Home
South America
Peru
Walking Hiking and Trekking
PERU ADVENTURE: CHOQUEQUIRAO, VILCABAMBA & MACHU PICCHU

PERU ADVENTURE: CHOQUEQUIRAO, VILCABAMBA & MACHU PICCHU

heart_plus

tourhub | Unu Raymi Tour Operator & Lodges | PERU ADVENTURE: CHOQUEQUIRAO, VILCABAMBA & MACHU PICCHU | Choq-Vilc-Mapi | Map

location_on

29 Views

12 Days

From

~~$1899~~

$1804

PERU ADVENTURE: CHOQUEQUIRAO, VILCABAMBA & MACHU PICCHU

12 Days Starting and ending in Cusco

Visiting: Cusco, Cachora, Choquequirao, Maizal, Yanama, Vilcabamba District, Vitcos, Inca Wasi, Santa teresa, Aguas Calientes

Tour operator:

Unu Raymi Tour Operator & Lodges

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 12

Physical rating:

High

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English , Spanish

From:

$1899

$1804 (USD) The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$95

Tour Overview

Choquequirao, is located to the Northwest between the provinces of Apurimac & Cusco; rises to more than 3,000 masl. The citadel presents a natural protection and difficult access due to the Apurimac Canyon and river of the same name that makes it one of the most difficult treks in the Cusco region. This is a paradise for lovers of extreme adventures, such as climbing a mountain of 5100m; and seeing Machu Picchu from its summit and other snow-capped mountains. In addition, you’ll enjoy privileged views of Machu Picchu and other snow-capped mountains such as: Salkantay (6272 m), La Verónica (5919 m), from 2 archaeological sites, one of them being the site of Llactapata. Archaeological Sites Following on; we have also added the visit to other archaeological sites. Two are located at the foot of the mountain range of Vilcabamba; called Vitcos and Yuraqrumi or the temple of the sun (one of the last refuges of the Incas). Its varied flora (orchids, flowers, bushes, etc.) and fauna (the spectacled bear, deer, foxes, hummingbirds, condors, eagles, etc.) make Choquequirao unique. Added to the scarce presence of tourists; it is in comparison to its sister of Machupicchu, bigger and more extensive since only 40% of its total extension can be appreciated. So then; it has incredible views of mountains and waterfalls; silver mines that are no longer active; and presence of llamas, potato plantations, corn, tarwi, etc. Its roads and constructions of the pre-Inca and Inca times, make it one of the most beautiful expeditions to the mountains, canyons and the jungle brow, including the visit to Vilcabamba and Machu Picchu will captivate you, and will allow you to enjoy a unique peace and tranquility here in the Sacred Valley.

Highlights

Explore the ancient ruins of the Incas
Trek to the last defence outpost of the Incas - Choquequirao
Trek to the Temple of the Sun, one of the last refuges of the Incas - Vilcabamba Vitcos
Scale a glacier in the Sacred Valley
Trek and explore the famous Incan Citdel of Machu Picchu

Places You'll See

Cusco City

Cusco

Capuliyoc - Choquequirao

Marampata - Choquequirao

Mules On The Choquequirao Trek

Choquequirao

Vilcabamba

Vilcabamba Rosaspata

Machu Picchu

Itinerary

Not what you're looking for?

People that have booked this tour have also searched for the following:

Walking Hiking and Trekking tours in Peru Walking Hiking and Trekking tours Tours in Peru Trekking tours Cultural tours Adventure tours Camping tours

Expand All

Day 1 : Cusco - Capuliyoc - Chiquisca

Location: Cusco

Accommodation: Camp

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Leaving at 5 am, in private transport, heading northwest towards one of the deepest canyons in Peru, the Apurimac Canyon. Passing through districts, communities, potato, corn and aniseed plantations until we reach Saywite, an Inca model at 3,661m, 3hrs from Cusco. Continuing to the first lookout point from where you'll begin the descent, on mountain bikes to the village of Cachora (1 hour and a half descent). Afterwards, observing the mountains of the Cordillera de Vilcabamba, you'll stop at the Cachora community at 2,920masl. Taking a break and then continuing our adventure from here, this time in the car due to the difficulty of the terrain to do it by bicycle, and after 30 minutes we will arrive at the Capuliyoc lookout at 2,850 masl. Here meeting our muleteers and mules, who will carry our camping equipment, food, etc. for the expedition. Beginning our journey to the next viewpoint, where we can see and locate the citadel of Choquequirao and see the Apurimac Canyon descending to Chiquisca at 1870 m, (3hrs of descent), where dinner will be taken and setup camp here
Hours in transport: 3-4 hrs.
Hours of descent by bike: 1 hr approx.
Hours of walking: 3 hrs
Walking distance: 8 km.
Max. elevation: 3750msnm.

Day 2 : Chiquisca - Playa Rosalinas - Santa Rosa - Marampata - Choquequirao

Location: Cachora

Accommodation: Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving early at 4 am, after breakfast; and thus avoid the stifling heat in the Apurimac canyon during the walk to Choquequirao. It will take an 1 hour to descend to Rosalinas beach at 1470m, and from there you'll ascend for 3-4 hrs to Maranpata at 2895m, where you'll take a long break, taste the local coffee, interact with local people and learn a little more about their customs. Also you'll be able to observe the flight of the condor; a majestic bird that makes its appearance over the Apurimac Canyon. Afterwards, continuing for 2 hrs to our camp where lunch will be taken before spending the afternoon enjoying the spectacular views.
Walking hours: 5-6 hrs.
Distance: 12 km.
Max. elevation: 2895msnm.

Day 3 : Choquequirao Camp - Lower Sector (Paraqtepata - Pacchayoc) - Choquequirao Main Sector

Location: Choquequirao

Accommodation: Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

At 8am your adventure begins. Today you'll explore the 11 sectors of the archaeological park of Choquequirao and descend to the lowest sector to explore the 3 sectors below the site. Visiting the waterfalls; it will take 3 hours round trip, lunch, rest. Then you'll continue your adventure towards the 8 higher sections of this magical Incan Citadel. Enjoying the sunset here, returning to camp for dinner and rest. It will be a very demanding day, dedicating our time exclusively to get to know, and learn about the Incas and history of the site.
Walking hours: 8 hours.

Day 4 : Camp Choquequirao - Choquequirao Pass - Sector Pinchayunuyoc - Rio Blanco - Maizal

Location: Maizal

Accommodation: Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

At 5am, leaving the camp to ascend to the Choquequirao pass at 3,280masl (2 hours), passing again through the main sector, and once at the pass you'll descend to the last sector called Pinchayunuyoc at 2400masl (1 hour and a half), after exploring these Andean terraces, we continue for 1 hour and a half more until we reach the Rio Blanco at 1,846masl, where we have lunch and then continue the ascent to Maizal at 2,989masl (3 hours).
Walking hours: 7 hours
Distance: 18 km approx.
Max elevation: 3280msnm

Day 5 : Maizal - Minas Victoria - Paso San Jose - Yanama

Location: Yanama

Accommodation: Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving at 7am towards the San Jose pass at 4,430masl, 3 hours of gradual ascent passing by the Victoria mines in the southern sector, to then arrive at the pass. From there you'll be able to see the extensive Vilcabamba mountain range and its peaks over 5,000masl, which rise imposingly and after a rest and photos you'll descend for 2 hours to the Quechua community of Yanama at 3,550 masl.
Walking hours: 5 hours.
Distance: 11km.
Maximum elevation: 4,430m.

Day 6 : Yanama - Quelcca Machay Cave - Inca Machay Camp

Location: Yanama

Accommodation: Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This day the excursion will take us between 4 to 5 hours to arrive at Quelcca machay at 3,620masl, where we will have lunch and then continue for 1 hour more of gradual and calm ascent, until arriving at the camp of Inca machay at 3,920masl, from where we will see the Chuquitakarpo pass and the Inca road that goes towards Vitcos and Vilcabamba.
Walking hours: 5 hours.
Distance: 14km
Maximum elevation: 3920m.

Day 7 : Inca Camp Machay - Inca Trail Chuquitakarpu - Paso Chuquitakarpu - Huancacalle

Location: Vilcabamba District

Accommodation: Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

8 am leaving for the Chuquitakarpo pass through a longer and more beautiful Inca road with incredible views. It will take us 3 hours to reach the pass at 4,620 masl, and then descend by another sector of the Inca trail that is well preserved and you'll see on the way tambos or resting places for the chasquis or royal messengers of the Inca. After 2 hours stopping for lunch at 3,850 masl, and then continue for 2 more hours to Huancaccalle at 2,920 masl.
Walking time: 7 hours.
Distance: 14 km.
Maximum altitude: 4,620masl.

Day 8 : Huancacalle - Vitcos - Yuraqrumi - Paso Pumachacca - Paso Azutina - Inca Wasi

Location: Vitcos

Accommodation: Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you'll visit Vitcos and Yuraqrumi at 2,980 masl, and it will take us 3 hours to visit the Park, and then continue for 2 hours on one of the pre-Hispanic roads that joined the Vilcabamba and Machu Picchu region, stopping for lunch at (3450 m), and then continuing for 2 more hours until we reach the Pumachaca pass (4050 masl), and from there you'll be 20 minutes from the next Azutina pass (4,010 masl), and then descend for 1 hour to Inca wasi (3,663 masl), where you'll camp.
Walking hours: 6 hours
Distance: 12 km
Maximum height: 4050 m

Day 9 : Inca Wasi - Racachacca - Hatunpampa - Paso Yanacocha - Paso Tullu Ccasa - Lacocha

Location: Inca Wasi

Accommodation: Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Taking about an 1 hour to descend to Racachacca (3,500 m.a.s.l.), and then ascend for 1 hour to Hatunpampa (3,970 m.a.s.l.) Then continuing for another hour of gradual ascent to one of the lagoons, for lunch (4,230 m.a.s.l.), with incredible views of the snow-capped mountains, and Andean landscapes. Then you'll continue for 1 hour more to the Yanacocha pass (4,480 masl), and discover part of an Inca trail near the Yanacocha Lagoon and from there we will be 45 minutes to the Tullu ccasa pass (4,520 masl), and then descend for 30 minutes to the Laccococha Lagoon (4,420 masl), where you'll rest for the night.
Walking hours: 5-6 hours
Distance: 12 km.
Maximum height: 4,480m.

Day 10 : Laguna Lacco Cocha - Paso Mojon - Escalada Del Nevado 5,100 - Mutuypata - Yanatile - Santa Teresa - Cocalmayo

Location: Santa teresa

Accommodation: Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you'll have the option of mountain climbing, level PD, on the French scale. There will be 2 groups and 2 guides for such expeditions. Group 1: Departure - 5 am. Group 2: Departure - 2 am. G 1: This day we will leave early to see the sunrise from the Mojon pass (4,500 masl), and be able to enjoy the incredible views of the Wakaywillke or Veronica mountain (5919 masl), and the Machu Picchu mountain. It'll take almost 1 hour to reach the pass, and then you'll descend for 2 hours; seeing Salkantay mountain (6,272 masl), and then continue descending to Mutuypata (3,600 masl), 1 hour, where you'll have lunch. Then continuing descent for 2 more hours, over sections of an Inca trail eroded by the use of mules and cloud forest growth, until you reach the end of the trail. From there you'll take a local transport for 1 and a half more hours to finally reach the thermal waters of Cocalmayo, passing through Yanatile and Santa Teresa. G 2: You wake up 1 am, to leave 2 am, previous breakfast and arrive to the glacier in 1 hour and a half and from there you'll climb an ice wall of 50 meters, and 55 degrees of inclination, this will be the only technical part, and then you'll cross for 2 hours until the east summit of the Nevado 5100, and then descending for 1 hour until you leave the glacier and rappel to the wall and reach group 1 in Mutuypata, where you'll have lunch and continue together until the thermal waters of Cocalmayo.
Walking hours: 5 hours
Distance: 11 km.
Maximum height: 4,500 meters.

Day 11 : Santa Teresa - Lucmabamba - Llacatapata - Ahobamba -Hydroelectric - Aguas Calientes

Location: Aguas Calientes

Accommodation: Hostel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, a local transport will take us to Lucmabamba (1,950 masl), 35 minutes from Santa Teresa. From there we will begin the 2 and a half hour ascent along a restored Inca trail until reaching the archaeological site of Llactapata, located at (2,620 masl), from where we will see the mountains of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu and snow-capped mountains such as Salkantay, Veronica and Palqay. Then we will descend for 2 hours to the Ahobamba valley, at (2,040 masl), and go to the hydroelectric plant, (2,030 masl), where you'll take lunch. Continuing for 3 hours to the town of Aguas Calientes (2,020 masl).
Walking hours: 8 hours.
Distance: 19 km.
Maximum height: 2,620 masl.

Day 12 : Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes -Ollantaytambo - Cusco

Location: Aguas Calientes

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Leaving from Aguas Calientes, you'll head towards Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary. The walk will take 1 hour and a half or 25 minutes by bus (optional) Our guided tour will be 3-4 hours, where you'll have an introduction to the Incan site of Machu Picchu. Then you'll visit the main attractions of Machu Picchu, where you will have some free time before returning to the town of Aguas Calientes, to board the train to arrive at either Ollantaytambo or Cusco.

What's Included

Breakfast x 10 Lunch x 11 Dinner x 10 Private Transport – collection & drop-off for all tours and airport transfers Professional bilingual guide Cook Horsemen & mules All camping equipment (Sleeping bags to hire + Walking sticks) Entrance to Machu Picchu & return trip bus tickets to Aguas Calientes Accommodation in Aguas Calientes x 1 night Train tickets to Cusco Domestic flights from Lima to Cusco (Return trip)

What's Not Included

International Flights Travel & Adventure Insurance Tips for crew Any additional extras

Check out our Q&As

Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

90 day tourism visas are permitted on entry to Peru for most countries
Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

No
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

Yes
Are vaccinations required for this tour?

Check with your doctor in advance of arrival to Peru
What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?

2 is usually the minimum but we have run trips for solo travellers also

Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

Usually on the way in we stop at Urcos for a bit of breakfast and have a little time here
Do you require a visa for this holiday?

90 day tourism visas are permitted on entry to Peru for most countries
Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

Guide
What is the tipping policy?

At travellers discretion; but usually $15-$20 usd per day for guides. $10-$15 usd for other crew.
Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

Camping. One night 3* accommodation in Cusco on arrival, one night 3* accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
Are flights included in this tour?

No, but we can organise domestic flights, separately, on request
Are all entrance fees included in the price?

Yes
Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?

No
Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?

We can run private or group tours, depends on the traveller booking.
Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

Around 15-20kg Max per person
What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

Not included as part of the tour plan, but we can provide if hotels are required before and after
What currencies are required for this tour?

USD (US Dollar)
Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

Yes; please contact us and we can provide suggestions or make the booking for you
Is the tour coach air conditioned?

Sometimes, but it's not really necessary for this route.
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

Good physical ability at high altitude
Are airport transfers included in this tour?

We can include for a small additional fee
Company Instant Book

Yes
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

Minimum age is 18 with good physical ability
What is the maximum group size?

12
Can I customise this tour?

Yes we can customise to your requirements for your group
How long has the tour company been trading?

For 3 years
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

Always
What documents will I receive before I travel?

This depends on the type of tour you've booked. If there is paperwork to be sent (i.e. domestic flights etc.) we will forward these to you ahead of time.
Can I join the tour once it has departed?

It can be possible in instances, a lot depends on the type of tour being run and it's accessibility
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

We don't fund charities directly but we work with local communities where we can to support them and provide resources whenever possible. We utilise local resources with all of our trips so in that respect you are contributing to the local economy and the welfare of it's people.
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

At Unu Raymi Expeditions; we’ll always keep our commitment to deliver the best customised experience created from your own personal & group requirements. We’ll provide as many available options for planning your ideal trip; operating & incorporating many off-the-beaten path experiences for your trip or expedition. Before your trip begins we’ll work with you to ensure you are fully prepared and ha
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

Yes, if you wold like to share facilities with someone this can be organised
What policies are in place for Covid-19?

We are working with the latest protocols issued by the Ministerio de Salud (Ministry of Health) to ensure our operations are safe and compliant for the future. All hygiene standards that are being developed will be adhered to in compliance with state legislation and protocols.
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

We have the flexibility to alter trips as necessary if there are travel restrictions in place. For all other changes please refer to our terms and conditions.
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

This will depend if you have booked a private or group tour

Reviews of this Operator

Anton Majtan

Sacred Valley & Ausangate

08-Feb-2022

I definitely can recommend Unu Raymi Expedtions as your trip to Peru agency. Although they are not just an agency - they do a lot more. All the way during our Peru journey with Unu Raymi we feel confidence and care. We made Ausangate trekking, Sacred valley and Nazca lines with them. Everything they do is well planed. Moreover, during our trip heavy rains destroyed a part of rail-road to Machu Picchu making it impossible for us to visit as planned, and Unu Raymi took the effort to replan the trip - making sure we visit it.

Lewis Crane

W Trek Torres del Paine

20-Jan-2024

Thanks for an amazing time! The tour was well organized. The company was very flexible when I had to move the date of the trip. The guide was very knowledgeable and experienced. Thanks!

Rainnie

Ausangate Circuit Trek

20-Jan-2024

That's an insane unforgettable trekking experience with your team! We are so satisfied with their professionalism and enthusiasm! Milton did a great job he is an expert and he took good care of us! He is so passionate about his love of hiking & trekking. Along the trek he shared his knowledge about everything the Andeans local languages and community beliefs. Our cook was a wonder to us :) He was so fun friendly and chilled. He knows how to cook.

Pam & Kelly Foyster

O Circuit Trek

20-Jan-2024

The staff are AMAZING. I thought we were joining a group but on a private trek! The guide was professional highly qualified incredibly helpful and hyper-focused on our safety and enjoyment the entire time. Our porter did not speak English but was also overqualified (highly skilled climber) for this job and great to be around. We even had a cook (what?!?!) which blew us away because we thought we would be eating in refugios (there is excellent food service even in the tent-only areas. His cooking spoiled us completely and there was always more than enough to eat.

Charles Cole

O Circuit Trek

20-Jan-2024

My son and I did the 'O' circuit of Torres del Paine which Unu Raymi managed to arrange for us at short notice. It was a fantastic 7-day trip with stunning scenery. What made it special for us was we had a guide (Ivan) and porter (Hugo) who taught us so much about the land the flora and fauna and the history of Chile and. Patagonia. We also met many people doing the same route as us worldwide. I highly recommend Unu Raymi to anyone who would like to visit Patagonia

Ben Connolly

Backpacker Special Peru Edition

21-Jan-2022

We have had the time of our lives and the best is still to come. We are very happy with everything! We loved Puno and everything else has been amazing :) Thanks

Rainnie

Ausangate Circuit Trek

20-Jan-2024

Brett Schlesinger (USA)

O Circuit Trek

20-Jan-2024

This was a trip I will never forget! James @ Unu Raymi was incredibly helpful in preparing me & answering my questions and organizing the trip. He went out of his way to schedule the trek between two other organized expeditions to satisfy my desire to travel.

Jenny Thwaite

Cotahuasi Canyon

20-Jan-2024

An avid trekker! I have been to Peru many times and trekked in many places with many different companies but I feel that my experience with Unu Raymi Expeditions has been the absolute and ultimate best.

Angela Yip

O Circuit Trek & El Chalt�n

20-Jan-2024

Although the organization was a bit messy it was eventually a great experience in Patagonia. James has been helpful when there are any unclarity or questions. The 'O' trek and El Chalten have so much to give. The guides are fantastic. They do all they can to make sure I'm safe but also they're a lot of fun!

Dates & Availability

tourhub Discount Available - Sign In

Apr
2024 May
2024 Jun
2024 Jul
2024 Aug
2024 Sep
2024 Oct
2024 Nov
2024 Dec
2024 Jan
2025 Feb
2025 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025

Tuesday - Saturday

Apr 23, 2024 - May 04, 2024

~~$1899~~ $1804 (USD)