Have an adventure of a lifetime exploring via Choquequirao plus the Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu for 7 days! Get ready for unforgettable views, culture, and trekking.
Choquequirao Trek Short Inca Trail: Each camp and hiking route has its own scenic landscape between the high Andean peaks, the Apurimac Canyon, and valleys until the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Enjoy your next vacation in remote places where fresh air emanates from landscapes that sweeten each step. The 7-day Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu is for hikers with experience!
Trek stunning mountains, lush forests, and pristine Incan ruins on this intensive journey. Trek along the stunningly beautiful Choquequirao Trek, the Short Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu on this adventurous seven-day trek! Explore Peru’s stunning landscape!
The Choquequirao Trek and the Short Inca Trail in Peru are must-dos. This trek will take you through remote Andean landscapes, lesser-known Incan ruins, and the iconic Machu Picchu.
The Choquequirao Trek takes you through stunning mountain landscapes, past ancient Incan ruins, and through traditional Andean villages. The trek culminates with a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu via the Short Inca Trail.
Day 1: Travel from Cusco to Capulilloc. HIKE to Chikisca
Day 2: Chikisca Camp to Choquequirao Ruins
Day 3: Trek from Choquequirao to Rio Blanco – Maizal
Day 4: Hike Maizal to Yanama Pass, Yanama to Lucmabamba by local car
Day 5: Lucmabamba Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Pueblo
Day 6: Short Inca Trail: Inti Punku, Machu Picchu Pueblo
Day 7: Machu-Picchu guided tour and return to Cusco City
Peru, famed for its rich history and breathtaking landscapes, offers adventure enthusiasts two exceptional trekking experiences: the Choquequirao Trek and the Short Inca Trail. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking a memorable adventure, these trails will inspire you.
Enjoy a vehicular trip from Cusco to Capuliyoc: From CAPILIYOC to CHIQUISCA, enjoy a spectacular hike to the APURIMAC canyon.
We start the trip from Cusco, leaving at 5:00 a.m. to have enough time to complete the walk that day. We travel through the plains of Anta; we will descend through the Limatambo Valley and cross the Apurímac region by the Cunyac bridge. We continue the trip, passing through the town of Curahuasi at the height of the Sayhuite stone branch; we take the road to Cachora and Capulilloc. In Capulilloc, our horses and muleteers await us to start the adventure of hiking.
We prepare to start walking on the bridle path; the canyon views are unique for taking photos and videos. It does recommend bringing professional poles to this walk. This helps support our knees on descents and ascents. The route is remote hiking, and you must get a pair of poles!
We will pass through the properties of Capulilloc and Cocamasana until we reach our camp in Chiquisca. “Santa Rosa is in the middle of the mountain in front of our expedition.”
Informative note: Maybe we camped in the Chiquisca area. Our adventure guide will make these decisions according to the evolution and experience of the group of walkers.
Descent into the Apurimac Canyon, we stopped by the small settlement of Chiquisca and set up camp for the night.
1L, 1D.
4, Intense
7km (4.3 miles)
5 Hrs.
Capuliyoc: 2,956m (9,698 ft)
Chiquisca: 1,898m (6,227 ft)
Hike up the Apurimac Canyon near the ruins of Choquequirao. Choquequirao Guided Tour
When we start the walk early, we will have a fantastic walk covered by the nature of the jungle. Some streams on the route with a mini waterfall provide natural water to walkers; “if they will collect natural water, it is important to filter or purify it.”
Well, dear adventurers, we started going up the zigzagged bridle path until we reached the small community of Marampata. “In Marampata, there are several local stores to supply us with drinks or snacks for the following days.”
From Marampata, we will have incredible views of the Apurimac Canyon and the current Andes. We continue the walk until we reach the foothills of the archaeological group of Choquequirao to have our camp.
During the afternoon, we will have a guided visit to Choquequirao. We will explore the area of the Inca platforms, the main square below and above, the Inca agricultural platforms, the condor temple, the twin funeral system, ceremonial altars, etc.
Important data:
1B, 1L, 1D.
5, Challenging
14km (8.7 miles)
8 Hrs.
Chiquisca: 1,898m (6,227 ft)
Playa Rosalina: 1,500m (4,921 ft)
Choquequirao: 3,064m (10,052 ft)
We head towards the Río-Blanco ravine through the Choquequirao Pass, a remote and spectacular area with stunning scenic views.
On one of the fascinating days, we ventured to the valley and ravine of the White River. From Río Blanco, we hike, ascending in a zigzag, until we get to the base camp of Maizal.
The walking activities start at 06:00 hours towards the Choquequirao pass (approximately 2 hours of walking). We continue descending for an average of 1 hour until we reach the Pinchaunuyuc ruins.
RUINS OF PINCHAUNUYUC
Pinchaunuyu – the Incas ruins are behind the archaeological group of Choquequirao. There are platforms in perfect condition used to plant agricultural products in the time of the Incas. Pinchaunuyoc did build in a remote and precise elevation area for visual and auditory communication with Maizal, Choquequirao, and other still unknown archaeological groups. The archaeological complex of Pinchaunuyoc has an Inca source of spring water. Those who camp in this area can stock up on fresh water, and hikers can fill their canteen with water to hydrate themselves since it is the only area with water until they reach the white river (RIO BLANCO).
After visiting the Pinchaunuyoc ruins, we continue our descent down the mountain until we reach the fresh waters of the Blanco River. Hikers can take a refreshing cold swim as the entire trek is hot, and splashing around in the river is satisfying. The last section of the walk is from the Río Blanco to Maizal, “03 hours of ascent through the mountain until reaching the base camp”.
Hiking behind the ruins of Choquequirao
1B, 1L, 1D.
5, Challenging
18km (11.2 miles)
8 Hrs.
Marampata: 2,910m (9,547 ft)
Rio Blanco: 1,930m (6,332 ft)
Choquequirao Pass: 3,275m (10,744 ft)
Conquer the highest point of the entire expedition, “YANAMA PASS.” HIKING BETWEEN MAIZAL AND YANAMA, AND FROM YANAMA, WE GO BY LOCAL TRANSPORTATION TO LUCMABAMBA
We walk along the Inca Trail of Maizal, which takes us to the Yanama Pass or Victoria mines. “05 hours of ascent into the jungle and the frozen zone of the Andes, where the condor flies in its natural habitat between the valley and the Apurimac canyon.”
From San Juan Pass, we descend to the Yanama Andean community. At Yanama, we use a local transportation ride to Lucmabamba-Santa-Tereza. We will enjoy the gorgeous views of snow-capped mountains and the high Andes jungle along the way.
1B, 1L, 1D.
4, Intense
13km (9.68 miles)
4 Hrs.
Maizal: 2,983m (9,786 ft)
Yanama Town: 3,545m (11,630 ft)
Yanama Pass: 4,125m (13,533 ft)
Enjoy a gradual ascent along the Lucmabamba Inca Trail towards the ruins of Llactapata and Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Hike at the other end of the Inca trail from Lucmabamba to Llactapata and Hidroeléctrica. From the Llactapata ruins, we will have an impressive view of Machu Picchu and its surrounding mountains. It is essential to detail that you will have the other photo of Machupicchu from the other end of the mountain the next day.
TRAIL INFORMATION: Hiking through the greenish zone of the buffer zone of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
1B, 1L.
4, Intense
16.2km (9.3 miles)
7.5 Hrs.
Lucmabamba Town: 2,035m (6,676 ft)
Hidroelectrica: 1,815m (5,954 ft)
Lucmabamba Pass: 2,814m (9,232 ft)
Adventure along the Sacred Inca Trail to Inti Punku with a view of Machu Picchu from the east
We walk from Aguas Calientes following the rail train, saying, “Be careful with the trains.” Upon reaching kilometer 104 of the railroad, “two hours of walking,” we will officially enter the network of the Inca Trail through the Sacred Trail.
We ascend until we reach the archaeological groups of Wiñaywayna and Intipunku. In the afternoon, we will observe the last Inca citadel preserved during the previous centuries. Having several alternatives for the panoramic views of Machu Picchu is one of the best adventure options starting in Choquequirao. This site is considered the sister citadel of this majestic Inca citadel.
Hiking data
1BL
3, Demanding
16km (9.9 miles)
7 Hrs
Machu Picchu Pueblo: 2,065m (6,774 ft)
Machu Picchu Ruins: 2,400m (7,874 ft)
Inti Pinku: 2,720m (8,920 ft)
Guided tour of the Inca architectural wonder of Peru, “Machupicchu.”
The Incas trekked the Andes for centuries to reach remote parts of South America. Today, we have the most significant exploration of the trip and vacation. We start the bus trip to the spectacular Machu Picchu, seen from the Inca viewpoint house in all its splendor.
The guided tour will lead us to understand the motives and reasons why the Incas chose to live in this rugged area of the jungle. The majestic Inca citadel was built entirely with granite stone.
After the guided tour with our adventure guide, we returned by bus to Aguas Calientes to start the return trip by train to Cusco.
1, Easy
A light walk
2-hour guided tour
Machu Picchu Pueblo: 2,065m (6,774 ft)
Machu Picchu Ruins: 2,400m (7,874 ft)
Cusco: 3,350m (10,990 ft)
Experience freedom, adventure, and peace of mind while trekking to some of the most spectacular ancient ruins, including the Choquequirao Trek with the Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu! The experience of a 7-day trek is the perfect way to explore all the Andes offer.
With this fantastic hiking tour, you can make memories to last a lifetime and traverse the routes of the Short Inca Trail via Choquequirao and Machu Picchu in just seven days!
PERU TRAINS By PeruRail / PER PERSON
+$40. Vistadome train (MACHUPICCHU-OLLANTAYTAMBO)
+$498.00 Hiram Bingham train (Inbound Journey: Train MACHUPICCHU-POROY)
+$75 Huayna Picchu
+$75 Montaña
+$60 RE-ENTRY TO MACHU PICCHU
This applies to the following services:
Machu Picchu Fee
Colleges and students$35 off
* Kondor Path Tours operates the Choquequirao Trek with Short Inca Trail 7 Days.
Hike through remarkable ancient ruins on the magnificent 7-Day Choquequirao and Short Inca Trail Trek! Discover Peru’s history and beauty as you explore Machu Picchu in this noteworthy venture.
The lost citadel of Choquequirao is located at 3,035 meters above sea level, and at the lowest point of the trek, you will be at 1,461 meters above sea level. The climate is similar to Cusco’s, so it is advisable to acclimatize to the altitude before the hike. Who should note that the road to Choquequirao is warm due to the Apurimac Canyon?
Of course, “Choquequirao Trek with Short Inca Trail,” you can. That is why we offer you an exclusive tour package to visit the ruins of Choquequirao and the citadel of Machu Picchu.
We assure you that this trek will last eight days of pure connection with all that the Andean landscape offers you from the heights, the ultimate adventure for those addicted to altitude with a love for history. Join us for this excursion to the mountaintop of Choquequirao, free of tourist crowds, before continuing to Santa Teresa, the back door to Machu Picchu. With guided tours, you will appreciate the Inca Empire and feel like you are traveling back in time.
What did not complete the project was to build a cable car connecting Cachora to Marampata due to the frequent presence of landslides, and this plan was lost little by little.
Having cable cars would benefit tourist activity. Still, we would also lose the hike, which is significant because the route is enjoyable and full of landscapes, flora, and fauna to discover.
There is 43.8 km separating the archaeological site “Choquequirao” from the citadel of Machu Picchu.
We also offer you an exclusive package for this trek: the “Choquequirao Trek 7 days”.
This adventure is definitely for those who are addicted to heights. The route is one of the most complex in Peru; it is full of winding paths, unique panoramic views, deep valleys, a great variety of plants (orchids, small forests), animals in their habitat, etc.
The Choquequirao to Machupicchu trek is unforgettable. INTUPA CUSCO is an agency specializing in this adventure.
Choquequirao is located in the Andes Mountains of Cusco, Peru, and belongs to the province of La Convención in the district of Santa Teresa.
Choquequirao is an Inca archaeological site with characteristics similar to Machu Picchu. Its name means ‘Cradle of Gold.’ Because it resembles the ‘Inca City,’ it is known as the ‘Sacred Sister of Machu Picchu.’
Choquequirao is in the Andes Mountains of Cusco, Peru. It belongs to La Convención province in the Santa Teresa district.
Reach Choquequirao via Cusco or Abancay. From Cachora Marampata, you ascend on foot to Choquequirao. The hike is for two days. The return is the same.
Choquequirao is 3,033 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.).
Short Inca Trail Intipunku Pass, 2740 meters
Choquequirao houses Inca constructions as impressive as Machu Picchu, such as the Main Plaza, the Colcas, the Inca Cemetery, the Kallankas, the Ushnu, the Andenes, etc.
Choquequirao is still in the process of excavation. It estimates that only 30% of the original Inca precinct has been restored.
According to research done at Choquequirao, it is estimated that the Incas built the site around 1536.
Due to its similarity to Machu Picchu, it is believed that the Inca Pachacutec founded the site. His son, Tupac Inca Yupanqui, would be the one who ordered the construction of Choquequirao.
The Choquequirao archaeological site has a temperate climate. The hike to this place has hot weather due to the proximity of the so-called ‘Apurimac Canyon.’
Who can hike to Choquequirao on an organized tour or on their own? You need to walk from Cachora to the archaeological site in both cases.
Choquequirao tours are purchased online or at the Historic Center of Cusco. If you travel, you must buy entrance tickets at the archaeological site.
The prices of the tours to Choquequirao vary according to the tour agency and the number of people.
Prices vary from US$ per person.
The Choquequirao tour includes the following:
Camping equipment.
HIKING SERVICE: Season 2024
Number of persons | Price per person | |
2 | $ 1 454.00 USD |
At least two trekkers are required to take a private service to the Choquequirao Trek, which is a seven-day trek to Machu Picchu.
Number of persons | Price per person | |
$ 1 065.00 USD |
To open a shared group service for the Choquequirao Trek 7 Days to Machu Picchu, at least three hikers are required.
7-Day Choquequirao Trek with Short Inca Trail: Discover magnificent Inca ruins and a unique blend of modern and ancient cultures on this exceptional 7-day hiking trail trek exploring great Inca and other incredible archaeological sites. Book today!
Take a 7-day trek through ancient Inca ruins and stunning landscapes on the Choquequirao Trek with Short Inca Trail Cars Trail route to Machu Picchu! Get ready for an adventure!