Choquequirao to Machupicchu – 6D/5N

Book your next adventure at the best price.
6 Days, 5 Nights from $950.00
Duration
6 Days, 5 Nights
Activity Type
Tour Cultural
Food
Not included
Physical Level
Serious

Choquequirao to Machupicchu – 6D/5N


Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Chiquiska, Santa Rosa, Choquequirao, Maranpata, Playa Rosalina, Coca Masana, Cachora, Machu Picchu

This tour is an exciting adventure through one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Peru. Choquequirao is an Inca citadel located in the mountains of the Cusco region, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and spectacular views. During this tour, you will explore the impressive archaeological remains of Choquequirao, which have yet to be fully discovered and excavated. You will also have the opportunity to meet the local people, who still preserve the culture and tradition of the ancient Incas.

Our team of expert guides will accompany you throughout the tour, providing you with detailed information about the history and culture of Choquequirao, and ensuring that you have an unforgettable experience in this magical place. Get ready for a unique experience that will take you through the centuries, and leave you with lasting memories of one of Peru’s most valuable archaeological treasures.


BEST SELLINGG TOUR
Price from $ 950.00 USD Per Person
Tour Map

Overview

This multi-day path connects two significant Inca locations through Andean valleys and canyons in Peru. Participants depart from Cusco and move into isolated highland regions, encountering steep descents, river areas, and ascents. The trail features vegetation changes from dry cactus zones to warmer plant growths. Travelers observe birds such as condors and interact with small settlements. The route emphasizes historical Inca constructions influenced by the terrain’s demands.

BIO ANDEAN EXPEDITIONS organizes every aspect, ensuring consistent movement between daily parts. Our private transportation, possessed by the agency, includes drivers with substantial preparation for operating on these elevated and curved roads in a protected manner. Guides within our organization perform well in managing people from different origins, delivering information in several languages to address group requirements.

The excursion lasts six days, commencing with a morning exit from Cusco and finishing with a return following the last site. Each section contains walking distances, on-site nourishment, and overnight setups. Heights extend to 4700 meters or 15418 feet, calling for adequate readiness. Area conditions differ, with warmth building in lower sections due to Andean influences.

Groups have faced unexpected fog in canyons, yet guides modify the approach, turning it into a period to outline plant adjustments in the zone. Such instances lend a genuine touch to the proceeding. The attention stays on regular advancement across varied grounds.

Dwellings along the line uphold traditional methods linked to the soil, like maintaining small crop areas on slopes. These meetings supply perspectives on upland living and adaptation to the environment. Our delegates keep ongoing knowledge of your placement during the full itinerary, positioned to offer aid when necessary.

Later portions shift to milder climates near water flows, with chances for short interactions with locals. This alteration mirrors the range of natural systems in the Andes, from cooler high areas to subtropical borders.

Altogether, this program from BIO ANDEAN EXPEDITIONS differentiates through its broad inclusion of Inca trails and terrain variations, suitable for individuals pursuing a complete involvement in Andean past.

Highlights

  • Linkage of major Inca sites via underused routes, granting unique entry to canyons and vegetation shifts absent in abbreviated programs from competing organizations.
  • Everyday nourishment crafted from natural sources with organic area produce, prioritizing district tastes over commonplace selections in rival bundles.
  • Leaders present extensive descriptions of Inca buildings and highland nature at every point, offering greater detail than quick summaries in comparable ventures.
  • Private transportation held by BIO ANDEAN EXPEDITIONS affirms steady operation with proficient drivers, evading the unreliability of communal choices employed by opponents.
  • Overnight configurations encompass reliable elements like air pads in picturesque locations, boosting ease past fundamental setups in matching extended walks.
  • Addition of condor observations and site explorations, a distinct feature not always in expeditions from additional groups.
  • Modifiable worldwide plate selections at supplemented expense via our booking personnel, supplying food range lacking in rigid-nourishment alternatives from others.
  • Persistent watch by a BIO ANDEAN EXPEDITIONS delegate examines your whole timetable for prompt alterations and protection.

Trip details

  • Tour Duration: 6 days and 5 nights
  • Maximum Group Size: 12 individuals
  • Locations Covered: 10 distinct areas
  • Available Seasons: Throughout the year
  • Highest Elevation: 4700 meters or 15418 feet
  • Physical Demand: Serious level with demanding hiking
  • Pricing Basis: Calculated per participant

Trip Summary

Day 1: Cusco – Cachora – Coca Masana – Playa Rosalina

  • 5:30 a.m.: Pickup from your hotel in Cusco using private transportation owned by the agency.
  • Morning: 4 hours travel to Cachora at 2900 meters.
  • Mid-morning: Breakfast in Cachora.
  • Late morning to afternoon: 2 hours hike to Capuliyoc at 2915 meters.
  • Afternoon: Descend to Coca Masana at 2330 meters.
  • Late afternoon: Continue to Playa Rosalina at 1550 meters.
  • Evening: Camp by Apurimac River, dinner.

Day 2: Playa Rosalina – Maranpata / Choquequirao

  • Early morning: Breakfast.
  • Morning to afternoon: Hike to Maranpata or Choquequirao.
  • After noon: Arrival and exploration of the site.
  • 3:00 p.m.: Possible condor sightings.
  • Evening: Route to Raqaypata camp, dinner.

Day 3: Choquequirao full day

  • Morning: Breakfast and guided tour of sectors.
  • Afternoon: Lunch, rest, and free time at site.
  • Evening: Dinner at camp.

Day 4: Choquequirao – Santa Rosa – Chiquiska

  • Morning: Breakfast.
  • Mid-morning to afternoon: Descend to Santa Rosa.
  • Afternoon: Continue to Chiquiska.
  • Evening: Camp, dinner.

Day 5: Chiquiska – Cachora – Aguas Calientes

  • Morning: Breakfast.
  • Mid-morning: Walk to Cachora.
  • Afternoon: Lunch, then private transportation to Ollantaytambo.
  • Late afternoon: Train to Aguas Calientes.
  • Evening: Hotel stay.

Day 6: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollamtaytambo – Cusco

  • 4:00 a.m.: Breakfast, optional 1 hour 30 minutes walk or 5:30 a.m. bus (25 minutes) to Machu Picchu.
  • Morning: 2 hours guided tour.
  • Afternoon: Optional Huayna Picchu climb (1 hour 45 minutes), then train from 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., or 6:20 p.m. to Ollantaytambo (2 hours).
  • Evening: Private transportation back to Cusco.

RESERVATIONS

To check availability for any of our services, please contact us at reservas@bioandeanexpeditions.com or via WhatsApp at +51 969 875 999 or +51 984 404 049.

We’ll be happy to provide detailed information, rates, and booking conditions.

We offer special discounts for groups, and all our tours are fully guaranteed with daily departures.
Feel free to get in touch for more details about your preferred experience or to start creating a personalized travel itinerary based on your interests.

Bio Andean Expeditions is a trusted travel agency based in Cusco, Peru, dedicated to offering authentic and memorable experiences throughout the region.

Whether you’re seeking a family adventure, a romantic escape, or a nature-filled journey, our professional team ensures comfort, quality, and a genuine connection with local culture and traditions.

NOTE: At Bio Andean Expeditions, we specialize in custom-made travel experiences across Peru.
With access to exclusive deals and carefully selected partner hotels, we can help you design your perfect itinerary.
For assistance with your tailor-made package, don’t hesitate to contact us anytime.

DAY 1 Cusco - Cachora - Coca Masana - Playa Rosalina

We leave Cusco early in the morning by private transport at about 5:30 am and arrive after 4 hours to Cachora (2,900 m.a.s.l.), a typical Andean village where we meet the rest of our trekking team. After a well-deserved breakfast, we start a two-hour hike to Capuliyoc (2,915 m.).

On the way we get our first views of the Apurimac Valley below and the snow-capped peaks of Padreyoc and Huayna Cachora (5,482 m.). We then descend the eastern slopes of the Andes to reach Coca Masana (2,330 m.). The temperature increases, the flora and fauna begin to change. Finally we arrive at Playa Rosalina at 1,550 m., where we camp next to the Apurimac River.

Again we get up very early to have breakfast and start our hike to get to Marampata or Choquequirao. After noon we will arrive at the archaeological site and we will know it step by step, the great skill and intelligence that had the people who built this vestige that makes us see again the glorious time of the Inca empire.

Admiring the beauty and with our heads full of ideas, we observe how the condors fly, which around 3 pm appear in the Choquequirao area when they fly to higher areas. Later we take a route to Raqaypata where we camp and after dinner we spend the night.

This day we will dedicate exclusively to enjoy all the magic of the history and splendor of Choquequirao, with a guided tour and time to know the entire site with its 8 sectors, such as barns, houses, temples and also observe the three levels of the excavated ruins of this late Inca city, as the ruin under excavation and finally unexplored areas that can inform us about this last refuge of the terraces of the oppressed Inca empire.

Again, this day we have the opportunity to enjoy the majestic flight of the condors that with a lot of luck will pass very close to you. In the afternoon we will return to our camp for lunch and then rest and enjoy the tranquility of Choquequirao.

After breakfast, we will begin to descend towards Santa Rosa, where the vegetation will become abundant and the climate warmer. We will continue to the Chiquisca sector to camp.

We will wake up with the birds singing and the beautiful landscapes. We will walk to Cachora and after lunch we will take our bus to Ollantaytambo to take the train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu village) where we will spend the night in a one star hotel.

We get up early in the morning around 4 am. to have breakfast and leave for Machu Picchu which takes 1:30 minutes walking, but there is another option to take the first bus that leaves at 5:30 am. to Machu Picchu (takes 25 minutes) to appreciate the magnificent city as the sun rises.

Your guide will give you a 2-hour tour and then you can explore the mysterious city on your own. If you still have energy, you can also climb Huayna Picchu (2,720m. / 8,890 ft.) It takes 1:45 minutes to reach the top (optional and check availability). Then you will take the train around 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm or 6:20 pm depending on the availability of the train, so you will arrive to Ollantaytambo after 2 hours of travel, so a private transportation will take you back to Cusco.

Included

  • Professional bilingual guide (Spanish – English): Specialists in Inca routes, giving precise details in chosen languages to improve grasp of historical sites during walks and visits.
  • Assistant guide (only for groups of 8 or more people): Extra help divides attention for larger sets on demanding sections.
  • Pick up from the hotel: Timed early for full day use, with agency vehicles for reliability.
  • Transportation (Cusco – Cachora): Own fleet from BIO ANDEAN EXPEDITIONS, steered by experts on high roads for secure starts.
  • Entrance fees to Choquequirao: Included for complete access to Inca constructions without further payments.
  • Horsemen and mules to transport equipment, food and personal luggage (7 kilos per person): Area caretakers manage weights carefully, easing load on hikers while respecting Andean care norms.
  • A cook to prepare all meals: Uses fresh materials for sustained energy on the trail.
  • Meals: 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners and 4 snacks: Draw from natural, organic district sources like roots; global substitutes at possible added fees with notice.
  • Kitchen equipment: dining tent, kitchen with table and chairs: Sets up shared spaces in camps for meals.
  • Camping tent: Solid for 2-3, suited to valley weather.
  • Therma-rest air mattress: Adds padding on soil for better sleep post-hikes.
  • Train (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo): Rail service for site access.
  • 01 night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes: Rooms with basics for rest before final visit.
  • Entrance fees to Machu Picchu: Covers Inca constructions for tours and free time.
  • Bus up (Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu): Quick lift to entrance, preserving strength.
  • Transportation (Ollantaytambo – Cusco): Agency-owned return for direct end.
  • First aid kit: Stocked for trail problems like cuts or height effects, held by guide.

Not Included

  • Last dinner: Set your own in Cusco after, for local choices or relaxation.
  • Sleeping bag: Supply one for cold camps, as nights cool at elevations.
  • Trekking sticks: Aid balance on descents; obtain if required.
  • Additional horse to ride: For use if walking tires, outside main transport.
  • Tickets to Huayna Picchu: Separate for limited climb spots.

Pricing

Prices

Since the original provides a single tour price, here is an adapted structure distinguishing between group and private service options:

Service TypePrice Per PersonRequired Pre-PaymentNotes
Group Service (Up to 12 People)$950$200Joint with other members for shared discussions.
Private Service (Custom Group)$1200$300Reserved for your assembly with specific adjustments.

Travel Guide

Grasping the Atmosphere

Conditions vary by height, warm lows to cool highs. Dry May-September days 22 Celsius, nights 2. Wet October-April rains, similar heats damp. Layer always. In June hike, sun warmed descents but evenings hats needed.

MonthAverage Day Temp (°C)Average Night Temp (°C)Rainfall (mm)
July20010
January18490
April19250

Area Residents and Meetings

Folks in Cachora speak Quechua, friendly share farm tales if greeted. Manage small lands animals. Start “allillanchu” hello. Once resident described condor meanings, deepened walk. Honor by ask before photos.

Common Meals in Zone

Potato stews, grain soups, river fish from local. Fresh simple. Cusco pre, markets corn items $1. Path meals natural organic; global rice extra $8-15, ask booking.

No-Cost Spots Nearby

Cusco walk squares free see Inca stones. Near paths, river views sans charge quiet. Give history thoughts.

Low-Price Dining Choices

Stalls Cachora vend breads under $2. For eats, homes simple plates cheap. Query leaders for local clean spots.

Garb Fitting Year

Breath base, warm mid, proof outer. Boots grip mud. Summer caps light; winter socks heat. Versatile dry quick.

Body Work and Health Wants

4-6 hours daily steep, needs endurance. Height 2900 meters breath hard—adapt, 3 liters fluid. No issues? Practice inclines. Leaders pace help, doctor for 40+.


FAQs

What months are best suited for this trekking route?
This trekking path is available throughout the year, offering flexibility for travelers. The dry season, from May to September, is generally the best period, as it reduces the risk of slipping on descents and provides more stable footing along the trail. During wetter months, especially from November to February, rainfall increases and vegetation becomes denser, requiring proper rain gear. However, air conditions during these months can enhance condor sightings and dramatic scenery. BIO ANDEAN EXPEDITIONS recommends monitoring trail and weather conditions close to your travel dates to prepare accordingly.

How physically demanding is this route?
This trek requires strong physical conditioning, as hikers walk between 4 and 6 hours per day with significant ascents and descents, reaching elevations of around 2,900 meters. The altitude may cause shortness of breath, making prior acclimatization in Cusco important. Guides maintain a controlled pace with regular breaks, but travelers with knee or joint issues are advised to consult a health professional before participating.

What type of overnight accommodations are used on this trek?
Overnight stays are in tents set up at camps such as Playa Rosalina or Chiquiska. These tents include air pads to improve comfort on uneven ground. BIO ANDEAN EXPEDITIONS carefully selects campsites near rivers or on protected slopes to provide shelter from wind and other canyon elements, ensuring restful nights after long hiking days.

Are meal modifications available for dietary restrictions?
Yes, dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free can be accommodated if communicated in advance. The trekking cooks use locally sourced organic ingredients and adjust meals accordingly. Requests for international-style dishes may involve additional costs, so it is best to coordinate with the booking team ahead of time to ensure your needs are met smoothly.

How is safety ensured along the trail?
Trail safety is a top priority. Guides are trained in first aid and carry medical kits to handle altitude-related discomfort or minor injuries such as slips. Transportation before and after the trek is provided by skilled drivers familiar with mountain roads. A BIO ANDEAN EXPEDITIONS representative follows the group’s progress daily, allowing for quick support if needed.

What wildlife can be observed along the route?
The route offers opportunities to observe Andean wildlife in its natural environment. Condors are often seen soaring near Choquequirao, particularly in the afternoon, while alpacas graze in surrounding fields. Guides explain animal behaviors and their importance within Andean ecosystems, adding an educational aspect without disturbing the wildlife.

Is mobile phone signal available during the trek?
Mobile signal is limited and often weak within canyon areas but improves near towns such as Cachora. Travelers are advised to bring portable power banks to conserve battery life. For emergencies, BIO ANDEAN EXPEDITIONS equips guides with communication tools to ensure contact can be made when necessary.

Can younger travelers join this trekking route?
This route is suitable for participants aged 12 and older who are physically fit and comfortable with long hikes. Families should assess each member’s endurance and altitude tolerance beforehand. With advance notice, guides adapt explanations and support to make the experience engaging and manageable for younger hikers.

What happens if weather conditions deteriorate during the trek?
Guides continuously assess weather conditions and may adjust daily distances, shorten certain sections, or increase protective measures if conditions worsen. Proper rain gear is essential, and camps are secured against wet or windy conditions. BIO ANDEAN EXPEDITIONS maintains contingency plans to ensure safety, only canceling the trek in extreme situations.

How much personal gear can be carried by pack animals?
Each traveler is allowed up to 7 kilograms of personal gear to be carried by mules, typically including a sleeping bag and clothing. Packing efficiently is important, and any extra luggage can be stored safely in Cusco. This system allows hikers to move freely and comfortably on steep sections.

What sanitation facilities are available at campsites?
Sanitation facilities are basic, especially in remote locations, and may include portable setups or designated natural areas. Travelers should bring personal toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Guides emphasize leave-no-trace practices to protect the environment and preserve the natural beauty of the Andean landscape.

What historical information do guides share along the trek?
Guides provide detailed explanations of Inca architecture and engineering, including terraces, pathways, and settlement planning at archaeological sites along the route. Drawing on extensive experience, they tailor discussions to group interests, covering Inca history, daily life, and the broader context of the empire.

Is travel insurance recommended for this trek?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover potential evacuations, medical needs, or itinerary changes. Policies should include coverage for high-altitude hiking activities. BIO ANDEAN EXPEDITIONS can suggest appropriate insurance options during the reservation process if requested.

How can I best prepare for altitude on this route?
To prepare for altitude, travelers should spend at least two days acclimatizing in Cusco before the trek, maintain good hydration, and avoid alcohol. Local herbal teas may help with adjustment. Guides closely monitor participants and provide advice based on their experience to help manage altitude effects safely.

What payment methods are available for the initial deposit?
The initial deposit of $200 can be paid using credit cards, bank transfers, or online payment platforms. The remaining balance is due before the trek begins. All transactions are handled securely by the BIO ANDEAN EXPEDITIONS team, with confirmations provided for peace of mind.

What to Bring

  • Original passport and student card (ISIC) green card: Needed for entries and checks, store safely.
  • Essential insurance card: For coverage on issues, verify hiking inclusion.
  • Walking boots (with ankle protectors): Tough for steep grounds, avoid twists.
  • Waterproof jacket / rain poncho: Blocks showers in valleys.
  • Warm jacket, hat and gloves: For mornings and highs where wind chills.
  • Comfortable shirts and pants: Layerable for sweat and cool.
  • Sun protection cream (factor 35 is recommended): Guards from UV on open paths.
  • Insect repellent minimum 30% DEET: Repels bugs in warmer zones.
  • Toiletries: Essentials for camp hygiene.
  • Personal medications: For height or personal needs, doctor advised.
  • Camera: Records sites, with spares for days.
  • Flashlight with spare batteries: For early or dark camps.
  • Water purification tablets (Micropur recommended): Cleans water sources.
  • Toilet paper: For remote areas, pack out.
  • Suggested extra contribution: Funds for tips or buys, aids locals.

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