Itinerary
- Day 1
Cuzco
After settling into your accommodation, you'll have the afternoon free to wander around Cuzco and get your bearings. This is a good chance to walk the streets, find a restaurant you like, and start adjusting to the altitude before things get more active.
Optional Activities
- Explore Cuzco independently
- Day 2
Cuzco to Chiquisca
Early pickup takes you to Cachora village where your trek starts. You'll hike along the dramatic Apurímac canyon with mules carrying your gear, descending from 2,910m to 1,836m. Lunch happens at Capuliyoc, and by evening you'll reach your first campsite at Chiquisca.
- Meals
- Lunch (Served at Capuliyoc (2,915m)), Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike from Cachora (2,910m) to Chiquisca (1,836m) with canyon views
- Lunch at Capuliyoc
Landmarks Apurímac Canyon Padrayoc Mountain Choke Takarpu Mountain 
- Day 3
Chiquisca to Choquequirao
Start early with breakfast, then head downhill to Playa Rosalinda where you'll cross a suspension bridge over the Apurímac River. From there, continue uphill through Santa Rosa village and ascend to Marampata. Your campsite sits with views overlooking the Choquequirao archaeological site, and you might see Andean condors flying above.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Served at Santa Rosa (2,095m) with local cambray tasting), Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike from Chiquisca to Choquequirao archaeological site
- Cross suspension bridge over Apurímac River
- Visit Santa Rosa village (2,095m) and taste local cambray (sugarcane juice)
- Pass through Marampata village (2,913m)
- Overnight campsite with views of Choquequirao and Apurímac river valley
Landmarks Choquequirao Archaeological Site Apurímac River - Day 4
Choquequirao to Maizal Camp
An early start lets you explore the Choquequirao archaeological site in morning light. You'll check out the lost Inca city and the restored Pinchaunuyoc site before tackling a steep and narrow trail. Maizal campsite at 3,000m is where you'll stop for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Explore Choquequirao archaeological site (3,035m) in early morning light
- Visit Pinchaunuyoc archaeological site (2,500m)
- Hike to Maizal camp (3,000m)
Landmarks Choquequirao Pinchaunuyoc Archaeological Site - Day 5
Maizal to Yanama Camp
After breakfast, you'll ascend through lush cloud forest toward Paso Victoria pass at 3,900m with great views throughout. Once you cross the pass, you descend to Yanama at 4,100m where lunch and free afternoon time let you rest and recover.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Served at Yanama), Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike through cloud forest to Paso Victoria (3,900m)
- Descend to Yanama village (4,100m)
- Lunch at Yanama with free afternoon time
Landmarks Paso Victoria - Day 6
Yanama to Totora Community
The hike from Yanama takes you to a high pass at 4,668m with views of Salkantay and Huayanay mountains. You'll cross Yanama pass at 4,500m surrounded by snow-capped peaks. From there, descend through grassy fields to the Totora community where you'll camp.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike to high pass at 4,668m with views of Salkantay and Huayanay mountains
- Cross Yanama pass at 4,500m
- Descend through grassy fields to Totora community (4,100m)
- Possible condor sightings
Landmarks Salkantay Mountain Huayanay Mountain Yanama Pass - Day 7
Totora to Santa Teresa
You'll continue down through tropical regions with hummingbirds, woodpeckers, orchids, and begonias along the way. The hike takes you toward Totora River and Sayahuaco for lunch. After eating, you're transferred to Santa Teresa town at 1,700m where hot springs are waiting for you to relax before dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Served at Sayahuaco), Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike to Sayahuaco viewing regional flora and fauna
- Transfer to Santa Teresa town (1,700m)
- Lunch at Sayahuaco
Optional Activities
- Relax in hot springs at Santa Teresa (20 soles extra cost)
Landmarks Totora River - Day 8
Santa Teresa to Aguas Calientes
An easier day with rolling hills along the Vilcanota River in warm, humid climate. You'll reach the Hydroelectric station for lunch, then hike another 3 hours to Aguas Calientes at 2,040m. The afternoon is yours to explore the town, check out shops and cafes, then settle in for dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Served at Hydroelectric station (1,900m)), Dinner
Included Activities
- Easy hike along Vilcanota River to Hydroelectric station (1,900m)
- Lunch at Hydroelectric station
- Hike to Aguas Calientes (2,040m)
- Free afternoon to explore Aguas Calientes town
Optional Activities
- Train transfer from Hydroelectric Station to Aguas Calientes (30 USD extra cost)
Landmarks Vilcanota River - Day 9
Machu Picchu and Return to Cuzco
Catch an early bus at 5:30 am for the 25-minute ride to Machu Picchu, arriving when light is soft and crowds are minimal. Your guide leads a 2-hour walking tour, then you'll have time to explore on your own. Later, head back to Aguas Calientes for lunch and the marketplace. The train takes you to Ollantaytambo and a bus brings you to Cuzco around 8:00 pm at Plaza San Francisco.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Bus to Machu Picchu (5:30 am, 25-minute ride)
- Walking tour of Machu Picchu (approximately 2 hours with guide)
- Self-guided exploration of Machu Picchu
- Bus return to Aguas Calientes
- Visit local marketplace in Aguas Calientes
- Train from Ollantaytambo to Cuzco
- Bus from Ollantaytambo to Cuzco
Optional Activities
- Huayna Picchu Trek (48 soles - must be booked minimum 2 weeks in advance)
- Machu Picchu Mountain Hike (48 soles - must be booked minimum 1 week in advance)
Landmarks Machu Picchu
