choquequirao to machu picchu

We depart from Cusco in the morning, heading north through the fertile Anta Pampas valley. The landscape gradually changes as we follow a secondary road that leads along a ridge to the village of Capuliyoc. From this point, spectacular views open up over the Apurímac Canyon, one of the deepest in Peru. Here, we meet the rest of the field team and prepare to begin our trek. After an early lunch, we start the descent toward the Apurímac River. The trail steadily drops through changing vegetation, offering increasingly dramatic views of the canyon below. In the late afternoon, we arrive at Chikisca, our first campsite, located in a clearing near the river. After settling in, we enjoy a hot drink and dinner beneath a star-filled sky, marking the true beginning of our adventure.

We wake up at sunrise and, after an energizing breakfast, cross the river via a hanging bridge. From here, a long and demanding ascent begins, accompanying us for much of the day. The trail climbs steep slopes, rewarding us with breathtaking views of the Apurímac Canyon, its vertical walls, and intense colors. Midway through the hike, we stop at a small meadow to enjoy a picnic-style lunch. We then continue ascending as the scenery gradually changes: we enter a hanging valley covered in lush, humid cloud forest, which leads us to Choquequirao, where we begin exploring this remarkable Inca site. We visit the main plaza and the famous llama-shaped terraces known as “The Llamas of the Sun,” one of the most unique artistic expressions in the Andean world.

This day is dedicated to exploring the lesser-visited sectors of Choquequirao, which extend along the slopes overlooking the Apurímac River. We hike following the course of the Chunchumayo stream and visit ancient storehouses, dwellings, ceremonial platforms, and defensive structures. There is ample time to explore this vast complex at a relaxed pace and appreciate the quality of its architecture. In the afternoon, we pack up and resume our trek toward the Choquequirao Pass. The trail ascends through cloud forest filled with bromeliads, orchids, and giant ferns. From the pass, we begin our descent toward Pincha Unuyoc, an ancient agricultural center that once supplied Choquequirao. Here, we set up camp and rest surrounded by ancestral terraces.

We start the day with a hot drink and breakfast before continuing the descent toward the powerful Blanco River. After crossing it, we enjoy lunch on its banks and prepare for a long ascent toward Maizal. The effort is rewarded with expansive views of the Yurahmayo and Yanama valleys, which converge and plunge into the Apurímac Canyon. As we gain altitude, the landscape opens toward the Vilcabamba Mountain Range. We arrive in the afternoon at a natural viewpoint facing west, where we witness an unforgettable sunset before settling into camp and enjoying dinner.

After breakfast, we begin a steep ascent toward Victoria Mine, an ancient Inca mine later used for copper extraction during colonial times. Along the way, we pass the ruins of Qoriwayrachina, a former waystation that has been recently excavated. We continue to San Juan Pass, at approximately 3,900 meters above sea level, where we stop for lunch with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. We then begin the descent toward the village of Yanama, with distant views of the snow-capped Pumasillo peak. We camp in Yanama and end the day with a comforting dinner.

After breakfast, we say farewell to the trekking team. From Yanama, we travel along the newly built road to the Hydroelectric Station. There, we enjoy a box lunch before continuing by train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. For those who prefer to keep walking, there is also the option of an easy hike along the railway tracks to reach the village. We spend the night in Aguas Calientes, ready for the highlight of the journey the following day.

After breakfast, we take the bus up the winding road to Machu Picchu. An English-speaking guide accompanies us on a guided tour of the citadel, explaining the function of its main structures and offering insights into the lives of its former inhabitants, all set against the lush backdrop of the cloud forest. We then return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and time to explore the town. In the afternoon, we take the train to Ollantaytambo and continue on to Cusco. Dinner and accommodation this evening are on your own.