This Choquequirao Trek 9 Days ends in Machu Picchu.
9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS Multi Day Hike
This Choquequirao Trek 9 Days ends in Machu Picchu.
9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS Multi Day Hike
We invite you to be part of this fantastic trek to Choquequirao Trek 9 Days. We will reach Machu Picchu, one of the most challenging and spectacular treks in all of Peru.
This hike is recommended for hikers who love history and adventure. We will explore the enigmatic Choquequirao 9 Days, without the pressure of the crowds, feel the power of the Apurimac Canyon and enjoy the impressive snow-capped peaks surrounding the Vilcanota.
We will explore little-known villages along the route, inhabited by natives of the area, and have the opportunity to see intact stretches of Inca trails in the mountains.
The Choquequirao 9-day trek will amaze you with the great perspective of the Inca Empire, the route offers nine incredible days of trekking, with the last day at the Wonder of the World Machu Picchu. This 9 day trek is very challenging, even for those who have trained, all agree that it is a once in a lifetime experience.
Our hike from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu begins in Cusco early at 5:30 am in a private vehicle for a 4 hour drive to the charming village of «Cachora», located on the edge of the Apurimac canyon and surrounded by impressive snow-capped peaks. We will stop in the village of «Cachora» to buy last minute supplies before continuing in a vehicle just before Capuliyoc (2915 meters / 9561 feet) from where we can appreciate beautiful views of the Apurimac valley below, as well as the snow-capped peaks of Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora.
Here we will meet our muleteers, and walk another 15 minutes to have lunch here at the Capuliyoc viewpoint. We will begin to descend steeply into the Apurimac Canyon, enjoying the spectacular views as we descend for 3.5 to 4 hours to «Chiccisqa» (1836 m), with impressive waterfalls beside us. One hour after Chiccisqa, we reach the roaring Apurimac River (1550 m).
We start climbing up to Santa Rosa camp, located at an altitude of 2095 m. It is quite a demanding climb of 2 hours, but it makes the next day easier! As the camp is further ahead than the most popular one, it is usually a quiet place, and you can stargaze in comfort.
The hike starts very early in the morning to make the most of the day (around 6 am). We will make an ascent to Maranpata, where we will rest. The climb from Santa Rosa to Maranpata (3110 m / 10120 ft) takes about 3 hours, although it is an uphill climb.
Then we will get our first glimpse of the ruins of Choquequirao. From here, we have 2 more hours of hiking to the ruins. After the rigors of the last two days, it is a gentle, undulating hike. We take our lunch at the Choquequirao camp (3110 meters), the closest place to the ruins, before heading to the Choquequirao ruins in the afternoon. We will spend the afternoon exploring the ruins, watching the sunset and keeping our fingers crossed for a glimpse of the majestic condors.
It is known that only 30% of the Inca remains of Choquequirao have been excavated. However, what can be seen today is more impressive and worth the trip to get here. The stonework at Choquequirao is not as sophisticated as that found at Machu Picchu because the stone found here is difficult to carve. Still, the buildings are impressive and suggest a site of high social status in the Inca Era. Choquequirao reminds us of a sense of fear simply because of the surrounding beauty of the sites and the isolation and where we can see condors flying more frequently.
We will begin our «Choquequirao to Machu Picchu» tour early in the morning with a visit to the impressive site of Choquequirao. Initially discovered in 1710, several European explorers passed through this area and learned about this site.
However, they did not give it much importance until 1909, when Hiram Bingham is credited with the scientific discovery of Machu Picchu by passing through the area.
This brought more international attention to the site, but the site was largely ignored until the 1970s, when the Peruvian government began excavation.
The Choquequirao site consists of a unique and extensive complex of terraces, a small religious and administrative area with a total area of over 1800 hectares.
There are impressive irrigation canals and all this in a dramatic setting of the Apurimac Canyon.
We will take our lunch to have more time for exploration. After our guided tour, we climb a ridge for about 1 hour and descend to the ruins of Pinchinuyoc (3 hours of hiking).
After a brief rest at these ruins to admire the majestic views. From there, we descend to the Blanco River, a steeper 1.5 hour descent.
We start this day with a good breakfast, we will make an ascent up to a small cleared agricultural area in the mountains called «Maizal». » This is the most difficult section from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu for many people. The climb is challenging for about 3 hours uphill at 3000m / 9,842ft.
After a good lunch in Maizal, we climb for another 3 hours uphill through the cloud forest, up to the Victoria mines to the Victoria mines, an ascent from 3000m to 4000m! Here we will take a short rest to admire the brilliance of the outcrops that illustrate the high concentration of minerals and metals and the reason for the ancient mines.
On our hike through a puna zone, we will walk along the well-preserved roads built by the Incas, with their classic zigzag shape, before setting up camp for the night in Pajonal. (Altitude 4000m / 13123 ft.)
The Pajonal area offers fantastic views from where we have just returned, walking towards the incredible Apurimac Valley. Due to the altitude, the camp will be a cold night.
After enjoying breakfast we will ascend to the pass of Abra San Juan. (Height 4130 m / 13 546 ft). We will enjoy fascinating views from the pass as we descend to the charming village of Yanama (about 3.5 hours on foot). Our company works with muleteers from the area of Yanama 4100m / 13 541 feets, and we will have a good lunch near the village.
From here, our tour takes a new direction as we move away from the Yanama Pass, Salkantay and Machu Picchu. Instead, we head to the last bastion of the Incas, the Vilcabamba region!
In this area we will enjoy lunch and then descend to the river and the valley, from here we will ascend to the village of Yutuypata. The walk to Yutuypata takes about 3 hours. Although the altitude is high due to the microclimate created by the valley, the landscape is green and wooded with lush vegetation compared to Yanama, with beautiful views across the valley.
This part of the hike will be easy until we reach the area of «Quellqua Machay», a valley surrounded by spectacular mountain views until we reach the area of «Quellqua Machay» where we will have lunch.
Then we will ascend for another 2 hours to pass our highest point and cross the imposing Choquetacarpo pass (4600m).
Here we will be able to appreciate mountain landscapes with spectacular views, via Vilcabamba.
We will hike along one of the most incredible Inca Trails during this section of the route, almost perfectly preserved.
Following in the footsteps of the Inca Chasquis, here we will be impressed by the ability of the Inca Engineers to create these Inca roads.
When we reach the pass, we will continue along the original Inca Trail, descending for about an hour and a half, we will be able to appreciate small Inca dwellings along our route. We will have the opportunity to admire the Inca culture where we will ask ourselves: How did they build in such remote places?
We will conclude this excellent day in a beautiful and isolated rest camp and enjoy the tranquility of this impressive landscape.
This day will begin with a slight ascent; we will walk along some small trails that are no longer accessible by transport. After approximately, we will arrive to the village of «Huancacalle» (Altitude 2900m / 9514ft). Here we will have lunch in the middle of the Peruvian Andes.
We will visit the Inca remains of Vitcos-Rosaspata and Nustahispaña.
The route from Huancacalle to «Mala» and back again for about three and a half hours. We will return to Huncacalle in the afternoon/early evening for our camp.
This morning we will have a meditation session about all the Inca and natural sites we have visited; we will appreciate the canyons of the river up to the high passes of San Juan and Choquecatarpo.
Our hikers will enjoy a walk from the hamlet to the area of Huancacalle, where pigs still roam the streets with their piglets, and the atmosphere is that of a village that has been frozen in time among the mountains.
We will take our private transport to Santa Teresa (Altitude 1550m / 5085ft) and enjoy lunch. These winding and narrow roads require our very experienced drivers. This section of the trip takes about 5 hours and is very pleasant as we can enjoy the views of a rapidly changing landscape as it descends into the jungle, a descent of about 1500m during the trip. We will pass through villages.
The last stretch of the trip to Santa Teresa is along the rim of the Vilcanota River canyon. Once again, you are fully aware of the incredible forces of nature present in the high Andes.
We will take the train from the hydroelectric area to Aguas Calientes, which departs around 3 pm.
We will relax in the hot springs of Machu Picchu, often the perfect respite for sore muscles. Our tours include free of charge a nice celebratory dinner in Aguas Calientes. So far, we have crossed the mighty Cordillera Vilcanota, but the next day is a summit for many as the last day of their trip.
This day will be one of the best days of the trek, as we will make a tour to the lost city of the Incas Machu Picchu.
To be the first to visit this Inca city we will leave very early in a vehicle until we reach the top of the mountain. Your private guide will give you an explanation about Machu Picchu.
After listening to the talk you will have enough time to explore the ruins freely; we can freely investigate the ruins or climb Huayna (Wayna) Picchu to take the classic photo at Machu Picchu. (You must inform us at the time of booking and pay an additional fee of $ 15US * These permits are sold months in advance.
If you cannot do Huayna Picchu, other options are:
Inti Punku (Sun Gate) is where the classic Inca Trail arrives.
Inca Bridge
Machu Picchu Mountain / Machu Picchu Hill (Please advise at time of booking, $15US*)
We highly recommend walking down from Machu Picchu Picchu to see the vegetation and the impressive constructions. It is a 1.5-hour hike back to the village of Aguas Calientes.
In the afternoon we will have scheduled to the city of Cusco by tourist train, our travel agency will drop you off at your hotel.
*Prices may vary.
For the Choquequirao 9 Days Trek, it is necessary to carry a personal backpack, whose weight should not exceed 5 kilos. In it, you should pack only what is necessary for the trek. It is essential to pack sunblock, insect repellent, snacks, and first aid medicines. Also don’t forget to pack plastic bags, gloves for the cold, a bottle of water and spare clothes.
The Choquequirao 9 Day trek is a demanding trek so you will need to bring appropriate clothing and shoes. It is suggested that you pack hiking shoes one size larger than you normally wear, as your feet will swell and you could suffer from blisters and wounds.
Wool socks, avoiding synthetic socks because of excessive sweating. Another tip is not to wear new shoes since you could get injured as the shoes adapt to your feet while you are walking.
As for pants, it is recommended that they are wide, long, and removable, preferably a combination of cotton and synthetic material, to be lightweight and dry quickly. due to weather changes, it is very useful that they are easy to put on and take off.
As for polo shirts or t-shirts, it is recommended that they are made of cotton that covers the neck to avoid burns and if possible long sleeves.
Another good idea is to cover your head with a hat since the sun, cold and wind are intense. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen.
With these recommendations and proper physical preparation, your Choquequirao Trek 9 days with SULLPAYKY EXPERIENCES will be unique and unforgettable. You can check Trip Advisor reviews to see the quality of our trips. Feel free to check any of our other destinations. Our team of travel experts is waiting for your email in case of any questions.
Number of persons | Price per person |
1 | $1150.00 |
2 | $1120.00 |
3 | $1090.00 |
4 | $1060.00 |
5 | $1030.00 |
6 | $1000.00 |
7 | $970.00 |
8 | $940.00 |
Permits are needed for your chosen start date. Tour prices are based on the number of people in a group. Prices are valid from March 2022 through January 2023. All prices quoted are $USD
Important: Price includes up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need of extra Porter hire!).
Special Offers Choquequirao 9 Day trek:
The Inca site of Choquequirao Trek 9 Days is also known as the “Sacred Sister” of Machu Picchu for being as important as Machu Picchu for its architecture and design in its construction. The city was a ceremonial center of the Inca elite, dedicated to the worship of the gods of the mountain, the river and the elements of nature.
Making the tour to Choquequirao we can observe archaeological monuments that are made up of buildings and terraces distributed at different levels, from the lowest level Sunch’u Pata to the highest truncated top, which was leveled and fenced with stones to form a platform with an approximate area of 150 square meters.
Choquequirao is located in the Andes Mountains of Cusco, Peru and belongs to the province of La Convención, in the district of Santa Teresa.
Although you can travel on your own, it is not recommended, since the authorized travel agencies know the route very well and there is no risk of getting lost, in addition to the fact that the operating agencies know the regulations to protect the environment.
Choquequirao is 3,033 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.).
The Inca city of Choquequirao is home to impressive constructions such as
Machu Picchu, such as:
Although it is known that Choquequirao is still in the process of excavation, it is estimated that to date only 30% of the original Inca enclosure has been restored.
According to what is known to historians, it is considered that the Inca site was built in 1536.
Due to its similarity with the Inca Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, it is believed that the Inca Pachacutec founded the place, but his son Tupac Inca Yupanqui would be the one who ordered the construction of the Choquequirao Archaeological Center.
Due to its location Choquequirao has a “temperate – warm” climate due to the Apurimac canyon, alternating with cold temperatures at night, the average annual temperature is 17ºC.
It is necessary to acclimatize in the city of Cusco at least one day before any trek, for a proper acclimatization it is necessary to rest as much as possible, eat little, drink plenty of fluids.
In addition, it is necessary to be in good physical and mental condition, this is a trek where the level of demand is higher than the Inca Trail or Salkantay.
Choquequirao has a “warm-temperate” climate, it is very unlikely that you will suffer from altitude sickness or “Soroche” but if this happens, the local guides of Sullpayky Experiences will be with you taking care of you drinking a traditional coca tea.
Doing the Choquequirao trek 9 days is a unique and unforgettable experience, since it is a challenging, amazing, and real adventure, we will know the ancestral wonders of the Incas accompanied with the satisfaction of feeling fulfilled until the end of the trek.
To have an even more pleasant and safe experience do not forget to contact Sullpayky Experiences, a prestigious company from Cusco that will guide you in every moment of this great journey, along with quality and certified professionals; that will make your trip the most memorable experience of your life.
The archaeological zone of Choquequirao is a cultural and natural complex located in the valley and mountain range of Vilcabamba. It is part of a system of Andean cities and segments that includes Ñusta Hispana, vitcos, Espiritu pampa, Concebidayoq, Pampaconas and Habas pampa. All of them were linked by a network or roads / phats that ultimately connected to the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
The information contained in this document is preliminary; investigations by specialized COPESCO plan personnel continue.
Choquequirao includes areas in the provinces of Cusco and Apurimac and is located at 3104. 09 meters above sea level, in the foothills of the Salkantay mountain range, surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of Ccoriwayrachina, Ampay, Choquetacarpu, Pumasillo and Panta, this «Cultural-Natural» complex extends through the districts of Santa Teresa and Vilcabamba in the province of «La Convention» in the department of Cusco, as well as the districts of Cachora and Huanipaca in the province of Abancay in the department of Apurimac, in this wall occupies both the left and right side of the Apurimac River canyon.
In geomorphic terms, the region is typified by «youthful» inter-Andean valleys interspersed with bottom canyons, varying in depth from 1300m to 5000 meters above sea level, formed by the Apurimac River and its tributaries.
Vertical erosion on its margins formed terraces exploited by Andean man for cultivation and small rural settlements.
The complex, located at a subalpine level, has characteristics of both jungle and subtropical Andean country. Its average annual temperature is 12c, the sky is often cloudy, although there are sunny days with cold nights due to the proximity of snow-capped mountains the area has two marked seasons: the «rainy season» from December to March and the «dry season» from April to November.
Preliminary reports suggest a particular nature among the foothills of the snow-capped mountains where water makes its way through the land, generating abundant vegetation with cedar trees, «lambram», «Chachacomo» and «Inkallaulli» among others.
In the shade of these grow various species of medicinal plants, ferns and other interesting plant species such as orchids and bromeliads.
The exuberant vegetation and climatic conditions allow the existence of a varied fauna that includes the «Anteojos» deer, felines, raptors and foxes, as well as a spectacular avifauna such as the Andean condor, whose flight embellishes the calm afternoons, and the numerous species of hummingbirds.
In SULLPAYKY EXPERIENCES we are not only a Travel Agency, we are a 100% Quechua family with more than 15 years of experience in the world of tourism. Our mission is to offer an unforgettable experience that will mark your life, based on Inca values: honesty, love and respect. For this reason, we offer a different kind of tourism, in which our priority is to give you more than a fun trip, a trip of reunion with yourself, to know your essence through the most sacred thing we have, our land, the Pachamama.
We are specialists in creating a personalized experience, so we have more than 28 tours that can be modified according to your needs (from the classic Inca Trail to innovative and alternative tours such as Moonstone) because there are many ways to know Machu Picchu, however, we are convinced that there is only one right for each client. . We also offer tours for clients with special needs.
We offer personalized assistance 24 hours a day, before and during your trip. When you contact us, you will be attended by our Peru travel experts, who will be happy to assist you and help you as soon as possible, answering your questions and providing you with information, as well as recommendations to prepare you physically and mentally for the experience you will live.
All our staff is 100% Quechua and is in constant training to always offer the best possible service. Our guides are Quechua mystics who will provide you with a unique experience. They also have basic training in photography and are equipped with a semi-professional camera to document your entire trip so you don’t have to worry about anything except enjoying every moment. Our cooks have chef training and will be informed of any dietary restrictions (such as allergies).
SULLPAYKY EXPERIENCES is a local travel agency and tour operator authorized by the institutions that govern tourism regulations in Peru. That is why we have the necessary licenses and permits to operate within our country.
We also emphasize that we are against the exploitation of the Pachamama (earth) and our wayki (brothers), so we offer a totally ecological tourism and well paid for all our workers, as we seek to be the difference in everything.
We know you will be happy with our service, as evidenced by the hundreds of testimonials from our traveler clients from all over the world. See the recommendations and memories of travel experiences in various social networks such as TripAdvisor, which will explain why you should choose SULLPAYKY EXPERIENCES for your next vacation in our country.
About our growth process
Continuous improvement is one of our commitments. One of our principles is that the work of each area is important to achieve the best final product. Therefore, throughout our history we have developed several projects with different areas, which have given us the following results:
We have completed the policy of our Integrated Management System as a sign of the guarantee of our organization.
Continuous training to tour guides, cooks, porters, drivers, people in charge of different areas such as Sales, Reservations, Operations, Administration, etc., in customer service, quality of service to tourists, knowledge of the route, and other topics concerning the tourism industry in Peru. Due to our progress in these areas, we have received the CALTUR 2021 Certification from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism.
About SULLPAYKY EXPERIENCES Licenses and Authorizations
SULLPAYKY EXPERIENCES – Travel Agency and Tour Operator, complies with all the requirements and licenses necessary to operate and offer various services in the field of tourism throughout the Peruvian territory. The institutions mentioned below are in charge of regulating the tourism industry in Peru and we are subscribed to them:
We are authorized by DIRCETUR (Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Cusco), a government agency that promotes competition, sustainability, and diversification of Peruvian exportable products, tourism, and handicrafts.
We are subscribed to PROMPERU (Commission for the Promotion of Peru for Exports and Tourism), an institution belonging to the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism of our country.
We are also subscribed to SERNANP, in order to operate in the Inca Trail Network. The National Service of Natural Areas Protected by the State, which is a specialized technical public agency of the Peruvian government, under the Ministry of Environment of Peru, is in charge of directing and establishing the technical and administrative criteria for the conservation of the Natural Protected Areas of Peru.
Here are some other options that will suit your needs
We strive every day to provide the best experience for our passengers, and they recommend us, so you can recommend us too.
[WPCR_SHOW POSTID="1440" NUM="36" PAGINATE="1" PERPAGE="5" SHOWFORM="1" HIDEREVIEWS="0" HIDERESPONSE="0" SNIPPET="" MORE="" HIDECUSTOM="0" ]