Hike to the ‘Second Machu Picchu’

Hike to the lost Inca city of Choquequirao (some call it the second Machupicchu), enjoying fantastic sceneries of the Vilcabamba mountain range above the Apurimac Canyon, one of the most amazing wilderness regions of Peru. Choquequirao has only been rediscovered in recent years and is thought to have been one of the strongholds of the last Incas in exile. It appears that it was never found by the Spaniards. This is a magnificent but also a challenging trek with steep ascents and descents. Min. 2 people, 5 days/4 nights from USD 965.- (private service)

Day 1
We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco early in the morning and drive in our private transport to the small town of Cachora, the entrance to the Apurimac canyon from where we begin our hike. There will be beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and some glaciers. After a few hours, we will reach the mountain pass and start our descent. On a clear day, we will see our final destination from the distance: the magnificent Choquequirao. The downhill hike is very steep and hard on the knees. We will hike down almost to the bottom of the valley and set up camp at Chiquiska, a piece of green paradise.

Start Height: 2900m / 9514ft.               

Max Height: 2941m / 9648ft.

Approximate Walking time: 6 hrs             

Distance travelled: 19km / 11.80 ml

Meals:  L, D. Snacks

Day 2
Today our steep and demanding ascent will lead us to the Choquequirao campsite (2847m /9340ft), high above the Apurimac River. In spite of the challenges, we will be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding sceneries.  From a mountain, at Marampata we will get our ‘birds eye view’ of the beautiful and powerful Apurimac river. We continue down until we reach our next campsite. If time and energy levels allow, you may want to explore the Inca water channels of Pacchayoq before returning to the campsite for dinner.

Start Height: 2847m / 9340ft                 

Max Height:  3100m / 10170ft.

Approximate Walking time: 8 hours            

Distance travelled: 14km / 8.69 ml

Meals:  B, L, D. Snacks

Day 3
After a nourishing breakfast, we leave camp and hike up to Choquequirao. You will be richly rewarded for your troubles by experiencing one of the least visited Inca cities. Sometimes condors are sighted in this area. We have the whole day to explore and enjoy this marvelous site.

Day 4
We begin our return journey hiking back to our first campsite at Chiquisca where we spend the night.

Start Height: 2847 masl / 9340 ft            

Max Height: 2941 masl / 9648 ft.

Approximate Walking time: 9 hours            

Distance travelled: 19km / 11.80 ml

Meals:  B, L, D. Snacks

Day 5
Today we hike back to Cachora, from where our private vehicle will take us back to Cusco. B, L, Snacks

Services included:

• Briefing one day before the trek.
• Collection from your hotel in the morning of the trek departure.
• 3 nutritious meals per day (vegetarian options available).
• Drinking water along the trek.
• Bilingual guide (Assistant Guide for groups over 6 passengers).
• Chef (assistant chef for larger groups).
• Quadruple tents to be used by two people, allowing more comfort and more space to store backpacks.
• Mules (for equipment and personal items) and muleteers.
• Inflatable mattresses.
• Sleeping liner and pillow.
• Saddled horse in case of emergencies or if you are making very little progress (this horse is with the group at all time).
• First aid kit and oxygen bottle.
• Kitchen tent and dining tent with camp tables and chairs.
• Toilet Tent.
• Duffel bags (up to 7Kg/15lbs per person). This will be provided by your guide at your briefing.

Services not included:​

• Breakfast on the first morning.
• Dinner on the last night.
• Sleeping bag. If you don’t want to bring your own, we can hire this for you.
• Tips for guides and field staff

Prices in USD per person:

2 people USD 1,595.-

3 people USD 1,175.-

4 people USD 1,015.-