8-Day Choquequirao Trek

Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Chiquisca

Early morning departure from Cusco (approx. 4 AM).
Drive to Capuliyoc (2,900 m / 9,514 ft), the trek’s starting point.
Hike downhill into the Apurímac Canyon with stunning views of snow-capped peaks.
Arrive at Chiquisca (1,900 m / 6,233 ft) for the first campsite.

Day 2: Chiquisca – Playa Rosalina – Marampata

Descend to Playa Rosalina (1,550 m / 5,085 ft), then begin a steep ascent.
Pass through lush vegetation and small villages before reaching Marampata (2,850 m / 9,350 ft).
Camp with panoramic views of Choquequirao.

Day 3: Marampata – Choquequirao Ruins

Full-day exploration of Choquequirao (3,050 m / 10,006 ft).
Guided tour of terraces, temples, and sacred plazas.
Camp near the ruins and enjoy the sunset over the Andes.

Day 4: Choquequirao – Río Blanco – Maizal

Trek downhill to Río Blanco (1,900 m / 6,234 ft), then ascend through dense cloud forest.
Arrive at Maizal (3,000 m / 9,842 ft) for an overnight stay.

Day 5: Maizal – Minas Victoria – Yanama

Hike through an ancient Inca mining site at Minas Victoria.
Cross the San Juan Pass (4,150 m / 13,615 ft) with breathtaking views.
Descend to Yanama (3,500 m / 11,482 ft), a small Andean village.

Day 6: Yanama – Totora – Lucmabamba

Trek over the Yanama Pass (4,670 m / 15,321 ft), the highest point of the trek.
Enjoy views of glaciers and waterfalls before descending to Totora and Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,562 ft).
Optional visit to local coffee plantations.

Day 7: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Aguas Calientes

Hike to the Llactapata ruins with the first distant views of Machu Picchu.
Descend to Hidroelectrica, then take a train or walk to Aguas Calientes.
Spend the night in a hotel.

Day 8: Machu Picchu – Cusco

Early morning visit to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Guided tour, then free time to explore or hike Huayna Picchu/Machu Picchu Mountain (optional).
Return to Cusco by train and bus.