Highlights
- Follow a route linking Capuliyoc, Apurímac Canyon, Choquequirao rather than treating each stop as an isolated attraction.
- Continue through Río Blanco, San Juan Pass, Yanama Pass with context on landscape, architecture and local use.
- Finish through Lucmabamba, Llactapata, Machu Picchu, where the route’s main physical or heritage goal comes into view.
- Prepare for long canyon descents, sustained climbs, eroded Inca paths, humid forest and high passes, with practical guidance on footwear, weather and pace.
- Follow local guidance in areas associated with Cachora-area settlements, Marampata, Yanama, Totora and Lucmabamba, including respectful photography, purchases and private spaces.
- Receive a pre-departure briefing that explains altitude, weather, equipment and the next stage’s physical demands.
- Use a professional guide who can adjust explanations to the group rather than repeating a fixed script.
- Choose private service for more control over stops and rhythm, or group service for a lower per-person rate and a social setting.
Trip details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 8 days / 7 nights |
| Region | Cusco and Apurímac |
| Start and finish | Begins and ends in Cusco unless the final itinerary states another city |
| Maximum altitude | about 4,670 m / 15,322 ft |
| Difficulty | Very challenging |
| Terrain | long canyon descents, sustained climbs, eroded Inca paths, humid forest and high passes |
| Main transport | private road transfer, mule-supported trekking, train or railway-side transfer, shuttle bus and tourist train |
| Accommodation | supported trekking camps and one hotel night in Machu Picchu Pueblo |
| Suggested minimum age | 15+ |
| Typical group limit | 16 |
| Best preparation | Acclimatize when altitude is involved, train for the stated walking level and review equipment before payment |
Trip overview
- Best for: travelers interested in a demanding expedition linking Choquequirao with Machu Picchu.
- Main places: Capuliyoc, Apurimac Canyon, Choquequirao, Yanama, Lucmabamba and Machu Picchu.
- Physical demand: strenuous, with terrain including steep canyon switchbacks, high passes, camps and cloud forest trails.
- Logistics: final pickup time, inclusions and ticket conditions are reconfirmed before the service.
Before departure, the operations team confirms pickup location, start time, required documents and any dietary, medical or mobility notes. Travelers should review the route conditions, bring the essentials listed below and keep the phone number used for booking active on the day of service.
Itinerary
Cusco – Cachora – Capuliyoc – Chiquisca
The road journey reaches the Cachora and Capuliyoc area, where muleteers organize the expedition load. From the viewpoint, the Apurímac Canyon drops sharply below Padreyoc. The first walk is largely downhill toward Chiquisca. Heat increases with every switchback, and dust can be intense during the dry season. Camp is set in the warmer canyon zone, where insects are common after sunset. Day highlight: Reach Chiquisca after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Road transfer: about 4 hours, subject to conditions – Walking: about 5–6 hours – Camp altitude: about 1,900 m / 6,234 ft – Terrain: long dry descent and exposed switchbacks – Climate: warm; mosquitoes and sun protection are important
Chiquisca – Playa Rosalina – Marampata – Choquequirao
A short descent reaches the Apurímac River near Playa Rosalina. The route then climbs for several hours through warm, exposed terrain toward Marampata. This sustained ascent is one of the key physical tests of the expedition. After lunch and rest, the group continues toward the Choquequirao sector and camp. Light changes quickly across the canyon, and condors may appear, though wildlife sightings cannot be promised. Day highlight: Reach Choquequirao after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Walking: about 7–8 hours – Lowest point: about 1,500–1,550 m / 4,921–5,085 ft – Camp area: about 3,000 m / 9,843 ft – Terrain: steep ascent, stone and dusty earth – Climate: warm low in the canyon, cooler near camp
Choquequirao – Choquequirao Pass – Pinchaunuyoc – Río Blanco
The morning is reserved for a guided route through Choquequirao’s plazas, terraces, ceremonial sectors and llama terraces, according to site access. The trail then rises toward Choquequirao Pass before dropping through Pinchaunuyoc toward Río Blanco. The descent is long and warmer, with loose ground and forest sections. Camp beside the lower valley can feel humid, and insects are common. Day highlight: Reach Río Blanco after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Walking: about 6–7 hours plus the archaeological route – Highest sector: about 3,270–3,350 m / 10,728–10,991 ft – Camp altitude: about 1,900 m / 6,234 ft – Terrain: stone paths, steep descent and humid forest – Climate: cool early, warm near the river
Río Blanco – Maizal – San Juan Pass – Yanama
The climb from Río Blanco to Maizal is steep and often hot. Above Maizal, the path continues toward old mining and Inca-road sectors before reaching San Juan Pass. Weather can turn quickly at the pass, where the Vilcabamba range becomes visible when clouds lift. A descent leads to Yanama and camp. This day requires disciplined hydration and a slow, even pace. Day highlight: Reach Yanama after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Walking: about 8–9 hours – Highest point: about 4,200 m / 13,780 ft – Terrain: steep forest ascent, eroded path and high pass – Camp altitude: about 3,530 m / 11,581 ft – Climate: warm low down, cold and windy near the pass
Yanama – Yanama Pass – Totora
The route climbs toward the expedition’s highest point at Yanama Pass. Salkantay and other snow peaks may stand above the horizon, while condors are sometimes seen over the ridges. The ascent is cold and exposed, followed by a long descent into the Totora valley. Knees work hard on the way down, so trekking poles are useful. Day highlight: Reach Totora after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Walking: about 7–8 hours – Highest point: about 4,670 m / 15,322 ft – Terrain: high pass, loose stone and long descent – Camp altitude: about 3,200 m / 10,499 ft – Climate: cold at the pass, milder in the valley
Totora – Cloud Forest – Lucmabamba
Vegetation thickens as the route descends from the high valley toward warmer cloud forest. Small settlements, cultivated plots, coffee and fruit trees mark the transition. The trail may be muddy after rain and insects become more noticeable. Camp near Lucmabamba provides a warmer night before the final approach toward Machu Picchu. Day highlight: Reach Lucmabamba after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Walking: about 6–7 hours – Terrain: valley trail, forest, mud and village tracks – Climate: increasingly warm and humid – Camp altitude: about 2,000–2,100 m / 6,562–6,890 ft – Community contact: Totora and Lucmabamba-area families
Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroeléctrica – Machu Picchu Pueblo
A morning ascent reaches Llactapata, where Machu Picchu can be seen across the valley in clear weather. The descent continues toward Hidroeléctrica. After lunch, the group walks beside the railway to Machu Picchu Pueblo or uses a short train if booked. The hotel night allows time to wash, reorganize luggage and review the ticket route for the next morning. Day highlight: Reach Machu Picchu Pueblo after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Walking: about 7–9 hours when completed fully on foot – Terrain: forest climb, steep descent and level railway-side path – Accommodation: hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo – Transport option: short local train from Hidroeléctrica when arranged – Climate: warm and humid
Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
The final morning follows the entry time and route printed on the Machu Picchu ticket. The guide leads the permitted circuit and places the citadel within the wider Vilcabamba journey. After the guided route, travelers return to Machu Picchu Pueblo, board the scheduled train and meet the road transfer for Cusco. Day highlight: Complete the return to cusco after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Altitude: about 2,430 m / 7,972 ft – Guided route: according to the confirmed ticket – Transport: shuttle bus, tourist train and road transfer – Terrain: stone stairs and uneven archaeological paths – Meals: breakfast
Discounts
- 18 to 25 years old: proposed agency reduction of US $30, subject to the official ticket category. A valid physical student card must show the institution, student name, photo and validity period. A clear copy is required at booking.
- Under 18 years old: proposed agency reduction of US $30. A passport copy is required when booking.
- Under 11 years old: proposed agency reduction of US $40. A passport copy is required when booking.
- Government, rail and entrance rules may change. A reduction is not final until Andean Peru Treks confirms the approved ticket and fare class.
Optional Extras and Upgrades
- Sleeping bag rental: quoted according to temperature rating and route length
- Trekking-pole rental: quoted per pair
- Personal tent or single-room supplement: quoted on request
- Extra pack animal or porter service: subject to route rules and advance booking
- Panoramic train upgrade: quoted according to operator, route and departure
- Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain or another mountain route: separate ticket, limited capacity and advance confirmation required
- Additional guided mountain route: quoted separately because the main guide service may not cover it
Notes About Our Service
- Hotel pickup and return: Pickup is limited to the confirmed service area. Narrow streets, traffic controls or hotel access rules may require a nearby meeting point. The return time is approximate and can change because of traffic, weather or operations.
- Luggage storage: Large luggage should remain at the hotel or at the Andean Peru Treks storage area when that service is confirmed. Trekking duffels must stay within the stated weight limit.
- Payment conditions: A deposit is used to secure permits, entrances, trains, hotels and third-party services. Once issued, many of these items cannot be transferred, changed or refunded. The balance deadline appears on the booking confirmation.
- Operational changes: Weather, strikes, road blocks, rail instructions, site closures or safety concerns may require a different order, route or cancellation. The operations team coordinates the safest workable option with the traveler.
Availability
Machu Picchu availability depends on the selected date, entry time and ticket route. Booking up to six months ahead is advised. A late booking may require a different route, time, train or extra night, and Andean Peru Treks cannot guarantee the traveler’s preferred option after official inventory sells out.
Health and Travel Restrictions
This route requires preparation and may involve high altitude, steep ascents, long descents, cold, heat, mud or remote terrain. It is not appropriate for an unassessed heart, respiratory, neurological or serious joint condition. Older travelers and anyone with a relevant medical history should obtain approval from their treating doctor. Pregnancy, recent surgery or an injury that changes balance or load-bearing must be reported before booking.
Machu Picchu Circuit Information
The ticket is issued for one official route, entry time and traveler name. It does not allow free movement between all sectors.
Circuit 1 contains panoramic routes; Circuit 2 covers classic upper and lower routes; Circuit 3 covers lower royal sectors and mountain-linked routes. Seasonal routes operate only on dates authorized by the Ministry of Culture.
For 2026, travelers entering through the regulated Inca Trail network are linked to Route 3-B under the current official rule. Other programs use the route confirmed at booking.
Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, Huchuy Picchu, Intipunku, the Inca Bridge or the Great Cavern require the corresponding route and cannot simply be added after entry.
Train Services to Machu Picchu
The standard package may use an Expedition-type or comparable tourist train, depending on the operator and schedule.
Panoramic services such as Vistadome, Vistadome Observatory or a comparable product require an upgrade when not included.
Train schedules, stations and bimodal bus-train operation change by season. The final voucher controls the actual service.
Return from Machu Picchu to Cusco
After the confirmed Machu Picchu route, travelers normally take the shuttle bus to Machu Picchu Pueblo, board the scheduled train and meet a road transfer at Ollantaytambo, Poroy or the station named on the voucher.
Arrival in Cusco is approximate. Rail delays, road traffic and seasonal station changes may alter the final time.
Accommodation
The planned lodging is supported trekking camps and one hotel night in Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Hotel names and room types depend on the selected category and written confirmation. Basic remote lodges may have limited hot water, heating, electricity or internet.
Single rooms, upgraded hotels and extra nights carry an added cost unless included.
Included Transportation
The route uses private road transfer, mule-supported trekking, train or railway-side transfer, shuttle bus and tourist train.
Seat assignments, vehicle size and exact pickup time depend on the final passenger list and operational plan.
Private service means the vehicle is allocated to the booking group for the stated sector; it does not remove official traffic, rail or site restrictions.
Inclusions
- Pre-departure service confirmation and operations contact
- Professional guide in the language stated in the booking
- Transport explicitly listed in the confirmed itinerary
- Basic first-aid kit and emergency coordination protocol
- Trekking support team appropriate to the route
- Meals stated in the final itinerary, prepared by the trekking cook when applicable
- Group camping equipment: tents, dining shelter, kitchen equipment and basic hygiene setup
- Boiled or treated water from the stated service day onward
- Duffel bag and permitted cargo allowance when stated in the booking
- Machu Picchu entry only when expressly confirmed on the booking voucher
- Train, shuttle bus and road transfers only in the sectors stated in the selected package
- International and domestic flights unless expressly stated
- Travel insurance, medical expenses and evacuation costs
- Tips for guides, drivers, cooks, muleteers, porters, boat crews or host families
- Personal snacks, bottled drinks, alcohol, laundry, phone calls and personal purchases
- Services not written on the final booking voucher
- Personal sleeping bag, trekking poles and inflatable mattress unless the package states otherwise
- Extra porter, pack animal or baggage above the confirmed limit
- Breakfast on the first day and meals after the final included meal, unless stated otherwise
- Mountain routes such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain unless the ticket is named on the voucher
- Train-class upgrades and extra hotel nights
- Meals in Machu Picchu Pueblo unless listed
Upgrades
- Private guide or private transport, subject to availability
- Hotel category upgrades for multi-day programs
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Special entrance, train, meal or activity upgrades when available for the route
Group Price
The group rate is confirmed on request according to date, number of travelers, service type, ticket availability and operational costs. Some routes require non-refundable third-party services once issued. Ask the reservations team for the current rate before making payment.
Private Prices
| Group size | Proposed or reference price |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | US $1200.00 |
| 3 People | US $1150.00 |
| 4 People | US $1050.00 |
| 5 People | US $960.00 |
Why Private Service May Be the Better Choice
- The group walks or tours at one agreed rhythm rather than matching unrelated passengers.
- The guide can spend more time on the group’s main interests and shorten explanations that are less relevant.
- Families and friends keep the same vehicle or guide team through the stated private sectors.
- Meal preferences and rest stops are easier to coordinate, though official schedules and access rules remain fixed.
Custom quote
Based on date, travelers and service level
Recommended for families, private groups, photographers and travelers who want a more flexible pace. Final inclusions are confirmed before payment.
Why choose us
- Route knowledge: The operations team plans around long canyon descents, sustained climbs, eroded Inca paths, humid forest and high passes, not only the names shown in the itinerary.
- Local respect: Staff brief travelers before passing through Cachora-area settlements, Marampata, Yanama, Totora and Lucmabamba, including guidance on photographs, purchases and private spaces.
- Clear service limits: Andean Peru Treks states which entrances, meals, transfers and optional activities are confirmed before collecting final payment.
- Professional guiding: Explanations can be adapted to the traveler’s interests, while safety instructions remain direct and practical.
- Equipment chosen for the route: Trekking programs use sleeping, dining, kitchen and emergency equipment suited to the altitude and expected weather; day tours use inspected tourist transport and basic first-aid support.
- Trekking meals: The cooking team works with safe food-handling procedures and varied menus. Dietary needs must be reported before departure; extensive private-menu customization may carry an added cost.
Times are approximate and are confirmed according to season, access rules and the selected service type. The guide may adjust the order of visits to reduce waiting time or improve safety. Travelers with medical conditions, reduced mobility or strict dietary needs should advise the agency before payment so the operations team can confirm what is realistic for the route.
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