Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Express

G Adventures · 6 days

4.7

17 Reviews

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Duration

6 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Budget

Physical Rating

Challenging

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

This shorter trek is perfect if you’re looking for an adventure that’s as challenging as it is rewarding. Explore the ruins of Choquequirao, the lost city that’s even more remote than nearby Machu Picchu, but you'll see that too.

Highlights

Explore Choquequirao away from the crowds
Witness the mountain beauty of the Andes
Marvel at Machu Picchu.

Trip Details

Duration

6 days

Transportation

Private van, train, and hiking.

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Cusco, Peru

Finishes

Cusco, Peru

Accommodations

Budget

Travel Style

Active

Physical Rating

Challenging

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco

Arrive at any time.
Arrive early and spend some time exploring the city before meet the group at the welcome meeting.

Day 2: Cusco/Choquequirao Trek

Transfer from Cusco at 4am to San Pedro de Cachora where the group will eat breakfast. Travel 30 more minutes by car to the beginning of the trek in Capuliyoc. Walk as a group surrounded by breathtaking views of sweeping mountain scenery at every turn. Finish today's part of the trek at the Santa Rosa Campsite.
The lost city of Choquequirao was discovered hundreds of years ago, but it still feels as though you may be the first to discover it. Encroaching jungle still covers some of the stonework as only roughly 40 percent of these ruins have been excavated. The trek to this remote Incan city although challenging, is well worth the effort. Winding trails take you through the Apurimac River canyon with circling condors up above and views of the snow-capped Salkantay mountains making a breathtaking backdrop.

Day 3: Choquequirao Trek

Eat breakfast as a group at the Santa Rosa Camp and then walk 2 hours to Marampata where the group will later camp for the night. From there continue trekking through the Apurimac River canyon on the way to Choquequirao. Spot condors as you make your way up into the cloud forest. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the ruins and marvel at your historical surroundings. Return to Marampata Camp in the early evening.

Day 4: Choquequirao Trek

Enjoy an early breakfast in Marampata. Then, the group will begin the return walk to Chiquisca. Once here, have some lunch together and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure.

Day 5: Choquequirao Trek/Aguas Calientes

The group will have an early departure from Chiquisca. Walk back to San Pedro de Cachora and enjoy lunch together before taking the bus to Ollantaytambo and then catch the train to Aguas Calientes.

Day 6: Machu Picchu/Cusco

Wake up early to visit the breathtaking Machu Picchu. Enjoy a guided tour of the site before taking the train back to Cusco in the afternoon where the trip will end upon arrival.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

From
AUD $1579

AUD $1,184

(Tour only)

Offer ends 01 Oct, 2025 Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 6 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Challenging

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 13 Oct 2025

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

5.0

Brianna Z.

Traveled, June 2024

06/30/2024

Had a great and challenging time on the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu express trek. Walter and Joseph did a great job catering to the different fitness levels on the trek and were always upbeat and optimistic. The views were incredible and it was so rewar...

5.0

Mary C.

Traveled, June 2024

06/24/2024

This trip topped all adventures I have been on so far in my life! A true "bucket list" check off. The adventure begin just stepping off the plane and I to a beautiful city full of excitement and energy. Never a dull moment, non stop adventure at every...

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990

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