Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek via Vilcabamba 11 Day Adventure

Embark on the extraordinary Choquequirao Vilcabamba Machu Picchu trek, an immersive 11-day Choquequirao Vilcabamba tour that traces the footsteps of the ancient Inca across remote mountain landscapes. This is a true Choquequirao to Vilcabamba hike, following historic Inca routes through part of the Vilcabamba Inca trail Peru — a path rarely traveled, deeply wild, and spiritually resonant.
This journey offers one of the most authentic alternative Inca treks Peru, far from the crowded trails. You’ll trek through rugged terrain, cross steep Andean passes, descend into deep canyons, and climb through cloud forests—an epic challenging Andean trekking Peru experience.
On the way, you’ll engage in a rich Choquequirao expedition Peru, spending time at the awe-inspiring Choquequirao ruins, where a guided archaeological trek Choquequirao Vilcabamba lets you explore terraces, temples, and hidden corners of this lesser-known citadel. The solitude and scale here make the journey feel like a true remote Inca route Vilcabamba, not just a hike but a pilgrimage into history.
Beyond Choquequirao, the route becomes a powerful Inca wilderness trekking Peru adventure, with nights spent under pristine skies and days immersed in mountain wilderness. As you weave through the spectacular landscapes of Vilcabamba — once the final refuge of the Inca Empire — you’ll sense the lingering energy of a lost world.
Your trek culminates in a memorable arrival at Machu Picchu, where the contrast between rugged wilderness and iconic Inca grandeur brings together the full spirit of this Choquequirao wilderness trek. This is more than just a hike — it’s an epic journey across time, terrain, and culture.

Day 1: CUSCO – CAPULIYOC – CHIQUISCA – SANTA ROSA.

Very early pickup from your hotel in Cusco to begin the 11-day Choquequirao Vilcabamba tour.
Drive to Cachora, then continue to Capuliyoc (about 3,000 m) where your trekking team (muleteers and horses) joins.
From Capuliyoc, descend along a zigzag trail toward the Apurímac River, passing small Andean villages like Chiquisca.
Cross to Playa Rosalina by the riverside, then climb for a few hours to reach Santa Rosa (camp).
This first section is part of the remote Inca route Vilcabamba, setting the tone for a demanding but unforgettable Choquequirao expedition Peru.

Distance: 16 km.
Weather: Warm and sunny.
Meals: Lunch – Dinner
Accommodation: Campsite
Minimum altitude: 1500 masl Rosalina beach.
Maximum altitude: 2100 masl Santa Rosa Camp.
Time: 6 hours (approximately)
Difficulty: Demanding.

After breakfast, start ascending via a trail through lush vegetation toward Marampata (approx. 3,050 m), crossing tropical mountain forest. Inca land Adventures
Continue walking to the Choquequirao archaeological zone. Once there, enjoy a guided archaeological trek Choquequirao Vilcabamba: visit terraces, temples, ceremonial platforms (“usnu”), and the water temple. Inca land Adventures
Set up camp near the ruins and spend the night in this spectacular, remote Inca city.

Distance: 14 km.
Climate: Mild and cold (at night).
Walking time: 7 hours.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner.
Minimum altitude: 2100 masl Camp Santa Rosa.
Maximum altitude: 2,900 masl Camp Choquequirao
Difficulty: Demanding.

Day 2: SANTA ROSA – MARAMPATA – CHOQUEQUIRAO

Day 3: CHOQUEQUIRAO EXPLORING FULL DAY

Dedicate a full day to exploring Choquequirao. Visit residential sectors, agricultural terraces, religious structures, and plazas. Inca land Adventures
Your guide offers deep historical insight into Inca architecture and life.
Optional: At sunset, head up to panoramic viewpoints (e.g., “usnu”) to take in the grandeur of the canyon and possibly spot condors soaring.
Camp again near the ruins for another night under Andean skies.

Altitudes: Choquequirao campsite: 2870 meters / 9416 feet;
Choquequirao ruins: 3040 meters / 9974 feet
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4: CHOQUEQUIRAO – PINCHANUYOC

Leave the campsite after breakfast and begin a moderate ascent to reach the higher part of the ruins for views over the complex. Inca land Adventures
From there, descend toward Pinchaunuyoc campsite (approx. 2,200 m), crossing forested and rocky terrain. Inca land Adventures
Overnight at Pinchaunuyoc, enjoying a quieter, less-trodden section of the Choquequirao to Vilcabamba hike.

Time: 6 hours of walking.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Camp: 2200 masl Pinchinuyoc Camping.
Minimum altitude: 2200 masl Pinchinuyoc.
Maximum altitude: 2891 masl Cornfield.
Distance traveled: 16 km Pinchinuyoc – Maizal.
Climate: Temperate, Hot.

Day 5: PINCHANUYOC – MAIZAL.

Trek down to Río Blanco, descending into a deep canyon with river views. Cross the river, rest, and then begin ascending toward Maizal (approx. 2,891 m).
Arrive at Maizal, set up camp, and reflect on the rugged beauty of this part of your alternative Inca trek Peru.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Camp: Maizal 2891 masl.
Minimum altitude: 1990 meters above sea level Río Blanco.
Maximum altitude: 2891 masl Cornfield.
Distance traveled: 16 km Pinchinuyoc – Maizal.
Climate: Temperate, Hot.

Day 6: MAIZAL-SAN JUAN PASS- YANAMA.

After breakfast, climb through diverse vegetation to reach the San Juan Pass (approx. 4,200 m), a highlight of the challenging Andean trekking Peru portion.
From the pass, enjoy panoramic views of the Vilcabamba mountain range (including glaciers in the distance) and descend to the Andean village of Yanama (approx. 3,800 m).
Stay overnight in Yanama, feeling full immersion in Inca wilderness trekking Peru

Walking distance: 20 km.
Walking time: 6 to 7 hours approximately.
Cold weather.
Camp: Yanama.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Maximum altitude: 4630 masl.
Minimum altitude: 2900 masl.

Day 7 : YANAMA – QUELLQA MACHAY

Depart Yanama early and hike through ancient Inca paths for about 3.5 hours toward Quellqa Machay (approx. 4,000 m). Inca land Adventures
This section includes forested landscapes, steep ascents, and the chance to observe local flora and wildlife.
Set up camp at Quellqa Machay and rest after a demanding day.

Walking distance: 24 km.
Walking time: 6 to 7 hours approximately.
Cold weather.
Campsite: Quellqa Machay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Maximum altitude: 4000 masl. Quellqa Machay.
Minimum altitude: 3800 masl. Yanama.

Day 8: QUELLQA MACHAY – CHOQUETACARPO PASS – HUANCACALLE.

Climb to the Choquetacarpo Pass (approx. 4,600 m), the highest point on this section; the views over the Vilcabamba range are spectacular.
Descend into a valley, crossing narrow trails, until arriving at Huancacalle, a small Andean community at ~2,900 m.
Camp in Huancacalle, resting in a calm mountain village.

Walking distance: 25 km.
Walking time: 6 to 7 hours approximately.
Cold weather.
Camp: Huancacalle (2900 masl).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Maximum altitude: 4600 meters above sea level.
Minimum altitude: 2900 meters above sea level.

Day 9: HUANCACALLE – VITCOS ROSASPATA – EXPLORING FULL DAY

After breakfast, hike to Vitcos-Rosaspata, an important Inca settlement, and visit the temple of Ñustahispana.
Learn about the history of the last Inca kings and the resistance during the Spanish conquest — a key part of the Choquequirao expedition Peru.
Return to Huancacalle for the night, taking in the quiet of this remote Inca route.

Back in Huancacalle
Traveled distance: 5 km.
Walking time: 3 ½ hours approximately.
Warm weather.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch-dinner.
Maximum altitude: Huancacalle (2900 masl).

Day 10.-VITCOS ROSASPATA SANTA TERESA AGUAS CALIENTES

Leave Huancacalle by private transport, descending from high altitudes into the lush tropical foothills, reaching Santa Teresa. Enjoy scenic views of rivers, coffee plantations, and jungle landscapes — a transformative section of the Vilcabamba Inca trail Peru.
From Santa Teresa, take the train (via Hidroeléctrica) to Aguas Calientes, the base town for Machu Picchu.
Overnight in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, celebrating the near culmination of your long trek.

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Arriving at Aguas Calientes, a soak in the thermal baths might just be the perfect recipe for aching muscles! We’ll enjoy a celebratory dinner in Aguas Calientes before turning in early in anticipation of the next day’s centerpiece: Machu Picchu.

Day 11: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO.

Rise before dawn and take the shuttle bus (or hike) to Machu Picchu for a sunrise visit. Inca land Adventures
Enjoy a guided archaeological tour of Machu Picchu, exploring the temples, terraces, and iconic viewpoints. Inca land Adventures
After your tour, board the train from Aguas Calientes back to Ollantaytambo and then transfer to Cusco, marking the end of this epic Choquequirao Vilcabamba Machu Picchu trek.

For more tips on what to see, check out our Visiting Machu Picchu page.
Want more time to explore? Consider our Extra Day Upgrades.
We return to Cusco in the afternoon by Expedition (tourist class) train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, where we will be met by our driver who will transfer you directly back to your hotel in Cusco. Total travel time is about 4 hours from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.
Traveled distance: 5 km.
Walking time: approximately 3 hours.
Guided visit to Machu Picchu: 3 hours.
Climate: Warm – temperate.
Transfer to Cusco: 2 hours by train and 2 hours by minivan from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast.
Maximum altitude: 3399 meters above sea level.
Minimum altitude: 2050 meters above sea level. hot waters.

Why This Is a Unique & Powerful Trek

This is not just a trek — it’s a Choquequirao expedition Peru, combining history, nature, and remote exploration over 11 days.
It follows a remote Inca route Vilcabamba seldom traveled, making it a rare alternative Inca trek Peru.
The journey offers Inca wilderness trekking Peru through high-passes, forests, and ancient Inca paths.
You’ll experience challenging Andean trekking Peru, with dramatic ascents and descents each day.
The trip includes a meaningful archaeological trek Choquequirao Vilcabamba, visiting ancient cities like Choquequirao and Vitcos.
Finally, you arrive at Machu Picchu, completing a majestic Choquequirao Vilcabamba Machu Picchu trek.

What is not Included?

What is Included?

EXTRAS. Confort package usd 120.00
Sleeping Bag –per trek (It will be clean and warm)
Air Mattress –per trek (Therma rest mattresses)
Walking Poles - per pair per trek (Professional poles that can be extended)
Pillow per trek:
Meals
Breakfast on the first morning.
Dinner on the last night.
Equipment
Sleeping bags. Available for rent if you don’t have one with you.
Additional horses for your personal luggage
Optional Activities
Entrance to the Aguas Calientes and Cocalmayu hot springs
Permit to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Other
Tips for the guide, cook and muleteers
Flights to/from Cusco
Travel Insurance

Choquequirao-Machu Picchu

Trips Managed by Local Experts
Easy, Fast, Risk-Free Bookings
Personalized Small Group Tours
Great Value for Money
Unique, Customized Itineraries
Best Local Certified Guides.
WHY CHOOSE Inca Land Adventures?Inca Land Adventures is a family owned travel agency and a local tour operator based in Cusco with personal experience over many years of trekking. inca land adventures is a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders.
Our dream as a locally based company is to create small personalized tours & treks strictly and only operated by local professional staff catering in PERSONALIZED and HIGH QUALITY SERVICE.
We take pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. Our staff are our extended family. We ensure they are supported financially by offering them a fair salary. We are so proud of our team! Without them, we wouldn’t be able to offer the best service and lifetime experiences to our clients.
SMALL GROUPSTo ensure a more personalized service for our guests, at inca land adventures we have a policy that our groups will not exceed 8 people. This fact alone sets us apart from other companies that operate departures with bigger groups.

Accommodation
7 nights of camping. Tent: 2 people in a 4-person tent, allowing for greater comfort and backpack storage!
Basic foam mattress. If you would like greater comfort during the Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu we can rent you an inflatable mattress. See Optional Extras & Upgrades below.
Toilet tent
1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes in a Standard Hotel. This will be a nice, clean and safe hotel with breakfast included and private bathroom. You can also upgrade to a higher quality hotel.
Meals
Dining tent with camp tables and chairs, and kitchen tent for the cook to prepare meals
Cook and cooking equipment, plus assistants for larger groups.
Meals as indicated in the itinerary. Our professional cooks prepare a combination of traditional Peruvian and Western cuisine. Talk to your guide if you have certain preferences! Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available. When served, salads are washed in boiled water.
Celebratory dinner in Aguas Calientes
Lunch on the last day is included in this itinerary.
Transport
Collection from your hotel on the morning of your trek departure
Private transport from Cusco to the trailhead and return at the end of the trek (Please note that some private transport on the road is lower quality than in Cusco)
Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back
Train ticket (Expedition service) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
Private transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
Trekking Team
English/Quechua/Spanish speaking professional guide, plus an assistant guide for groups over 8
Horses and horsemen, who carry camping equipment, food and kitchen utensils. We provide duffel bags at your briefing for your personal items (up to 10kg/22lbs per person).
Tents, sleeping bags and mattresses for our staff to sleep in, plus a budget for their meals
Safety
First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
1 emergency horse which can be ridden if you are feeling ill or if you are a little slower.
Additional inclusions
Pre-trek briefing
Entry fees to Machu Picchu and Choquequirao

Prices:Per Person in USD 2025

2 -PEOPLE $2915
4-6 PEOPLE $1890
7-8 PEOPLE $1620
9-12 PEOPLE $1580.

Included Services:

Experienced Guides: Our guides at Inca Land Adventures are seasoned professionals who have studied English and tourism at Cusco National University. They possess a deep knowledge of the region and are dedicated to sharing their heritage with you. Combining professionalism with a friendly demeanor, they ensure your safety and enjoyment throughout the journey.
Permits and Machu Picchu Access: To trek the Inca Trail, you need permits obtained only through licensed operators like Inca Land Adventures. Upon receiving your details and deposit, we secure your permits, which include entry to Machu Picchu. These permits are non-transferable once confirmed, although passport number updates are possible.
Pre-Trek Briefing: The evening before your adventure, join us at our office for a comprehensive briefing with your guide and fellow trekkers. Here, you’ll receive your duffel bag, which our porters will transport while you hike. Remember, pack efficiently, as the duffel should weigh no more than 7kg/14 lbs and include essential items like your sleeping bag and air mattress.
Personal Porter: We provide a dedicated porter to carry your duffel bag throughout the trek, ensuring your comfort without any additional charges. Your duffel bag will be accessible only at the evening campsite and should adhere to weight restrictions.
Environmentally Conscious Porters: Our porter team at Inca Land Adventures is known for their dedication and hard work. Adhering to strict weight limits, they handle all camping equipment and food, while also assisting with camp setup and breakdown. We prioritize the well-being of our porters, ensuring fair treatment and supporting their families through various social initiatives.
Culinary Delights: Indulge in the culinary creations of our talented chefs, who craft delicious meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. From nutritious soups to hearty mains and delectable desserts, every dish is prepared with care. We accommodate dietary restrictions to ensure everyone enjoys their meals.
Hydration Support: Stay hydrated during your trek with our provided clean water at each meal. We prioritize your well-being by filtering and cooling the water to combat altitude effects. Remember to bring enough water for the first morning of the trail.
Quality Equipment: Inca Land Adventures utilizes top-tier equipment, including sturdy tents and dining facilities for your comfort. Each client receives a pillow and foam sleeping pad, while dining equipment and other essentials are provided.
Hotel-to-Hotel Service: Enjoy hassle-free transportation from your hotel to the starting point of your trek and back. Our comfortable vans ensure a smooth journey, allowing you to focus on the adventure ahead.
Transportation and Train Service: Your trek logistics include bus tickets to Machu Picchu, as well as a tourist-class train journey from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. For those seeking upgraded amenities, we offer the option to upgrade to the Vista dome train for an additional fee.
First Aid and Safety: Your safety is paramount to us. Our guides undergo regular training by medical professionals and carry comprehensive first-aid kits and oxygen tanks. In case of emergencies, we ensure swift evacuation and medical attention.
Ethical Treatment of Porters: At Inca Land Adventures, we prioritize the well-being of our porters, providing fair wages, essential gear, and support for their families. Our commitment extends to social initiatives aimed at improving their quality of life.
DISCOUNTS.- 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval for discount.
Under 18 years old: $30 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Under 11 years old: $40 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Group of 5 or more: $30 USD – All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.
EXTRAS
Vista dome Train Upgrade –$80 USD per person (Return Only)
Huayna Picchu Mountain –$80 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
Machu Picchu Mountain – $80 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
Single supplement-$35 USD per night (for solo travelers with single room)
**Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are optional treks within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
ADDED VALUES FOR FREE
TRANSFER – from the Airport to Hotel (Cusco Only)
DUFFEL BAG– included in the trekking price!
BOILED WATER is included along the Inca Trail
OXYGEN TANK will be available along the trek
TIPS FOR OUR PORTERS
2 people (minimum group size) should have a maximum of 7 porters and 16 people (max group size) should have 22 porters.
** Tips for porters, cooks or guides are optional and are NOT included in our price. However, our advice is that you tip our staff based on their performance, service and knowledge. Our guidelines for tipping our staff are the following:
Each porter gets 100 Soles, each assistant cooks 150 Soles, the Main Chef gets 300 Soles. make sure to tip more if your trip it is more than 5 days or if it is luxury treks
Assistant Tour guides can be tipped collectively by the members of the group, we suggest a 5% of the total cost of the tour .
Main guides are tipped on a one-on-one basis and based on their performance. Tour guides are professional people who spend a lot of time training in different other fields such archaeology, history and WFA. We suggest people to consider tipping our guide a 10% to 15% of the value of your tour.
Train included in all tours is the Expedition train (to Ollantaytambo). Train times will only be confirmed once full amount of tour is paid. The earliest train you could take is the 2:55 PM or 15:20 pmand the 08:30 PM being the last train (high season June to September). We will organize the transport back to Cusco (by taxi or by bus).

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