8 Day Choquequirao to Machupicchu Trek

Day 1: Cusco(3,350m) - Cachora (2,915m) - Rosalina Beach (1,550m)
An early start for a 5 hours drive to the town of Cachora, which offers you wonderful views of the snow mountains of Salcantay, Humantay, Pitusiray, Chicon and Veronica. We descend into the town of Limatambo where we find an Inca site named Tarawasi. From here we continue to the small village of Cora Wasiwhere we find the Saiwite Stone which is said to be a carved map of the IncaEmpire.  Upon arrival in Cachora we have late breakfast, meet our wranglers and arrange our equipment on mules and horses. We take our day-packs and start walking along the edge of the mountains towards Capulliyoc from where we get our first view of the Apurimac Canyon and glimpse the trail that lies ahead of us.  Slowly we begin our descent towards Coca Masana where the climate becomes noticeably warmer and the flora and fauna begin to change. Finally, we arrive at Playa Rosalina (Rosalina Beach) which lies beside the raging Apurimac River. This is our campsite for the night. (Lunch, Dinner)
Approximately 6 hours walking with a 1hour stop for lunch. 

Day 2: Rosalina Beach – Choquequirao(3,035m)
After an early breakfast, the start of the second day is marked by our crossing of the Apurimac River via footbridge. A difficult climb awaits us today, and after approximately 4 hours hike we reach Marampata, beside the Chunchulmayo River.  We continue in to the afternoon, this hike is not as steep as in the morning and along the way we observe a variety of orchids and wild flowers as well as many species of birds.  After 2 hours of walking we arrive at the archaeological site of Choquequirao, where we stop and have lunch and a much deserved rest.   After lunch our guide will explain the history and importance of the site.  in time to enjoy the sunset and maybe an opportunity to see condors flying nearby. We set up camp just outside of the ruins in the cloud forest. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Approximately 6 hours walking with a 1hour stop for lunch.   

Day 3: Choquequirao – Maizal (3,050m)
We depart early in the morning in time to see the sun rise over Choquequirao. After 2 hours walking we arrive at Pinchi Unuyuc, another marvelous Inca site where your Guide will give another briefing about its importance, and you get time to enjoy the beautiful landscapes that surround the area.  We continue walking for another 1.5hrs and along the way you may see various types of orchids that are natural to the region.  We reach the Victoria River where we cross over to take our lunch on its banks.  After lunch we have a steep ascent of around 3 hours to Maizal, where we will camp for the evening and enjoy dinner and a hot drink. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Difficult Day : Ascent of 1 hour and descent of 3hours to Rio Victoria – lunch here – then up again for 2.5hrs to Maizal 

Day 4: Maizal - Yanama (3,800m)
Another early start.  After breakfast we continue on our all the way traversing through micro-climates where you can see many different species of birds and beautiful flora.  Your Guide will explain to you the importance of the area.  Our walk now ascends for approximately 2 hours passing by the Victoria Mines which originate from the Inca period until Colonial times. We continue on to the Victoria Pass where we enjoy our lunch and admire the views of the snow-capped mountains of Choquetacarpu (5,850m) and Pumasillo (5,900m).  After lunch we descend until the farming village of Yanama and camp closeby. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Approximately 6 hours walking with a 1hour stop for lunch. 

Day 5: Yanama – Totora (3,630m)
Another early start, we have breakfast and start our walk, a slow ascent, for approximately 2 hours until the Yanama Pass (4,670m).  Along our walk today we traverse over old Inca Pathways which were unfortunately destroyed during the Spanish occupation of Peru.  Today we will be surrounded by snow capped mountains: Sacsarayoj mountain and Padreyoj mountain. We then descend to the farming village of Totora and camp closeby. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Approximately 8 hours walking with a 1hour stop for lunch. 

Day 6: Totora –Playa (2,125m)
We have breakfast and start our descent towards the Totora River.  We are now entering a micro-climate zone and will see lots of fauna and flora in this area as well as many fruit trees.  You may be able to see some hummingbirds in this area. We finally reach the river where we take lunch and set up our campsite.(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Approximately 6 hours walking with a1 hour stop for lunch. 

Day 7: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu - Cusco
Today we start our last part of the hike walking uphill to around 2,810m – the walk will take around 3 hours.  From here we will have our view of Machupicchu in the distance.  We rest here for a while and start making our way to the Hydroelectric plant on the Urubamba River.  Depending on how much time we have we can either walk to the town of Aguas Calientes or catch the 4pmtrain.  The walk takes around 3hours.  Tonight we overnight in a hotel .(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Approximately 7 hours walking with a1 hour stop for lunch. 

Day 8: Machupicchu - Cusco
It is an early start to Machupicchu!  We take one of the first buses up to Machupicchu for sunrise and have a fully guided tour of around 2 hours.  After the tour you have time to explore the citadel on your own, and maybe even climb Huaynapicchu or Machupicchu Mountain.  We include a bus ticket down to the town, so when you are ready to head back to take lunch you can hop on any bus down.  We take the afternoon train back to Cusco/Ollantaytambo (depending on availability) and transfer you back to your hotel.   (Breakfast)


‍