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Operated by Allpackers Expeditions
Embark on an epic journey that connects two of the most extraordinary archaeological wonders in the Andes: Choquequirao, the hidden citadel known only to the most adventurous travelers, and Machu Picchu, Peru’s iconic masterpiece. This 9-day expedition is designed for those who want more than a simple trek—this is for travelers seeking remote trails, breathtaking mountain scenery, and a deep cultural connection to the Andean world.
With Allpackers Expeditions, you can expect expert guides, flawless logistics, and an authentic approach to Andean heritage. No sugar-coating here: this trek is demanding, raw, and absolutely unforgettable. And every step is worth it.
The Choquequirao & Machu Picchu: The Ultimate 9-Day Expedition is one of the most rewarding trekking experiences in Peru. This route takes you deep into the wild Andes, crossing dramatic canyons, cloud forests, and remote mountain passes before arriving at two of the greatest Inca sites ever built.
Unlike traditional routes, this expedition offers true solitude on the trail, breathtaking landscapes, and a powerful sense of discovery as you walk through ancient terraces, temples, and archaeological complexes that few travelers ever see.
Operated by Allpackers Expeditions, this is a challenging yet highly rewarding adventure—perfect for hikers who want a unique and unforgettable journey.
Explore Choquequirao, the legendary “Cradle of Gold,” with far fewer crowds than any other major Inca site.
Reach Machu Picchu on foot after completing one of the most spectacular and demanding treks in the Andes.
Cross remote mountain passes and descend into dramatic river canyons with unmatched panoramic views.
Experience diverse ecosystems, from high Andean peaks to lush cloud forests.
Learn from expert Allpackers guides, who bring Inca history, culture, and nature to life along the route.
Enjoy premium camping services, including quality equipment, freshly prepared meals, and the support of an experienced trekking team.
Perfect for adventure seekers, photographers, and travelers who want a deeper, off-the-beaten-path experience.
Cusco City – Hotel Pickup
Your expedition begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco, followed by private transportation to the trailhead.
Return Location:
Cusco City – Hotel Drop-off
After visiting Machu Picchu and taking the train back to Ollantaytambo, our private transport will return you safely to your hotel in Cusco.
The tour starts at 4:30 a.m. with pickup from your hotel. Get ready for an unforgettable experience as we head to the starting point of the Salkantay . The magic of Machu Picchu awaits!
A Challenging, Rewarding Expedition
This 9-day trek is physically demanding, with long hiking days, steep ascents, and deep canyon descents. Expect a true adventure designed for travelers with good fitness and a strong spirit of exploration.
Remote Trails & Real Wilderness
You’ll walk along isolated routes with minimal crowds, giving you a rare opportunity to experience the Andes in their purest, untouched form. Campsites are located in stunning natural settings far from busy tourist areas.
Two World-Class Inca Citadels
Prepare to explore Choquequirao in near solitude before reaching the spectacular terraces and temples of Machu Picchu. Few travelers visit both sites in a single journey—this is a unique and powerful cultural experience.
High-Altitude Mountain Environments
Weather conditions vary from warm valley sun to cold high-altitude nights. Expect temperature changes, strong UV radiation, and rapid weather shifts typical of the Andes.
Expert Guidance & Full Support
Your Allpackers Expeditions guide will navigate the route, share historical insights, and ensure safety at all times. Our muleteers, chef, and support team will handle logistics so you can focus on the experience.
Nutritious, Fresh Meals
You’ll enjoy energizing meals prepared daily by a professional trekking chef—fresh, balanced, and designed to keep you strong throughout the expedition.
Comfortable Campsites
Despite being a rugged adventure, you will have quality tents, dining areas, and well-organized camps supported by our team, ensuring comfort in remote landscapes.
Unforgettable Scenery
Expect dramatic canyons, glaciated peaks, cloud forests, ancient terraces, and some of the most breathtaking sunsets and sunrises in the Andes.
A Deep Cultural Experience
This trek offers more than landscapes—it connects you with Inca engineering, Andean traditions, and the spirit of ancient trails that once linked entire civilizations.
Distance: 6.2 miles / 10 km
Starting Elevation (Cusco): 3,400 m / 11,155 ft
Ending Elevation (Chiquisca): 1,900 m / 6,233 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Included Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Operated by Allpackers Expeditions
Your adventure begins with an early pick-up from your hotel, where your Allpackers Expeditions guide greets you with that classic Andean warmth (plus the confidence of someone who knows every twist of the Apurímac canyon). During the scenic drive to Capuliyoc, you witness dramatic transitions—from Cusco’s historic highlands to the deep valleys carved by the roaring Apurímac River.
Starting the trek at Capuliyoc, you’ll instantly be rewarded with panoramic views of the canyon and the snowcapped Padreyoc peak. The descent toward Chiquisca is gentle and filled with wildlife encounters: soaring condors, playful hummingbirds, and the subtle aromas of native vegetation.
Upon arrival at Chiquisca, your camp will already be set up by the Allpackers team, and your trekking chef will prepare your first delicious dinner under a sky bursting with stars. This is only the beginning, but it sets the tone: comfort, adventure, and expert logistics at every step.
Distance: 5 miles / 8 km
Starting Elevation: 1,900 m / 6,233 ft
Ending Elevation (Marampata): 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
Difficulty: Challenging (steep ascent)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Operated by Allpackers Expeditions
Prepare for a day that blends effort with incredible reward. After a hearty breakfast, you descend briefly to Playa Rosalina, crossing one of the most iconic suspension bridges in the Andes. Then comes the signature climb to Marampata—a demanding but empowering ascent.
Along the way, your guide sets a steady pace while sharing stories of the Inca messengers who once sprinted these paths like it was nothing. The higher you climb, the more breathtaking the views become: terraces, cliffs, and the vast canyon behind you.
Arriving in Marampata feels like reaching a balcony over the world. Your Allpackers Expeditions camp sits on a terrace with unmatched views, where you’ll enjoy a hot meal, a well-deserved rest, and the satisfaction of conquering the day.
Distance: 8 miles / 13 km
Camp Elevation: 3,050 m / 10,006 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Operated by Allpackers Expeditions
Today is the day you meet the “Sister of Machu Picchu.” The trail from Marampata to Choquequirao winds through cloud forest, orchids, and Andean ferns. The anticipation builds with every step, and suddenly—there it is.
The Choquequirao archaeological complex unfolds gradually, terraces and plazas hidden among thick vegetation. Your Allpackers guide leads you through the site’s highlights: the ceremonial center, the llama terraces, the main plaza, and the ritual platforms. With far fewer visitors than Machu Picchu, Choquequirao gives an intimate connection to the Inca world.
Your camp sits only minutes from the ruins, allowing you to continue exploring in the late afternoon when the sunset casts golden light over the stone walls. Dinner awaits at camp, prepared fresh by your trekking chef.
Distance: 6.2 miles / 10 km
Camp Elevation: 2,600 m / 8,530 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Operated by Allpackers Expeditions
A second day dedicated entirely to Choquequirao, because this citadel deserves more than a quick visit. Early morning is the perfect time to return—soft light, silence, and the feeling of having a lost city to yourself.
Your guide takes you to hidden corners rarely visited by travelers, explaining the cosmology, hydraulic systems, and ceremonial functions of this Inca jewel.
In the afternoon, you descend gently toward the Pinchaunuyoc terraces—one of the most impressive agricultural complexes on this route. The camp overlooks wide valleys and offers one of the most peaceful nights of the trek.
Distance: 8 miles / 13 km
Camp Elevation: 3,000 m / 9,842 ft
Difficulty: Challenging
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Operated by Allpackers Expeditions
A day of contrasts: lush cloud forest, deep canyon trails, and ancient orchards. The descent to Río Blanco feels like entering a hidden ecosystem—warm, humid, buzzing with biodiversity.
After a refreshing break by the river, you begin the steady ascent to Maizal. It’s a climb that tests your stamina but also rewards you with unforgettable views. Moss-covered trees, cascading waterfalls, and distant mountain ridges accompany your journey.
Reaching Maizal Camp feels like entering a sacred refuge perched high in the Andes. Dinner is served while the sun sinks behind the peaks—a postcard moment.
Distance: 6.2 miles / 10 km
Camp Elevation (Yanama): 3,650 m / 11,975 ft
Difficulty: Challenging
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Operated by Allpackers Expeditions
The climb from Maizal to Victoria Pass is one of the expedition’s most spectacular sections. You hike through ancient mining paths, glacial valleys, and ridges overlooking endless mountains.
As you reach Victoria Pass (4,150 m / 13,615 ft), you’re standing in a landscape that feels untouched since Inca times. The views are dramatic, raw, and absolutely unforgettable.
From the pass, the descent to Yanama is gentle and filled with wildflowers, flowing streams, and peaceful Andean villages. Your camp awaits in the heart of Yanama.
Distance: 12 miles / 19 km
Camp Elevation (Colpapampa): 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
Difficulty: Challenging (longest day)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Operated by Allpackers Expeditions
An early start for the longest and highest day. The trail climbs steadily to Abra Yanama (4,670 m / 15,321 ft), surrounded by massive glaciers, hanging valleys, and alpine landscapes. This is high-mountain trekking at its absolute best.
The descent leads you into lush vegetation once again—colorful orchids, waterfalls, and tropical breezes signaling your transition from high Andes to cloud forest.
Colpapampa Camp is a cozy, green haven after such a powerful day.
Distance: 11 miles / 18 km
Ending Elevation (Aguas Calientes): 2,040 m / 6,692 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Operated by Allpackers Expeditions
Today you walk through one of the most biodiverse sections of the entire trek. Coffee plantations, fruit orchards, hummingbirds, and jungle scenery guide your path toward Lucmabamba.
From here, you ascend to the Llactapata Inca ruins, where—surprise—you get your first distant view of Machu Picchu. It’s emotional, powerful, and motivating.
Then, a final descent brings you to Hydroelectric, where you take the train to Aguas Calientes. After days in the wilderness, a hot shower and a soft bed feel like luxury.
Distance: Minimal walking at the site
Site Elevation: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Included Meals: Breakfast
Operated by Allpackers Expeditions
The grand finale. Your guide leads you on an unhurried, mind-opening tour of Machu Picchu, exploring temples, terraces, and hidden corners filled with symbolism.
After the guided tour, you can explore on your own or hike an optional viewpoint (Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, if reserved). Later, you board the train and private transfer back to Cusco.
You return filled with accomplishment—having completed one of the greatest expeditions in Peru.
