Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Express
6 days
From $ 859
Duration6 days

This shorter trek is perfect if you’re looking for an adventure that’s as challenging as it is rewarding. Explore the ruins of Choquequirao, the lost city that’s even more remote than nearby Machu Picchu, but you'll see that too. Because of its difficult-to-reach location, the site sees relatively few visitors. This means you'll get to experience Incan history in near-solitude, surrounded by nothing but ancient architecture and spanning forests. Spectacular views of the Andes are all along the trek to Choquequirao, a journey filled with lush wilderness, breathtaking vistas, and a visit to Machu Picchu.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 6 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Physical Grading: Challenging
  • Ages: 12+
Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Express - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Cusco
Arrive early and spend some time exploring the city. Meet the group at the welcome meeting, check for the start time on the welcome note at the hotel.
Arrive at any time. Please note that hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Peru (even in upgraded hotels and private homes). We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control.

Pre nights are recommended in order to acclimatize to the altitude and take advantage of the optional activities on offer in Cusco.
Day 2: Cusco/Choquequirao Trek
The lost city of Choquequirao was discovered hundreds of years ago, but it still feels as though you may be the first to discover it. Encroaching jungle still covers some of the stonework as only roughly 40 percent of these ruins have been excavated. The trek to this remote Incan city although challenging, is well worth the effort. Winding trails take you through the Apurimac River canyon with circling condors up above and views of the snow-capped Salkantay mountains making a breathtaking backdrop. Take plenty of time to explore and soak it in for yourself with two included visits to Choquequirao.
Transfer to Cachora and embark on the hike to the lost Incan city of Choquequirao. Surrounded by breathtaking views of the Apurimac River and sweeping mountain scenery at every turn.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Choquequirao Trek
Continue trekking through the Apurimac River canyon on the way to Choquequirao. Spot condors as you make your way up into the cloud forest, where you'll camp for the night. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the ruins and marvel at your historical surroundings.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Choquequirao Trek
Explore the ancient ruins of Choquequirao further on your morning guided tour. Comparable only to Machu Picchu in its beauty, grandeur, and architectural accomplishment. Enjoy lunch near Choquequirao before the hike down to San Ignacio, the camp for the night.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Choquequirao Trek/Aguas Calientes
Leave early in the morning to make the way to Villa Carmen. Enjoy lunch before transferring to Ollantaytambo to catch the train to Aguas Calientes.
Meals: B, L
Day 6: Machu Picchu/Cusco
Wake up early to visit the breathtaking Machu Picchu. Enjoy a guided tour of the site and free time to explore until noon as permitted by the tourist ticket. Opt to visit the Inca Bridge, if time allows before taking the train back to Cusco in the afternoon where the trip will end upon arrival. Please note, a hotel night is not included in Cusco we highly recommend booking a hotel night in order to take advantage of the city.
Meals: B

Inclusions

Included

  • Your G for Good Moment: Handmade Biodegradable Soap Products
  • Trek to Choquequirao with local guide, cooks, and porters (4 days)
  • 2 guided tours of Choquequirao archaeological site
  • Guided tour of Machu Picchu
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • Transport

    Private van, Train, And hiking
  • Accommodation

    Hotels (2 nts), Camping (3 nts)

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