Take on this full seven-day trail from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu. It links these two main Inca areas, starts at far-off Choquequirao up in mountains, ends at famous Machu Picchu wonder.
Trail is demanding, covers about 65 km, but payoffs make it worth. On trip, see deep gorges, old stories, cloud forest sights that stand out. Push your limits here!
Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Seven Days: Two Inca Spots in One Big Trail
Machu Picchu draws crowds as top spot, but Choquequirao sees fewer. Not less impressive though. What if Choquequirao is larger? Tough to picture. This trip mixes trails to both Inca sites. Both on mountain sides, but Choquequirao only by foot, shows the effort!
From Cusco, drop into Apurimac gorge, one of Peru’s deepest. Five days walking Choquequirao route over hills to the site at over 3000 m or 9974 ft. Go down to river base, climb to top. After seeing latest finds at Choquequirao, meet other walkers on Inca trail to Machu Picchu. See cloud forest, one night hotel before main day.
Main Points:
mapaWhy Choose the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu 7 Days This trek delivers the complete Inca experience in a single journey — from the remote and mysterious Choquequirao to the iconic Machu Picchu — without the crowds or permits restrictions of the classic Inca Trail.
Key Highlights of the Journey You will explore the impressive terraces and temples of Choquequirao, descend into the stunning Apurimac Canyon, climb over the 4,600 m Choquequirao Pass, walk through biodiverse cloud forest, and end with a sunrise visit to Machu Picchu.
Perfect for Adventurous Travelers Designed for fit hikers with previous high-altitude experience, this 7-day itinerary balances physical challenge with cultural immersion and spectacular scenery while keeping group sizes small for a more personal adventure.
Cultural and Natural Immersion Along the route you will meet local Quechua families, learn about living Inca traditions, and witness rich biodiversity including spectacled bears, condors, orchids, and ancient flora in one of Peru’s most pristine wilderness areas.
Picked up 4:30 am from place, four-hour drive to trail start in Capuliyoc town. On way, stop at Sayhuite Inca spot, big rock with shapes, animals, seen as map for water systems. After morning meal, meet hike team, begin to lost Inca places. First four hours down to Chikiska, from high land to warmer Apurimac gorge. Midday by chef with local fresh. Next 2.5 hours up to camp in Santa Rosa settlement.
Morning meal over, start hard part. Four-hour switchback up to Marampata, midday there with mountain views, lots plants, animals. After, two more hours to Choquequirao Inca spot. Afternoon explore, enjoy sunset. Camp near ruin.
Hot tea or coffee in tent with Andes sight to wake. Guided walk of main parts at Choquequirao Inca spot. After midday, up one hour to Choquequirao pass; then three hours down to Pinchiunuyoc Inca spot. Look at old farming steps, continue two hours down. Camp at Rio Blanco 1880 m / 6167 ft – bring strong bug spray.
Morning meal, continue trail; first four hours hard switchback up to Maizal 2891 m / 9488 ft. Midday rest, then steep four hours to camp at Pajonal 4000 m / 13124 ft. See farm lands, local plants, birds, old Victoria mines.
Morning meal, walk one hour to San Juan Pass at 4210 m / 13812 ft. Top views of mountains; then three hours down to Yanama village 3700 m / 12139 ft. After midday, bye to horse guys, ride to Lucmabamba 2100 m / 6890 ft. Night in coffee grower home.
Wake amid coffee, avocado trees, see organic coffee place, learn harvest. Then three hours up old Inca trail to Llaqta. First good look at big Inca spot Machu Picchu. After views, down to hydroelectric for midday, then three hours walk, last along tracks to Aguas Calientes. Night in hotel there.
Up early for key day, first bus up to Machu Picchu to visit before sun up. See main trails, open areas, worship spots. After guide tour, time alone or extra climb to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu peak (separate from main). Afternoon Vistadome train back to Cusco. Drop at place around 7:30 pm, end of Choquequirao to Machu Picchu.
Extra Climbs After Machu Picchu Walk:
Both need book ahead.
Cost for Choquequirao Hike Seven Days
Per person:
To reserve, pay 400 USD initial each; rest online or Cusco office, any card, no fees.
Student Reduction:
Under 17 get 40 off. 25 or under with student ID, email for code.
Preparation Tips Spend at least 3–4 days acclimatizing in Cusco (3,400 m) before departure. Focus on hydration, light cardio, and coca tea to prepare your body for the extreme altitude changes and long hiking days.
Essential Packing List
During the Trek Walk at a steady pace, stay well hydrated, and follow your guide’s instructions on altitude management and weather. Practice Leave No Trace principles, respect sacred Inca sites, and honor local Quechua customs at every community you pass.
Post-Trek Advice After your guided visit to Machu Picchu on the final day, enjoy the train ride back to Cusco. Allow at least one full rest day in Cusco to recover, relax with a hot shower, and reflect on your extraordinary journey through the Andes.
Is the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu 7 Days difficult? Yes, it is rated challenging due to long hiking days (6-9 hours), steep ascents and descents, and high altitude. Good physical fitness and prior trekking experience are essential.
Do I need previous high-altitude experience? Yes. Hikers with previous multi-day treks at altitude (above 4,000 m) will find this route more enjoyable and safer.
Will we have time to explore both archaeological sites fully? Absolutely. You will have a full afternoon and morning at Choquequirao plus a complete guided tour of Machu Picchu on the last day with time for optional climbs to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (extra permits required).
How cold do the nights get? Nights at higher camps can drop below freezing. A quality sleeping bag and warm layers are mandatory for comfort.
What is included in the price? Professional bilingual guide, cook, arrieros, horses for gear, all camping equipment, all meals on the trek, private transfers, train tickets, Choquequirao and Machu Picchu entrance fees, and safety equipment.
Is altitude sickness a major concern? Yes, especially on the high passes. Proper acclimatization in Cusco, constant hydration, and following guide advice greatly reduce risks. Consult your doctor about preventive medication.
Are there toilet facilities during the trek? Portable eco-friendly toilets are provided at every campsite to protect the environment and ensure comfort.
What happens on the last day? You hike to the Sun Gate for your first view of Machu Picchu, enjoy a guided tour, and then take the train back to Cusco the same afternoon or evening.
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Take on this full seven-day trail from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu. It links these two main Inca areas, starts at far-off Choquequirao up in mountains, ends at famous Machu Picchu
That spot called Choquequirao translates to something like gold holder. It rests over the fast-moving Apurimac River fed by ice, with big icy mountains all around, up on a tall
