Choquequirao to Machu Picchu

Perched on a precipitous ridge 5,000 feet above the roaring Rio Apurimac and ringed by the snow-capped Vilcabamba Mountains, the Choquequirao citadel is a true “lost city of the Incas.” With its absolutely dazzling location, Choquequirao is often compared to Machu Picchu, yet this hidden ancient city has no road access, few visitors, and a haunting ambiance unmatched at other Inca sites. Our spectacular and challenging trek brings us to the breathtaking ruins of Choquequirao, with its mysterious plazas and shrines, and onward across the entire Vilcabamba range through deep-cut canyons and over high passes. Our final campsite offers stunning views of Machu Picchu, and our grand finale is an overnight at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, right at the celebrated ruins.

Itinerary at a Glance

Days 1-2
Cusco

With two overnights in the Incas’ storied capital, we explore majestic sites including the great fortress of Saqsayhuaman, the largest and one of the most impressive Inca sites in existence.

Days 3-6
Choquequirao

We trek to the extraordinary complex of Choquequirao, whose name in Quechua means “Cradle of Gold,” set high above the glacier-fed Apurimac. Camping just below the ruins, we explore and scramble around this massive site, with its imposing ceremonial staircase and megalithic terracing. Three times larger than Machu Picchu, Choquequirao still holds many secrets, and archaeologists are just beginning to discover its significance in the Inca realm.

Days 7-14
Ancient Trail toward Machu Picchu

Last refuge of the rebel Incas, the Cordillera Vilcabamba is a striking combination of plunging canyons backed by an immense sweep of 20,000-foot peaks cloaked in perpetual snow. We trek for nine fantastic days toward Machu Picchu, hiking at altitudes between 10,000 and 15,000 feet. En route we see Qoriwayrachina, an archaeological site discovered by WT Trip Leader Peter Frost and his team on an expedition sponsored by the National Geographic Society. As we follow an original Inca route, we contour steep ridges and cross high passes amid some of the most incredible scenery in the Andes. A hike up an ancient Inca trail brings us to our final campsite, a spectacular one with views of legendary Machu Picchu across the valley.

Days 15-17
Machu Picchu / Cusco

We arrive at the stronghold of Machu Picchu, a lost city suspended in time and perched in an impossibly gorgeous setting. In the company of a specialist guide, we explore Machu Picchu’s many beautiful altars, terraces, fountains, and mysterious chambers, with their displays of intricate stonework. Our overnight at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, next to the ruins, gives us a chance to see sunrise on this mystical site. Return to Cusco on Day 16 and depart via Lima on Day 17.

What the Trip is Like

This trek is rated Level 6, Very Strenuous. Most hiking is between 10,000 and 14,500 feet. For the most part, you can hike at your own speed. The group will spread out along the trail during our 6-8 hours of hiking. Trail conditions can be primitive, and there is much up-and-down hiking (often 2,000- to 3,000-foot gain or loss in elevation per day). We are in the high Andes, and mountain weather is always fickle, so there will be days when it may be cold. The days can also be brilliantly sunny but nights are always cold at these altitudes. We recommend that you make a special effort to get in top physical condition for the trip.

Explanation of Trip Levels