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Choquequirao to Machu Picchu

9 days / 8 nights
Choquequirao to Machu Picchu


The 9 Day Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most beautiful and interesting treks on offer in the Cusco region. Following little visited pathways and Inca Trails, beautiful scenery and visits to the two major Inca sites in the area, this trek has it all!

 

The trek begins following the regular route for Choquequirao but instead of returning the way you came you continue on and eventually joins the last section of the Salkantay trek to arrive to Machu Picchu.

By booking your Choquequirao Trek with Llamapath you are choosing the best. Don't believe us? Check out our reviews on TripAdvisor!


 

Useful Information

  • Starting Altitude - 2900m / 9515ft.
  • Highest Altitude - 4840m / 15,879ft.
  • Walking Distance - 100km / 62 miles
  • Longest Day - Days 1 and 6, approximately 18km / 11.2 miles
  • Overall Difficulty - Difficult
  • Aclimatization is highly Recommended.

 

Very Important: Campsites may vary depending on booking time, weather conditions or on restrictions undertaken for safety reasons by the Peruvian Goverment.

Day 1: Cusco - Cachora - Santa Rosa

Our first day starts out from the village of Cachora, a 4 hour drive from Cusco. Leaving Cachora the path works it's way down in to the Apurimac Valley and we will have fantastic views of snow-capped peaks in the distance and the Apurimac Valley spread out before us throughout the day, also after a few hours walking we'll get to have our first views of Choquequirao sat on the far side of the valley. The area around Choquequirao is rich in life and we will see a wide variety of flora and fauna as we make our way down in to the valley.

 

Our campsite for the night is at Santa Rosa (2200m / 7215ft.) which is on the other side of the Apurimac River. As the campsite is a little further along the trail than most groups go it is one of the quietest places to camp on the whole trek so we can enjoy the beautiful scenery around us without distraction.

Day 2: Santa Rosa - Choquequirao

Today is probably the hardest day of the trek. To get to Choquequirao we need to make our way back up the opposite side of the Apurimac Valley which involves ascending about 800m / 2624ft. over a distance of 14km / 8.7 miles through hot and humid conditions. It's quite tough going but the views we get today mixed with the wide variety of flora and fauna you find on this side of the valley make it worth it.

 

Throughout the day we will see a wide variety of bromeliads, orchids and stands of bamboo; we'll also hopefully see birds such as Quetzals, Toucans and a variety of hummingbirds. After about a 5 hour walk we'll arrive to our campsite close to Choquequirao (3050m / 10,005ft.) and settle in for the night - if the weather is clear the views of the sunsetting from here are amazing and we may be lucky enough to spot Condors soaring over the valley below.

Day 3: Choquequirao - Pinchinuyoc

Today you will have a guided tour of all the main sites of interest throughout Choquequirao and then have some free time to explore by yourself. Choquequirao is one of the most extensive Inca sites to be discovered and a large portion of it has yet to be excavated.

 

After lunch we'll set off again on our trek heading for the pass above the city. From the pass we'll make our way down in to the Rio Blanco valley below and camp at the terraces of Pinchinuyoc (2487m / 8160 ft.).

Day 4: Pinchinuyoc - Maizal

From our campsite we'll carry on down in to the valley until we reach the river far below. In the dry season the river is calm and it's waters are warm so it's a perfect place to stop and have a refreshing dip and ease out your tired muscles. After our swim we'll make our way back up the opposite side of the valley heading for our campsite at Maizal (2891m / 9488 ft.).

 

Today we will see a wide variety of native plants and birds and have beautiful views of the lush and green Rio Blanco valley. On arrival to our campsite at Maizal you will have the option of visiting a nearby Inca site.

Day 5: Maizal - Yanama

Todays walk takes us from Maizal to the small community of Yanama. The views are once again amazing and we'll see a variety of plants and birds, walk along original Inca Trails and pass by abandoned gold and silver mines from Peru's Colonial days.

 

Our campsite for tonight is at Yanama (3520m / 11549 ft.) where we will stay on the land of one of the local families. After lunch we will have the chance to visit their home and learn about their customs and traditions.

Day 6: Yanama - Colpapampa

From Yanama we begin making our way back up out of the valley as we head for the highest pass on the trek (4840m / 15879 ft.). Having been trekking through mostly lush valleys up to this point you'll notice the scenery change to the high puna (barren grasslands) as we head for the pass. Once at the pass we'll have fantastic views of the surrounding mountain ranges including the might Salkantay (6270m / 20570 ft.).

 

From the pass the path leads us back down to warmer climes again and our path will eventually converge with the Salkantay Trek at Colpapampa (2900m / 9514 ft.) where we will camp for the night.

Day 7: Colpapampa - La Playa

Our destination today is the village of La Playa about 12km down the valley from Colpapampa. Our route takes us along the Lluskamayo River through an area that is teeming with life and that has various coffee and fruit plantations.

 

Tonight we will stay at the village of La Playa (2400m / 7874ft.) which is well connected and there are plenty of places where you can buy snacks and refreshments, you can also try some of the locally grown coffee. If you are interested there is the option to visit some hot springs that are close by, let your guide know in advance so that he can organise this for you.

Day 8: La Playa - Llactapata - Aguas Calientes

Today is the final stretch of the trek before we reach Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu. The main focus of today is a visit to the Inca site of Llactapata sat on the mountainside high above. Following an original Inca Trail we'll arrive to Llactapata by early to mid morning and can enjoy the fantastic views of Machu Picchu that we get from here.

 

After a tour of Llactapata in which we'll learn about the Inca people and their culture we'll head back down the mountainside to the Hydroelectric Station from where we'll catch our train to Aguas Calientes.

Day 9: Machu Picchu!

Waking up early we'll take the first bus back up to Machu Picchu to enter the site as it opens. We'll have a 2 hour guided tour of the site during which you'll learn about the Incas and visit all the most important areas of the citadel. After your tour you'll have free time to explore the site by yourself and if you have permits to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain. In the afternoon you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo from where you will carry on by bus back to Cusco.

Includes

  • Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
  • Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+
  • Chef
  • Mules to carry cooking and camping equipment
  • Mules to carry 10kg of your personal effects
  • Pick-up from your hotel
  • Transportation by bus to Mollepata
  • Return transportation by train and bus to Cusco
  • Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own)
  • 8 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 8 Afternoon Snacks and 8 Dinners. If you have a dietary request such as vegetarian food please let us know.
  • Dining tent with tables and chairs
  • 4 man tent for every 2 trekkers
  • 3 Star Hotel for final night
  • Sleeping mattress
  • Oxygen bottle
  • First aid kit
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu
  • Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes

 

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.

 

Does Not Include

  • Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us)
  • Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 8
  • Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain
  • Tips
  • Travel Insurance - you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.

What you need to take

  • Original Passport
  • Student card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
  • Walking boots
  • Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
  • Warm jacket
  • Hat and gloves
  • T-shirts
  • Comfortable Trousers
  • Sun hat
  • Sun cream (factor 35 or higher)
  • Insect repellant
  • Toiletries and hand sanitiser
  • Personal medication
  • Camera and film
  • Torch with spare batteries

Private Service Prices 2019

  • 2 people    US$1790 per person
  • 3 people    US$1650 per person
  • 4 people    US$1390 per person
  • 5 people    US$1290 per person
  • 6+people   US$1100 per person

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):

  • Machu Picchu Mountain climbing:  USD 35.00 (Need to book in advance)
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 35.00 (Need to book in advance)
  • Extra Night in Aguas Calientes: Depends on the type of Hotel desired (Need to book in advance)

  • How to book:

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:

  • Full name 
  • Passport number,
  • Gender,
  • Nationality,
  • DOB

 Payment of deposit amount is:

  • US$ 300 per person for the Choquekirao Trek only Or
  • US$ 325 per person for the Choquekirao Trek + Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu climbing.

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:

  • 7 - 8am or
  • 10 – 11am – this also needs to be specified although you need to be flexible to either time.

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:

  • Deposit sent for is Non-Refundable nor transferable to any other date, person or tour (According to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Regulations).
  • Llama Path must be notified of any changes or cancellations to your trip as soon as you are aware of them, via e-mail so that we do not incur expenses not covered by deposit.
  • Once final balance has been paid, we will not be able to refund your trek payment in the case of cancellations. There will, however, be parts of your trip that you are able to use (Machu Picchu entrance fee, 1 train ticket, 1 bus ticket).
  • A claim letter for your insurance company can also be provided by us upon request.
  • Porter service hired can Not be cancelled (a fee is paid for booking this service).

Llama Path Terms and Conditions

 

DEFINITIONS: The definitions below will apply throughout these terms and conditions:

  1. Client means a person who books a trip offered by Llama Path and includes all participants that person may book a trip on behalf of;
  2. Day Tour means any Trip offered by Llama Path that only lasts one day in duration;
  3. Deposit means
    1. For Treks: USD $300 per participant, per Trek, payable to Llama Path at the time of booking the Trek. If a Client wishes to do Wayna Picchu Mountain, or Machu Picchu Mountain, the deposit will be $385 for all Inca Trail treks and any alternative treks e.g. Salkantay, Lares,Vilcabamba.
    2. PLEASE: Make sure to add the fees associated with your PayPal / VISA transaction (aprox. 4.5%) 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 your arrival in Cusco.
    3. For Peru Itineraries: 50% of the total itinerary price, payable to Llama Path at the time of booking the Trip.
  • For Day Tours: 50% of the total tour price, payable to Llama Path at the time of booking the Trip.
  • Once the deposit is received, we proceed to purchase the permits and all services immediately through the Peruvian Goverment.
  1. Llama Path means Llama Path, a fully licensed, professional tour operator, based in Cusco, Peru and includes any employees, and associated persons of the company;
  2. Peru Itinerary means a multi-day Trip offered by Llama Path where trekking is not the main activity.
  3. Terms means these terms and conditions, as may be updated by Llama Path from time to time;
  4. Trek means a Trip where trekking is the main activity;
  5. Trip means any trip, tour or trek offered by Llama Path and booked by a Client.
  1. ACCEPTANCE: The Client agrees that the Client will be bound by these Terms upon payment of the Deposit.
  2. APPLICATION AND TERM: These Terms apply to all Trips from the date that a Deposit is paid, until the date the Trip finishes.
  3. PRICE: The prices of all Trips offered by Llama Path are as listed in the Llama Path offices and on the Llama Path website, and may be updated by Llama Path from time to time. All prices are based on double accommodation, an extra charge will be applied for single accommodation in case of Alternative treks and shot Inca Trail.
  4. PAYMENT:
  5. Deposit: the Client may pay the Deposit using one of the following two methods:
    1. PayPal: using www.paypal.com the option must be selected to ‘send money’ to the address deposits@llamapath.com, as a purchase of services, not a personal payment.
    2. Visa: follow the prompts to pay the Deposit using https://www.multimerchantvisanet.com/formularioweb/formulariopago.aspx, found on the payment section of the Llama Path website. The Client will receive an order number, and this must be sent in an email to Llama Path confirming the deposit has been paid.
  6. Balance: Following payment of the Deposit, the balance payable for a Trip is due as follows
    1. For Treks and Day Tours: no more than 48 hours before the first day of the Trek, at the Llama Path offices. Payments may be made in cash in USD or Peruvian soles (using the exchange rate on the day). If a Client is unable to comply with this clause, Llama Path must be notified at least 48 hours before the Trip, and will have full discretion as to whether late payment will be permitted.
    2. For Peru Itineraries: no less than two weeks before the start date of the Trip, using the PayPal method described in clause 5ai. If a Client is unable to comply with this clause, Llama Path must be notified at least two weeks before the Trip, and will have full discretion as to whether late payment will be permitted.
  7. AVAILABLE DATES: When a Client sends a booking enquiry to Llama Path, they must provide a range of dates that they are available to travel. Llama Path will prioritize the Client’s preferential dates, however the Client authorizes Llama Path to use any of the dates in the range provided by the Client to book a Trip.

 

  1. STUDENT AND UNDER 18’S DISCOUNT: A discount will be provided to students aged 25 or under, and persons under the age of 18, at the date the Trip begins. The amount of such discount will be advised by Llama Path. Students must send a copy of a valid university identification card to Llama Path at the time of booking, the identification must be valid for the duration of the Trip, and the physical card must be presented upon arrival in Cusco.
  2. TRANSFERS: The Client is not permitted in any way whatsoever to transfer a Deposit, including to a different Trip, date, to any other person, or to the balance of another Trip or 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 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:

  1. 100% refund of the Deposit if Llama Path receives notice of the cancellation at least 30 days before the date of the Day Tour (City Tour , Sacred Valley , Southern Valley , Maras Moray , River Rafting , Rainbow Mountain , Humantay Lake) does not apply for hiking treks.
  2. 50% refund of the Deposit if Llama Path receives notice of the cancellation between 15 and 29 days before the date of the Day Tour;
  • For day tours ,No refund of the Deposit will be provided if Llama Path receives notice of the cancellation less than 15 days before the date of the Day Tour.
  • ALTERATION BY LLAMA PATH: The Client acknowledges that travelling in Peru requires flexibility, patience, and understanding that changes may be required. Llama Path may at any time alter a Trip’s itinerary, due to any circumstances that may occur beyond its reasonable control, and will not be liable for any such change

 

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.

  • EVACUATION: If a Client is not able to complete a Trip, transport costs back to Cusco or the final destination of the Trip, in the case of medical emergency will be covered by the Client. Any other loss, damage or costs related to a Client’s evacuation from a Trip and additional emergency services will also be the Client’s responsibility. The Client agrees to abide by all Llama Path’s guides’ decisions in all circumstances where a Client needs to be evacuated for any reason from a Trip CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES
    1. Insurance: Llama Path strongly recommends that the Client purchases adequate travel insurance to cover any cancellations, delays, medical expenses, emergencies, interruptions due to unforeseen circumstances, and loss or damage of personal possessions or equipment that may occur in relation to a Trip. The Client acknowledges that the Client is responsible for all loss or damage suffered by the Client, except as expressly provided in these Terms.
    2. Risk: The Client acknowledges that Trips are adventurous, and inherently involve a certain amount of personal risk, especially Treks. The Client accepts responsibility for all risks associated with a Trip and agrees to neither sue, nor hold liable in any way, Llama Path, or any of its employees for any loss, damage or injury suffered by a Client in relation to a Trip.
    3. Guide authority: The Client agrees that Llama Path guides have full and final authority on all matters and decisions in relation to the Trip, and the Client will act in good faith to follow such authority and advice of Llama Path guides.
    4. Preparation: The Client acknowledges that although Llama Path will act in good faith to assist the Client during the Trip, it is the Client’s sole responsibility to ensure that the Client is adequately prepared for the Trip with the correct gear, and any special medial or dietary requirements that he or she may require. 
      1. Passport Validity: The Client must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months from the date of their arrival in Peru. This is a Peruvian government requirement, and failure to do so may result in permission being denied to enter the country.
      2. It is the responsibility of each tourist to check the requirements to enter Peru before organizing a tour in our country.
      3. Visa to visit Peru: It is the Client’s responsibility to ensure sure they organize and fulfill the visa requirements, if any, required for their entry and stay in Peru;
      4. Acclimatization: The Client acknowledges Llama Path’s very strong recommendation that the Client stays in Cusco, or another high altitude city above 3,000 meters, for at least three days before starting a Trek. This will help minimize any possible effects of altitude sickness.
  1. GEAR: Llama Path require that an additional price be paid by the Client to hire certain gear items that a Client borrows for a Trek. Such prices are listed on the Llama Path website, and may be updated by Llama Path from time to time at its sole discretion.
  2. PORTERS ON THE INCA TRAIL: Llama Path uses porters on the Inca Trail to carry cooking equipment and tents. This does not include sleeping bags or sleeping mats, these are the Client’s responsibility. A Client may hire an extra porter to assist them in carrying their personal belongings, including their sleeping bag and sleeping mat, however this will require payment of an extra cost, found on the Llama Path website.
  3. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: Llama Path’s total liability to the Client is limited, to the maximum extent permitted by law, to the amount of money paid to Llama Path by the Client. Llama Path will be in no way liable for any further loss or damage suffered by the Client except as expressly provided in these Terms.
  4. GOVERNING LAW: These Terms shall be governed by the laws of Peru and the Client and Llama Path agree to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of Peru in relation to any dispute regarding these Term
  5. For tours outside of Cusco we work with our partners, reliable companies with many years of experience, we always make sure to provide you with the best possible experience through them.
  6. Prices are subject to change due to social, economic, political and other reasons that prevent us to continue doign our tours with the prices agreed upon prior to the reservation.
  7. Confirmation According to the authorities it is very important to confirm your reservation 24 hours before the tour so you have to confirm your presence at the tour at least 24 hours in advance.

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© Llamapath 2003 - 2022 All rights reserved
Address: Calle San Juan de Dios 250, Cusco
Email: info@llamapath.com or reservations@llamapath.com 
Tourist enquires: Mon- Sat (9am - 1pm and 3pm - 8pm / - 5GMT):

Cellphone: +51 959 507 001  
Out of office cellphone: +51 956 122 696


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