The 9-Day Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu
The Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu (9 days) is one of the most challenging, breathtaking, and rewarding treks in the Cusco region. This epic journey takes you along little-visited Inca trails, across dramatic Andean landscapes, through lush cloud forests, and into two of the most remarkable Inca sites in Peru: Choquequirao, known as the "sister city of Machu Picchu," and the world wonder itself, Machu Picchu.
Unlike the shorter Choquequirao route, this 9-day itinerary continues deep into the Andes, connecting with the final stretch of the famous Salkantay Trail before reaching Machu Picchu. This makes it the perfect adventure for those seeking a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience that combines history, culture, and adventure.
By choosing Llama Path, you’re trekking with a company that has over 23 years of experience, internationally recognized by the World Travel Awards for excellence and sustainability. Don’t just take our word for it—check out our glowing reviews on TripAdvisor!
Starting Altitude: 2,900 m / 9,515 ft
Highest Altitude: 4,840 m / 15,879 ft (Yanama Pass)
Total Walking Distance: approx. 100–105 km / 62–65 miles
Longest Days:
Day 1 & Day 6 – up to 18 km / 11 miles of trekking
Difficulty Level: ★★★★☆ Challenging – suitable for experienced trekkers in good physical condition
Recommended: 2–3 days of acclimatization in Cusco prior to the trek
Campsites are flexible and may vary depending on:
Group’s walking pace
Weather conditions
Availability of campsites
Safety considerations by our guides
Unlike the Inca Trail, where campsites are strictly assigned by the Peruvian government, the Choquequirao route allows more flexibility in choosing where to camp each night.
This trek is considered demanding, but the reward is an unforgettable journey through remote Inca landscapes, culminating at Machu Picchu.
A challenging and unforgettable journey through two of the greatest Inca sites of Peru
We begin with a 4-hour drive from Cusco to the trailhead in Cachora (2,900 m / 9,514 ft.), passing through stunning Andean landscapes. From here, our trek starts with spectacular panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks of Padreyoc (5,571 m) and the dramatic Apurímac Canyon.
As we descend into the valley, the trail offers our first glimpse of Choquequirao on the opposite ridge. The descent is surrounded by vibrant flora, including cacti, agave, and wildflowers. With some luck, we may spot eagles and even Andean foxes.
We camp at Santa Rosa (2,200 m / 7,215 ft.), a peaceful and less-crowded spot beyond the Apurímac River crossing.
Walking Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
Campsite Altitude: 2,200 m / 7,215 ft
Maximum Altitude: 2,890 m / 9,482 ft
Today is one of the most demanding days. We climb nearly 800 m / 2,624 ft up the opposite side of the canyon through humid, lush vegetation. Despite the tough climb, the rewards are incredible: orchids, bromeliads, bamboo forests, and a variety of tropical birds including toucans, hummingbirds, and even the elusive quetzal.
By afternoon, we arrive at our campsite near Choquequirao (3,050 m / 10,007 ft.). From here, sunsets are magical, with condors often soaring over the valley below.
Walking Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
Campsite Altitude: 3,050 m / 10,007 ft
Maximum Altitude: 3,050 m / 10,007 ft
We dedicate the morning to a guided exploration of Choquequirao, one of the largest Inca cities ever discovered—still partially covered by jungle. Highlights include the ceremonial platform (“Ushnu”), agricultural terraces decorated with llama figures, temples, and storehouses.
After lunch, we cross a small pass and descend into the Rio Blanco Valley, camping at the Pinchinuyoc terraces (2,487 m / 8,160 ft.), a mystical site where Inca agricultural platforms emerge dramatically from the cloud forest.
Walking Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Campsite Altitude: 2,487 m / 8,160 ft
Maximum Altitude: 3,270 m / 10,728 ft
Hoy iniciaremos descendiendo hacia el río Blanco, donde podremos refrescarnos con un baño en sus aguas cristalinas, perfecto para relajar los músculos.
Luego comenzará una subida exigente hacia Maizal (2,891 m / 9,488 ft), pasando por bosques nublados, montañas cubiertas de vegetación y restos de antiguos asentamientos incas.
🚶♂️ Distancia de caminata: 8 km / 5 millas
⏱️ Tiempo aproximado: 5–6 horas
⛺ Campamento: Maizal (2,891 m / 9,488 ft)
🏔️ Altitud máxima: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft
Hoy caminaremos por uno de los tramos más impresionantes del trek: senderos incas originales que atraviesan bosques de niebla, antiguas minas coloniales de plata y oro, y montañas llenas de vida silvestre.
Nuestro destino será el pintoresco pueblo andino de Yanama (3,520 m / 11,549 ft), donde acamparemos en los terrenos de una familia local y aprenderemos sobre sus costumbres y tradiciones.
🚶♂️ Distancia de caminata: 10 km / 6.2 millas
⏱️ Tiempo aproximado: 6–7 horas
⛺ Campamento: Yanama (3,520 m / 11,549 ft)
🏔️ Altitud máxima: 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
Este será uno de los días más desafiantes y espectaculares. Subiremos hasta el Abra Yanama (4,840 m / 15,879 ft), el punto más alto de todo el recorrido. Desde aquí tendremos vistas panorámicas increíbles de montañas nevadas como el Salkantay (6,270 m / 20,570 ft).
Luego descenderemos hacia el valle, hasta llegar al campamento en Colpapampa (2,900 m / 9,514 ft), donde el clima será más cálido y la vegetación más abundante.
🚶♂️ Distancia de caminata: 15 km / 9.3 millas
⏱️ Tiempo aproximado: 8–9 horas
⛺ Campamento: Colpapampa (2,900 m / 9,514 ft)
🏔️ Altitud máxima: 4,840 m / 15,879 ft
Hoy continuaremos siguiendo el río Lluskamayo, atravesando cascadas, plantaciones de café, frutas tropicales y una gran variedad de flora y fauna.
Nuestro campamento será en La Playa (2,400 m / 7,874 ft), un poblado con pequeños comercios donde podremos disfrutar de un buen café local o incluso visitar unas aguas termales cercanas.
🚶♂️ Distancia de caminata: 12 km / 7.5 millas
⏱️ Tiempo aproximado: 5–6 horas
⛺ Campamento: La Playa (2,400 m / 7,874 ft)
🏔️ Altitud máxima: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
En nuestro último día de caminata, subiremos hasta el sitio arqueológico de Llactapata (2,800 m / 9,186 ft), un lugar mágico con vistas directas hacia la ciudadela de Machu Picchu desde un ángulo único y poco visitado.
Tras la visita, descenderemos hacia la Hidroelectrica, desde donde continuaremos hasta Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft), el pueblo base de Machu Picchu. Aquí pasaremos la noche en un hotel.
🚶♂️ Distancia de caminata: 25 km / 15.5 millas
⏱️ Tiempo aproximado: 8–9 horas
🏨 Alojamiento: Hotel en Aguas Calientes
🏔️ Altitud máxima: 2,800 m / 9,186 ft
¡El gran día! Tomaremos el primer bus hacia Machu Picchu (2,430 m / 7,972 ft) para ingresar al amanecer y vivir una experiencia mágica.
Tendremos una visita guiada de aproximadamente 2 horas recorriendo los templos, terrazas, plazas y sectores más importantes. Después, tendrás tiempo libre para explorar por tu cuenta o subir a Huayna Picchu o Montaña Machu Picchu (con reserva previa).
Por la tarde, regresaremos en tren hacia Ollantaytambo y luego en transporte privado a Cusco.
🚍 Transporte: Tren + bus a Cusco
🏔️ Altitud máxima: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
👉 Este itinerario combina aventura, historia, paisajes espectaculares y contacto cultural. Es una de las rutas más completas y menos transitadas hacia Machu Picchu.
We descend to the Rio Blanco (1,900 m / 6,233 ft.), where in the dry season the river offers a refreshing swim. After resting, we begin a steep ascent on the opposite slope, passing through subtropical forests filled with ferns and butterflies.
We camp at Maizal (2,891 m / 9,488 ft.), surrounded by mountain slopes and with the option to visit nearby Inca mining sites.
Walking Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Campsite Altitude: 2,891 m / 9,488 ft
Maximum Altitude: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft
IMPORTANT NOTICE :
ZERO PLASTIC BOTTLES ON THE INCA TRAIL AND MACHU PICCHU FROM DECEMBER 1ST:
Due to New goverment regulations for the Inca Trail it will be 100% PROHIBITED to TAKE PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES. We believe that in the first days the new enforced regulations may NOT be 100% controlled however as the days go it will be more and more strict therefore WE KINDLY suggest you getting your aluminum plastic bottles to avoid any dissapointment at the check points along the Inca Trail and in the Machu Picchu citadel.
ALUMINUM 0.700ml BOTTLES:
As a way to avoid any inconvenience with our clientes Llama Path offers 0.700ml aluminum water bottles FOR SALE at the office for as liitle as 10 Soles (USD3.00).
Aluminum water bottles can also be bought in many different shops around the main square.
Also, if you are still at home and ready to fly to Peru for your trek we recommend you bringing aluminum water bottles or camel bags.
We look forward to meeting you.
Discounts:
Student Discount: US$ 20.00 (Requires Student Card to qualify)
Under 18's Discount: US$20.00
IMPORTANT: Price Includes VISTADOME/PANORAMIC 360° train on the way back to Cusco.
Optional Extras:
Sleeping Bag US$50
Walking Pole US$18
Inflatable Mattress US$50
Single Tent Supplement US$50
Optional Extras (Need to book in advance):
You can either book by emailing us or by using the Booking form provided on this site.
By e-mail:
Send us your main Departure date and back up date: By providing us with a main date and a back up date for your trek (classic Inca Trail, Lares, Salkantay, etc) you automatically authorize Llama Path to use either of these dates for your reservation. Llama Path within the next 48 hours (after you have sent us your booking form and confirm deposit was made) will send you an electronic receipt confirming your trek has been officially booked and also to confirm the exact departure date of your trek.
Send us your Personal Details for Booking: Your passport number and other information must be valid. Please advise if you change your passport number after booking the tour (especially for booking the classic Inca Trail as if we do not make a change in your official details, you may not be permitted to do the trek). Please Note changing passports' numbers requires an extra fee (we are able to change passports numbers easily on our receipt but its also extremely important that we make the changes with the Inca Trail authorities)
Student rate: In order to obtain this discount you must have a valid ISIC card. It is important you scan and e-mail this to us at the time of booking and that it is valid on the date you are booked on the Inca Trail/alternative trek (you will need to show the real student card upon your arrival here in Cusco and in Machu Picchu).
Payment of deposit: For any of pour Adventure treks ending in Machu Picchu.
We request a non-refundable deposit per person along with personal details of each member participating in the trek:
Payment of deposit amount is:
PLEASE: Make sure to add the fees associated with your PayPal / visa transaction. Otherwise Llama Path will be sending you a receipt indicating the exact amount we received from you and the amount of the balance to be paid upon you arrival in Cusco.
Please confirm if you want to climb Wayna Picchu (the 45 minute climb near Machu Picchu site) or Machu Picchu as they need to be booked well in advance too; there are 2 time sessions:
Please note, if you get the permits for the 7am start you will probably have to miss the Machu Picchu guided tour.
Payment of the deposit can be made through any of the 2 following options:
1) Paypal:
Go to www.paypal.com and if you have an account, enter your account
information (username and password).
Choose the option ´send money´ to: deposits@llamapath.com (IMPORTANT:
please ensure you choose the option ‘purchase’ and ‘services’. Do not
choose the option ‘personal’).
Please add the 6% Bank transaction fee to the amount of deposit you are sending and confirm by email that you have sent your payment this way.
2) VISA:
Go to the homepage on our website (www.llamapath.com), click on ‘payment
options’ choose your preferred Card payment option and follow the instructions.
If you are paying by this method, please NOTE that VISA will automatically add their 9% transaction fee on top of the amount being paid.
At the end of the transaction, you will have a screen with an order
number. Please send an email confirming deposit and the order number you
have been given.
About the Briefing: The night before your trek there will be a pre-trek talk (briefing) in our office at either 4:00pm or 5:00pm (exact time will be confirmed on your arrival or by email). Your duffle bag will be provided at this time if you have paid for an extra porter for your Inca Trail or if you are doing an alternative trek.
The Local Payment (Final Balance): We require you to pay your final balance in cash (Soles or USA dollars) in our office at least 48 hours prior to tour/trek departure (please advise if you have any delays on arrival).
The Local Payment can be paid in cash and in US dollars or Peruvian soles.
You can also pay your balance (Local Payment) for any of our tours (by Pay Pal + 6% bank transaction fee) up to 15 days prior to departure date(we cannot accept paypal payments once you are in Cusco as paypal often refuses these for security reasons because you are away from home).
Cancellations:
Llama Path Terms and Conditions
DEFINITIONS: The definitions below will apply throughout these terms and conditions:
In the event of a cancellation by one or more participants in a private tour, the final price of the service will be adjusted based on the final number of travelers who attend the tour. The originally quoted price is based on the confirmed group size at the time of booking; therefore, any reduction in the number of participants will result in a recalculation of the total cost per person.
10. CANCELLATION:
a) If a Trip is cancelled or a Client wishes to leave a Trip, for any reason, the Deposit and any balance paid will not be refundable, . If the Trip has been paid in full, there may be components that the Client can still use, such as the Machu Picchu entrance, train ticket and bus ticket.
b) Deposit is non refundable , , non transfarable to another tour ,date or person Because the permits are purchased through the Peruvian government and due to their rules the permits are not transferable and no refundable.
c) Refunds will be provided for Day Tours (City Tour , Sacred Valley , Southern Valley , Maras Moray , River Rafting , Rainbow Mountain , Humantay Lake) as follows:
11.FORCE MAJEURE: Llama Path is not responsible or liable where any force majeure event or circumstance occurs which is beyond the control of Llama Path, including but not limited to acts of God, civil or military disturbances, extreme weather, disease, technological interruptions, labour strikes, or acts of war or terrorism . The Client recognizes that Llama Path may need to alter, or even cancel, a Trip in response to a force majeure event or circumstance, and will not be liable for any such alteration or cancellation.
12. PROTEST OR STRIKE EARLY DEPARTURE: In the event of a protest or a strike, which may affect the itinerary of a Trip, Llama Path, at its discretion, may decide to leave early for the Trip in order to provide the best service possible. In such cases, Llama Path will charge an increment to cover the extra costs incurred, such amount as to be determined by Llama Path, depending on the circumstances
13. HOLIDAY OR ELECTION EXTRA CHARGE: Where a Trip takes place on one or more of any of the following days, due to reasons of public holiday, or elections in Peru, an extra charge per person, per Trip will be applied: December 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, 31, January 1, and any day that an election may fall on. The extra charge will be determined by Llama Path (35 usd), and covers staff’s fines for missing elections, or is a bonus for staff missing a public holiday.
© Llamapath 2003 - 2024 All rights reserved
Address: Cuychipunku street 257, Cusco
Email: info@llamapath.com or reservations@llamapath.com
Tourist enquires: Mon- Sat (9am - 1pm and 3pm - 8pm / - 5GMT):
Razon Social: Llama Path E.I.R.L
RUC : 20527266034
Cellphone: +51 959 507 001 
Out of office cellphone: +51 956 122 696
(Reservations) +51 956 122 696 
