Travel from Cusco to Capuliyoc: Hiking from Capulilloc to Chikisca

At 06:30, we start the land trip from the city of Cusco at a suitable time to enjoy the journey until we reach CAPULIYOC. Around 11:00, we begin to descend the Apurimac Canyon, which has incredible views of the Apurimac River, the Andes, and the mountain chain of the snowy Padreyoc.

The walking trail is zigzagging until you reach CHIQUISQA LODGE. The climate is hot inside the Apurimac Canyon, and carrying at least two liters of water for three hours of walking is advisable.

Hiking summary

• Travel by car: From Cusco to Capuliyoc
  • Start time of the land trip from Cusco to Capuliyoc: 06:30
• At approximately 11:00, we start hiking
• Hiking distance: 08 km / 4.9 miles
• Trekking time: 3 hours and a half
• Difficulty level: Moderate to challenging
• Lowest elevation: 1,900 meters (6,270 feet)
• Highest elevation: 2,915 meters (9,564 feet)
• Lodge Name: Chiquisca (LOCAL)
• Meals: Box Lunch and Dinner

RECOMMENDATION

• The trail is rocky; We recommend a pair of walking sticks to stabilize our treks from Choquequirao Trek Lodge 6 Days to Machu Picchu and put less pressure on our legs.
• These are excellent pair of hiking shoes with ankle support for all terrains

Hiking from Chikisca to Marampata, “Apurimac Canyon”

The walking activities start at 06:00 to descend for 1 hour towards the Apurimac River, “Playa Rosalina” in the area; We find a suspension bridge to cross to the other side of the mountain and ascend towards Marampata Lodge.

We have 05 hours of ascent along a zigzag path until we reach MARAMPATA. We have the SANTA ROSA farmhouse in the middle of the mountain to stock up on water or other drinks and continue the walk.

It is essential to mention that the hiking area is rocky; it is pretty hot from the Apurimac River to Santa Rosa. The hiking area from Santa Rosa to Marampata is through the cloud forest, where the hiking route is fantastic. We have lunch in Marampata, with an impressive panoramic view of the Apurimac Canyon.

Summary from Chiquisca Lodge to Marampata Lodge

• Start time of the walk: 05:30
• Walking distance: 08 km / 4.9 miles
• Walking time: 06 to 07 hours
• Difficulty level: Challenging
• Lowest elevation: 1,475 meters (4,839 feet)
• Highest peak: 2,850 meters (9,350 feet)
• Lodge Name: Marampata Hostel
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Marampata: Choquequirao Guided Tour, Marampata

Today we explore the Inca citadel of Choquequirao in all its splendor. At 08:00, we walk 1 hour and 1/2 until we reach Choquequirao along a brittle path and into the jungle. We have the whole day to walk through different parts of Choquequirao since the ruins are built on a vast mountain. The fantastic places in Choquequirao are the square above and below, the system of hydraulic channels, the circular ceremonial area, the sector of the platforms with llama designs on the walls, the residence of the priests, etc.

For the guided tour of Choquequirao, please bring plenty of water, a warm jacket, sun and mosquito block, and waterproof clothing because the weather can change anytime, “bring a rain poncho.”

Brief description of the guided visit to Choquequirao and the walk

• Start time of the walk: 08:00
• Hiking distance: 07 km / 4.3 miles, “the distances do extend according to the visits to Choquequirao”
• Trekking time: 03 hours
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Lowest elevation: 1,475 meters/ 4,839 feet
• Highest peak: 2,850 meters/ 9,350 feet
• Lodge Name: Marampata Hostel
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Hiking from Marampata to Rio Blanco and Maizal

At 06:00, we start trekking through the surrounding mountains of Choquequirao to conquer the Choquequirao Pass. We will have the last views of the Choquequirao ruins to say goodbye to this beautiful Inca megalithic construction. We border a part of the Choquequirao Pass and descend for about 3 hours until we reach the RÍO-BLANCO ravine (before reaching the Blanco River, we find the ruins of Pinchaunuyoc. There is spring water to cool off, and we stock up on water in the canteens.)

We have the last 03 hours of ascent through the mountain through the zigzag road until we reach MAIZAL LODGE. From Maizal, we have a fantastic view of the valley and the Río-Blanco with the surrounding mountains of Choquequirao.

Summary of HIKE between Marampata and Maizal

• Start time of the walk: 06:00
• Hiking distance: 18 km (11.2 miles)
• Trekking time: 08 to 09 hours
• Difficulty level: Challenging
• Lowest elevation: 1,912 meters (6,272 feet)
• Highest peak: 2,983 meters (9,786 feet)
• Stay Area: Maizal Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Hiking from Maizal to Yanama | Yanama to Santa Teresa by local car

At 05:30, we start the trek to conquer the highest peak of the entire expedition of Choquequirao Trek Lodge 6 Days, “YANAMA PASS.” We pass through the former Victoria mine with incredible views of three inter-Andean valleys.

We have less than half a day of walking until we reach the community of YANAMA. In Yanama, we have lunch before noon to start the local land trip until we get to SANTA TERESA. Leaving all our adventure equipment at Santa Teresa Lodge, we board the vehicle to go to the thermal baths of COCALMAYO to enjoy a well-deserved thermal bath and relax our muscles after an arduous trek through the Andes.

Summary of the expedition between Maizal and Lucmabamba

• Start time of the walk: 05:30
• Hiking distance: 13 km (9.6 miles)
• Trekking time: 4 hours
• Difficulty level: Challenging to Moderate
• Lowest elevation: 1575 meters (5,167 feet)
• Highest elevation: 4,200 meters (12,779 feet)
• Local car: From Yanama to SANTA TERESA (approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes of trip)
• Stay Area: Santa Teresa Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Santa Teresa, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Guided Tour, Return to Cusco

At 05:30, we board a local vehicle for an average of 30 minutes to the HYDROELECTRIC train station.

Hike from Hidroelectrica to Machu Picchu Pueblo “2 hours and 40 minutes.”

At 10:10, we board one of the tourist vehicles of the CONSETTUR company to reach the main gate of MACHU PICCHU, “30 minutes of travel along the HIRAM BINGHAM dirt road.” We have the guided visit to Machu Picchu at 11:00 for an average of 2 hours exploring different outstanding sites of the last lost citadel of the Incas.

In the afternoon, we board the train service heading to the POROY TRAIN STATION “03 and a half-hour of travel” in Poroy; our private vehicle awaits us to transport us to the city of Cusco to their respective hotels.

Thank you for visiting an incredible adventure through Choquequirao Trek Lodge for six days and five nights, heading to Machu Picchu, and visiting two crucial Inca megalithic constructions.

SHORT INFO FROM SANTA TERESA TO AGUAS CALIENTES

• Departure time from Santa Teresa: At 05:30, trip by local vehicle to Hydroelectric
• Meals: Breakfast (Aguas Calientes)

Machu Picchu activities

• Bus service to Machu Picchu (up and down)
• two-hour guided tour inside the archaeological park of Machu Picchu
• In the afternoon, board your train service to the POROY train station.

Train service information: [Inbound journey]

• Train company: PERU RAIL
• Service: MAPI-POROY (03 hours and 50 minutes of train ride).
• Class: EXPEDITION 34
• Departure: 15:20
• At Station: 14:50; otherwise, you may not be allowed to board.
• Poroy arrival: 19:05
• Cusco arrival by transport: 19:35

When you get to the POROY train station, be met at the train arrivals area. Just look for a KONDOR PATH TOURS sign with your name.” Group name: Hiker of Choquequirao Trek Lodge 6 Days