Our adventure to Choquequirao begins early in the morning with a pickup from your hotel in a private vehicle, heading to the town of San Pedro de Cachora, a journey of about 4 hours.We rise early, preparing for the day ahead with a simple breakfast. Boarding the bus, we begin our journey, winding through the Andean landscape for about 2 and a half hours until we reach Curahuasi, sitting at 2600 meters above sea level. Continuing on for another hour, we arrive at Cachora, a picturesque town at 2700 meters. After a brief stop, we venture onwards for 30 minutes more to Capuliyoq, our starting point where we meet the muleteers and their mules.

With introductions exchanged and supplies loaded, we set off on foot towards our first camp, Chiquisca, situated in the shadow of the Padreyoc mountain. The trail offers glimpses of the Apurimac Canyon as we descend gradually, the terrain mostly downhill. As we walk, the rugged beauty of the landscape unfolds around us, creating a sense of connection to the natural world.

Arriving at our campsite, tired but satisfied, we gather under the evening sky. As darkness falls, we share stories and laughter, enjoying the simple pleasure of companionship in the wilderness. Tonight, as we settle in for the night, we look forward to the adventures that await us tomorrow, knowing that each step brings us closer to the heart of the Andes.

This day is considered one of the most challenging yet exciting parts of the journey. Early in the morning, after a hearty breakfast, we begin our descent, winding our way down for about an hour to the lowest point of the canyon, then we begin a steep, zigzagging ascent that lasts approximately 5 hours until we reach Mara, near the Chunchullumayo River, where we’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch.

Two hours from the camp lies the archaeological park of Choquequirao, where we will have a 2-hour guided tour. During the tour, we can witness the stunning sunset and, with some luck, see condors flying nearby. After the visit, we return to our camp for a well-earned rest.

Key Information:

• Hiking distance: 13.5 km / 8.4 miles
• Hiking time: 8 hours
• Lowest Elevation: 1,550 m / 5,085 ft (Playa Rosalina)
• Highest Elevation: 3,100 m / 10,170 ft (Choquequirao)
• Difficulty level: Demanding
• Highlights: Steep zigzag ascent, Raqaypata, Chunchul Mayu River, archaeological park of Choquequirao, stunning sunset, potential condor sightings.

We begin the day with an uphill hike, reaching an altitude of 3,300 m / 10,827 ft. Then, we descend to the Río Blanco (1,900 m / 6,234 ft), passing through a mystical cloud forest along the way. En route, we will arrive at the archaeological site of Pinchaunuyoc, a special location that appears suddenly during the trek, resembling a cloud forest covered in a thick layer of moss and vegetation.

During our journey, we will observe a variety of bird species, orchids, and sacred coca leaf plantations at around 2,750 m / 9,022 ft. After exploring this beautiful site, we’ll cross the Río Blanco and begin a 3-hour climb to the Maizal sector (3,000 m / 9,842 ft), where we’ll set up camp for the night.

This campsite is considered one of the best on our journey, offering panoramic views of three valleys and a spectacular snow-capped mountain, providing a perfect spot for relaxation.

Key Information:

• Hiking distance: 17 km / 10.6 miles
• Hiking time: 9 hours
• Lowest Elevation: 1,900 m / 6,234 ft (Río Blanco)
• Highest Elevation: 3,300 m / 10,827 ft (High point before descending to Río Blanco)
• Difficulty level: Demanding
• Highlights: Pinchaunuyoc archaeological site, cloud forest, diverse bird species, orchids, sacred coca leaf plantations, panoramic views from Maizal.

We leave our camp at Maizal and head towards the San Juan Pass. Today’s journey takes us through beautiful and impressive landscapes. Initially, we hike through a cloud forest and then into the Andean Puna, where we encounter the well-known ichu grass.

We’ll take a break near the Victoria mines, where the sparkling stones reveal the area’s rich concentration of minerals and metals. As we continue our trek through the Puna, we follow well-preserved Inca trails with their classic zigzag pattern.

Before beginning our descent to Yanama, a small settlement nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, we’ll have lunch at 4,000 m / 13,123 ft, enjoying the breathtaking view of Choquetakarpo mountain. We will camp and have dinner in Yanama.

Key Information:

• Hiking distance: 16 km / 9.94 miles
• Hiking time: 8 hours
• Lowest Elevation: 3,000 m / 9,842 ft (Yanama)
• Highest Elevation: 4,200 m / 13,780 ft (San Juan Pass)
• Difficulty level: Demanding
• Highlights: San Juan Pass, Victoria mines, well-preserved Inca trails, lunch with a view of Choquetakarpo mountain, scenic descent to Yanama.

We continue our journey from Yanama through the valley towards the highest point of our tour, the Yanama Pass at 4,800 m / 15,748 ft. Along the way, we’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Sacsarayoc snow-capped mountain and have the opportunity to spot condors soaring overhead.

At the pass, we may encounter snowy terrain, and the descent will lead us through expansive grass fields, passing by wooded areas and crossing small wooden bridges. Our destination is the village of Totora, situated at 3,700 m / 12,139 ft, where we will spend the night.

Key Information:

• Hiking distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
• Hiking time: 7 hours
• Lowest Elevation: 3,700 m / 12,139 ft (Totora)
• Highest Elevation: 4,800 m / 15,748 ft (Yanama Pass)
• Difficulty level: Demanding
• Highlights: Yanama Pass, views of Sacsarayoc mountain, possible condor sightings, snowy terrain, grassy fields, wooden bridges, village of Totora.

We will ascend gently to the highest point of our entire journey before descending 200 meters through changing vegetation to a warmer campsite in the village of La Playa (2,320 m / 7,611 ft). This route will take approximately 7 hours of walking. Along the way, we will encounter small waterfalls where we can take refreshing breaks.

As the climate and vegetation change, we’ll have the opportunity to observe a wide variety of birds, orchids, coffee plantations, and banana trees. La Playa is the largest village along the route where we will spend the night.

Key Information:

• Hiking distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
• Hiking time: 7 hours
• Lowest Elevation: 2,320 m / 7,611 ft (La Playa)
• Highest Elevation: 4,800 m / 15,748 ft (highest point of the journey)
• Difficulty level: Demanding
• Highlights: Gentle ascent to the highest point, descent through changing vegetation, small waterfalls, diverse bird species, orchids, coffee and banana plantations, village of La Playa.

Today marks our final day of hiking as we ascend uphill for approximately 3 hours to an elevation of 2,810 m / 9,219 ft. From here, we will enjoy an excellent view of Machu Picchu. After a well-deserved rest, we will descend to the Machu Picchu Hydroelectric Plant located along the Urubamba River.

From there, the trail follows the railway line towards the town of Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu. Tonight, we will rest in a hostel in Aguas Calientes, our last night on the trail.

Key Information:

• Hiking distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
• Hiking time: 6 hours
• Lowest Elevation: 1,900 m / 6,234 ft (Machu Picchu Hydroelectric Plant)
• Highest Elevation: 2,810 m / 9,219 ft
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Highlights: Uphill ascent with views of Machu Picchu, descent to Machu Picchu Hydroelectric Plant, scenic trail along the railway line to Aguas Calientes.

Today, we start with an early breakfast at 05:00 am. Afterwards, we will go to the bus station to board the shared buses since there are no private cars or taxis. It will take us approximately 25 minutes to reach the entrance to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival to Machu Picchu, you will enjoy a 3 to 4-hours guided tour. Your guide will explain to you about the mysteries of this wonder of the Incas which remained abandoned for hundreds of years and that the conquistadors (spanish) could not discover. It is thanks to this, the place remained intact. There will be plenty of time to take photos and enjoy the spectacular view. 

You have the option to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain (Entrance not included ), After exploring and satisfying your curiosity at Machu Picchu, you will return to the town of Aguas Calientes.

In Aguas Calientes, you can enjoy lunch at a restaurant of your choice. The return to Cusco will depend on the availability of train schedules.

Key Information:

• Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m / 6,692 ft (Machu Picchu)
• Highest Elevation: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft (Machu Picchu entrance)
• Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
• Highlights:Tour in Machu Picchu, return journey to Cusco by train.