Embark on the ultimate Andean expedition, an epic 8-day journey connecting two of Peru's most magnificent lost cities. Begin with a challenging descent into the immense Apurimac Canyon, one of the deepest in the world, before ascending to the remote and rarely visited Choquequirao the "Cradle of Gold." This massive Inca citadel, larger than Machu Picchu yet receiving only a fraction of visitors, offers an intimate encounter with ancient history. Continue your pilgrimage across high mountain passes, including the spectacular San Juan Pass at 4,668m, traversing diverse ecosystems from dry highlands to lush cloud forests. The journey rewards you with thermal hot springs, unique Jungle Dome accommodations, and views of the legendary Llactapata ruins before your triumphant arrival at Machu Picchu. This challenging trek is designed for experienced adventurers seeking the road less traveled and the profound satisfaction of earning every step toward the ultimate wonder.
Trek from Cusco (3,400m) descending to Apurimac Canyon, ascending to Choquequirao (3,050m), crossing San Juan Pass (4,668m), then descending to Machu Picchu (2,430m).
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The Choquequirao Trek & Machu Picchu is classified as Very Challenging. It's considered one of the most demanding treks in Peru. You'll trek 8-10 hours daily over steep, rugged terrain, with significant altitude changes. The highest point is San Juan Pass at 4,668m (15,315ft). Prior high-altitude trekking experience and excellent physical fitness are essential. This trek is not suitable for beginners.
The complete trek covers approximately 90-100 kilometers (56-62 miles) over 7 days of trekking. This includes dramatic elevation changes totaling over 8,000 meters of cumulative ascent and descent. The terrain varies from high Andean passes to cloud forest, making it a diverse and spectacular journey.
Choquequirao is often called the "Sister City" of Machu Picchu and is believed to be even larger. Only about 30% has been excavated, giving you the chance to explore a site that feels undiscovered. Unlike Machu Picchu, which receives thousands of daily visitors, Choquequirao sees fewer than 30 visitors per day. You'll experience the ruins in remarkable solitude, often with the entire site to yourself.
The best time is during the dry season from April to October. May through September offers the most stable weather with minimal rainfall. However, nights can be very cold, especially at higher elevations. The rainy season (November to March) makes the trails more challenging with muddy and slippery conditions, though the landscape is greener.
This expedition features varied accommodation: 5 nights camping in high-quality 4-season tents, 1 night in Sky Camp (transparent dome camping at Choquequirao for stargazing), 1 night in Jungle Domes at Lucmabamba with hot showers, and 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. We provide inflatable sleeping mattresses; you can rent a sleeping bag or bring your own rated to -10°C.
The trek includes 7 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 7 dinners. Our cook prepares fresh, nutritious meals designed to fuel your trek. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available with advance notice. Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch on Day 8 are not included. We also provide snacks, hot drinks, and purified water throughout the trek.
You only need to carry a daypack (20-30 liters) with your daily essentials: water, snacks, camera, rain gear, warm layer, and personal items. Our team of mules and arrieros (muleteers) transport all camping gear, cooking equipment, and your main luggage. Each participant receives a duffel bag allowance of up to 7kg for the mules to carry.
Yes, absolutely! We strongly recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2-3 days before your trek starts to acclimatize to the altitude (3,400m/11,150ft). This trek reaches 4,668m and involves strenuous activity. Without proper acclimatization, you risk altitude sickness which can be dangerous and may force you to abandon the trek. Consider visiting the Sacred Valley first or doing light walks in Cusco.
Basic toilet facilities are available at campsites (typically pit toilets). During the day's hike, you'll use nature (we provide a toilet tent for privacy at rest stops). At the Jungle Domes in Lucmabamba and the hotel in Aguas Calientes, you'll have access to proper flushing toilets and hot showers. We recommend bringing biodegradable wet wipes and hand sanitizer.
Cell phone signal is extremely limited on this remote trek. You may get sporadic signal at some high points, but don't count on it. There's no WiFi until Aguas Calientes on Day 7. We recommend informing family and friends that you'll be off-grid for most of the trek. Bring a portable charger for your devices and consider this a digital detox opportunity!
Our guides carry comprehensive first aid kits, emergency oxygen, and satellite communication devices. In case of serious emergency, evacuation by mule to the nearest road or helicopter evacuation can be arranged (costs covered by your mandatory travel insurance). The nearest hospitals are in Cusco. Our guides are trained in wilderness first aid and high-altitude emergency response.
If you're unable to continue due to altitude sickness, injury, or fatigue, our guides will assess the situation and help arrange the safest exit route. Depending on your location, this may involve returning on mule to the nearest road or continuing to the next accessible point. Additional costs for evacuation or alternative transport are the responsibility of the participant and should be covered by travel insurance. No refunds are provided for incomplete treks.
Our shared group departures have a maximum of 10 participants to ensure a quality experience and manageable logistics. Small groups allow for better interaction with guides, more flexibility on the trail, and a more intimate experience at the remote archaeological sites. Private tours can be arranged for any group size with customized services.
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