Choquequirao Trek & Apurimac Canyon (8 days / 7 nights)

Itinerary

Short Itinerary

• Day 1: Cusco → Cachora drive → trek to Playa Rosalina (1 550m /5084ft)
• Day 2: Playa Rosalina → Choquequirao visit (3 050m / 10004ft)
• Day 3: Choquequirao → Maizal (3 000m / 9840ft)
• Day 4: Maizal → Yanama (3 800m / 12464ft)
• Day 5: Yanama → Totora (3 630m /11906ft)
• Day 6: Totora → Playa campsite (2 125m /6970ft)
• Day 7: Playa → Hydroelectric → Aguas Calientes (hotel)
• Day 8: Machu Picchu guided tour → train & bus return to Cusco

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Cachora – Playa Rosalina

We pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 a.m. to strat our tour driving to Cachora town for about 4 hours. Along the way we will have spectacular views of the Salkantay snow-capped mountain.

Upon arrival at Cachora, we meet our muleteer and the horses. Here, we pack all our equipment and then begin our trek. The trail is very flat until Chiquisca where we start going uphill, passing through the high pass of Capuliyoc. From there, we will have a great view of the Apurimac Canyon. Then, we descend to Playa Rosalina, our first campsite at 1,550 masl.

Day 2: Playa Rosalina – Choquequirao

Early in the morning, after our first breakfast, we start to climb uphill through a long and narrow Inca trail up to Marampata, where we enjoy our lunch. In the afternoon we continue to Choquequirao, arriving around 3:00 p.m.

The view of the canyon is spectacular, and it is also possible to see Andean Condors soaring in the mountains. Campsite (3,050 masl).

Day 3: Choquequirao – Maizal

This day, we start early once again. The first section of the trail is a gentle uphill hike for approximately three hours, reaching an altitude of 3,300 meters above sea level. From there, we descend toward the Río Blanco (White River) at 1,900 meters.

Along the way, we will pass the Inca ruins of Pinchiunuyoj and observe a rich variety of cloud forest vegetation, including diverse bird species, orchids, and traditional coca plantations.

From Río Blanco, we begin a steady three-hour ascent to Maizal (3,000 meters), where we will set up camp for the night.

Day 4: Maizal – Yanama

After an amazing breakfast, we begin our trek. The morning hike is a gentle uphill climb, and after approximately four hours we will reach Minas Victoria, an old mining center.

As we approach the higher section of the trail, we will have the opportunity to appreciate original sections of the Inca Trail, including beautifully preserved stone steps set in the middle of the valley. We will reach an altitude of 4,150 meters above sea level before descending to our campsite at Yanama (3,800 meters), where we will spend the night.

Day 5: Yanama – Totora

After an early breakfast, we begin our ascent to the highest pass of the trek at 4,670 meters above sea level. From the top, we will be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks, including Sacsarayoc and Padreyoc.

After enjoying the breathtaking scenery, we descend gradually toward our next campsite at 3,630 meters, where we will spend the night.

Day 6: Totora – Playa

Today we descend toward the Totora River. As we make our way downhill, the landscape begins to change dramatically, and the wildlife becomes increasingly diverse. Along the trail, you may spot hummingbirds, woodpeckers, and a wide variety of orchids and begonias.

We will camp at 2,125 meters above sea level. This rich ecosystem makes the area a paradise for nature lovers.

Day 7: Playa – Aguas Calientes

After our final breakfast on the trek, we hike uphill for approximately three hours, reaching 2,810 meters. From this vantage point, we will enjoy a stunning view of the lost Inca city of Machupicchu.

After a well-deserved rest, we descend to the Hydroelectric Station on the Urubamba River. From here, depending on timing and preference, we will either walk along the railway or take the train to Aguas Calientes.

Overnight in a hotel.

Day 8: Machu Picchu Full Day – Cusco

After an early breakfast, we take the bus up to Machupicchu, where we will enjoy a tour of approximately three hours, exploring the most important sectors of the citadel and learning about the fascinating history of the Incas.

After this tour, you will have free time to explore on your own. If you have secured permits in advance, you may also choose to climb Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.

Around 1:00 p.m., we return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo. Our car will be waiting to take you back to Cusco, arriving at approximately 9:00 p.m.

Tour Package Details

Inclusions:

• Private Transportation to Cachora: Our vans are brand new, fully authorized for tourist use, and equipped with essential safety features, including a first aid kit and an oxygen tank.
• Professional Tour Guide: Our tour guides bring over fifteen years of experience. Their extensive knowledge ensures that every aspect of the journey is carefully planned, providing travelers with a deeply enriching experience. Driven by their passion for the region, they are dedicated to sharing the beauty and history of this breathtaking destination.
• First Aid Kit: Our guides are always equipped with a comprehensive first aid kit to address any potential emergencies that may arise during the trip. This includes treatments for altitude sickness, diarrhea, cuts, and other minor ailments, ensuring prompt and appropriate care for all participants.
• Oxygen Tank: Our guides carry an oxygen tank at all times. This precaution ensures the safety and comfort of our visitors, providing immediate assistance if needed.
• Hotel Pickup and Drop-off: We pick you up from your hotel reception and at the end of the tour we drop you off at the hotel.
• Briefing: One day prior to your trip, the guide will meet you at the hotel to give you detailed information and answer any questions you may have.
• Customer Service: We offer you an emergency phone number available 24 hours a day to facilitate seamless communication with the Inka Expeditions team.
• Great cook
• High-Quality Camping gear (2-people tents)
• Mattresses
• Dining Tent
• Kitchen tent
• Full board meals (8 B, 7 L, 7 D; vegetarian option)
• Horses & muleteers for equipment (+ emergency horse)
• Boiled & hot water, hot drinks.
• Private transportation from Olantaytambo to Cusco
• Expedition train tickets to Cusco
• Entrance tickets to Choquequirao and Machupicchu
• 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes (double room occupancy)

Exclusions:

• Sleeping bag. (rental available)
• Walking stick. (rental available)
• Inflatable mattress (rental available)
• Tips (optional)
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses
• last lunch and dinner
• Snacks

What to bring:

• Hiking boots: This is recommended, as the trail is dusty, grassy and slippery sections.
• Backapack: to carry your personal items like snacks and water bottle.
• Original passport (you will need it in Machupicchu)
• Waterproof Pants (Optional): Useful during the rainy season (December to March).
• Warm Jacket: Temperature at the summit is cold, so a warm clothes is advisable.
• Rain Jacket and Rain poncho: Recommended all year around because the weather is very unpredictable.
• Wool hat
• Insect repellent
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Extra Money: Bring cash and small coins for purchasing snacks or drinks from local vendors along the way.
• Gloves
• Basic Medications: Under prescription of your doctor (for headaches and altitude sickness).
• Portable Charger
• 3-season sleeping bag (rental available)
• Flashlight, camera, extra batteries, plastic dry bags

Prices

Private Service

This is a private tour organized exclusively for you and your family. It includes private transportation and a professional tour guide to provide you with the best experience and a personal touch.

DEPARTURES: From March to January depending on your request.

Price Table – Private Service 2026 (US$)

Booking Information

Choose in the Calendar the date of when you would like to start this Tour -select the month, year and the day, (Starting Date). Fill in your details as requested, and details of the people traveling with you, once you have finished and sent us your reservation, you are registered to pay a booking deposit of US$ 300 + 6% through paypal. Once we receive your payment, we will confirm the tour in your email and send you the rest of the details.

Booking deposite required – Online payments.

You must pay a booking deposit of US$ 400+6% per person through Paypal.

FINAL PAYMENT: The remaining balance of the tour must be paid in cash upon arrival in Cusco.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. You must inform us of any medical conditions, allergies, or health concerns prior to the trek. Participants are required to be in good physical condition. If you have any doubts about your health, we strongly recommend consulting your doctor before booking. Passengers over 70 years of age must present a current medical certificate confirming they are fit to participate, as the Choquequirao trek reaches elevations of up to 3,800 meters above sea level.

We highly recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2–3 days prior to the trek to allow proper acclimatization to the altitude.

2. For safety reasons, you must inform your tour guide if you wish to leave the group or campsite for independent walks. If you experience any issues with the service during the trek, please notify your tour guide immediately so that any concerns can be addressed as quickly as possible.

3. The trek includes a luggage allowance of up to 8 kg per passenger, carried by horses. We will provide a duffel bag for your sleeping bag, mattress, and personal belongings.

4. If you become ill or injured and are unable to continue, a porter and mule will assist you to the nearest location with access to emergency support. Any helicopter evacuation or additional medical services will be at the passenger’s expense. No refunds will be issued in the event of illness or inability to complete the trek. However, we will provide a medical certificate to support any insurance claims you may wish to submit.

5. Our company will take all reasonable precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of our clients and will employ appropriately qualified staff. We accept responsibility for the actions of our employees. However, we cannot be held responsible for unavoidable events, force majeure situations, or the actions of third parties or clients themselves. Passengers are fully responsible for their personal belongings and any rented equipment.

6. Our travel agency is not responsible for additional expenses resulting from unfavorable weather conditions, natural disasters, strikes, accidents, illness, injury, or loss of personal belongings. It is the client’s responsibility to obtain comprehensive travel insurance to cover such events. We reserve the right to modify or cancel the itinerary due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.

CANCELLATION PENALTIES

• A.- Cancellation of the tour once you have paid a deposit and received a confirmation incurs in the loss of the booking deposit. (US$ 300.00) per person. Non-refundable booking deposit.
• B.- Cancellation of tour within 45 days to 31 days before departure incurs a loss of 70% of total tour cost…
• C.- Cancellation of tour within 30 days to 8 days before departure incurs a loss of 80% of total tour cost…
• D.- Cancellation of tour within 7 days – 48 hours of departure incurs a loss of 90% of total tour cost…
• E.- Cancellation of tour within 48 hours of departure incurs a loss of total tour cost…

Why Choose This Trekking With Inka Expeditions?

With Inka Expeditions, your trekking to Choquequirao will be an unforgettable experience led by an expert local tour guide who will share all his knowledge of this Inca sites and also about the flora and fauna of this region. Our groups are limited to a maximum of 10 participants to ensure a personalized experience, led by professional tour guides fully trained in first aid.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Choquequirao trek:

1.-How do I prepare for the altitude sickness on this trekking?

For this Inca Trail to Choquequirao, it is recommended to acclimatize for 2 or 3 days in Cusco before this tour. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol.

2.-How difficult is this Trekking?

This trekking to Choquequirao is considered moderately difficult but we recommend to bring hiking boots.

3.-Is it safe to travel to Choquequirao during the wet season?

Yes, it is safe but during the wet season (November to March) the trail can be slippery, so it is recommended to bring waterproof hiking boots and rain poncho. The dry season (April to october) is ideal for this trek because we have clear views but the weather is always unpredictable in the Andes.