu.
Keep your duffel for mules at 7kg max including sleeping bag.
For the trail daily in your daypack 25L max:
Waterproof jacket and pants, warm down jacket for Victoria Pass, fleece, 3 to 4 moisture-wicking shirts, 2 trekking pants, thermal top and bottom for nights at 3,000m, warm beanie, gloves, sun hat, sunglasses UV, SPF 50 sunscreen, insect repellent for Rio Blanco and Maizal.
Footwear and essentials:
Broken-in waterproof hiking boots with solid ankle support mandatory, 4 pairs hiking socks, sandals or river shoes for camps, headlamp mandatory for camps, 2L water capacity – we provide boiled water from lunch Day 1, power bank 20,000mAh, trekking poles with rubber tips highly recommended for canyon descents, swimsuit for sauna and jacuzzi at Colpapampa.
Leave at home:
Drones, big backpacks over 25L for Machu Picchu, cotton clothes, jeans. Pack everything in dry bags inside your duffel.
Groups are limited to a maximum of 8 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 ✦
