Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 6 Days

We  start the day early, after breakfast we will continue descending for 1 hour to the Apurímac River, a place called Playa Rosalina, crossing the river we start to climb to Santa Rosa for an hour and a half to 2 hours approx. This part the physical effort is strong and we try to climb when is still shadow without the sun.

After a short break we will continue climbing for another  3  hours and a half  aprox. to the town of Marampata, where we  have lunch and in the afternoon free time  to rest. Marampata is a nice place town to see the sun set if we are luky.

After climbing 1500 masl we rest the rest of the day, in the same place is our dinner and hostal

SUMMARY FOR DAY 02

• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Local lodges usually 2 or 3 people per room depending on the accommodation.
• Difficulty Level: Challenging
• Altitude: We started at 1850 meters above sea level, went down to 1450 meters above sea level and then went up to 2900 meters above sea level.
• Hiking Distance: 2 km downhill and 7 km uphill total 9 km
• Estimated Trekking Duration: 1 hour downhill , 5 hours uphill.
• Camping Altitude: 2,900 meters
• Weather Forecast: Warm at the beginning of the day and a little cool at the end of the day
• Additional Note: Day 02 is difficult day, Because after 2 km downhill (1 hour) there are 7 km uphill and 1500 meters of elevation , good physical condition is required.

DÍA 03: Día completo de exploración de Choquequirao – Regreso a Marampata

Este es uno de los días más importantes de la caminata, ya que dedicamos todo el día a explorar el Parque Arqueológico de Choquequirao , uno de los sitios incas más grandes e impresionantes del Perú.

Después de un desayuno temprano, iniciamos una caminata relajada de aproximadamente 2 horas (4 km) desde Marampata hasta Choquequirao, a la que llegamos entre las 7:00 y las 8:00 a. m . Gracias al itinerario tranquilo, tenemos tiempo suficiente para explorar los principales sectores del sitio, incluyendo plazas, templos, terrazas ceremoniales y miradores panorámicos. Choquequirao se considera incluso más grande que Machu Picchu , y su ubicación remota hace que la visita sea especialmente gratificante.

Al mediodía, nuestro arriero nos trae un almuerzo para llevar , que disfrutamos dentro del complejo arqueológico mientras admiramos el paisaje circundante. Después del almuerzo, continuamos explorando Choquequirao a un ritmo tranquilo, con tiempo para tomar fotos, descansar y profundizar en la interpretación con el guía.

Por la tarde, comenzamos nuestra caminata de regreso a Marampata , donde disfrutaremos de una cena y pasaremos la noche, rodeados de tranquilas vistas de las montañas y paisajes andinos.

RESUMEN – DÍA 03

• Comidas incluidas: Desayuno, almuerzo, cena
• Alojamiento: Lodges locales o campamentos en Marampata (2-3 personas por habitación/tienda, según disponibilidad)
• Nivel de dificultad: desafiante
• Altitud:
  • Marampata: 2.900 m
  • Choquequirao: 3.000 m
• Distancia de caminata:
  • 4 km Marampata → Choquequirao
  • Aproximadamente 3 km dentro del sitio arqueológico
  • 4 km de regreso a Marampata
  • Total: Aprox. 11 km
• Duración estimada del trekking:
  • Inicio: aprox. 5:30 am
  • Finalización: aprox. 16:30–17:00 h
  • Senderismo total y exploración guiada: 7–8 horas , incluidos los descansos
• Altitud del camping: 2.900 metros
• Clima: Fresco por la mañana temprano, más cálido por la tarde.
• Nota Adicional: Aunque se trata de un día largo y gratificante, la ruta presenta pendientes suaves , lo que permite un ritmo constante y cómodo durante toda la visita.

Day 4 – Marampata | Choquequirao Pass | San Juan Pass | Yanama

On Day 4, we begin early in the morning departing from Marampata toward the archaeological complex of Choquequirao, passing once again through this impressive Inca site before continuing our ascent to Abra Choquequirao (3,100 m / 10,170 ft).

From the pass, we follow the new trail built by the district of Santa Teresa. The route alternates between ascents and descents as we make our way toward the Río Blanco Valley. Along the way, we will hike through beautiful high jungle landscapes, narrow paths carved between rocky cliffs, and scenic viewpoints overlooking deep valleys.

We will stop at a suitable scenic spot to enjoy our box lunch before continuing the steady climb toward Abra San Juan (4,150 m / 13,615 ft), the highest point of the day.

During this ascent, the landscape gradually changes from dense high jungle vegetation to the open puna ecosystem. Along the route, we pass by the small artisanal Victoria Mine, where local miners still work in a traditional way.

From Abra San Juan, we begin a long descent toward the village of Yanama (3,600 m / 11,810 ft). We expect to arrive in the late afternoon. After dinner, we rest in a local hostel.

This marks the end of the trekking portion to Yanama. The following day, we will take transportation toward the Hydroelectric Station, continuing the journey toward Machu Picchu.

Summary – Day 04

• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Accommodation: Local hostel in Yanama

• Difficulty Level: Challenging

• Hiking Distance: Approximately 15 km

• Estimated Trekking Time: 8–10 hours (including breaks)

Altitudes:

• Marampata: 2,900 m (9,514 ft)

• Abra Choquequirao: 3,100 m (10,170 ft)

• Río Blanco Valley: 2,700 m (8,858 ft)

• Abra San Juan: 4,150 m (13,615 ft)

• Yanama: 3,600 m (11,810 ft)

• Overnight Altitude: 3,600 m (Yanama)

• Weather: Warm during the day, significantly cooler in the evening

Important Note

This is one of the longest and most physically demanding days of the entire program. Trekkers must be well prepared for sustained ascents and descents, as well as narrow sections of trail along steep cliffs.

⚠️ Not recommended for people with severe vertigo or fear of heights.

Day 5 – Yanama | Santa Teresa | Hydroelectric | Aguas Calientes

Choquequirao & Machu Picchu Trek 6 Days 5 Nights

Day 5 marks the transition from the remote high Andes to the lush cloud forest on your epic Choquequirao & Machu Picchu Trek 6 Days 5 Nights adventure.

After an early breakfast in Yanama (3,600 m / 11,810 ft), we conclude the main trekking section of the expedition and board a local transport for a spectacular 4-hour mountain journey toward the Santa Teresa Valley.

Mariano Llamocca Pass – Highest Point of the Expedition

Along the route, we cross the impressive Abra Mariano Llamocca (approx. 4,745 m / 15,240 ft), the highest altitude reached during the entire Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek.

Weather permitting, you will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic Nevado Salkantay and the surrounding Andean mountain range. This dramatic high-altitude scenery contrasts beautifully with the landscapes ahead.

We then descend into the tropical Santa Teresa Valley (1,400 m / 4,593 ft), where the climate becomes noticeably warmer. Along the way, you will observe coffee plantations, passion fruit, bananas, and other tropical crops typical of Peru’s high jungle region.

Hydroelectric Route & Scenic Walk to Aguas Calientes

From Santa Teresa, we continue by private vehicle to the Hidroeléctrica Machu Picchu (approx. 1,800–1,900 m / 5,900 ft), where we stop for lunch.

After lunch, we begin the famous Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes walk, an easy and scenic 11 km (6.8 miles) hike along the railway tracks leading to Aguas Calientes — the gateway town to Machu Picchu.

This peaceful jungle trek follows the Urubamba River and circles the base of Machu Picchu Mountain, offering lush vegetation, subtropical landscapes, and a relaxing walking experience compared to previous trekking days.

• Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)

• Walking Time: Approx. 3 hours

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we check into our comfortable hostel (private bathroom, WiFi). In the evening, we enjoy dinner at a local tourist restaurant. You will also have free time to explore this vibrant town, known for its artisan markets and unique Andean-inspired stone sculptures — perfect for memorable photos.

Optional Return to Cusco on Day 5

For travelers who prefer to return to Cusco instead of visiting Machu Picchu on Day 6, we offer two return options:

🚆 Return by Train (Fast & Comfortable)

• Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (approx. 2 hours, depending on schedule)

• Bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco (approx. 1.5 hours)

Total travel time: approximately 3.5–4 hours.
Advance booking is required for train tickets.

🚐 Return by Bus (Budget Option)

If you booked the bus return (departure around 3:00 p.m.), the vehicle leaves from Hydroelectric and passes through Santa Teresa at approximately 3:30 p.m.

⚠️ If you plan to visit the Cocalmayo Hot Springs in Santa Teresa (optional activity, extra cost), you must return to Santa Teresa by 3:30 p.m. to board the bus.

The bus ride to Cusco takes approximately 6 hours, with arrival expected between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Day 5 Summary – Yanama to Aguas Calientes

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Basic hostel in Aguas Calientes (private bathroom, WiFi)
Difficulty Level: Moderate (4-hour mountain transfer + 3-hour flat jungle walk)
Hiking Distance: Approx. 11 km (6.8 miles)
Estimated Walking Time: 3 hours

Altitudes:

• Yanama: 3,600 m (11,810 ft)

• Abra Mariano Llamocca (by vehicle): approx. 4,745 m (15,240 ft)

• Santa Teresa Valley: 1,400 m (4,593 ft)

• Hydroelectric: 1,800–1,900 m (approx. 5,900 ft)

• Aguas Calientes: 2,000 m (6,561 ft)

• Overnight altitude: approx. 2,050 m

Weather: Cold morning at high elevations; warm and humid in the afternoon jungle zone.

Additional Information

Day 5 offers a unique combination of high-altitude Andean landscapes, dramatic mountain passes, tropical valleys, and a relaxed jungle walk to Aguas Calientes.

An optional visit to the Cocalmayo Hot Springs in Santa Teresa can be arranged depending on timing and coordination.

Day 6 – Machu Picchu Tour & Return to Cusco

On the final day of the Choquequirao and Machu Picchu Trek 6 Days 5 Nights, breakfast is at the client’s discretion (not included). The schedule for the day depends on the entrance time indicated on your Machu Picchu ticket.

Ascent to Machu Picchu Citadel

From the town of Aguas Calientes, there are two options to reach the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu:

1️⃣ Trekking Option (budget-friendly option)

• 20 minutes flat walk and then Approximately 1 hour uphill hike to the main entrance
  Ideal for travelers who enjoy hiking and want to experience a final challenge before entering Machu Picchu.

2️⃣ Bus Option (comfortable and faster)

• Approximately 30 minutes

• Round-trip price:

  • Peruvian tourists: USD $15

  • Foreign tourists: USD $24
    You may also purchase a one-way uphill ticket (half price) and walk down after your visit.

Guided Tour of Machu Picchu

Enjoy a professional guided tour of the Machu Picchu archaeological site for approximately 2.5 hours, depending on the selected circuit.

During the visit, you will explore the most important sectors of the Inca citadel, including temples, agricultural terraces, ceremonial plazas, and panoramic viewpoints, while learning about Inca history, architecture, and spirituality.

After the guided tour, you may descend to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included), there are many restaurants in the town you can choose.

Return to Cusco

After your visit to Machu Picchu, you have two return options to Cusco, depending on your budget and travel preference.

Option 1: Return by Train (More Comfortable Option)

The price depends on the type of train service selected (standard or premium category), and it is slightly more expensive than the bus option.

We recommend descending from Machu Picchu approximately 2 hours before your train departure time. This will allow you enough time to:

• Walk down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (around 1 hour), or

• Take the shuttle bus down (approximately 30 minutes),

• Enjoy lunch in Aguas Calientes (not included).

After lunch, you will board the scenic train to Ollantaytambo (approximately 2 hours). Upon arrival, tourist transportation will transfer you back to Cusco (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes).

This option offers greater comfort and a more relaxed return schedule.

Option 2: Return via Hydroelectric – Bus Option (Cheaper Alternative)

If you choose the more economical return option, it is mandatory to leave Machu Picchu no later than 11:00 a.m.

From there:

• You will walk approximately 3 hours to the Hydroelectric Station (you must arrive by 3:00 p.m.).

• Then, you will take the tourist bus back to Cusco (approximately 6 hours).

This option is recommended for travelers looking for a lower-cost return, although it involves longer travel time and additional walking.