Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek 6 Days

Discover the route from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu

6 Days

TRIP SUMMARY

An amazing combination of challenging trekking and visits to two important Inca archaeological sites. First the remote and lesser known Choquequirao (Machu Picchu’s sister city) and then the mystical and famous Seventh Wonder of the World Machu Picchu. Choquequirao (Cradle of Gold) is a partially excavated Inca ruined city that bears a striking similarity in structure and architecture to Machu Picchu. It is often referred to as Machu Picchu’s “sister”. Choquequirao receives far fewer tourists than Machu Picchu, but the ruin is no less interesting and is a good alternative to the crowded Machu Picchu.

The ruins of Choquequirao are composed of buildings and terraces at different levels, from the lower level Sunch’uPata to the top of the hill. The top of the hill has been leveled and surrounded by stones to form a large platform.

Choquequirao (3,085 m) is located between the Salkantay mountain range above the Apurimac River valley. The entire complex covers 1,800 hectares, 30 to 40% of which are uncovered. It is believed that the site was built during the reign of the Inca king Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui and is considered the last bastion of resistance and refuge of the Sons of the Sun who fled the city of Cusco when it was besieged by the Spanish in 1535. This is a challenging hike and it is important to be well acclimatized to the altitude and be in good physical condition.

Choquequirao to Machupicchu Trek Itinerary 6 Days

Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Chikiska – Rosalina Beach

We leave Cusco at 5:00 a.m. in our private bus for a 4-hour trip passing through Santa Limatambo until we reach the Capuliyoc pass, located on the edge of the Apurimac Canyon and surrounded by impressive snow-capped peaks. Then we will descend for 2 hours until we reach Chikiska where we will have lunch. Then we continue our hike for 1 hour more to Playa Rosalina’s where we will spend the first night of our trip to Choquequirao and Machu Picchu.

Time: 4 hours of descent approximately.
Minimum altitude 1500 masl
Maximum altitude: 2945 masl.
Distance traveled:
Climate: temperate, warm

Day 2: Rosalina Beach – Maranpata – Choquequirao

After breakfast. The first part of the trip consists of a 6 to 7-hour ascent on a long and narrow road. Our adventure begins by crossing the bridge over the Apurimac River, which is surrounded by dense vegetation with several varieties of orchids. At 1 hour and a half are the annexes of Santa Rosa Baja and Santa Rosa Alta and we will take a short break, then continue until we reach Marampata where you can have lunch, in Marampata we will have our first view of the Choquequirao complex. Then we continue walking for 2 more hours until we arrive at what is considered the sister city of Machu Picchu for its several similarities to the Apurimac canyon, and Machu Picchu is located in the Urubamba canyon. In the afternoon, you will have free time to enjoy the views of the canyon at sunset, here it is also possible to see Andean condors flying in the mountains. We will camp near Choquequirao where we will spend our second night.

– Time: 6 to 7 hours of ascent approximately.
– Campsite: Choquekirao 3100 masl.
– Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
– Minimum altitude: Playa Rosalina 1500 masl.
– Maximum altitude: Marampata at 2918 meters above sea level.
– Height of Choquequirao: 3100 meters above sea level.
– Weather: warm and cold at night.

Day 3: Choquequirao – Rio Blanco – Maizal

After our breakfast, we leave to start the tour of the ruins of Choquequirao our guide will take us through the most important archaeological sites, and around noon we will start the road to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu we will pass through the Choquequirao pass and then descend to 1400 m (4, 600 ft) passing the recently discovered ruins of Pincha Unuyoc to the Rio Blanco, where we will have a refreshing break immersing ourselves in the cool waters, then climb steeply again, 1,200 m (3,900 ft) to the small and beautifully located Maizal camp at an altitude of 3,000 m (9,840 ft). This day is probably the most difficult of the trip, but if you are well prepared and determined, you will make it.

– Time: approximately 7 to 8 hours of ascent.
– Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
– Minimum altitude: Playa Rosalina is 1500 meters above sea level.
– Maximum altitude: Marampata at 2918 meters above sea level.
– Height of Choquequirao: 3100 meters above sea level.
– Distance: 18 km.
– Climate: warm and cold at night.

Day 4: Maizal – Yanama – Totora – Santa Teresa

After a delicious breakfast, we will leave behind the camp in Maizal and make a final ascent through the old silver mines of La Victoria until we reach the highest pass of the trail at the San Juan pass. This route offers spectacular views of the Vilcabamba mountain range. Here we will take a short break and enjoy our lunch.

Then we will continue along a charming and sometimes steep road to the Andean village of Yanama; Here we say goodbye to our muleteers and then climb aboard the vehicle that will be waiting for us to head to the town of Santa Teresa on the route we will pass through the Totora pass and then the small town of Lucmabamba and finally Santa Teresa. In Santa Teresa we can go to take a shower in the hot springs of Cocalmayo.

– Time: 5 hours walking and 4 hours by bus.
– Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
– Minimum altitude: Santa Teresa 2100 meters above sea level.
– Maximum altitude: Open San Juan at 4150 meters.
– Total distance: 27 km.
– Warm weather.

Day 5: Santa Teresa – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes

After breakfast, we will take a bus that will take us to the hydroelectric plant 40 minutes away, where we will have our lunch.

After lunch we will have to hike along the train tracks, this trail will take us approximately 3 hours, and then we will arrive at the town of Aguas Calientes, where it will be our last night.

Note: If you wish to do adventure sports such as zip lining or canoeing in Santa Teresa, you can do it in about 2 hours.

Time: 2 to 3 hours walking and 40 minutes by bus.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Campsite: Aguas Calientes 2100masl.
Minimum altitude: Aguas Calientes 2200 masl.
Machu Picchu: 2400 masl.
Total distance: 9 km.
Warm weather.

Day 6: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu

This day will be the highlight for the thrill of climbing Machu Picchu, remember that for the entrance to Machu Picchu there are two shifts to visit the citadel and explore this truly magnificent Wonder of the World while enjoying the beautiful sunrise from this once in lifetime viewpoint. Your group will learn about this mystical place on a two-hour guided tour of the ruins. You can then choose to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (if you have booked in advance) or hike to the Sun Gate or the Inca Bridge (no additional entrance fees). With our guide, you will visit each of the archaeological remains such as the Inti Huatana, the Condor Temple, and the Inca’s house, among others. At the end of the tour, we will return from Machu Picchu and take the train to the imperial city of Cusco.

– Time: 40 minutes by bus and 3 hours guided.
– Meals: breakfast, lunch.
– Minimum altitude: Aguas Calientes 2200 meters above sea level.
– Machu Picchu: 2400 meters above sea level.
– Total distance: 9 km.
– Warm weather.