High-altitude trek in the heart of the Andes, from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu
In summary
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Sports
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Duration8 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationAmerica / Peru
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AgeFrom 10 - 70 years
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CO₂-Emissions96.75 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
Spanish
In a few words
An exceptional journey into the heart of the Andes, this 8-day trek leads from the breathtaking depths of the Apurímac Canyon to the mythical citadel of Machu Picchu . The route unveils a mosaic of magnificent landscapes: rainforests , Andean passes at over 4,600 meters , sparkling glaciers, and valleys dotted with herds of cattle. Along the way, the discovery of the secret site of Choquequirao , nicknamed the "cradle of gold," offers a unique opportunity to witness a still-preserved Inca heritage.
Each day alternates between physical exertion and moments of contemplation before the majesty of the Vilcanota mountain range. The nights, spent in camps or small lodges, prolong this immersion in a wild and sacred nature.
The highlight of the journey: the long-awaited arrival at Machu Picchu , a wonder listed as a World Heritage Site. There, the millennia-old history and spirituality of the place combine with the beauty of the surrounding mountains to offer an unforgettable experience.
The highlights
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Authentic discovery of the Inca site of Choquequirao
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Spectacular Andean passes and majestic glaciers
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The grand finale at Machu Picchu, wonder of the world
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
This is a demanding trek that requires experience and training. A few days of walking in the Sacred Valley and Cusco, along with rest, will help you cope with the altitudes of this trek.
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average distance/day: 11 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 847 m
- Average daily descent: 708 m
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 2h30
- Average distance/day: 3 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 250 m
- Average daily descent: 250 m
Management
French
English
Spanish
Aquino is the guide who has collaborated with our agency the longest. Originally from the Cusco region, his native language is Quechua, and he also speaks Spanish and French. Passionate about nature and Inca culture, he enjoys accompanying our travelers and sharing his profound knowledge of his country with them. Curious and an explorer at heart, he regularly travels throughout Peru in search of new routes still untouched by mass tourism.
With Aquino, you feel safe throughout the journey, and his contagious good humor helps you to cross the most demanding passes with a smile.
(SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY)
Program
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Cusco - Chiquisca
- Transportation Car - 03h30 - 185km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Negative elevation 1018 m
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We begin our adventure at dawn (around 5:30 am), following the Apurímac River to the fascinating archaeological site of Sayhuite. At Cachora (2,850 m), we will take a short break to buy snacks before continuing for 30 minutes to the starting point of our hike: a magnificent natural balcony overlooking the Apurímac Canyon, dominated by the majestic Padreyoc Glacier (5,571 m).
This is where we will meet our muleteers and begin the descent towards the Chiquisca hacienda, where we will spend the night in a warm and natural setting.
Day 1 -
Chiquisca - Marampata
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 1500 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we descend to Playa Rosalina (1,550 m), then begin the ascent to Marampata (2,850 m), from where we enjoy a spectacular view of Choquequirao (3,033 m).
With a bit of luck, we will be able to observe the flight of the Andean condor at sunset.
Our accommodation is located just 1 hour 30 minutes from the ruins, at an altitude of 2,950 m.
Day 2 -
Marampata - Choquequirao - Marampata
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 275 m
- Negative elevation 145 m
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today, we will explore the Inca citadel of Choquequirao (3,033 m), known in Quechua as the "cradle of gold". This impressive archaeological site, still relatively uncrowded, offers an atmosphere of peace and a unique energy in the heart of the Andes.
We will visit the main restored areas: the palaces, the ceremonial temple, the liturgical fountain, the lama terraces, and the Ushnu, a ritual platform of great importance. To date, only 30% of the site has been restored, making it an authentic and mysterious experience.
At the end of the visit, we will return to Marampata, where we will spend the night.
Day 3 -
Marampata - Maizal
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 7h30
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 1700 m
- Negative elevation 1600 m
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This is the most demanding, but also the most spectacular stage of the entire trek, with constantly changing landscapes.
We will ascend to the Choquequirao Pass (3,275 m), offering a unique view of the area, before descending towards the Río Blanco. Then, a strenuous climb will take us to Maizal (3,000 m), where we will spend the night in a magnificent setting.
Day 4 -
Maizal - Yanama
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 1100 m
- Negative elevation 640 m
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today, we set off towards the San Juan Pass, traversing dense vegetation on a trail that alternates between ascents and flat sections. Along the way, we'll stop at the old silver mines before reaching the pass, which offers a spectacular view of the Vilcanota mountain range.
We will then descend to the alpine pastures overlooking the village of Yanama, where we will spend the night.
Day 5 -
Yanama - Lucmabamba
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 8h30
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 820 m
- Negative elevation 250 m
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Early in the morning, we begin the ascent to the Yanama Pass (4,670 m), the highest point of our trek. Throughout the day, we will enjoy spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay (6,264 m) and Pintuyu (5,450 m).
After arriving in Lucmabamba, we will drive approximately 2.5 hours up to Llactapata, where we will spend the night in a campsite.
Day 6 -
Lucmabamba - Aguas Calientes
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 330 m
- Negative elevation 850 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We will begin the hike early in the morning, descending from Llactapata (2,650 m) along the Inca Trail to the hydroelectric power station (1,950 m). Then, we will follow the railway tracks through the forest to Aguas Calientes (2,050 m).
In the evening, you can relax in the thermal baths (20 soles, not included).
We will spend the night in Aguas Calientes in a hotel.
Day 7 -
Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo
- Transportation 01h45 - 43km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Distance 3 km
- Positive elevation gain 250 m
- Negative elevation 250 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today you will experience one of the most anticipated moments of your trip: the discovery of Machu Picchu, a jewel of Inca architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and recognized as one of the 7 New Wonders of the World.
Located between the Andes and the Amazon, Machu Picchu remained hidden for centuries before being revealed to the world by Hiram Bingham, with the support of National Geographic. Even today, it retains its mystery and spiritual energy.
You will wander its stone alleyways at your own pace, between temples, squares and terraces, with time to reflect in silence in this sacred place that continues to fascinate.
Train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo:
You will take the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Transport Ollantaytambo - Cusco:
Our driver will take you from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
Day 8
Accommodation
Accommodation will be chosen according to availability.
Access
An extension in the Amazon can be added to your stay, as well as group or private excursions in Southern Peru.
Go to the starting point
We can arrange your inbound and outbound transfers from the airport.
Price details
The price includes
- Day 1: Lunch, muleteer, mules, cook, French-speaking guide, dinner, overnight camping, transport, porterage, trekking equipment
- Day 2: Breakfast, lunch, muleteer, mules, cook, French-speaking guide, dinner, overnight camping
- Day 3: Breakfast, lunch, muleteer, mules, cook, entrance fees to the site(s), French-speaking guide, dinner, overnight camping
- Day 4: Breakfast, lunch, muleteer, mules, cook, French-speaking guide, dinner, overnight camping
- Day 5: Breakfast, lunch, muleteer, mules, cook, French-speaking guide, dinner, overnight camping
- Day 6: Breakfast, lunch, cook, French-speaking guide, dinner, overnight camping, transport
- Day 7: Lunch, cook, French-speaking guide, dinner, overnight camping, room & breakfast
- Day 8: Round-trip bus to Machu Picchu, entrance to Machu Picchu (itinerary subject to availability), French-speaking guide, train ticket, private transportation
The price does not include
Tip
Some entrances (e.g., thermal baths in Aguas Calientes)
Some meals
Anything not included
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before you leave, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website (https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Tourist season
The climate varies considerably depending on the region. From April to November, the skies are generally clear, although light rain is still possible. At higher altitudes, the days are pleasant and the nights are cold. Pack warm clothing, although you might be able to walk around in a t-shirt during the day. Be careful of the strong sun at higher altitudes, and bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Customs formalities
No visa is required for stays of less than 90 days. A passport valid for at least six months after the end of the stay is required.
Health
When visiting high-altitude regions, some people experience adverse effects such as headaches, nausea, insomnia, and fatigue. However, the journey is designed to allow our bodies to gradually adapt (increasing red blood cell count).
All major cities have modern private clinics offering care comparable to that available in Europe. However, you must pay on-site and then claim reimbursement from your health insurance provider.
We advise you to check if your insurance covers medical expenses in the countries you will be visiting and, if not, to take out a policy. Repatriation insurance is mandatory.
Currency / Credit cards
Dollars and euros are accepted in shops in major cities. Currency exchange offices are widely available. However, it's best not to carry large sums of money.
Credit cards are accepted at all ATMs (Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club, American Express). ATM fees range from 5 to 10 USD.
Tips
In the service sector, it's customary to leave a tip when you're happy with the service. Between 5 and 10% of the service value is typical.
Physical preparation
For all your trips, remember to maintain your physical fitness. Even for "Discovery" trips, preparing yourself physically will help you adapt more easily to the altitude and better enjoy your discoveries.
For trekking trips, develop your endurance by going for a run or practicing your endurance several times a week.
Vaccines
You must be up-to-date with Tetanus, Hepatitis and Typhoid (Yellow Fever if visiting the Amazon).
Observation
All services (including hotels) are subject to availability. In case of unavailability, alternatives will be offered.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Camping equipment
- Muleteer and mules
- To cook
- Camping equipment
Equipment to bring
- Water bottle, plastic bags for waste
- Mini first aid kit
- Waterproof backpack or backpack with rain cover
- Thin bath towel
- Camera, smartphone, charger
- Water purification tablets
- Power bank, padlock, travel adapter
- Sunscreen, lip balm
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, quick cleaning wipes
- Close-fitting bag or slim fanny pack
- Mosquito repellent
Clothing to bring
- Thermal underwear
- Long-sleeved, short-sleeved and technical T-shirts
- Technical trousers and shorts
- Fleece jacket
- Gore-Tex jacket
- Hat and gloves, sunglasses
- Hat, cap or head covering
- Walking shoes
- Comfortable shoes for resting
- Thick socks
- Swimsuit
