Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 7 Days

We  start the day early, after breakfast we will continue descending for 1 hour to the Apurímac River, a place called Playa Rosalina, crossing the river we start to climb to Santa Rosa for an hour and a half to 2 hours approx. This part the physical effort is strong and we try to climb when is still shadow without the sun.

After a short break we will continue climbing for another  3  hours and a half  aprox. to the town of Marampata, where we  have lunch and in the afternoon free time  to rest. Marampata is a nice place town to see the sun set if we are luky.

After climbing 1500 masl we rest the rest of the day, in the same place is our dinner and hostal

Distance : 2 km down / 7 km up.            Total 9 km.
Climate : Warm Day/Cold Night.
Hiking time : 1 hour down / 5 hours up aprox.

We will try to take advantage of the day early after breakfast we  go to Choquequirao for an hour and a half approx.

Arriving at the place we will try to visit as much as possible during the day since we spend the whole day to get to know this wonderful place. Lunch will be a box lunch that will bring us to Choquequirao itself by  our muleteer, in the afternoon we will be returning to Marampata and we  spend the night there again.

Distance : 8 km round trip + 4km in Choquequirao itself.     Total 12 km aprox
Climate : Warm during the day , cold at night.
Hiking time : 9 hours  aprox including visit in Choquequirao.

After having visited Choquequirao a day before. This day we will continue the trip to Maizal, after breakfast we will begin to walk for about 2 hours and we will pass through Choquequirao again, continuing the climb to the Choquequirao pass and then begin to descend to the Archaeological Center of Pinchaunuyoc, approximately 2 hours. place where you can see Inka-style agricultural terraces where even their water sources continue to function. We will take a short break to have our box lunch that will be brought by our muleteer and then we continue descending for 1 more hour to the RIO BLANCO , a remote place where we will cross the union of two valleys, from there we begin the climb for approximately 3 hours to the Maizal camp, where we will hopefully have an incredible sunset with views of wonderful landscapes. Dinner and overnight in rural accommodation.

After a breakfast provided by the local camp with Andean and local products, we will begin to walk uphill in a humid forest from Maizal to a place called Mina Victoria, a place already leaving the humid forest to the Puna area where even local residents extract. the mineral in an artisanal way (silver and copper).
After that we continue climbing to the San Juan Pass 4150 meters above sea level. Place where we will have a short break, total climb between 3 to 4 hours approx. There we will eat our box lunch that will be brought by our muleteer and from there we will begin to descend to the town of Yanama passing through incredible landscapes. Once in Yanama we will take a local bus that will take us to the district of Santa Teresa for about 4 to 5 hours. approx. Passing through places like Abra Mariano Llamocca 4645 meters above sea level and descending through the town of Totora, Ccollpapampa, Playa Sahuayaco and finally arriving at Santa Teresa, a warm area where at night we can relax in the hot springs of the place called Cocal Mayo. On the side of the Urubamba River, this visit is not included and has an extra cost of approximately 25 soles, including transportation and the entrance ticket to the place.
At night we will have dinner and stay in the Santa Teresa district.

After breakfast we take the morning to rest, relax and visit the district of Santa Teresa, later we take a transport to Hydroelectric for approximately half an hour. for lunch.
Optional there is a zip line activity that consists of an adventure sport where the passenger crosses the Urubamba Valley sliding on cables with safety harnesses. This activity has an extra cost of 120 soles per person which includes transportation from the Hotel to the start. of the activity 5 cables that cross the valley and transportation to the hydroelectric lunch spot. You can decide this option already being at the place a day before. It is not necessary to reserve them in advance.
In the afternoon we will have a walk along the entire train track to the town of Aguas Calientes, 11 km, approximately 3 hours, we will pass through landscapes with a warm and tropical climate surrounding the Huaynapicchu mountain, next to the Urubamba River and in parts we will be able to see Machupicchu in the distance. Once in the town of Aguas Calientes we can enjoy our dinner and rest at the hostel.

The final day of our tour is a thrilling experience:

• visiting Machu Picchu, a highly anticipated highlight. We rise at dawn, around 4 a.m., to enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Around 4:30 am, we begin our hike towards the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. The hike from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu takes about 1.5 hours, blending 30 minutes of a flat trail with an hour’s ascent through historic stone steps leading directly to Machu Picchu’s main entrance.

Alternative Route: Bus to Machu Picchu

• For those preferring a less strenuous option, there’s an alternative to take a bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. This convenient option can be booked the night before or on the morning itself. The first buses from Aguas Calientes depart at 5:30 am and cost $12 per trip, taking approximately 25 minutes.

Arrival and Entry Procedures

• The goal is to arrive at the Machu Picchu gate by 6:00 am, whether on foot or by bus. At the main control, you must show your Machu Picchu tickets and original passports. If you booked as a student, you also need to present your original student ID.

Machu Picchu Guided Tour

• After passing through the controls, we head to the upper part of Machu Picchu for iconic photo opportunities. You’ll have time to capture images and enjoy the breathtaking views. Then, our expert Machu Picchu guide will lead a 2.5-hour tour through the Inca citadel. During this tour, you’ll discover all the secrets and history that make Machu Picchu a world wonder.

Independent Exploration Time

• Following the guided tour at Machu Picchu, you will have around 30 minutes of free time to continue exploring the circuit on your own. Remember, the maximum allowed visiting time at Machu Picchu is 3 hours according to park regulations.

Post-Visit Itineraries

• After visiting Machu Picchu, the journey continues, but at this point, each group member will follow their own itinerary based on the options they chose at the time of booking. Those who have reserved tickets for Waynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain will receive guidance from our guide to access the entry points of these mountains. It’s important to remember that these tickets must be reserved in advance through CHOQUEQUIRAO WASI.

After Machu Picchu Return Options to Cusco

• Car Return Option: If you choose the car return option, you must start a roughly 3-hour hike from Machu Picchu to Hydroelectric. Be at Hydroelectric by 2:30 pm to take the car that will transport you from Hydroelectric to Cusco. This trip takes about 6 hours, arriving in Cusco around 10 pm, with the final stop at Plaza Regocijo in the center of Cusco city. This return option does not provide enough time for additional hikes to Waynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, as they require about 3 extra hours. To catch the car at 2:30 pm at Hydroelectric, it’s recommended to leave Machu Picchu no later than 11:30 am.
• Train Return Option: If you opt for the train return, you’ll need to go back to the town of Aguas Calientes, which can be done by walking for approximately 1.5 hours or taking a 25-minute bus ride for $12. Once in Aguas Calientes, you’ll have time to explore the town and perhaps have lunch, as the last lunch is not included in the tour. Then, head to the train station to catch the 2:30 or 3:30 pm train to Ollantaytambo, a journey of about 1.5 hours. In Ollantaytambo, our transfer service will be waiting to take you back to Cusco by car, a trip of approximately two hours, arriving in Cusco around 6:30 pm. The train option allows for more time at Machu Picchu and is sufficient for the optional mountain hikes. It is faster and more comfortable, making the return to Cusco less tiring.

IMPORTANT NOTE: ITINERARY FOR THE LAST DAY AT MACHU PICCHU

• The itinerary for the final day at Machu Picchu is subject to the availability of tickets for Machu Picchu. The proposed schedule works seamlessly with tickets for Machu Picchu for Circuit 02, available for entry times at 6, 7, or 8 am  – check availability at www.machupicchu.gob.pe
• In the event that tickets for Circuit 02 are not available for the 6, 7, or 8 am entry times at the time of your trek reservation, the itinerary will require adjustments. 
• This link will guide you through the possible alternatives, ensuring you still have a fulfilling experience at Machu Picchu despite the changes in schedule or circuit availability.