7-day Choquequirao & Machu Picchu trek

Cusco

Day 1: Welcome to Cusco

Upon arrival at Cusco’s International Airport, look out for the friendly face who'll welcome you before transferring you to your hotel in the heart of the city, where you'll be free to relax and wander around at your own pace and leisure.

You will have a short briefing on your trip to answer any last-minute questions you might have, then the rest of the day will be free for you to relax and acclimatize to the high altitude. Remember to take it easy today! Upon request and according to your time of arrival, your local expert will have plenty of suggestions for you to make the most of your first day at leisure in Cusco.

Cusco - Santa Rosa

Day 2: Off-the-beaten-track hiking

Choquequirao is an off-the-beaten-path Inca citadel also known as “Machu Picchu’s twin sister” for its impressive setting and stonework. While Machu Picchu receives over 3,000 visitors per day, Choquequirao remains virtually untouched with only around 50 people arriving daily.

Today you'll leave Cusco early, headed north towards the region of Apurimac, enjoying great views of Salkantay and Humantay on the horizon along the way.

From the starting point, with a spectacular view of the Nevado Padreyoq, begin hiking towards the Capuliyoq viewpoint followed by a descent towards the Apurimac River.

You'll take a zigzagging footpath, crossing scrub and sparse forest for around three hours, before breaking for lunch at Chiquisqa. Afterwards, cross the Apurimac River and continue for about two more hours uphill, towards your campsite at Santa Rosa.

Santa Rosa - Choquequirao

Day 3: Admire the ruins of Choquequirao

After a hearty breakfast, begin hiking upwards to Marampata, a small village located about two hours further uphill, where you'll have some time to rest upon arrival.

From there onwards, follow a path which begins flat and then has several short uphill and downhill sections, before reaching the campsite at Choquequirao by lunchtime.

After lunch, walk for about 30 more minutes to reach the Inca site of Choquequirao. There, you will spend the afternoon exploring the site; keeping all fingers crossed, you might even catch a glimpse of condors. Return to your campsite afterwards for a well-deserved rest in the mountains.

Choquequirao - Chiquisqa

Day 4: Hike to the heights of the Andes

After a comfortable sleep and a delectable breakfast, it's time for the next leg of your hike amidst the Andes. Today, depending on your group's hiking level and interest, you'll have the option to visit Choquequirao once more.

Eventually, make your journey back to Chiquisqa via the same route. You will first head toward Marampata, then begin a long descent towards Santa Rosa, where you can stop for lunch. From there, keep on descending until you've crossed the river, where you'll begin a short one-hour uphill route to Chiquisqa - your base for the night.

Chiquisqa - Aguas Calientes

Day 5: Descend amongst the clouds

The trek this morning is somewhat physically intense for those who are not accustomed to the high altitude, yet it is also one of the most spectacular.

After enjoying the last breakfast of your trek, begin your last ascent back to Capuliyoq, the final point of your hiking route. You will walk for a total of two to four hours, depending on your pace.

You'll be making an early 6am start to avoid the heat as you hike uphill. Once at Capuliyoq, you'll have time to rest while your equipment is loaded onto your transport vehicle. Finally, once ready, set off on your journey to Aguas Calientes, gateway to Machu Picchu, where you'll spend the evening.

Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Day 6: Marvel at the majesty of Machu Picchu

After breakfast, board a bus up to Machu Picchu, surrounded by an impressive mountain setting. Once there, accompanied by your guide, you'll start exploring every corner of the lost Inca citadel.

Your guide will be more than happy to show you every corner of the famous site and answer any questions, to give you a better understanding of Machu Picchu and Incan culture. Depending on your pace and interest, the tour may last between two and four hours.

After the visit, you'll make a return to Cusco via Aguas Calientes, using a combination of public transport and private car. Back in Cusco, you'll have time in the evening to relax and enjoy your final hours in Peru.

Cusco

Day 7: Say farewell to the Sacred Valley

This morning you’ll be transferred from your hotel to Cusco International Airport.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end - but hopefully you'll have enjoyed your time exploring the very best that the Sacred Valley region of Peru has to offer. Have a pleasant onward trip!