Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu with Vilcabamba 9D/8N

Accommodation

• 7 nights of camping. Tent: 2 people in a 4-person tent, allowing for greater comfort and backpack storage!
• Camping pillows
• Basic foam mattress. If you would like greater comfort during the Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu we can rent you an inflatable mattress. See Optional Extras & Upgrades below.
• Toilet tent
• 1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes in a Standard Hotel. This will be a nice, clean and safe hotel with breakfast included and private bathroom. You can also upgrade to a higher quality hotel.

Meals

• Dining tent with camp tables and chairs, and kitchen tent for the cook to prepare meals
• Cook and cooking equipment, plus assistants for larger groups.
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary. Our professional cooks prepare a combination of traditional Peruvian and Western cuisine. Talk to your Travel Consultant during the booking process if you have certain preferences! Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available. When served, salads are washed in boiled water.
• Celebratory dinner in Aguas Calientes
• Lunch on the last day is included in this itinerary.

Transport

• Collection from your hotel on the morning of your trek departure
• Private transport from Cusco to the trailhead and return at the end of the trek (Please note that some private transport on the road is lower quality than in Cusco)
• Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back
• Train ticket (Expedition service) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Private transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco

Trekking Team

• English/Quechua/Spanish speaking professional guide, plus an assistant guide for groups over 8
• Horses and horsemen, who carry camping equipment, food and kitchen utensils. We provide duffel bags at your briefing for your personal items (up to 10kg/22lbs per person).
• Tents, sleeping bags and mattresses for our staff to sleep in, plus a budget for their meals

Safety

• First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
• 1 emergency horse which can be ridden if you are feeling ill or if you are a little slower.

Additional inclusions

• Pre-trek briefing
• Entry fees to Machu Picchu and Choquequirao

Meals

• Breakfast on the first morning.
• Dinner on the last night.

Equipment

• Sleeping bags. Available for rent if you don’t have one with you.
• Additional horses for your personal luggage

Optional Activities

• Entrance to the Aguas Calientes and Cocalmayu hot springs
• Permit to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.

Other

• Tips for the guide, cook and muleteers
• Flights to/from Cusco
• Travel Insurance

We offer you the opportunity to personalize your trek and make your experience more comfortable through our Optional Extras and Upgrades. All options are available during the reservation process; please ask your sales consultant for more information.

Equipment Available for Rent

• Extra horse to carry luggage exceeding the allowed 10kg (22lbs) per person
• Extra horse for you to ride, and horseman to lead it
• Sleeping Bag suitable for -5˚C
• Deluxe sleeping bag suitable for -15˚C
• Light-weight aluminum walking stick. Two sticks are recommended for tough hikes.
• Thermarest inflatable mattress

Service Upgrades

• Single-occupancy tent supplement
• Comfort Camping Upgrade
• Aguas Calientes Hotel Upgrade
• If you’d like more flexibility in your return travel to Cusco, consider a train upgrade. This upgrade must be requested at time of booking.

Optional Activities

• Extra Day at Machu Picchu
• If you’d like to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, let us know at the time of booking as it requires a separate permit.

Important!

• When calculating the cost of renting equipment, calculate using the length of the entire trip, not just the number of trekking days.
• Please be careful with rented equipment! You are responsible for the cost of replacement if something is damaged or broken.
• Any upgrades or trip extensions must be requested at time of booking.

See What to Bring for our comprehensive recommendations on what to pack for your trek.

While the weather in the Andes is always changing, you need to be doubly prepared on the Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu!

You will cross two deep river canyons (the Apurimac and the Rio Blanco), where it is hot and humid and the sun scorches. Then, you will trek through some high mountain passes and sleep at campsites around 4000m (13,123 ft) for a few nights, where temperatures are likely to be below freezing.

Layering will be vital! Make sure you have thermals, a winter hat (toque or beanie), mitts and scarves for the cold nights, but much lighter clothes for down in the canyon. We like zip-off trekking pants which are very versatile. Layer them with thermals on the cold sections of the trek, then convert them to shorts when down in the hot canyons. Additionally, they are quick to dry so you can do a quick wash and they will dry on your back the next day. Very practical!

Please take note that there might be biting insects on the trail, thus repellent will be needed.

There are cold showers at some of the campsites along this route so you may also want to bring a flip flops and a towel!

Footwear

When it comes to footwear, water-resistant trekking boots with a high top to support your ankle are the best hiking boots to take on the Choquequirao trek. If you’re not ready to invest in specialist hiking boots, at a minimum hiking shoes will suffice.

What is the difference between hiking shoes and hiking boots? Hiking shoes are durable, trekking shoes that are generally water resistant. They don’t have ankle support though. Hiking boots are tough footwear that last a long time due to their strong construction. They have ankle support and often are very waterproof.

For more help with what to pack, check out our blog How to Prepare for a Trek in Peru.

• Students: USD $30 off, in certain circumstances. Please enquire for details about eligibility.
• Youth 12-17: 5% off. A valid passport must be presented upon booking.
• Children 5-11 years: 15% off. A valid passport must be presented upon booking.
• Children 0-4 years: 75% off. A valid passport must be presented upon booking. Children under 4 will not count towards the total number of guests in a group, but will be charged 25% of the per person price based on final group size. For example, a group of 4 adults and one child under 4: adults will be charged the full price per person based on a group size of 4 and the child will be charged 25% of the per person price for a group of 4. Children under 3 will not be considered to occupy a seat on any train or bus, and instead must ride on a parent’s lap. Car seats, cribs and other baby needs may not be included and must be discussed in advance. For more information about travelling with infants and toddlers, please see this blog as well as the Age Requirements section of our Booking Conditions.
• 5% off a day tour listed price when you also book a 3-day or longer trek operated by Apus Peru

As the Choquequirao region that you will be trekking through is very remote and the terrain very steep, it is beneficial to have a trek guide with you who is experienced, knowledgeable and quick-thinking.

At Apus Peru we have a rigorous assessment and trial process before bringing our guides on board, and they receive ongoing training in topics such as mountain rescue. All guides are chosen for their knowledge and interpretation of Incan sites, their ability to handle groups and also their personality.

Get to know our team!

At Apus Peru safety is paramount and one of the ways we have melded the backgrounds of the Peruvian and Australian owners is having risk assessment policies. We cover evacuation, illness on the trail, right through to vehicle maintenance.
Additionally, we will not operate in dangerous conditions. We will not offer the Choquequirao to Vilcabamba trek (with Machu Picchu), among others, in the wet season under any circumstances due to the risk of landslides.

Want to join a trek? Ready to confirm a departure date of your own, but interested in having others join you? Then Trekkers Wanted is for you! Our innovative Trekkers Wanted system matches people up who are interested in hiking the same Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek, bringing costs down and multiplying the fun for everyone!

Read More about Trekkers Wanted, post your trek or search for confirmed departures!

• Each guide has their own preferred route and so the route you trek might not correspond exactly to the route described here. 
• The Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek with Vilcabamba 9D trek is one of the toughest hikes in the region. It crosses several high passes, as well as the Rio Blanco which does not have a substantial bridge and can be dangerous to cross in periods of heavy rain. This trek should not be attempted by those who do not have some experience in trekking, plus a solid level of fitness!
• The times cited in this itinerary are approximate. Walking times depend on the group, and the guide may change lunch spots and campsites, depending on the progress of the group.
• Please note: This is a true adventure and things may not go exactly according to plan! Keep an open mind and let yourself enjoy the cultural differences you may experience. There is always an opportunity to learn something!

• Does this trek sound like just what you were looking for? If you’re ready to book or just want to find out a bit more information about trekking from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu, fill out the Inquiry Form in the top right-hand corner of this page to get the ball rolling. You’ll be connected with one of our amazing sales people who will be able to turn your dream of hiking in the Andes into a reality. For more information on the entire booking process, please see our How To Book page.
• Travel insurance is a must! World Nomads offers travel insurance for adventure activities.

• Total Walking Distance: 12.2 km
• Total Walking Time: 6-7h
• Minimum Altitude: 1520m (4,986 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 2970m (9,744 ft)
• Altitude of camp: 2095m (6,873 ft)
• Approx. night temperature: 8°C (47°F)

We begin our Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu with an early departure from Cusco and head towards the Apurimac canyon, surrounded by impressive snow-capped peaks. After about an hour and a half of driving, we will have a short stop at Tarawasi (2675m / 8776 ft).

Tarawasi gets its name from two Quechua words: tara, a type tree native to the Andes (Latin name: caesalpina espinosa), and wasi, which means “house”. So Tarawasi is “the house of the Tara tree”. Tara is a multipurpose tree that produces large bean pods that turn orange when ripe. The seeds inside are used as a natural dye, and also have medicinal purposes.

Tarawasi is a ceremonial centre that dates to Incan times. One of the most striking features of this archaeological site is the presence of an usnu, a ceremonial structure where ritual offerings would be prepared.

From here, we continue by car another 3h to Capuliyoc (2970m / 9744ft). In Capuliyoc we have our first beautiful views of the Apurimac valley stretching below, as well as the snow-capped peaks of Padreyoc and Huayna Cachora.

We will meet our muleteers here and walk about 15 minutes to have our lunch at the Capuliyoc lookout point. From here, we descend steeply 3-4h into the Apurimac Canyon, taking in the spectacular views until we reach Chiquisca (1950m / 6397 ft), with breathtaking drops on either side. An hour beyond Chiquisca, we arrive at the roaring Apurimac River (1520m / 4986 ft).

From the river, we begin to climb to the Santa Rosa Campsite (2095m / 6873 ft). This is a tough 2h climb but makes the next day easier! As the campsite is further along than the most popular camp, it is often quiet and you can soak up the stars.

This day is flexible and so the route you trek might not correspond exactly to the route described here. Walking times depend on the time of departure and on the nature of the group. The guide may change lunch spots and campsites, depending on the progress of the group.
Please take note that there might be biting insects on the trail, thus repellent will be needed! It can get very hot on the trail (not just in the canyon!), going up to 30-35 ºC (86 ºF – 95 ºF). It can get as hot as 40ºC (104 ºF) in the canyon.

• Total Walking Distance: 9.3 km
• Total Walking Time: 5-6 h
• Minimum Altitude: 2095m (6,873 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 3050m (10,007 ft)
• Altitude of camp: 2900m (9,514 ft)
• Approx. night temperature: 5°C (41°F)

We depart early again today, in order to get the most out of the day! We begin by continuing upwards to Marampata where we will have a break. The climb from the Santa Rosa campsite to Marampata (2940m / 9646 ft) takes about 3 hours and is a tough uphill stretch. A little further on from our break site we will get our first view of the ruins of Choquequirao! From here we have 2 more hours of hiking over gentle, undulating terrain until we reach the ruins. We take our lunch at the Choquequirao campsite (2900m / 9514 ft) nearest to the ruins, before we head to Choquequirao itself for the afternoon.

Only around 30% of the Inca remains of Choquequirao have been excavated. What can be seen today, however, is most impressive and very much worth the challenging trek to get there! The stonework in Choquequirao is not as sophisticated as that found in Machu Picchu, because the stone found here is very difficult to carve, but the buildings are impressive and suggest a site of high status. Choquequirao evokes a sense of awe simply because of the site’s surrounding beauty and isolation.

Spending the afternoon exploring the ruins, we will watch the sunset and keep our fingers crossed for the chance to see condors soaring through the sky!

• Total Walking Distance: 6km
• Total Walking Time: 4h (not counting time spent at the ruins)
• Minimum Altitude: 2470m (8,104 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 3300m (10,826 ft)
• Altitude of camp: 2470m (8,104 ft)
• Approx. night temperature: 10°C (50°F)

We begin this part of the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu with an early morning visit to the impressive Choquequirao site. Originally discovered in 1710, there were a series of European explorers who passed through this area and knew about this site, however little importance was given to Choquequirao until 1909 when Hiram Bingham, who is credited with the scientific discovery of Machu Picchu, came across the site. This brought more international attention to Choquequirao but even then, the site was largely ignored until the 1970s when the Peruvian government started its excavations.

Choquequirao is composed of an amazing and extensive set of terraces and a smaller religious and administrative area with a total area of over 1800 hectares. There are impressive irrigation channels and all of this set in the dramatic setting of the steep Apurimac Canyon.

We will take our lunch within the upper part of the ruins today to allow for more exploration time. After lunch, we climb over a ridge for about 1 hour to the Choquequirao Pass, and then descend for 3h to the ruins at Pinchiunuyoc (2470m / 8104 ft). We will have time to explore these ruins and admire the majestic views before settling in for the night at the nearby campsite of the same name. This is one of the most impressive campsites on the Choquequirao hike to Machu Picchu, and if it’s a clear day, you will be treated to one of the most spectacular sunsets.

• Total Walking Distance: 8 km
• Total Walking Time: 6-7 h
• Minimum Altitude: 1920m (6299 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 3000m (9843 ft)
• Altitude of camp: 3000m (9843 ft)
• Approx. night temperature: 7°C (45°F)

Today, after breakfast, we will descend steeply to the Rio Blanco (1920m / 6299 ft), a 1.5 to 2 hour walk. Here we can dip our toes in the cool waters of the river before facing the next leg of our journey.

From here, we start a challenging climb to a small cleared agricultural area on the mountain known as Maizal (3000m / 9843 ft). For many people, this is the most difficult section of the whole Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu. The climb is a grinding 4.5h hours zig-zag uphill.

We’ll break for lunch here and then have the rest of the afternoon to relax and rest our tired legs, in preparation for tomorrow’s long day of hiking. We will camp here for the night.

• Total Walking Distance: 14km
• Total Walking Time: 9h of walking 
• Minimum Altitude: 3000m (9,842 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 4130m (13,549 ft)
• Altitude of camp: 3200m (10,449 ft)
• Approx. night temperature: 3°C (37°F)

We wake early and climb uphill through cloud forest to the Victoria Mines, an incredible and breathtaking climb. This climb is both challenging and historic, with an elevation gain of more than 1000m! Here we can admire the shine of the outcropped rocks hinting at the high concentration of minerals and metals present in them – and the reason for the ancient mines.

During our trek through the puna, we’ll walk over well-preserved Inca trails, with their classic zig-zag shape. Along the way, we pass Pajonal (4000m / 13,123ft), where we’ll be treated to stunning views of the trail where we have just walked, with the impressive Apurimac Valley in the distance. 

Finally, after 4-5 hours of climbing, we will reach the San Juan Pass, also known as Victoria Pass (4130 m / 13,549ft). From this high pass we will be able to see the imposing Mount Choquetacarpo in front. This is a fantastic spot to take pictures on a clear day, possibly the best photo ops on the whole Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu! 

Time- and conditions-permitting, we will have our lunch here at San Juan Pass, in front of these breathtaking views, with our campsite visible in the distance. There is a good chance we will spot condors soaring past, especially if it’s a sunny day.

After lunch, the spectacular views continue from the pass as we descend about 2.5h to the charming village of Yanama (3700m /12,139 ft), which is also our alternative lunch spot, if we’re unable to lunch at the San Juan Pass.

From here, we’ll enter almost totally uncharted territory as we venture on a route pioneered by Apus Peru that leads us to Vilcabamba, the Last Bastion of the Incas. This unique section is one of the highlights of the 9-day Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek, and why we consider it our signature trek.

We continue our hike about 2.5 hours down into a valley, across a small river, and then begin the climb to the other side toward Yutuypata (3200m / 10,499 ft), where we’ll camp against a backdrop of beautiful views of the surrounding valley. 

Fun Fact: The relatively recently discovered Coryhuayrachina ruins are between Maizal and Yanama. Though we do not visit Coryhuayrachina, it is still interesting to learn some of the little-known Inca history about Coryhuayrachina in the areas that we are hiking through.

• Total Walking Distance: 18km
• Total Walking Time: 8-9h
• Minimum Altitude: 3200m (10,449 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 4600m (15,092 ft)
• Altitude of camp: 4070m (13,353 ft)
• Approx. night temperature: -2°C (28°F)

This morning will be relatively easy, as we walk along gentle terrain for about 4 hours through the Quellqua Machay valley. We’ll be surrounded by queuña trees (polylepis) and spectacular mountain views until we reach our lunch spot at Lazunapampa (3950m / 12,959 ft).

After lunch, we’ll ascend for 2 hours to the highest point on the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek, the Choquetacarpo Pass (4600m / 15,091 ft). This area is guarded by powerful apus – mountain deities important in Andean lore – embodied by the surrounding rugged snow-capped peaks of Choquetacarpo (5500m / 18,045 ft) and Pumasillo (5995m / 19,669 ft), among others.

Here we’ll also encounter an original, intact Inca trail that has been preserved due to the low traffic of people and animals – an amazing treat for history buffs: we are literally retracing the steps of the Incas! We can imagine ourselves to be modern-day chasquis, the famous Incan messengers. This stretch of trail is a marvel of Incan engineering, showcasing their remarkable craftsmanship in creating these unique trails high up in the mountains.

As a bonus, on sunny days, the majestic Andean condor – sacred to the Incas and emblematic of the upper realm of existence, known as hanan pacha – can often be seen soaring here.

After taking in the stunning views of Choquetacarpa Pass, we’ll descend for about 1.5 hours down original Inca stone steps. We’ll end this long day at Incamachay (4070m / 13,353 ft), a beautiful and secluded campsite where we’ll rest our tired legs and enjoy the tranquility and breathtaking scenery.

• Total Walking Distance: 23.7 km, including hike to Vitcos
• Total Walking Time: 9h, including hike to Vitcos
• Minimum Altitude: 3000m (9943 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 4070m (13,353 ft)
• Altitude of camp: 3000m (9943 ft)
• Approx. night temperature: 4°C (39°F)

After several days with some challenging ascents, today we get a bit of a break as it’s all downhill.

From our high-altitude campsite, we will gradually descend towards a more populated area, so we’ll begin to see some locals sharing the trail with us. After about 4.5 hours of walking on these local paths, we’ll reach the village of Huancacalle (3000m / 9943 ft) where we’ll enjoy our final lunch with our muleteers.

After lunch, we’ll take a relaxed, gradual ascent to visit the majestic archaeological site of Vitcos-Rosaspata – also known as Vilcabamba – and Ñustahispana. This important Inca administrative and religious center served as a refuge for the Inca resistance led by Manco Inca after the Spanish conquest. It played a key role in preserving Inca culture during the period of resistance against colonial domination. 

We’ll visit the site in the afternoon before returning to Huancacalle where we will camp for the night. The visit to the archaeological site will take about 3 hours round trip.

• Total Walking Distance: 0km
• Total Walking Time: 0h / Total Driving Time: 5h
• Minimum Altitude: 2040m (6693 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 3000m (9943 ft)
• Altitude of camp: 2040m (6693 ft) 
• Approx. night temperature: 12°C (54°F)

This morning, we can relax and reflect on the epic journey we’ve just taken along the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trail, from the lush valleys and canyons to the high mountain passes at San Juan and Choquetacarpo.

Huancacalle is a picturesque rural village where you can see pigs and their adorable piglets wandering the streets. Secluded in the mountains, you might feel a sense of nostalgia for a forgotten time, characterized by this peaceful way of life. This is a stark contrast to what awaits us in Aguas Calientes, a busy town full of tourists eager to visit Machu Picchu!

There is no hiking today. Instead, we’ll take private transport* along narrow, winding mountain roads to Santa Teresa (1550m / 5085 ft). The 5-hour journey is a spectacular adventure in itself, taking us from the high Andean plains down to an area filled with lush jungle vegetation. Along the way, we’ll pass a series of villages interspersed with fields of bananas, papayas, tea, and coffee. 

The final leg of the trip will take us alongside the Vilcanota River, also known as the Urubamba River. During the rainy season, the river swells and becomes this rushing, powerful force of nature – a striking reminder of the natural forces that are ever-present in the Andes.

If there is time once we reach Santa Teresa, you may have a chance to take a dip in the Cocalmayu hot springs to soothe your tired muscles!

From Santa Teresa, we will take the train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machupicchu Pueblo. This will feel like a nice change of pace after the days spent hiking from Choquequirao to Vilcabamba.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes (2040m / 6693 ft), you’ll have another chance to take a comforting soak in the town’s namesake hot springs. 

In the evening, we will enjoy a celebratory dinner together before tucking in for the night in our comfortable hotel, in preparation for tomorrow’s grand finale – Machu Picchu.

*Please note: The private transport available for this section of the trek may be of a lower standard than what we offer on other legs of this journey.

We made it! Today we will have a guided visit of the unparalleled Inca Citadel, Machu Picchu. This is a lifelong dream for many, and also the pinnacle of the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu!

We will line up for the bus relatively early in the morning (between 6 and 7 AM) which we will then take up to the ruins of Machu Picchu, a 20-30 minute drive.

Our aim is to enter the site around 8 AM – the perfect time, in our opinion, for your Machu Picchu, after the early-morning rush of Inca Trail hikers and before the multitude of day-trippers. Your guide will give you a 2h walking tour of the historic citadel which will leave you in awe of the Incan people’s ingenuity!

After our tour, we exit the site and head to the nearby Tinkuy Restaurant, conveniently located inside the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge just outside the gates. Here we will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch before taking the bus back down to Aguas Calientes in time to catch our train (you can choose to walk down, but the bus ticket is included in the price of your trek).

We will travel on the Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo where our driver will meet us and transfer you directly back to your hotel in Cusco. Total travel time is about 4 hours from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.

Feeling adventurous? You may want to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Although these optional Machu Picchu hikes were designed for travellers who haven’t had the opportunity to do any hiking yet, unlike us, both offer a unique twist on the classic Machu Picchu visit and may be worth considering. Keep in mind that this requires an additional permit, which can sell out well in advance! Be sure to let us know at booking if you’d like to add one of these hikes. For more information on these and other Machu Picchu hikes, check out our blog.

We rate the 9 day Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek as very difficult. (See how we rate all of our treks in the Cusco region!)

Without a doubt this is amongst the very toughest in the region due to the high altitude, intense elevation gains and losses, length of the trek and remoteness. The physical and mental stamina to do difficult day after difficult day requires resilience and fortitude.

The trail is characterized by a large number of ascents and descents:

• • • Day 1: descend 1500m;
    • Day 2: climb 1500m;
    • Day 3: descend 1500m;
    • Day 4: climb up again!

The highest point of the trek is on Day 6 when you climb to 4600m (15,091 ft) at the Choquetacarpo Pass. The climb up isn’t as intense (a mere 600m / 1969 ft!), though, being at higher altitude, it can be hard to breathe.

In addition to being physically challenging, the Choquequirao Machu Picchu trek takes you through some remote areas which can be a mental challenge. You will see no one except your own trekking group for many days!

You should be extremely fit and healthy to do the Choquequirao Vilcabamba trek to Machu Picchu. Under no circumstances should you attempt this trek without having done some training.

We have had some older people complete this trek but they are extremely fit and well prepared. Without a doubt, anyone who is not fit should train in consultation with a medical and fitness professional before considering this trek. What this training and preparation will involve depends on each person and their own abilities.

Remember: the challenge of the 9 day Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu is the steepness of the trail, the remoteness and the sustained difficulty of the terrain and hiking conditions.

See Tip #3 of our Trekking Tips for how to get ready for your trek.

The Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trail is a remote, long distance trek for those who are looking for a challenge. You should be well acclimatised prior to heading off on this trek quite simply because you are going far into the mountains.

For this trek we recommend a minimum of 3 days at high altitude prior to beginning the trek. This may mean spending time in the Cusco area, Lake Titicaca or the Sacred Valley.

We would also recommend doing one short day hike while acclimatising in the Cusco area. This will make it easier for you when you start trekking “for real”.

In addition to allowing 3 days in Cusco for your body to acclimatise, you should also stay away from alcohol and rich foods, and rest as much as possible. In short, be kind to your body!

Read more about Altitude and How to Acclimatize before starting your trek.

Cusco’s cold, dry winter months (May to August) are the best time to do the Choquequirao Vilcabamba trek to Machu Picchu. During this time, there is little rain and the trail conditions throughout the Andes are optimal.

It can get quite cold, though, so be prepared! On this particular trek, you will hike at a variety of altitudes and experience a range of temperatures – from hot and sunny to cold and windy, even below freezing.

We will not operate the trek in the rainy season which typically runs from December through March. This is because the heavy rainfall can loosen the mountainsides and there is a high risk of landslides in both the Apurimac and Blanco canyons.

This instability and falling rocks have caused death and injury in tourist groups in the past. We put safety first, and we don’t consider this an acceptable risk!

The shoulder seasons for trekking Choquequirao – Machu Picchu are April, September, October and November. The suitability of the shoulder months depends on the year and the amount of rain at the time. For example, April can still be very slippery if it was an especially wet rainy season; by the same token November can be dangerous if torrential rains come early.

In general September and October should be ok, though we always reserve the right to change or cancel treks if the weather conditions will make trekking unsafe.

Read more about the best time to hike and take note of our wet season trekking policy.

Part of the challenge of this hike is that the average hours of trekking per day range dramatically, between 6 and 10 hours daily.

As the Choquequirao Vilcabamba area is such steep terrain, there are not a lot of suitable places to camp. This means that some days’ trekking is much longer than others as we have to go further to reach a flat campsite with good water for the animals.

In addition to the terrain and distance between campsites, the average hours of trekking will depend on group dynamics, fitness and more. Our guides are experts in planning around the personal needs of groups, and will tailor each day’s hike to suit the group.

Yes! Guides do take solar powered chargers with them so you can charge your devices along the way.

That said, you should take every battery you have fully charged when you leave Cusco. If you have your own power bank, we recommend bringing these as well as the solar charger must be shared amongst the whole group.

The Choquequirao Vilcabamba trek to Machu Picchu includes seven nights of camping and one night in a hotel.

For the nights spent camping, we use North Face tents. These all-weather tents ensure that our trekkers will be prepared for whatever weather conditions come their way!

At the end of each day’s hike, expect to arrive at the campsite with your tents already set up by our professional field team. They will have hot water ready for you to wash your hands and face, as well as boiled water for tea and a snack!

Want a little more comfort? We have a “glamping” option you can choose! Read more about Comfort Camping here.

Please note that some private transport on the road is lower quality than in Cusco

Meals on the Trail

Many of our trekkers comment that they eat better on the trail than they do at home! For the duration of your trek, you will be accompanied by a trained chef and an assistant. They whip up a range of tasty meals on the trail that will leave you fully charged for each day’s hiking.

We have clients from all around the world with a wide range of dietary requirements. Our chefs do very well adapting to these requests. For any particular need – whether it’s vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free meals, or anything else – sufficient notice and clear are very appreciated.

Read more about What to Expect on the Trail, including more about meals and equipment.

There are no permits required to hike the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trail, but you do need an entry ticket to Choquequirao and Machu Picchu sites.

These tickets are included in the price of your trek; you will not be asked to pay anything extra at any point.

Should you wish to hike Huayna Picchu when you are at Machu Picchu you should pre-book this permit approximately 4 months before travel. There is an extra cost for this hike, not included in the price. Read more about Huayna Picchu.

We love the Choquequirao region, especially as it is possible to customise the treks in this area.

• • If you don’t have 9 days to complete this trek (an historical odyssey), consider our 7 day Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu. How do we turn a 9 day trek into 7 days? Instead of hiking all the way to Huancacalle, we pick you up at the village of Yanama and travel by car to Lucmabamba which is very close to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
  • Alternatively, if a hard-core adventure is more your thing, then you might consider the our Choquequirao Machu Picchu Adventure trek. This 8-day trek takes you on little-known paths with an extreme detour via the Qhiswa Pass on Day 6. Only for very fit hikers!
  • For those who are major Inca history buffs, here is an amazing double trek for you to consider. This was done by Apus Peru’s founder on one of her earliest treks in the region. This truly amazing trek visits not only Choquequirao, Vitcos, and Ñustahispana, but also the fascinating ruins at Espiritu Pampa. One of the most epic treks in our entire offering!

Other Customization Options

• • Your Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek with Vilcabamba includes one night in a Standard Aguas Calientes hotel. For added comfort, you can also choose one of our upgrade packages which includes not only an upgraded hotel but also a luxury train service and meals at the top restaurants in Aguas Calientes.
  • For more time to really appreciate these fascinating Inca sites, you can add an Extra Day at Choquequirao and/or an Extra Day at Machu Picchu too!

It looks like this long-anticipated project is finally going to go ahead. The regional authorities have been talking about a cable car to Choquequirao for years, but it seems like it is finally going to happen. The latest report indicates the Choquequirao cable car may finally be operational some time in 2022.

The government anticipates tourism to Choquequirao to increase exponentially with the cable car. So if you want to experience Choquequirao in the relative absence of other tourists, you better go now! For more, read our blog about why you should trek to Choquequirao now.

In order to answer whether this trek is right for you, ask yourself the following questions:

• • Do I have time to acclimatize well? – For this trek we would recommend acclimatizing a minimum of 3 days. More is always better!
  • Am I prepared to climb and descend steeply? – For the first four days of this trek you will experience elevation gains or losses of about 1500m (4921 ft) each day. This is a very steep trek and requires a lot of stamina and mental fortitude, not to mention fitness!
  • Am I prepared to face a massive mental challenge? – This is a very long, very remote and isolated trek. This can be very challenging for some people, and requires mental preparedness.
  • Am I looking for solitude on the trail and a unique experience? – The Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek is one of THE most unique experiences in the Cusco region. Once you leave the Choquequirao ruins behind it is unlikely that you will encounter other groups of trekkers on the trail. If you are looking for more social interaction on the trail, you might prefer a more popular trek such as Salkantay or the Inca Trail.
  • Am I most interested in stunning mountain landscapes and Andean wildlife? – The Choquequirao to Vilcabamba 9 Day trek has some spectacular mountain landscapes, and plunging gorges as you hike across a number of river canyons. There is not a lot of Andean wildlife, but you do have the chance of seeing the Andean condor flying on the thermals out from the Choquequirao ruins.
  • Am I looking for a trek that includes Machu Picchu? – This 9 day trek hikes from Choquequirao ruins over the Vilcabamba ranges to the Last Bastion of the Incas at Vilcabamba. We then take road transport to Santa Teresa, where you can either take the train or hike into Machu Picchu. Not only does this trek include Machu Picchu, this is one of the most spectacular ways to get there! You will truly be retracing the steps of the ancient Incas on this trek.
  • Is visiting Incan Ruins important to me? – This is one of the best treks for those with a deep interest in Inca History. Not only are the Choquequirao ruins thought to be bigger than Machu Picchu itself (it is still not entirely excavated!), one of our favourite things about this trek is how you walk along genuine Inca trails, stumbling upon small Inca ruins along the way (called tambos or resting areas). You know that you really are following in the footsteps of the Incas and that is an awesome feeling!!
  • Am I interested in learning about contemporary Andean culture? – If so, then one of our Lares treks might be a better option.

For more information about what this region has to offer, check out our Choquequirao and Vilcabamba homepages.

The 9 Day Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu begins and ends in Cusco. Travel to/from Cusco is not included in the price of your trek.

Travel Direct…

• • • By Plane – Most international flights land in Lima, Peru’s capital. From here, you can take a domestic flight to Cusco. Some international flights go through other South American capitals, like Bogotá, Colombia, which also has connecting flights to Cusco.
    • By Bus – You can take an overnight bus from Lima to Cusco (it takes about 20-23 hours). One of the benefits of travelling slowly up from the coast is that you are automatically acclimatising as you travel. Not to mention you get an idea of the stunning landscape and mountains as you travel! The top recommended buses are Cruz del Sur, Palomino and ExcluCiva.

…or Take the Long Way

• • Via Arequipa and/or Puno – If you have the time, spend a day or two in Lima and then head to Arequipa or Puno (or both!) to gradually acclimatize to the altitude over the space of several days before you arrive in Cusco for your trek. We offer 3 and 4 day package tours to Arequipa and Puno that you can add onto to your trek.

Our treks are designed so that you only have to carry a day pack with you. The rest of your belongings, along with the food and camping equipment, is carried by mules. At your briefing, we will provide you with a duffel bag where you can pack up to 10kg (22 lbs) of personal belongings. (If you think you will need more than that, you can hire a personal mule for an extra cost!)

You will reunite with your duffel bag of belongings each night at the campsite. Therefore, your day pack should contain everything you will need during the day’s hike: layers, water, a camera, extra batteries, sun protection, beanie, gloves and insect repellent. A scarf or sarong can also protect you from dust or keep you warm, as the Choquequirao treks can be quite dusty during the dry season.

Especially on the Choquequirao to Vilcabamba trek when you are trekking in hot, dusty canyons you should carry plenty of water, starting the day with either 2 or 3 litres depending on your personal hydration needs. Our meals are plentiful, but if you like to snack do bring some of your own for on the trail.

If you’re still not sure if this 9 day Choquequirao Vilcabamba trek to Machu Picchu is right for you, or want to read more about the area or other people’s trekking experiences, check out these helpful articles from our blog:

• • Making Choquequirao the Best of Trekking Peru – Here we describe the background about how we developed our signature trek, and how Apus Peru became the best Choquequirao trek operator in Cusco. We also cover some of the innovations we have introduced to make sure our treks are the best, and changing with the times!
  • Trekking Choquequirao with Apus Peru – If video is more your style, take a look at this Choquequirao video prepared by one of our hikers, describing the difficulty of the trek and terrain.
  • Choquequirao Highlights – Beautiful visually, the folks at Drink Tea & Travel also travelled with Apus Peru and shot this wonderful footage giving you a better idea of what you might experience on the Choquequirao trek.
  • Choquequirao – The Best Hike in Peru – We think Choquequirao is one of the best treks in Peru. Find out why!
  • Considering doing the Choquequirao Hike? Read this review! – This is a beautiful and detailed account of hiking to Choquequirao, from one of our very own trekkers.