Trekking Choquequirao to Vilcabamba 10 Days / 9 Nights

TREKKING FATCS

• Beginning of the Tour: 05:00am Pick up from your Hotel in Cusco.
• Trek departure Point: The zone of Capuliyoc at 2900masl – 4:30-Hour drive from Cusco.
• Altitude of Choquequirao: 3,050masl.
• Type of Tour: Trekking, Cultural and Adventure.
• Difficulty level: 3.5 on a scale of 1 to 5.
• Best time: Dry season between the months of April to November.
• Duration of the Trekking: 10 days / 9 nights
• Acclimatization: We recommend you to be in Cusco for at less 2-days before your trek.
• Climate: the weather is unpredictable; due to the global warming. However, it is very important to be well prepared for all kind of weather. Along the Trekking you’ll note a different variation of climates. However, it should be noted that the route is hot in the lower parts and cold in the altitude.
• Important: it is an interesting Trekking that involves cultural and natural highlights such us: Apurimac Canyon, Vilcabamba range; the Inca site of: Choquequirao, Vitcus, Rosas Pata. Machu Picchu and Pictoresque communities like Maranpata, Maizal, Yanama, Chupana, etc.

SHORT ITINERARY ABOUT 10-DAY TREKKING CHOQUEQUIRAO TO VILCABMABA.

• Day 0: Arrival in Cusco. Rest and explore the vibrant city, including the main square and colonial-style architecture.
• Day 1: Trek to Santa Rosa. Private car journey to Capuliyoc. 7-hour trek to Santa Rosa camp with picturesque views.
• Day 2: Trek to Choquequirao. Challenging 6-7 hour trek to ancient Inca ruins. Hike through valleys and enjoy the stunning scenery.
• Day 3: Exploring Choquequirao. Informative guided tour of the Inca settlement. 3-hour trek to campsite at Pinchaunuyoc.
• Day 4: Trek Pinchaunuyoc camp to Maizal camp.- passing through “Rio Blanco” (7 hours).
• Day 5: Trek Maizal Camp to Yanama camp.- hike over San Juan Pass (4 hours), then continue to Yanama camp (2 hours).
• Day 6: Trek Yanama camp to Qelqamachay Camp.- passing through Yanama Valley and Yuthupampa (8 hours).
• Day 7: Qelqamachay camp – Choquetakarpu pass (4600m) – Huancacalle. Challenging trek of about 8-9 hours. Breathtaking views, diverse flora and fauna.
• Day 8: Huancacalle – Vitcos Rosaspata – Santa Teresa. Visit lesser-known archaeological sites. Relax at Cocalmayo hot springs. Campsite in Santa Teresa.
• Day 9: Santa Teresa – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes. Walk to Aguas Calientes through Intihuatana. Lunch at Inka Rakay. Enjoy views of Machu Picchu. Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
• Day 10: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco. Explore iconic Machu Picchu, the sacred Inca religious center. Return to Cusco and transfer to your accommodation.

Why book with us?

• Receive a souvenir kit bag and save money by using our “Sunrise Peru Trek” hiking package, which includes a quality sleeping bag, thick-mattress Pillow and Four-season camping tent and more.
• Stay energized with three hearty meals a day freshly prepared by our kitchen team. Drinking water on the hike also included.
• Relax in our exclusive private camps with top quality tents and thick mattresses for extra warmth and comfort.
• Additional acclimatization days for a brisk walk and to maximize success in high altitude environments.
• Led by guides trained in first aid in wild areas, with group medical kit and portable oxygen bottle.
• We carry 10 kilos of your personal belongings in duffle bags that we provide

Detailed Trek itinerary for 10-Day Trekking Choquequirao to Vilcabamba 

Day 0: Arrival to Cusco and briefing.

One Day before the trekking you’ll have a briefing. Meeting in our office or in your hotel where your guide will inform you all about the trekking and will check if you have all appropriated equipment to do the 10-day Trekking Choquequirao to Vilcabamba.

Day 1.- CUSCO – CAPULIYOC – CHIQUISQHA – PLAYA ROSALINA – SANTA ROSA CAMP.

10-Day Trekking Choquequirao to Vilcabamba then to Machu Picchu, begins when we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:30 am; the leave towards the Apurimac Canyon, surrounded by impressive snow-capped peaks. After about an hour and a half of driving, we will make a short stop at the Inca site of Tarawasi (2675m/8776ft). Tarawasi takes its name from two Quechua words: Tara, a typical tree native to the Andes (Latin name: spiny caesalpina), and Wasi, which means “house”. So Tarawasi is “the tree house of Tara”. Tara is a versatile tree that produces large bean pods that turn orange when ripe. The seeds inside are used as a natural dye and also have medicinal purposes.
Tarawasi is a ceremonial center that dates back to the time of the Incas. One of the most striking features of this archaeological site is the presence of an usnu, a ceremonial structure where ritual offerings were prepared.

Then we will continue another 3 hours to Capuliyoc (2915m / 9563 ft). Upon arrival, we will have our first views of the incredible Apurímac canyon below, as well as the surrounding mountains of Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora.

Our horses will meet us here. After a short briefing we’ll commence the trekking with short walking of approximately 15 minutes to the viewpoint, from where we’ll see the depp canyon of Apurimac and the mountain of Choquequiurao; after we take the pictures, we’ll continue walking 3-hours down to Chiquisqa (1950m/6397ft); here we’ll stop for lunch. After lunch you can rest and refill your water bottle. Then we continue 45 minutes down to the lowest part and next to Apurimac River (1550m / 5085ft). We’ll cross through a bridge and continue a long climb up for 2-hous until the camp of Santa Rosa (2095m/6873ft). It’s a less popular campsite, allowing for a typically quiet and restful night under the stars.

• Total walking distance: 14 km
• Total walking time: 6-7 hours
• Minimum altitude: 1,550 m (5,085 ft)
• Maximum altitude: 2,915 m (9,563 ft)
• Camp Elevation: 2,095 m (6,873 ft)
• approx. night temperature: 10°c to 15°C
• Meals included: Lunch and dinner

Day 2.- SANTA ROSA CAMP – MARANPATA – CHOQUEQUIRAO.

After a very good breakfast we’ll have an early start. This morning as we head out early to escape the heat of the canyon. Today we continue climbing up toward the village of Maranpata (2940m (9646ft). After a good night’s sleep, we should be ready to continue on this challenging 3-hour zigzag up. Just beyond Maranpata we will be entitled to our first views of Choquequirao, a nice reward for the morning’s challenge. From Maranpata, it’s just 2 hours over smooth rolling terrain to reach the Inca ruins of Choquequirao. Before we explore the site of Choquequirao we’ll stop for lunch to 20 minutes before, which also our camp for today. After lunch we’ll explore the site and we’ll have and informative tour. After the tour, we’ll return to the camp for overnight. We will see the sun set over the ruins and hopefully see some condors flying in the canyon around us.

The Inca site of Choquequirao, with only 40% of the site excavated today, Choquequirao consists of an extensive set of terraces, irrigation canals, deposits for food and clothes, and various religious and administrative complexes spread over 1,800 hectares. And all this with the spectacular backdrop of the Apurimac Canyon!

• Total walking distance: 16 km
• Total walking time: 8 -9 hours
• Minimum altitude: 2,095 m (6,873 ft) / Maximum altitude: 3,050m (10,006.6)
• Camp Elevation: 2,900 m (9,514 ft)
• approx. night temperature: 5°C
• Difficulty: Challenging.
• Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3: CHOQUEQUIRAO – PINCHAUNUYOC

Today will be a short day but Wonderful. You will wake up with the first songs of the birds, after breakfast we will continue with the exploration of the Inca site of Choquequirao; walk down to the sector of the Llamas where you’ll appreciate the stunning terraces decorated with llamas, the house of the Inca priest, the main temple and the sector of the “Qolqas” or deposits; after that lunch will be served just outside of the Choquequirao build; then we’ll continue a short ascent to the pass and continue with a long and steep descent to Pichaunuyoac Camp 2.30 hrs.

Once in the camp you can leave your backpack in your tent and head to explore the farming terraces of the Pinchaunuyoc; it is located next to the camp and offers-up amazing views of the mountains and the deep valley.

• Walking time: 4 -6 Hours.
• Camp: 2200 altitude Camping Pinchaunuyoc.
• Minimum altitude: 2200 m above sea level Pinchinuyoc.
• Climate: temperate, warm.
• Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4: PINCHINUYOC – RIO BLANCO – MAIZAL.

After Breakfast we’ll continue 2:30 hours zigzag down descend the mountain until we reach the ice-river called “Rio Blance”1900masl; here we will stop to rest and take a good bath in the cold waters of the river. that come from glaciers. Here also will be served our lunch since it is the las place where we can get clean water.

In the afternoon, we’ll continue a hard climb up to the community of Maizal -2890masl. The trail is going zigzag up through bushes and the trees; 4-hour after we’ll arrive to our camp in Maizal. The name cams for been a very goo place for farming different varieties of corn.

• Walking time: 2.30 hours of descent and 4-hour of ascent.
• Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Camp: Maizal 2890masl
• Minimum altitude: 1990masl – “Río Blanco”.
• Maximum elevation: 2890masl.
• Distance covered: 16 km Pinchinuyoc – Maizal.
• Climate: temperate, warm.

Day 5: MAIZAL – SAN JUAN PASS – YANAMA.

Today you’ll wake up with a great views of mountain scenery. Remember to fix your duffle bag and refill your water bottle before your breakfast. After a good breakfast we’ll continue our trekking through the rainforest where the trail runs undulating for approximately two hours; at some sections the trail is paved with stones. Then suddenly the trail starts to climb up zigzag and, in some section, we’ll climb stair of stones build by the Incas. The trail passes the silver mine called “Victoria”. After another 2-hour walking-up we’ll arrive to the pass named as a “San Juan” pass at 4200masl, from where you’ll be rewarded by splendid views.

Once in the pass you can rest and take pictures of this wonderful mountain paradise. From here the trail descent steeply for two hours the community of Yanama at 3800masl; along the way you’ll see different varieties of flowers and pass narrow trails; we recommended to walk slowly and with care.

• Walking distance: 20 km.
• Walking time: 6 to 7 hours approximately.
• Climate: Cold
• Camp: Yanama 3800masl
• Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
• Maximum altitude: 4200masl – San Juan Pass
• Minimum altitude: 2900 masl

Day 6: YANAMA – LLUTHUPAMPA – MESA PATA – QUELLQA MACHAY

Yanama is a big community where you can purchase drinks and snacks for the rest of the trip. Here we also will change our horses and horseman. The trail leaves Yamana and 45-minute walking down to Yanama river, which we’ll cross a well-preserved bridge. Once in the other site of the river we’ll continue hiking on an undulated trail and next to Yanama river; the trail passes many photo opportunities scenes and crosses several wood bridges. After we hike for 3-hour, we’ll arrive to the zone of Llathupampa, from here the trail climbs up very steely for about 2 hours until we arrive to the zone of “Masa Pata”; maned doe to the flat trail and great views. From “Mesa Pata” we’ll continue 3 more hours to our camp at Qelqmachay.

After “Mesa Pata” the trail descent to the rainforest and then it follows-up next to the river until we arrive the camp of Qelqamachay at 4000masl. The zone is called Qelqamachay due to the existence of a big cave in the rocky mountain with some petroglyphs on the wall, one still can see it even nowadays. The camp for today is very cold it is recommendable to be well prepared.

• Walking distance: 24 km.
• Walking time: 8 to 9 hours approximately.
• Weather: warm and cold.
• Campsite: Quellqamachay 4000masl.
• Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
• Maximum altitude: 4000masl
• Mínimum altitud: 3800masl

Day 7: QUELLQA MACHAY – CHOQUETACARPO PASS – HUANCACALLE.

We embark on the QUELLQA MACHAY – CHOQUETACARPO PASS – HUANCACALLE trek, where the adventure begins with breathtaking views and a warming hot drink. After a hearty breakfast, we hit the trail, ascending gently until we reach Lazunapampa. From there, we continue along an original Inca trail, paved with stone and expanding to an impressive two-meter width at certain points. Our destination is the magnificent Choquetakarpu Pass, standing tall at an elevation of 4,600 meters above sea level. The panoramic vistas of the Andes and the snow-capped peaks of the Pumasillu range will leave you in awe. Take your time to capture the beauty in photographs before we descend using the original Inca trail, adorned with remarkable Inca architecture.

Our descent lasts approximately four hours, as we witness the wonders of wildlife and admire the sweeping views of the Chupanavalley. Finally, we arrive at our campsite in Huancacalle, nestled in an open valley and bordered by a gentle river. Brace yourself for another cold night, and ensure you come well-prepared for the experience.

• Walking distance: 17 km.
• Walking time: 7 to 8 hours approximately.
• Weather: cold and windy
• Camp: Huancacalle 3800masl.
• Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
• Maximum altitude: 4600masl
• Minimum altitude: 3800masl

Day 8: HUANCACALLE – VITCOS – ROSASPATA – SANTA TERESA.

Embarking on this exhilarating trek, we kickstart our day bright and early, around 7:30am. A captivating and seldom-explored adventure awaits as we hike for approximately 4 hours to reach the awe-inspiring archaeological wonders of Rosaspata and Ñustajispana (White Rock).

Following a satisfying lunch, we will arrange private transportation to transport you to the charming town of Santa Teresa (1800 meters/5900 feet). Here, ample time is allocated for indulging in the rejuvenating experience of bathing in the natural hot springs of Cocalmayo. Our campsite for the night will be in Santa Teresa.

• Distance traveled: 8 km. / 4.9 miles
• Walking time: approximately 2 hours.
• Climate: warm tropical.
• Transfer to Cusco: 3 hours by train and bus from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.
• Meals: Breakfast- Lunch.
  Maximum altitude: 3399 meters above sea level / 11151 feet
  Minimum altitude: 2040 meters above sea level. / 6692 feet

Day 9: SANTA TERESA – HIDRIOELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES.

On Day 9 of our journey, we will embark on a trek from Santa Teresa to Aguas Calientes. After a hearty breakfast, we will make our way to the hydroelectric plant, which serves as both the government control and entrance to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu National Park. As we set foot on this remarkable path, we will be greeted by the fascinating Intihuatana, a small archaeological site where our knowledgeable guide will unveil its secrets.

Our adventure continues to Inka Rakay, where we will indulge in a delicious lunch. Throughout the trek, we will be treated to breathtaking views of the majestic Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountains, as well as other remarkable ancient sites perched high in the mountains.

Our expedition concludes in the charming town of Aguas Calientes, where we will spend a restful night, immersed in the beauty and tranquility of this remarkable place.

• Walking distance: 26 km. / 16.1 miles
• Walking time: approximately 6 to 7 hours.
• Climate: We start with a cold climate and end in a tropical climate.
• Accommodation: Hostel: Aguas Calientes.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
• Maximum altitude: 2900 meters above sea level. / 9514 feet
• Minimum altitude: 2040 meters above sea level. / 6692 feet

Día 10: AGUAS CALIENTES — MACHU PICCHU TOUR — CUSCO.

Experience the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu with our exhilarating tour. Begin your day with a nourishing breakfast at 6:00AM in the hotel and safely store your luggage. A brief 10-minute walk will lead you to the bus station, where you’ll embark on a captivating half-hour ride to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, present your permits and passport at the checkpoint before embarking on an enlightening 2 or 3 hour guided tour. Afterward, take your time to explore the incredible surroundings or choose to conquer the majestic Huayna Picchu (additional ticket required, priced at $75 each) if you have reservations. Later, head back to Aguas Calientes for a delightful lunch (not included) before boarding the 14:55 train to Ollantaytambo. From there, catch a bus that seamlessly takes you back to the fascinating city of Cusco. As this remarkable journey concludes, our team will ensure your safe return to your hotel.

Inclusions for the trek

What’s included in the tour:

• Trekking briefing with your trekking guide at 6 p.m. the night before you depart. You’ll receive your duffel bags for your personal belongings that will be transported by a horse.
• Pick up from your hotel and a transfer to (Capuliyoc) the trailhead in our private transportation.
• Transportation from Vilcabamba to Cusco
• English/ Spanish speaking tour guide
• Cook, porters, horsemen, and horses
• Extra horse that can carry up to 10kg/20 pounds your personal items (we provide a duffel bag)
• Hiking gear: four-man tent, dining tent, kitchen tent, chairs, table, foam mat
• All meals: breakfast, lunch, happy hours, dinner, and snacks each day
• Vegetarian food available
• Drinking water each day (you can fill up your water bottle three times a day at breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
• First-aid kit
• Portable oxygen bottle
• Entrance fees for Choqueqyuira Inca ruins and Vilcabamba ruins
• Guided tours in Choquequirao and Vilcabamba

Not Included in the Price

• Sleeping bag (rentals available from Sunrise Peru Trek)
• Trekking poles (rentals available from Sunrise Peru Trek)
• Last lunch
• Tips for your crew

We recommend taking for this Trek:

Your will put the majority of your belongings in the duffle bag that we’ll provide, including the sleeping bag and mattress. You’ll walk with small bag pack where you’ll carry the items that you’ll use during the day like: water, snacks, raingear, repellent, sunblock, camera and one jacket.

• A small backpack of 30l. which you’ll carry every day with the items that you’ll use during the day.
• Original passport (if you have acquired a new one after you made your booking, bring both).
• Down or synthetic feather sleeping bag (can be rented from us).
• Clothes (trekking boots, warm fleece jacket, tops, a few t-shirts (3-4), socks, sun hat, thermal underwear, light long pants, gloves, poncho or rain jacket).
• Toiletries (toilet paper, wet wipes, personal towel).
• Sun block, factor 35+ recommended.
• Head lamp.
• Sunglasses and sun hat.
• Camera with spare batteries – batteries run down faster at high altitudes.
• Binoculars.
• Book to read (you will have some time at every camp to read your favorite book).
• Trekking poles (recommended especially for the steep descents, can be rented from us).
• Insect repellen.

Your private horse will be carrying your Duffle Bag Trekking Choquequirao to Vicabamba, which should contain all of your necessary items for the duration of your journey.

Price Per Person

• US $1,700 Minimum 2 persons

Rentals

• Hiking poles – US $15.00 (pair)
• Sleeping bag – US $60.00

Essential Information

Arrival in Cusco.

Our 10-day Trekking Choquequirao to Vilcabmaba begins in the city of Cusco so, you’ll need to arrive in Cusco. Cusco Airport is currently reserved for domestic flights, so all international travelers by air must disembark in Lima (The capital of Peru) and go through customs. Even if your flight to Cusco is made on the same day by the same airline, you must collect your luggage in Lima and then re-check it.

The best way to arrive in Cusco is by plane, and there are several options on airlines. LAN tends to be the most expensive, but has the most flight options. But flight delays or cancellations due to Cusco’s high altitude tends to be difficult to land, and any weather will stop air traffic.

Bus travel is always available, and although the journey can be long, especially from Lima, buses in Peru are very well maintained and comfortable. This option is highly recommended if you are coming from a city closer to Cusco, such as Puno or Arequipa. Buses from Lima will take around 22 hours to arrive in Cusco.

Store your Luggage while on the Trek.

Any additional luggage you have with you can be safely left in Cusco in your hotel, while you do your Trekking Choquequirao to Vilcabmaba; you can store your luggage on the morning of your trek and return it to you when you return to Cusco. Make sure your bags have tags so they’re easy to find it.

A typical day on  Trekking Choquequirao to Vilcabmaba.

You will be wakeup with a cup of tea brought to your tent around 6:00am, followed by a small bowl of warm water for washing. Before breakfast you pack your gear into your duffle bag which is then taken by the pack‑animals and will not be available to you until you reach the next camp that afternoon. After a healthful breakfast we are usually at around 7:00 am; depending upon the duration and nature of the day’s walk. We will walk for around 4-5 hours and then generally break for lunch for about 1:30 hours.

Some of our staff will walk ahead and select a suitable place to stop. The afternoon walk is generally a little shorter and camp is usually reached by around 4:30 pm. Once we have reached camp and the kitchen is set up, afternoon tea will be prepared. From then until dinner there is time to rest or explore the surrounding area.

Dinner is usually served between 6‑7 pm. Remember to bring your headlamp and your water bottles to the dining tent so they can be filled with boiling water. Trekking evenings afford some of the best memories of your trek, whether it is talking, playing cards, chatting with the crew or joining in some singing and dancing with the local people. Much of the enjoyment of an expedition is in the journey itself.

What you carry during the Trekking?

In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rain jacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip‑eze etc. mules carry all group gear and your Camping equipment.

Acute Mountain Sickness:

When we ascend above 2500 meters our bodies have to acclimatize to the decreasing amount of the oxygen available. To allow our bodies to adjust we have structured our trek so that you ascend slowly, allowing acclimatization to occur. However, during the acclimatization process, you may experience some of the following symptoms:

• Headache
• Tiredness
• Disturbed sleep
• Loss of appetite/nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Cough
• Palpitation
• Swelling of the hands and face.

Individuals acclimatize at different rates. Your best strategy is to take your time and drink plenty of water. These symptoms may not indicate the onset of A.M.S. and if you experience them it does not necessarily mean that you should not continue. All our group leaders have extensive first aid training and we urge you to communicate with the group leader at all times should you believe you have any symptoms in order that we can effectively monitor your symptoms. The only cure for Acute Mountain Sickness is to descend.

Please note that your group leader has ultimate responsibility and may ask you to descend if symptoms persist.

First aid.

Every SUNRISE PERU TREK guide has received first aid training from a doctor. We organize compulsory training every year in February, and all of our guides attend, when they guide you, they will have with them a first aid kit for basic medical situations (traveler’s diarrhea, cuts, scratches, etc.) and oxygen. They will take good care of you.

If something unexpected happens and you feel like you can’t complete the hike anymore, you will find the safest and fastest way to get off the trail and enter a clinic. They will never leave you alone; A team member will accompany you every step of the way until you are safe with a doctor. Whenever you want, we will make sure that you always have the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu and reconnect with your group and so you can end your train journey in comfort.

Travel insurance:

When it comes to planning your next trip in Peru, purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance is a must. It will cover additional expenses that arise due to health issues, injuries and accidents, as well as air ambulance and helicopter rescue costs. Your policy should cover all activities you plan to do while in Peru, including death, lost/stolen luggage, liability, cancellations and medical treatment (including hospital fees, medication costs, and doctor visits). Having a comprehensive travel insurance will help you stay safe and secure during your entire trip in Peru. So make sure to get a policy that covers your needs before you leave for the trip of a lifetime.

Introduction

10-Day Trekking Choquequirao to Vilcabamba, is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in the archaeological and cultural treasures of the region in a short time, includes an 8-day hiking activity along the Inca Trail and exploring the two most popular Inca archaeological sites: Choquequirao and Vilcabmaba. It is one of the most popular routes in the world that will reward those who want to sweat it out with a spectacular combination of mountain scenery, cloud forests and jungles. We organize our own hikes, thus guaranteeing fair treatment to our porters and the quality of the equipment.

About Itinerary:

The itinerary is subject to change due to the weather conditions or the evolution of the group; the itinerary mentioned before are not final and should be used as examples only. Travelers may login to SPT Travel & Tours App to view detailed Trek itinerary.

Highlights:

Explore Inca archaeological sites of Choquequirao, Yuraq Rumi and Vitcus, learn about traditional ways of life and visit locals in their communities, where still is preserved Inca traditions, conquer the Trekking Choquequirao to Vilcabmaba over Choquetakarpu Pass.