+51 973 250 586 info@treksincusco.com
+51 973 250 586 info@treksincusco.com

Choquequirao Vilcabamba Trail (9 Days)

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Choquequirao Vilcabamba Trail Details

Choquequirao Vilcabamba trail is one of our signature treks. It gives you a complete overview of the life of Incas and their last moments before the Spanish conquest. 

We take a little different route, this would help you beat the crowd and enjoy the archaeological complexes at complete solace. The 9 Days Choquequirao Vilcabamba Trail offers a complete tour of Choquequirao archaeological sites. You will then be hiking on the Inca Trail also known as Qhapaq Ñan to the last capital of Incas, Vilcabamba. 

The experience culminates in a trip to the emblematic Incan citadel, Machu Picchu. 

It is best to experience the trek during the dry season – between March and October.

Reasons to do the Choquequirao Vilcabamba Trail to with Treks In Cusco:

Treks In Cusco is a specialised outdoor local tour operator based in Cusco, Peru. Our guides are tourism professionals with an extensive knowledge about history and culture. Our crew have excellent mountaineering skills and have knowledge on first aid. 

Please note that this is a high altitude trek with the highest point of the trek at 4600 metres above sea level. It is highly recommended to spend at-least 2-3 days to acclimate in Cusco before the trek to avoid altitude sickness. You may choose to experience our Cusco City Tour or Sacred Valley Tour while you are acclimatising to get an introduction to Incas history.

Departure & Return Location

Cusco Hotel Transfer

Departure Time

0400 AM

Price Includes

  • Professional English Speaking Guide
  • Transport to the trail head
  • Chef
  • Food
  • Camping Equipment
  • Tables and Chairs
  • Mattress
  • Mules and Muleteers
  • Entrance Fees
  • All transfers
  • Train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco

Price Excludes

  • Access to Huyana Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountains
  • Entrance Fees to Hot Springs
  • Lunch on the last day
  • Any Private Expenses

Recommended To Carry

  • Sleeping Bag
  • Water Purification Tablets (Micropur)
  • Original Passport
  • Mosquito Repellent
  • Flashlight
  • Heavy Clothes
  • Hiking Boots
  • Walking Sticks
  • Toilet paper
  • Snacks
Itinerary
Choquequirao Vilcabamba Trail

Day 1Cusco - Capuliyoc - Marmapata

We will be picking you up from your hotel in Cusco between 0330 and 0400 AM. Then we will drive to Capuliyoc. It is a small town, a four hours drive away from Cusco. 

Here we will stop for breakfast. While you would eat breakfast, we will organise your personal belongings and camping gear on a mule. 

After breakfast, we will hike for twenty minutes to a viewpoint. From here you will have a pristine view of the snow capped peak of Padreyoc.

 It is a part of the Vilcabamba mountain range. You will also have a wonderful view of Apurimac river and canyon. Then we will descend for three hours through breathtaking views. 

On this section of the Choquequirao Trek, you will be able to see different herbal plantations. Our guide will give you a brief explanation of its use. 

You may also get to see the flight of Andean condors here. We will then descend to the hamlet of Chiquisqa. Here we will stop for lunch. 

After lunch, we will continue descending for 45 minutes to Playa Rosalinas. This area marks the border between Cusco and Apurimac province.

From here we will be hiking up the hill to Marmapata. It nestles at 3500 metres above sea level. On our way we will be crossing many Andean farms. 

Here you will have the opportunity to meet and get an overview of the life of farmers. We will then reach our campsite. 

  • Hiking distance: 15 Km. / 9.3 mile.
  • Hiking time: 7 hours approximately.
  • Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
  • Maximum Altitude: 2850 metres / 9350 ft. 
  • Minimum Altitude: 1475 metres / 4839 ft. 

Day 2Marmapata - Choquequirao

We will be waking you up to a fresh cup of coffee or tea. Then we will be serving you breakfast. After breakfast, we will be hiking to the archeological complex of Choquequirao. Here our local expert will be giving you a detailed tour of the complex. 

On this full day tour of Choquequirao, you will be visiting the prime sites in the archeological complex. This includes the main plaza, farming terraces, ceremonial centre and more. 

After the tour, we will be returning to our campsite for lunch. Later we will be visiting a waterfall in the jungle. 

We will then return to the campsite for dinner. 

  • Hiking distance: 8 Kms. / 4.9 miles.
  • Hiking time: 6 hours approximately.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
  • Maximum Altitude: 3106 metres / 10190 ft. 
  • Minimum Altitude: 2850 metres / 9350 ft. 

Day 3Chqouequirao - Pinchinuyoc - Rio Blanco

Early in the morning we will be visiting the archeological complex of Choquequirao again. We will then hike up to the Llama sector. This is one of the fascinating sights in the complex of Choquequirao. It is some 20 minutes uphill hike away from the complex. 

From here we will be hiking 40 minutes up the hill to Pinchayunuyoc farming terraces. Here our local expert will be giving you a guided tour. 

Then we will descend to Rio Blanco (White River). It is at (1990 meters / 6525 feet). We will be camping here for the night. 

Tip: You can make the most of your evening by swimming in the clear waters of this river. Also, make sure to have your insect repellent here. 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Type of accommodation: Camping
  • Maximum Altitude of the day: 3,300 m
  • Minimum Altitude of the day: 1,800 m
  • Distance you will be hiking: 14 km
  • Duration of trek: 9 hours

Day 4Rio Blanco - Maizal

After breakfast, we will start with one of the most challenging parts of the Choquequirao to Vitcos Trek. We will be climbing up the steep hill to a point called Maizal. You will have an enchanting view of the valley and Apurimac canyon from here. As this section of the trek is an arduous one, we will be stopping here for the night. 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Type of accommodation: Camping
  • Maximum Altitude of the day: 3,000 m
  • Minimum Altitude of the day: 1,800 m
  • Distance you will be hiking: 15 km
  • Duration of trek: 7 hours

Day 5Maizal - Yanama

You will be waking up to the sound of chirping birds. We will prepare your breakfast. We will then start the trek to Yanama. 

On this section of the Choquequirao Victos Trek, we will be passing through lush tropical vegetation. Here you will be able to see some native flowers. These include different types of orchids.

We will then be trekking along a section of Qhapaq Ñan, an original Inca Highway. This is no longer in use. Through this route, we will be hiking up to Victoria Pass. This section of the trek will be taking us through Victoria Mines which is abandoned after colonisation. 

The pass nestles at 4150 meters / 13,610 feet. Here you will be able to see the flights of the Andean condors. 

From here, we will be hiking down the hill to Yanama. It is a three hours hike. Yanama is a village at 3650 meters / 11,970 feet. We will be camping here for the night. 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Type of accommodation: Camping
  • Maximum Altitude of the day: 4,150 m
  • Minimum Altitude of the day: 3,000 m
  • Distance you will be hiking: 10 km
  • Duration of trek: 7 hours

Day 6Yanama - Kelkamachay

We will be starting quite early in the morning. We will be trekking along some scenic mountain routes to our lunch camp. Our lunch camp is snuggled between the craggy mountains.

From the lunch camp, it is a two hours trek to our campsite in Kelkamachay.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Type of accommodation: Camping
  • Maximum Altitude of the day: 4,100 m
  • Minimum Altitude of the day: 3,000 m
  • Distance you will be hiking: 20 km
  • Duration of trek: 10 hours

Day 7Kelkamachay - Huancacalle

After breakfast, we will be leaving our campsite in Kelkamachay. Then it will be a 3-4 hours climb to the highest pass of Choquequirao Vilcabamba Trek, Choquecatarpo pass at 4600 metres | 15091 feet.

From here we will be descending through cloud forest to Huancacalle (2900 metres | 9514 feet. Along the way we will be stopping for lunch at a place called Laguna.

We will be visiting the white rock Sayhuite. 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Type of accommodation: Camping
  • Maximum Altitude of the day: 4,600 m
  • Minimum Altitude of the day: 2,900 m
  • Distance you will be hiking: 20 km
  • Duration of trek: 9 hours

Day 8Vitcos Rosaspata - Santa Teresa - Aguas Calientes

You will wake up to a freshly cooked breakfast. Once all set, we will be driving you in our private transportation to the hydroelectric plant. We will then trek along the railway lines to Aguas Calientes. 

This is an interesting part of the trek. You will be retracing the footsteps of Hiram Bingham III. This was the route he took when he rediscovered Machu Picchu. 

We will be accommodating you in an ensuite room in Aguas Calientes. As the name suggests, the town is popular for its hot springs. So you can spend the evening soaking in the thermal baths. Alternatively, you can hike to a lesser known museum to know more about Machu Picchu. 

Later that night, we will be meeting for dinner at a local restaurant. 

  • Hiking distance: 26 Km. / 16.1 mile
  • Hiking time: 7 hours approximately.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
  • Maximum Altitude: 2900 metres / 9514 ft. 
  • Minimum Altitude: 2040 metres / 6692 ft.

Day 9Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Early in the morning we will take the bus to Machu Picchu. Here, you will have a guided tour for two hours. After the tour, you can walk around the citadel. If you want to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, our guide will direct you to the entrance. 

Alternatively, you can hike to Sun Gate. It is a two hours trek up and down. It requires no booking. Sungate offers an incredible view of Machu Picchu.

Later, we will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes and stop for lunch. After lunch, you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo. At Ollantaytambo train station, our representative will be meeting you and will transfer you back to Cusco.

  • Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
  • Maximum Altitude: 2,480 m
  • Minimum Altitude: 2,150 m
  • Distance travelled: 6 km approx.
  • Approximate Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Photos
Choquequirao Vilcabamba Trail
1 Review
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Jeremy

Group Traveller

Me and my mate were excited about the trek and Carlos did a great job of organising the whole experience smoothly. We learnt a lot about the Incas and how the Spanish conquered them. Carlos has abundant knowledge.

January 23, 2020