This adventure lasts 4 days and takes you through the Apurímac Canyon, Choquequirao Archaeological Site, and Machu Picchu.
4 Day Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek – For Fit Hikers ONLY
A real challenge for anyone who loves adventure!
With this 4-day trek to Choquequirao, you will cross the mountains, visit the beautiful Apurímac Canyon, and see two amazing archaeological sites in one trip: Machu Picchu and Choquequirao.
We know this will be a difficult hike, but it is totally worth it. It will be 4 days of pure adventure at the highest level. Camp in the mountains and push yourself to complete the challenge. Are you ready?
Highlights
- Follow the Choquequirao route in a short time. A trip for those who don’t have much time.
- Camp inside the archaeological site of Choquequirao, feel its energy and visit this magical place.
- Enjoy the best mountain food to recover your strength during this challenging trek.
- Learn about the history of the Andes and the mystery of Choquequirao, the sister city of Machu Picchu.
- Go down through the cloud forest and stay in Aguas Calientes in a comfortable hotel before visiting Machu Picchu.
- End this amazing trip with a guided tour of Machu Picchu, one of the wonders of the world.
Details of the trip
Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Rosalinas Beach – Santa Rosa
We start early. Pick-up is at 5:00 am for a 5-hour drive to Capuliyoc, the starting point of the trek. You can rest during the ride. When we arrive, you will have time to get ready, buy snacks, and prepare for the hike.
The descent from Capuliyoc to Playa Rosalinas takes about 3 to 3.5 hours. The trail is rocky and dry. You will walk among trees and small forest areas until reaching the bottom of the canyon: the Apurímac Canyon. Here you will rest and have lunch.
After that, the uphill hike begins. You will climb to the campsite in Santa Rosa. This part also takes around 3 hours. Walk slowly because heat and weather will be challenging. You will see beautiful river views and small local shops along the way.
When you arrive in Santa Rosa, you will camp in the mountains and finish this tough first day.
- Meals included: Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
- Accommodation: TentsDifficulty: Challenging
Day 2: Santa Rosa – Choquequirao
Your guide will wake you up early for this amazing day in the mountains and forest. After breakfast, you hike about 2 hours to Maranpata. You will see beautiful landscapes, plants, and wildlife such as birds, waterfalls, and mountain views.
From Maranpata, continue about 2 more hours through uphill and downhill trails until you reach Choquequirao. You will have lunch near the site and relax in the silence of the mountains.
After lunch, enjoy a private guided tour of the archaeological complex. You will visit important areas such as temples, palaces, water fountains, the Usnu platform, terraces, the famous llama terraces, and more. Your guide will explain the history of this special place. Overnight in this magical site.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
- Accommodation: TentsDifficulty: Challenging
Day 3: Choquequirao – Yanama – Aguas Calientes
Today is our longest day. In the morning, you wake up with coffee in the mountains and start the journey to our next destination: Aguas Calientes.
You slowly climb towards Yanama, leaving the dry desert area and entering the cloud forest. When you arrive in Yanama, you will have lunch before continuing.
In the afternoon, continue through the cloud forest and take transportation passing Collpapampa until you reach the area near Hidroelectrica. From here, you take a train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu. Overnight in hotel and prepare for the visit next day.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel Ferre Machu Picchu or El Mapi by InkaterraDifficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Day 4: Machu Picchu
This is the day you have been waiting for. After an early breakfast, take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu to see the sunrise over the citadel. It is an unforgettable experience.
Your guide will give you a 2-hour tour of the main areas. You will learn about the agricultural, residential, and religious sectors of the site.
After the visit, return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). You may also have free time for shopping or visiting the hot springs or museum.
In the afternoon, take the Expedition Train to Ollantaytambo along the Urubamba River.
At Ollantaytambo, our driver will pick you up and take you back to your hotel in Cusco. Arrival around 7:00 pm
- Meal included : Breakfast
- Difficulty : Easy
Questions & Answers
FAQs
The tour begins with hotel pickup in Cusco at approximately 5:00 AM before traveling to Capuliyoc, the starting point of the trek.
This trek includes Capuliyoc, Playa Rosalinas, Santa Rosa, Choquequirao Archaeological Site, Yanama, Aguas Calientes, and Machu Picchu.
Accommodation includes camping in Santa Rosa, camping at Choquequirao, and one night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu.
Yes. The itinerary includes a guided visit to Machu Picchu on the final day of the trek.
Yes. You will explore the Choquequirao Archaeological Complex with a guided tour, visiting important areas such as temples, palaces, water fountains, terraces, the Usnu platform, and the famous llama terraces.
Yes. Meals are included throughout the trek as indicated in the itinerary. Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner are provided on most trekking days, while breakfast is included on the final day.
Yes. The itinerary includes transportation from Cusco to Capuliyoc, transportation from the cloud forest route toward the Hidroelectrica area, the Expedition Train to Aguas Calientes, bus transportation to Machu Picchu, and transportation back to Cusco.
Yes. A professional guide accompanies the trek and provides guided tours of both Choquequirao and Machu Picchu.
During the trek you will camp in tents, and before visiting Machu Picchu you will spend one night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
The itinerary includes the Expedition Train from the Hidroelectrica area to Aguas Calientes and the return train to Ollantaytambo before driving back to Cusco.
This is a challenging adventure. The first two days are challenging, the third day is moderate to challenging, and the final day at Machu Picchu is considered easy.
