DAY 1: CUSCO – CAPULIYOC – CHIQUISCA – PLAYA ROSALINAS
At 5:00am, we pick you up from your hotel and drive for 4hours in our private van to Capuliyoc (2,850m/9,407ft). Along the way, there are spectacular views of villages, valleys and snow-capped mountains. Once at Cachora we meet our horsemenn and pack all our equipment onto the horses. Here, we will enjoy the spectacular view of Choquequirao Inca remains, the Apurimac Canyon and the stunning snow-capped mountains like Padreyoc (5,571m/18,387ft). We hike down for the next 3 hours to Chikisca for lunch. In the afternoon, we continue for 2 more hours down to our first camp at la Playa Rosalinas.
- Meals: Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Distance: 14kms/9 miles
- Time: 5hrs approximately
- Difficulty: Easy
DAY 2: PLAYA ROSALINAS – MARANPATA – CHOQUEQUIRAO
After an early breakfast, we cross the bridge and hike for the next 4 hours all the way up to Marampata where we will have lunch, while enjoying the view of Choquequirao Inca ruins. After lunch, we walk to our second evening’s campsite, which is just 20 minutes from the ruins. There are many possibilities to see condors and enjoy the Choquequirao ruins into the late evening.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Distance: 16kms/10 miles
- Time: 6hrs approximately
- Difficulty: Easy
DAY 3: CHOQUEQUIRAO – CHOQUEQUIRAO PASS – RIO BLANCO
After breakfast, we fully explore the ruins of Choquequirao (Cradle of Gold). We visit the temples, palaces, ritual water fountains, llamas’ section and the amazing Ushnu (ceremonial platform). In the afternoon, we climb over the ridge to the stunning Choquequirao Pass (3,277m/10,814ft). Then we descend for 2 hours towards Rio Blanco (1,990m/6,567ft) and onto the third evening’s campsite, enjoying all the great canyons and the Pinchiunuyoc Inca ruins along the way.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Distance: 8kms/5 miles
- Time: 2hrs approximately
- Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 4: RIO BLANCO – MAISAL
After a late breakfast we climb up to Maisal (3,277m/10,814ft), enjoying the variety of microclimates and spectacular views of canyons, rivers and stunning landscapes. Arriving to our fourth campsite.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Distance: 10kms/6 miles
- Time: 5hrs approximately
- Difficulty: Challenge
DAY 5: MAISAL – VICTORIA PASS – YANAMA
Beginning at 7.00am, we walk uphill for 3 hours through semi-jungle vegetation via parts of the original Inca Highway, visiting ancient silver mines including the Victorias on the way, to reach Victoria’s pass (4,170m/13,700f). From here, you can appreciate the great canyons, the spectacular snow-capped mountains of Sacsara, Qoriwanachina, and Pumasillo. Then we descend to Yanama (3,650m/12,037ft), which is our fifth campsite.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Distance: 16kms/10 miles
- Time: 8hrs approximately
- Difficulty: Challenge
DAY 6: YANAMA –TOTORA – COLPAPAMPA
This day, is our day of mountain peaks. We walk for 9 hours, preferably rising early to appreciate the chain of snow peaks that can be seen from the first section of today’s trek. We ascend to the highest point of our trek: Yanama pass (4,670m/15,407ft). The view from this point is amazing. Snow-capped mountains and impressive valleys surround us. We then descend to Totora for lunch and after that, we walk for 2 hours to Colpapampa (2,870m/9,470ft) to our sixth campsite.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Distance: 22kms/14 miles
- Time: 9hrs approximately
- Difficulty: Challenge
Day 7: Colpapampa – Lucmabamaba – Hot springs
Today we have passed our mid-way point. Within 3 hours of walking, we are enjoying the beginning of the lush tropical rainforest, the bountiful fruit bearing trees, coffee and cacao trees, and the undulating fruit plantations with their flowering orchids and always plenty of birds to see. We arrive at wonderful Lucmabamaba for lunch with free time to rest.
After lunch, we will have an incredible experience of nature at its purest form, touring a coffee plantation adjacent to the campsite. We will begin by browsing the fields, learning about the different types of beans and picking our own beans. It does not end there. Engulfed in the fields of tomatoes and avocados are multiple ecosystems from beginning to end. We pick our fresh produce, which our trekking chef will use for our dinner.
Then by 3pm, we will take the local transport for 30mins to the natural hot springs at Cocalmayo, where we bath in the natural resources mother earth provides us. Upon our return our trekking chef with be creating his specialty with our fresh produce from the day.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Distance: 14kms
- Time: 5 to 6 hrs approximately
- Difficulty: Moderate.
Day 8: Lucmabamba – LLAQTAPATA – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes.
After a last delicious breakfast by our chef and a hot drink, we will continue along the ancient and remote Inca Trail for 3 hours uphill to the Puncuyoc Pass (2700m/8,858ft). Along the way, you will need to pinch yourself at fantastic views and authenticity of these unique valleys and fruit plantations. Location! Location! We arrive to Llactapata Inca Ruins, located right in front of Machu Picchu where weenjoy the strategic location of the Citadel of the Grand Machu Picchu from far away and its surrounding mountains of Huyana Picchu, Machu Picchu and the Aobamba Canyon.
Still feeling overwhelmed, we descend for 2 hours to the hydroelectric plant the primary power source for Cusco where we will have lunch. Then it is the last leg of the journey walking to Aguas Calientes through the National Park of Machu Picchu. Feel your adrenaline start to swirl in your veins as you come closer to the iconic Machu Picchu and the ancient wall that surrounds the Inca Citadel.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
- Accommodation: Wiracocha Inn Hotel or Andean Terra Hotel
- Distance: 15kms / 9 miles
- Time: 9hrs approximately
- Difficulty : Moderate
Day 9: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Wake up early to a new day of adventure and mindfulness sharing the day with our majestic Machu Picchu. Following in the ancient and remote footsteps of the ‘Lost City of the Incas, listen carefully to the etheric cultural exchange of history without the crowds who arrive at midday. You will be gifted with free time to explore, take photos, climb Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain or visit the Sun Gate. Afterwards, we go back to Aguas Calientes and in the afternoon at 4:22 pm, we return by expedition train to Ollantaytambo train station and then back to your hotel in Cusco by van, arriving at about 8:30pm.
- Meal: Breakfast
- Difficulty: Easy
WHAT IS INCLUDED
- Pick-up at your hotel in the morning of the trek departure
- Private transport from Cusco to Cachora (starting point of the trek)
- Entrance fee to Choquequirao Inca Ruins
- Entry fees to Machu Picchu
- English speaking, experienced professional guide
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Comfortable tents (sleeping 2 people in a 4 person tent)
- Thick foam mattress
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request)
- 1 emergency horse which can be ridden if you’re feeling exhausted or ill
- All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen tent and toilet ten
- 2 Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes
- First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
- Train ticket (expedition service) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Private transport from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco
- Celebration dinner in Aguas Calientes (tourist restaurant)
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom
- Mules or horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen – 7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes, sleeping bag will be carried by our mules.
- Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes
- Transport from La Playa to Hydroelectric platform(for equipment and personal items)
- CAMPING RIGHT IN FRONT OF MACHU PICCHU
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
- Sleeping bag adequate for temperature of minus 10°c
- Air Mattresses
- Trekking Poles
- Breakfast on the first day, lunch and dinner on the last day
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain
- Entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain
- Additional horse for extra personal luggage in addition to the one for the personal item allowance
- Optional upgrades (train and hotel)
- Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters of ORANGE NATION
The Choquequirao Machu Picchu trek can be booked on any date that is best suited for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 trekkers
| No. OF PEOPLE | PRICE |
| 2 to 8 people | US$ 1,077 per person |
DISCOUNTS
- 18 to 25 years old: US$30 Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card at booking is required & government approval for discount.
- Under 18 years old: US$30 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: US$40 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Group of 5 or more: US$30. – All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.
EXTRAS
- Sleeping Bag : US$25. – Good, clean and warm -10°
- Air Mattress: US$25
- Trekking Poles: US$20
- Personal tent: US $30 – (Tent for single trekkers only)
- Vistadome up-grade train US$57 per person (For the return to Poroy (Cusco) at 4:43pm)
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain – US $35
- Entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain – US $30
- Single Supplement – US$30 2* for single travelers
WELCOME TO CUSCO
You will be greeted at Cusco airport and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to trek´s start. Look out for our representative holding an orange board of Orange Nation Peru at the arrival terminal.
THE BRIEFING
It will take place the night before the trekking departure at 6pm at our office which is located at Calle Santa Teresa Nº383 ; 303 (second floor) we are next to SUBWAY restaurant.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE
Of course!During the Choquequirao Machu Pichu trek your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are for free.
HOW TO BOOK THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TO MACHU PICCHU TREK
FIRST, to book your Choquequirao Machu Picchu Trek we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase entrance tickets to Machu Picchu, train tickets without the following information:
- Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
- Nationality
SECOND, we require a deposit of US$200.00 per person in order to purchase a permit for the Choquequirao Machu Picchu Trek. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA orPAYPAL symbols on our booking page or click here on the payment of your choice, either VISA or PAYPAL.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
It would be greatly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many cash machines in the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address of samtravelperu@gmail.com.
HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?
- According to Peruvian Law you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek, tour, or visit to Machu Picchu (students 18 & above need student cards). For example if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you do not qualify for a student discount.
- All students from 11 to 17 years, the discount is $30.
- For children from the age of 2 to 11 the discount is $40.
- For children from the age of 0 to 2 are free.
- All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of their booking to get the student discount.
- Send us a copy at info@orange-nation.com
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately the answer is generally “No”. Once the tickets have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure dates. Tickets are not transferable nor refundable. With alternative treks we may be able to change dates for a fee depending on what has been already purchased. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date.
*** If you cancel your Choquequirao Machu Picchu Trek, the deposit is not refundable at all!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?
Yes for sure! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your Choquequirao Machu Picchu Trek, other entrances and reservations. The rangers will check your passport when you enter the Choquequirao Machu Picchu Trek, and Machu Picchu. The train company will also check your passport before allowing you to board the train. In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated your name for a fee of $25 per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.
If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to be to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter, Machu Picchu or get on the train. They are very strict about this here!!
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE CHOQUEQUIRAO MACHU PICCHU TREK
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. BUT you will have many different seasons as you pass through the numerous microclimates and will depend on the location. We highly recommend you bring some warm clothes and good rain gear in your day backpack. Please think layers when you are packing.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS ON CHOQUEQUIRAO MACHU PICCHU TREK
In general if you exercise regularly and spend 2 to 3 days in Cusco, or in the Sacred Valley for acclimatization to the altitude, you may be just fine.
The recommended medicine for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness. For more detailed information on Altitude Sickness click this link: Altitude Sickness.
We offer the Cusco City Tour and Sacred Valley tours that you can book while you are acclimatizing. Check out our day tours on our Main Page.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?
The maximum group size is 8 persons. Usually our groups are between 2-6 persons. Orange Nation Peru specializes in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provides a personalized service.
HOW MANY COOKS?
You will have 1 cook per group and maybe an assistant cook depending on group size.
HIKING CHOQUEQUIRAO MACHU PICCHU TREK
The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFLE BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/14p. Your team of porters will carry your duffle bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware, that you will not have access to your items in the duffle bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. Usually a 30 to 50 litre backpack is sufficient.
IS THE CHOQUEQUIRAO MACHU PICCHU TREK DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
The Choquequirao Machu Picchu Trek trail is certainly not easy but you do not need to be an athlete or a trekking expert to complete it, but you do need to be an experienced trekker and in good physical condition. Fitness is naturally important for the trek, and obviously the more fit you are the more you will enjoy the trail and the more chance you will have to take in the scenery and appreciate the Inca ruins dotted along the way. If you do not exercise regularly, it is advisable to do extra walking, hiking or some kind of aerobic activity in the months leading up to your trip. This trek is from moderate to difficult level.
WHAT ABOUT TOILETS ON THE TREKS?
It has been highlighted by most of our clients, especially by the female ones who want a private, clean and sanitary toilet!! Orange Nation Peru toilet facilities have an individual tent and a “camping toilet with a seat.” Check out the picture, which illustrates how we set up our camping toilet on the trek by using this link: picture of toilet tent. Our toilet is always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite. At night if you need to use the toilet it is readily accessible and clean, unlike the dirty facilities supplied by the government.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE TREK?
In the scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, Orange Nation Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Generally those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly, they then continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to original plan.
ARE WE GOING TO BE DROPPED AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE TREK
Absolutely!! Included in the package and on the last day we will drop you at your hotel! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too! If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, for sure we wil pick you up there !
AT WHAT TIME IS THE TRAIN DEPARTURE?
It will depend on the train availability (high season it could book out) but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco from the train. Therefore you we usually book the train at 4:22pm. With this train schedule, you will have more than 9 hours to enjoy Machu Picchu
VISTADOME TRAIN UPGRADE; HOW MUCH IS IT?
For sure you may upgrade to Vistadome train which has slightly nicer seats, panoramic windows and ceiling. You will be offered some snacks and a dance show will take place on board. The price is US$57 per person which includes the transfer from Poroy train station to your hotel in Cusco. It is 2 hours by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and then another 2 hours from Ollantaytambo to Cusco by bus. If you upgrade to Vistadome, all the way back to Poroy (Cusco), the trip lasts 3.5 hours, then 25mins by taxi to your hotel. Usually our clients are back at the hotel by 8pm. If you plan to take the bus to Puno on the same night, that is totally possible.
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Orange Nation Peru destinations. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you feel it, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
ARE WE SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people
WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU
- Original Passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
- Valid, GREEN ISIC card (if you booked as a student)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: 2-3 liter Camelbaks are encouraged.
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from Orange Nation Peru)
- Headlamp: essential
- Toilet Paper
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFLE BAG
As a Professional Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffle bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14 pounds including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.
- 2 t-shirts
- 2 hiking pants at least
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 3 sets of hiking socks
- Bathing Suit for the thermal waters
- Couple Fleece/ Thermals
- Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º Celcious.
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quick dry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger.
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
- Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
- Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them.
- Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us.
- Swimming Suit
TOILETRIES
- Face moisturizer
- Hand Sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40Litres for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
- Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring your canteens.
- Sun Hat
- Sunscreen
- Headlamp: essential
- Wool Hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
- Coca leaves.
- Rain plastic poncho (provided by SAM)
- Gloves
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
- Valuable items
Christian B
10/10 Amazing experience
If you’re thinking about which agency to use, look no further- Ray and Jimmy went well above and beyond and made this a memorable, safe, fun, and professional experience.
Ray is the most knowledgeable guide I’ve ever had in any country for any excursion - during both the Short Inka Trail and the actual tour of Machu Picchu, Ray’s expertise shined through in his ability to give us a detailed background on every aspect of the history, climate, nature, flora, animals.. anything!
Likewise, Ray and Jimmy were truly the friendliest, kindest hosts that I could have imagined our group having.
Thank you both so much and I will definitely book with you again if (when) I come back!
Matt A
Awesome experience!!
Did the 2 day Inca trail with Ray and Jimmy they were great and knowledgeable. Ray not only guided us along trail to Machu Picchu but also was an excellent photographer and taught us the history. It was a group of 10 and we had a great time. Even everything going on in Peru, we always felt in good hands.
Rius
Short Inca Trial (2-Day)
This tour was the perfect experience for our (group of 10) short trip to Peru. The trail was sometimes challenging, but the views and history made it all worth it. Ray and Jimmy were our guides and imparted sooo much knowledge about the history of Peru, Inca, and beyond. I would definitely recommend!