Choquequirao to Machu Picchu

After breakfast, begin your descent through the Apurimac canyon and Apurimac river. Here take a refreshing dip in the water and cross over the river using the hanging bridge. Right after that, one of the most challenging portions of the trek will begin. Ascend using a winding trail that will take you away from the canyon in the direction of Santa Rosa area. Revel in the vast vegetation and animal life of the area, including orchids and violets, deer and anteaters, and a variety of birds. Upon arrival to Marapampa, you will enjoy a well-deserved lunch. Then the trek continues to the beloved CHOQUEQUIRAO ruins. After this exciting visit and exploration of CHOQUEQUIRAO, you may be able to glimpse the flight of the condors, the Andean bird par excellence, and finally spend the night around this enigmatic area.

Distance: 8 mi (12.5 km)
Walking Time: 7 to 8 hours
Low Altitude: 5,085 ft (1,550 m)
High Altitude: 9,950 ft (3,033 m)
Campsite Altitude: 9,950 ft (3,033 m)

After breakfast you will have plenty of time to enjoy the majestic archaeological site before continuing our trek uphill to Paso CHOQUEQUIRAO, surrounded by native trees, flowers, and orchids. Next, descend toward the archaeological ruins of Pinchayunuyoc, which have recently been restored and are surrounded by lush cloud forest. After lunch, continue to an interesting area of vegetation known as the Dry Forest. Next, refresh yourself in the cold and crystalline waters of the Victoria River. Later, cross the river and start the long, steep, and demanding climb to your camp in Maizal. This breathtaking campsite features three valleys on the right and snow capped mountains all of the way.

Distance: 9 mi (15 km)
Walking Time: 7 to 8 hours
Low Altitude: 3,280 ft (1,000 m)
High Altitude: 11,482 ft (3,500 m)
Campsite Altitude: 9,842 ft (3,000 m)

This day consists of an invigorating climb and cooler weather, but the area itself is one of the most beautiful of the entire trek. Initially, walk through a mystical cloud forest and then enter the highlands of the Andes. Take some time to rest in one of the mines of Victoria and learn about several minerals and metals of the area. Next, walk a well preserved Inca path to your lunch stop, which is at the highest point in the San Juan pass. From here you can see the immense Vilcabamba mountain range. Finally, continue on your way to our camp at Yanama, a small village at the bottom of a long valley surrounded by mountains.

Distance: 6.8 mi (11 km)
Walking Time: 7 to 8 hours
Low Altitude: 9,842 ft (3,000 m)
High Altitude: 13,780 ft (4,200 m)
Campsite Altitude: 11,483 ft (3,500 m)

After breakfast you will hike toward the highest point of the trek, Yanama’s Pass (15354.33 ft / 4,680 m.a.s.l). Observe impressive landscapes, beautiful snow capped mountains, birds, and native vegetation. After lunch you will reach the Yanama Pass, and delight in the snowy mountains and the possible glimpse of the majestic condor. Continue onto the village of Totora, where you will take a well deserved break, have dinner, and spend the night.

Distance: 9 mi (15 km)
Walking Time: 8 to 9 hours
Low Altitude: 10,663 ft (3,250 m)
High Altitude: 15,354 ft (4,680 m)
Campsite Altitude: 10,663 ft (3,250 m)

After breakfast, descend through diverse vegetation and enjoy a warmer climate, toward the village of Winaypocco. This valley is inhabited by bromeliads, orchids, fruit trees, waterfalls, insects, birds, many butterflies, and other species. We will harness the pleasant weather and the presence of beautiful waterfalls for a refreshing natural bath. In Winaypocco, we will have lunch, dinner, and enjoy your final night of camping.

Distance: 6 mi (10 km)
Walking Time: 4 to 5 hours
Low Altitude: 8,694 ft (2,650 m)
High Altitude: 10,663 ft (3,250 m)
Campsite Altitude: 8,694 ft (2,650 m)

The incredible journey continues. Descend to the Lucmabamba Valley, and pass by plantations of bananas, passion fruit, cocoa, and coffee. Next we will leave the valley to go climbing in the direction toward the original Inca Trail. Ascend gradually to the archaeological center of Llactapata, and from there appreciate views of the citadel of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, part of the traditional Inca Trail, and the Urubamba River winding along the valley. Next descend a slippery zigzag path through the bushes into the valley or Hydroelectric. From there take the train to Aguas Calientes and spend the night in the comfort of your hotel.

Distance: 12 mi (19 km)
Walking Time: 9 to 10 hours
Low Altitude: 6,070 ft (1,850 m)
High Altitude: 8,990 ft (2,740 m)
Overnight at hotel in Aguas Calientes

After a nourishing breakfast, take an early bus to Machu Picchu, where you will be among the first visitors of the day to enjoy the magic and mystery of one of the new wonders of the world. Tour the ancient Incan citadel for approximately 2-3 hours. After the visit, hike the Mountain Huayna Picchu. From there savor the splendorous views and exotic tranquility of the lost city of the Incas. In the afternoon, take the bus to Aguas Calientes. Once in town you will have free time to grab lunch and later take the train back to Cusco. Upon arrival to Cusco, a private van will take you back to your Cusco hotel.