15 Day Choquequirao Adventure

Today, we dive into the rich history of Cuzco, a city where every alleyway and street corner reveals a new surprise, whether in the form of superbly constructed Inca walls or the extravagant colonial churches and palaces. Once the capital of the vast Inca Empire, Cuzco has undergone significant transformations since the Spanish conquest in 1533.

Our city tour begins with a visit to the Cuzco Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece that houses invaluable colonial artwork and religious relics. We then continue to the Coricancha (Temple of the Sun), the most important religious site of the Incas, later converted into the Convent of Santo Domingo by the Spanish.

Leaving the city center, we take a short drive to explore four of the most impressive Inca archaeological sites in the region:

• Sacsayhuaman: An enormous fortress with massive monolithic walls, offering breathtaking views over Cuzco.
• Qenqo: A sacred site featuring fascinating carved rock formations used for ceremonial purposes.
• Puca Pucara: A military outpost with well-preserved stone structures.
• Tambomachay: Known as the “Inca Baths,” this site features intricately designed water channels and fountains.

After our explorations, we return to our hotel in Cuzco to rest and prepare for the days ahead.

Meals: B

Today, we leave Cuzco and head towards the breathtaking Chinchero Plateau, where we are rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of three different mountain ranges. Our first stop is the charming town of Chinchero, known for its well-preserved Inca terraces, colonial church, and vibrant artisan market, where locals demonstrate traditional weaving techniques passed down through generations.

Next, we continue to the famous Maras salt flats, an extraordinary collection of thousands of salt evaporation ponds that have been used since pre-Inca times. Here, we learn about the salt extraction process and admire the stunning contrast of the white salt terraces against the Andean landscape.

We then explore the fascinating circular terraces of Moray, an ancient Inca agricultural laboratory believed to have been used to experiment with crop cultivation at different altitudes. The ingenuity of these terraces highlights the advanced agricultural knowledge of the Incas.

After an insightful morning, we descend into the Sacred Valley to enjoy a delicious lunch at an excellent restaurant, where we will savor dishes made with locally grown produce.

Following lunch, we transfer to our hotel in the Sacred Valley, where you’ll have the rest of the afternoon free to relax and enjoy the tranquility of this beautiful Andean region.

Meals: B, L

Today, we continue exploring the breathtaking Sacred Valley, following the course of the Urubamba River, one of the main tributaries of the Amazon. Our destination is the remarkable Inca town of Ollantaytambo, an important archaeological and historical site that retains much of its original Inca urban planning.

We begin by exploring the massive Ollantaytambo Fortress, an impressive Inca complex featuring vast terraces, finely carved stone temples, and strategic viewpoints that offer panoramic views of the valley. This site played a significant role in Inca resistance against Spanish conquistadors and remains one of the best-preserved Inca ruins in Peru.

After our guided tour, we take time to wander through the charming village of Ollantaytambo, a fascinating blend of Inca and colonial architecture, where cobbled streets, water channels, and traditional stone houses create an immersive historical experience.

The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy Ollantaytambo at your own pace. You may choose to relax at a local café, explore local artisan markets, or take a scenic walk to admire the surrounding Andean landscapes.

In the evening, we prepare for the exciting trek ahead, ensuring everything is ready for our departure the following day.

Meals: B, L

Today, you will be collected from your hotel in the Sacred Valley for a scenic drive of approximately 5 hours to the trailhead. Along the way, we make a brief stop at the fascinating Sayhuite carved rock, an archaeological site believed to have served as a hydraulic model or ceremonial center during the Inca period.

We then continue our journey to Capuliyoc, the starting point of our trek. From here, we embark on a breathtaking descent into the Apurímac Canyon, surrounded by spectacular Andean scenery. After a well-earned lunch, we resume our hike, making our way towards our first campsite at Chiquisca.

We settle into camp for the night, enjoying a nourishing dinner prepared by our trekking team.

Walking time/distance: approx. 4 hours / 8 km / 5 miles.

Meals: B, L, D

Today, we begin our trek with a steep descent into the stunning Apurímac River Canyon. The trail starts off gently but soon becomes steeper and hotter as we make our way down to Playa Rosalina (1,550 m / 5,085 ft.), where we cross the mighty Apurímac River.

From here, we start our challenging ascent towards Marampata (2,930 m / 9,613 ft.), where we stop to enjoy a well-earned lunch with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

After lunch, we continue towards our final destination of the day—Choquequirao (2,860 m / 9,383 ft.), the impressive and remote Inca site often referred to as the “sister city” of Machu Picchu. Along the way, if we are lucky, we may spot Andean condors soaring above the canyon or even the elusive spectacled bear, a rare inhabitant of this region.

We set up camp near the ruins of Choquequirao, ready to explore this extraordinary site the following day.

Walking time/distance: approx. 7 hours / 15 km / 9.3 miles.

Meals: B, L, D

This morning, after breakfast, we set out to explore the magnificent ruins of Choquequirao, an archaeological site that is actually larger than Machu Picchu. Built during the mid to late 15th century, Choquequirao shares many similarities with Machu Picchu, yet remains far less visited, making it a truly special and immersive experience.

This enigmatic site was lost for centuries, as the dense high jungle rapidly covered its structures. It was later rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in the early 20th century, before he went on to reveal Machu Picchu to the world. As we explore, we will visit the different sectors of the ruins, including impressive agricultural terraces, ceremonial plazas, and the famous “Llama Terraces” adorned with stone carvings.

After a full day of discovery, we return to our campsite at Choquequirao for a second night under the stars.

Walking time/distance: approx. 7 hours / 6 km / 3.7 miles.

Meals: B, L, D

Today, we descend through a landscape of beautiful Inca terraces and lush, thick vegetation, gradually making our way to Pinchi Unuyoc (2,100 m / 6,890 ft.), where we will set up camp for the night.

This remote campsite is known for its warm and dusty environment, but we will have the chance to refresh ourselves in a beautiful nearby stream before settling in for the evening. The peaceful surroundings and soothing sounds of flowing water make this a perfect spot to rest after a rewarding day of trekking.

Walking time/distance: approx. 5 hours / 8 km.

Meals: B, L, D

We begin the day with a 2-hour descent to the Rio Blanco, followed by a challenging 4-hour ascent through some stunning cloud forest, eventually reaching Maizal (3,085 m / 10,121 ft.) where we’ll stop for lunch.

The trek through the forest is filled with lush vegetation and the opportunity to observe unique flora and fauna as we make our way to Maizal, a picturesque spot set high in the mountains.

Walking time/distance: approx. 6 hours / 8 km / 5 miles.

Meals: B, L, D

This morning, we begin with a 4-hour climb to the San Juan Pass (4,150 m / 13,615 ft.), where we’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. At the pass, we’ll take a well-deserved break and enjoy a delicious lunch while soaking in the panoramic scenery. The San Juan Pass is an important landmark on our journey, offering not only incredible vistas but also an opportunity to appreciate the vastness and beauty of the Andean landscape.

After our rest, we will descend into the Yanama Valley, a lush, green valley surrounded by towering peaks. As we make our way down, we’ll be treated to impressive views of the Panta and Pumasillo snow-capped mountains, which dominate the horizon. The descent will allow us to witness the gradual change in vegetation as we move from high-altitude terrain to the more temperate environment of the valley.

This section of the trek offers a perfect combination of challenging climbs and rewarding vistas, making it one of the most memorable parts of our adventure.

Walking time/distance: approx. 6 hours / 11 km / 6.8 miles.

Meals: B, L, D

Today, we embark on a challenging yet rewarding climb from our campsite to the top of the Yanama Pass (4,665 m / 15,305 ft.). This is one of the highest points on our trek, and from here, we’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including the majestic Veronica, Salkantay, and Humantay mountains to the south. These towering snow-capped giants create an awe-inspiring backdrop as we pause to take in the scenery and appreciate the sheer scale of the Andes.

After soaking in the incredible views, we begin our descent towards the valley, heading for Totora (3,425 m / 11,236 ft.), a scenic village where we will set up camp for the night. The descent is long and steady, with a gradual change in vegetation as we move away from the high-altitude landscapes and into the lush, verdant valleys below. Along the way, we’ll experience the diverse beauty of the Andes, from towering peaks to dense forests, making this a memorable day of exploration.

Our camp tonight will be in a tranquil spot, offering a chance to rest and recharge after a strenuous day. It’s a perfect opportunity to reflect on the stunning landscapes we’ve encountered and prepare for the next stage of our journey.

Walking time/distance: approx. 10 hours / 19 km.

Meals: B, L, D

Today, we continue our descent through the stunning cloud forest, a lush and vibrant ecosystem that will captivate you with its diverse flora. As we trek, we’ll pass through dense vegetation filled with beautiful begonias, orchids, and a variety of crops like coffee and passion fruit. The air is cooler and more humid here, providing a stark contrast to the higher altitudes we’ve recently experienced. The sounds of nature—birdsong, rustling leaves, and the occasional breeze—accompany us on this section of the journey, making it a truly immersive experience.

We will continue our walk until we reach Wayracpunku, an important archaeological site where we’ll take a brief break before transferring by private transport for about an hour to our campsite at Lucmabamba (1,800 m / 5,905 ft.). This peaceful, lower-altitude campsite provides the perfect place to rest and relax, surrounded by the tranquility of the forest.

Tonight, we camp in the serene surroundings of Lucmabamba, ready to unwind and reflect on the beauty of the cloud forest and the adventure so far.

Walking time/distance: approx. 5 hours / 23 km / 14.2 miles

Meals: B, L, D

Today, we begin our ascent from Lucmabamba to Llactapata (2,655 m / 8,710 ft.), a key archaeological site that offers one of the most unique and rarely seen views of Machu Picchu from the back. This is an incredible moment, as few visitors have the opportunity to witness this perspective of the ‘Lost City’ of the Incas.

After a well-earned lunch at Llactapata, we begin our descent to the mighty Urubamba River (1,900 m / 6,230 ft.), the main tributary of the Amazon River. The descent takes us through lush terrain and offers breathtaking views of the river below. Once at the river, we board the afternoon train that will take us to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, we check in to our hotel and have the evening to relax and enjoy the town’s peaceful atmosphere.

After the long day of trekking, you’ll have time to unwind, enjoy a hot shower, and prepare for the excitement of visiting Machu Picchu tomorrow.

Walking time/distance: approx. 6 hours / 13 km

Meals: B, L, D

After a professionally led tour of the incredible citadel of Machu Picchu, we will have some free time (up to 2 hours) to explore the rest of this breathtaking archaeological site with our guide. Take this opportunity to discover the many fascinating corners of the ancient city, learn more about its history, and enjoy the panoramic views.

Next, we will enjoy a delicious lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge, conveniently located near the entrance to Machu Picchu.

In the afternoon or early evening, we will depart from Machu Picchu and board the train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, we will transfer to our vehicle for the drive back to Cuzco, where we will check into our hotel for the night.

Note: Depending on train schedules, we may arrive in Cuzco very late at night.

Meals: B

Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight, marking the end of your unforgettable adventure in Peru. We hope you’ve enjoyed your journey and take with you lasting memories from this incredible experience.

Meals: B