This six-day expedition connects two of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the Andes: Choquequirao and Machu Picchu. The route follows remote Inca pathways through one of the most dramatic landscapes in Peru, descending deep into the Apurímac Canyon before climbing back into the cloud forests of the Vilcabamba range.
Over the course of the journey, you will cross ancient stone trails, explore a nearly deserted Inca city hidden high in the mountains, and continue toward Machu Picchu through remote valleys rarely visited by travelers.
It’s a trek designed for experienced hikers seeking a true expedition through the Andean wilderness, combining archaeology, extreme geography, and some of the most rewarding trekking in South America.
From the dry cliffs of the Apurímac Canyon to the lush jungle slopes surrounding Machu Picchu, this route reveals the full scale of the Inca road network and the landscapes that shaped it.
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.
Two Legendary Inca Cities
Visit both Choquequirao and Machu Picchu in a single journey, two of the most important archaeological sites of the Inca Empire, connected by remote mountain trails.
One of the Most Remote Treks in Peru
The trail crosses deep canyons, high passes, and isolated valleys rarely visited by large trekking groups.
A Complete Andean Ecosystem Journey
Travel through multiple ecological zones, from dry canyon landscapes to high Andean forests and lush cloud jungle.
True Expedition Atmosphere
Unlike the crowded Inca Trail, this route offers long stretches of wilderness where the only sounds are rivers, wind, and wildlife.
A Trek for Experienced Adventurers
This is one of the most demanding but rewarding trekking routes in southern Peru — perfect for hikers seeking a genuine challenge.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Transportation & Logistics
Access & Discovery
Accommodations & Mountain Dining
Porterage & Safety
This is a challenging 6-day trek that covers long distances across remote and rugged terrain.
The route involves steep ascents and descents, high-altitude sections, and limited infrastructure compared to more frequented trails. It is physically demanding and requires good fitness and prior trekking experience.
This trek is best suited for travelers looking for a true off-the-beaten-path adventure.
You’ll be trekking through varied climates and remote areas, so preparation is key:
Your main duffel is carried by the support team, allowing you to focus on the hike.
Groups are limited to a maximum of 10 travelers.
This ensures better pacing on a demanding route, more personalized support, and a more controlled experience in remote environments.
Although this trek includes both high-altitude and lower-altitude sections, proper acclimatization is still important.
We recommend spending at least 2 to 3 days in Cusco before the trek. This will help your body adjust and improve your overall performance, especially during the higher sections of the route.
Hydration, light meals, and proper rest beforehand are strongly recommended.
Yes—you can hire a private porter for additional support.
While your main duffel is already included, a private porter can help carry extra personal items or reduce the weight of your daypack.
Given the demanding nature of this trek, this is a highly recommended option if you want to maintain a more consistent and comfortable pace.
Yes—SkyDome Camps operates fully legally and with all required permits.
As part of the Sam Travel Corporation, we comply with all official regulations required to operate multi-day treks in the region. Our team brings extensive experience in remote expeditions, with a strong focus on safety, logistics, and high-quality service.
This ensures a well-organized and reliable experience, even on one of Peru’s most challenging routes.
YOUR ADVENTURE. OUR EXPERTISE.
Guest Reviews
Real experiences from travelers who slept under the Andean sky
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 DomeWe 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 TrekI 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
