Considered Machu Picchu's "sister city," Choquequirao is one of Peru’s most spectacular hikes, with sweeping Andean vistas and even the chance to spot condors. Choquequirao sits high atop the Apurimac Valley, in utter isolation. You’ll be awestruck as you take in the beautiful natural surroundings, and marvel at the Incas’ ingenuity to construct such impressive buildings.
Choquequirao to Machu Picchu is one of the most challenging and spectacular treks in the region. This Peru trek connects one of the most famous Inca cities.
Starting in Chiquisca, we follow the Choquequirao trail down to the Apurimac River and then climb steeply back up again until we reach the ruins. After some time to fully explore as much of this incredible site as possible (it’s still only partially excavated!), the trek continues from Choquequirao towards Machu Picchu.
After two and half more days of hiking through beautiful mountain landscapes and past remote villages, we will drive to Lucmabamba where we will stay on Day 5. Lucmabamba is a semi-tropical area full of fruit trees and other crops, and we will have a chance to learn first-hand about traditional coffee making. You can also choose to spend the night in a homestay rather than camping!
On Day 6, we hike up to Llactapata for our first views of Machu Picchu – an amazing perspective on this World Heritage Site. After spending the night in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes, we then travel up to Machu Picchu itself on Day 7 for a tour of the Inca citadel.
TREKKERS WANTED!
Words from the group:
"Come join us! The three of us are active year-round hikers and backpackers who value adventures and cultural exchanges. Reasons for the invite: to share this experience with new perspectives and as well, help defray the cost. We’re looking for up to 4 others (a total group of 7) so as to keep the group intimate ."
Final rates are based on the number of paying participants that enroll for this trip.
We are currently accepting deposits to secure space on the trip. Please be advised once the deposit deadline is reached, we will, at that time, determine how many paying participants have enrolled and adjust the final cost of the trip. This information will determine the final balance per person.
If you have any questions please ask prior to signing up.
Prices are per person, based on double tent occupancy. These prices include an entry ticket to Huayna Picchu:
Group of 4 - 6 people: $1705 USD
Group of 7+ people: $1519 USD
Single room in Aguas Calientes: $60
Single supplement tent: $35
Huayna Picchu: $60
Final balance is due 7 days prior to your trek departure.
Hi Kelly and fellow trekkers,
This is your payment link for your upcoming 7-day Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek. The price quoted here is the price per person. Please be sure to enter the correct number of passengers for whom you will be paying the deposit.
Please make sure you read and understand our Booking Conditions before paying your deposit. Please also download and fill out this Passenger Details Form and this Medical Declaration & Insurance Waiver Form. You will be prompted to upload these documents when paying your deposit.
Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you in Peru!
Lorena and Apus Peru team.
We begin our Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu with an early departure from Cusco and head towards the Apurimac canyon, surrounded by impressive snow-capped peaks. After about an hour and a half of driving, we will have a short stop at Tarawasi (2675m / 8776 ft).
Tarawasi gets its name from two Quechua words: tara, a type tree native to the Andes (latin name: caesalpina espinosa), and wasi, which means “house”. So Tarawasi is “the house of the Tara tree”. Tara is a multipurpose tree that produces large bean pods that turn orange when ripe. The seeds inside are used as a natural dye, and also have medicinal purposes.
Tarawasi is a ceremonial centre that dates to Incan times. One of the most striking features of this archaeological site is the presence of an usnu, a ceremonial structure where ritual offerings would be prepared.
From here, we continue by car another 3h to Capuliyoc (2970m / 9744ft). In Capuliyoc we have our first beautiful views of the Apurimac valley stretching below, as well as the snow-capped peaks of Padreyoc and Huayna Cachora. We will meet our muleteers here and walk about 15 minutes to have our lunch at the Capuliyoc lookout point. From here, we descend steeply 3-4h into the Apurimac Canyon, taking in the spectacular views until we reach Chiquisca (1950m / 6397 ft), with breathtaking drops on either side. An hour beyond Chiquisca, we arrive at the roaring Apurimac River (1520m / 4986 ft).
From the river, we begin to climb to the Santa Rosa Campsite (2095m / 6873 ft). This is a tough 2h climb but makes the next day easier! As the campsite is further along than the most popular camp, it is often quiet and you can soak up the stars.
*This day is flexible and so the route you trek might not correspond exactly to the route described here. Walking times depend on the time of departure and on the nature of the group. The guide may change lunch spots and campsites, depending on the progress of the group.
*Please take note that there might be biting insects on the trail, thus repellent will be needed! It can get very hot on the trail (not just in the canyon!), going up to 30-35 ºC (86 ºF – 95 ºF). It can get as hot as 40ºC (104 ºF) in the canyon.