Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek Map in 9 Awesome Days

This is a basic overview of the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek map, an incredible alternative trekking route to the Lost City of Machu Picchu. This truly is an incredible and intrepid trek in South America and is best suited for more advanced trekkers or as part of a guided tour.

Follow along with this detailed Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek map. This specific Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek map starts from the small village of Cachora, passes through the little-visited Choquequirao ruins, climbs over towering mountains to authentic tiny village communities, merges with the popular Salkantay Trek trail, and finishes at the gateway village to Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes, or Machupicchu Pueblo. 

After 8 epic days of hiking through the Andes Mountains, walk through the entrance gates to the iconic World Wonder of the Lost City of Machu Picchu on Day 9.

This adventure is demanding, challenging, and intrepid, yet so rewarding. It is possible to hike from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu without a tour, but it is essential to be acclimated, have the proper gear, and feel confident in your hiking abilities. There can be days without seeing another person along the trail. Check over these Cusco trekking tips before departing on any multi-day trek and never hike alone.

Remember, there are plenty of local tours and guides that can be utilized from Cusco and at the trailhead in Cachora. There may also be mule trains near Marampata.

The Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trekking route is a challenging trek, but worthwhile Inca trail alternative route to Machu Picchu!

⁉️ If downloading the map, please verify that the map is correct and follows the waypoints. Oftentimes, there are daily updates to the site, map platforms, and other external issues that may cause a bug in downloading. Be mindful that this map is solely for entertainment purposes. See my full disclosure here. Always hike responsibly and respect the mountains by following a no-trace philosophy, avoid hiking alone, be conscious of the weather and personal limitations, and do not stray from the visible trail

Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek Overview

• Point to Point Trail
  • The trailhead begins from the village of Cachora and finishes in the small Pueblo of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
• Miles: +/- 78 miles (125.5 KM)
• Trekking Days: +/- 8 Days (We trekked 8 days and explored Machu Picchu on Day 9)
• Total Days: This itinerary is a total of 10 days, which includes an overnight in Cachora before departing.
• Difficulty: Extremely Difficult due to altitude, remoteness, and not seeing people for days.
• Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek Packing List Musts:
  • Good Hiking Boots with ankle support and hiking poles can assist bad knees and help with stability
  • Lightweight Tent, I love the ultralight weight NEMO Hornet OSMO Tent
  • Sleeping Bag, but you won’t need an alpine sleeping bag as the climate is jungle/mountain/river valley
  • Sleeping Mat
  • Technically it’s possible to sleep in guesthouses each night, but be mindful that some guesthouses may close especially outside of peak season.
  • Reliable Water filter and/or Water purification tablets, I have recently switched to Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter System
  • Refillable Water Bottle
  • Food & snacks for at least 2 days, can be replenished along the route, in Marampata, and especially along the Salkantay Trek Route
  • It can be problematic between Choquequirao ruins to the Salkantay Trek to find food, so a Camping Stove and enough euel are useful
  • BUG SPRAY as the black fly can be treacherous, especially in the lower river valleys (high altitudes flies are less plentiful)
  • Offline Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek Map, paper map, power banks, chargers, etc
  • At least one hiking buddy

🎒This is my actual Peru Packing List for Multi-Day Treks

The Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek can be completed without a guided tour for hikers with high navigation skills and confident hiking experience. Additionally, there are online tours available from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu with a guide.

Also, look for local guides in Cachora or at the Choquequirao trailhead.

➯ Hey… don’t forget your Travel Insurance! I love SafetyWing

Schedule | 9 Day Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek

• Day 1 | Cachora to Santa Rosa Baja | 17.25 miles | Shave off almost 7 miles by taking a taxi to the trailhead
• Day 2 | Santa Rosa Baja to Choquequirao Campsite | 5.25 miles
• Day 3 | Choquequirao Ruins to Wild Campsite | 6 miles ** The Wild Campsite No Longer Exits See Details Below
• Day 4 | Wild Campsite to Yanama | 7.5 miles
• Day 5 | Yanama to Totora | 12.25 miles
• Day 6 | Totora to Sahuayaco | 14 miles
• Day 7 | Sahuayaco to Llactapata Lodge  | 7 miles
• Day 8 | Llactapata Lodge to Aguas Calientes | 8.75 miles
• Day 9 | Explore Machu Picchu, add on a hike to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain

Basic Overview Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek Map

Here’s a basic overview of this 9-day Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek map with a daily schedule. Be mindful that the wild campsite no longer exists so mileage and sleeping spots will vary. I’ve included updates below.

Day 1 | Cachora to Santa Rosa Baja

Spend the night in Cachora and hike or take a taxi to the trailhead at Capuliyoc. Days 1 & 2 follow the classic Choquequirao trek map.

🥾 Hike Logistics to Capuliyoc | Distance: 6.5 miles | Time: at least 2.5 hours | Avoid this by taking a taxi from Cachora to Choquequirao Trailhead (Around 40 PEN)

Purchase the Choquequirao entrance ticket at the trailhead (60 PEN, $16 USD per person) and continue on the path. Shortly after admission into the park, is the Mirador de Capuliyoc viewpoint. Follow along on the gradual downhill trek with plentiful viewpoints into Playa Rosalinas. Once you reach Playa Rosalinas, cross the modern bridge.

After the bridge, begin the steep uphill climb to Santa Rosa Baja.

🥾 Playa Rosalinas to Santa Rosa Baja | Distance: 2-mile climb | Duration: around 1.5 hours

Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek Map | Day 1

• Distance: 17.25 miles
• Duration: 10 hours
• Sleeping Option: Camp at Mama Eufemia’s in Santa Rosa Baja | Solar Chargers (for an extra fee) | Garbage Drop | Tienda shop with food for purchase | Basic Facilities (no access to kitchen)

☛ If you took a taxi to the Choquequirao trailhead it could be possible to reach and sleep in Marampata on 1 Day

If continuing to Marampata village add around 2.5 miles (uphill) and +/- 2.5 hours.

Day 2 | Santa Rosa Baja to Choquequirao Archaeological Park

Depart from Santa Rosa Baja in the morning and continue uphill to Santa Rosa Alta. Pass by the Uchuhuerta Waterfall. After the waterfall, the path continues to the small hamlet of Marampata.

☛ Marampata village has some tiendas to purchase snacks, and food, and plenty of places to sleep

Leave the tiny hamlet of Marampata and begin towards the Choquequirao Archaeological Park. Notice the epic viewpoints of the Inca terraces (House of the Waterfalls). Continue on the path and eventually, cross a wooden bridge.

Follow the path into the park and to the Choquequirao camping facilities. Spend the afternoon exploring the impressive Choquequirao ruins. If you have an extra day, you may opt to spend one full day exploring this massive site.

🥾 Choquequirao Trekking Guide

Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek Map | Day 2

• Distance: 5.25 miles
• Duration: under 5 hours
• Sleep: Choquequirao Archaeological Park | Camping included in the ticket price for Choquequirao | Nice (cold) showers, changing rooms, & basic facilities | No access to kitchen | Garbage Drop

Day 3 | Choquequirao Archaeological Site to River Crossing (Sleep at Pichaunuyoc Ruins or Maizal)

⁉️ Important | There is no more wild campsite due to a bad landslide so you’ll need to either camp at the Pichaunuyoc ruins or cross the river and hike to Maizal and sleep at one of the two campsites (a steep ascent)

After an early morning exploring the sites of Choquequirao, head towards the Choquequirao Pass. It’s best to leave early if planning to camp at Maizal. It’s about 1.25 miles from the park to the awesome Abra (Pass) Choquequirao viewpoint which sits at 10,735 ft.

Enjoy the viewpoint and begin the mostly downhill ascent to the leveled terraced Pinchaunuyoc ruins. After the ruins, continue downhill to the rushing river. Cross the river via a small wooden footbridge and look for small stacked rock piles that act as trail markers. This section will continue to change due to landslides and rockslides. Always follow the direct path and apparent trail.

Continue a little ways on this side of the river, looking for a blue and white signboard for Yanama. If crossing the river the best place to sleep is Maizal at either Camping Señor Valentin or Camping Familia Perez.

⁉️ Be mindful that during the Cusco rainy season, from November to April, it may not be possible to cross the river, as the river may be too high. January is usually the wettest month in the Cusco Region. Check-in with the Choquequirao gatekeepers to check if the river is impassable, or has dangerous conditions.

Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek Map | Choquequirao Ruins to River Crossing

• Distance: 6 miles to River Crossing add more to sleep at Maizal
• Duration: 5.5 hours
• Sleeping Option: Sleep at Pinchaunuyoc Ruins or at Maizal (uphill after the river crossing) mileage will vary

Day 4 | River Crossing to Yanama

The River Crossing is now a reference as the Wild Camping spot no longer exists. From the River crossing it’s a steep 2.5 mile uphill climb to Maizal. Look for the signage for two separate campsites. The two campsites in Maizal are Camping Señor Valentin and Camping Familia Perez

🥾 +/- 3 hours to reach these facilities from the river crossing

Camping Familia Perez has great views to enjoy a quick lunch and access to water. After leaving Maizal start the ascent to the Abra San Juan pass (13,615 feet).

🥾 Camping Familia Perez to Abra San Juan | 3.25 steep mile climb | at least 5 hours

This is the most challenging part of the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek. Please be respectful of the altitude and your own body. At Abra San Juan, there is a simple shelter for those who can’t continue on, or for those who risk getting caught in bad weather.

When ready to leave Abra San Juan, take the comfortable downhill trek into Yanama. It’s only 1.75 miles downhill.

Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek Map | Day 4

• Distance: 7.5 steep & uphill miles
• Duration: 10 hours
• Sleeping Options: Camping Choquequirao has places to set up camp or basic lodging options | Friendly owners | tienda and food options for a fair price | charging outlets | hot showers (for an additional fee) | garbage drop | plenty of blankets

Day 5 | Yanama to Totora

In the morning, leave early from Yanama. The path mostly follows alongside a road, but there are sections where you must walk on the road.

It’s easy to stray, as you’re walking through mostly farmland, but look for the green shelter and continue behind it. After the shelter, you’ll come to the main river crossing. Cross the river to begin the gradual climb up to Abra Mariano Llamoja at 15,289 feet, this is the highest point on the Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu.

After the pass, begin the gradual downhill to Totora. Make sure to follow the footpath and not the road to save time. The trail from Abra Mariano Llamoja to Totora is a little over 4.5 miles. Cross a large car bridge to reach the small hamlet of Totora.

Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek Map | Day 5

• Distance: 12.25 miles
• Duration: 8.5  hours
• Sleeping Options: Camping Sumaq Tika has options to set up a tent or has simple rooms | awesome local food cooked by the mamita | tienda | hot showers for an extra fee | garbage drop | power outlets | Wi-Fi for an extra fee

Day 6 | Totora to Sahuayaco

Leave Totora and begin the downhill to Collpapampa. Once you reach Collpapampa, the rest of the route follows the Salkantay Trail after the Salkantay Pass.

🥾 Totora to Collpapampa Hiking Logistics | 4.75 miles | around 2 hours

The village of Collpapampa is where this path meets up with the Salkantay Trek Trail. Continue along the Salkantay Trail.

Be mindful as there may be sections of the trail that are impassable due to landslides.

If there are landslides, it’s often possible to use a pulley cart to cross the river. The price is negotiable, but it’s hard to do screaming over a river. If you have to cross the river, the path is mostly flat along a not-so-scenic road.

Finally, the village of Sahuayaco will become visible with lots of sleeping and food options.

Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek Map | Day 6

• Distance: 14 miles
• Duration: 7.5 hours
• Sleep in Sahuayaco village or in one of the campsites and guest houses just outside of it.

Day 7 | Sahuayaco to Llactapata Lodge

Leave Sahuayaco and at Kilometer marker 57, head up the leafy green path. This begins the enjoyable path that goes through the coffee region.

After a scenic three-hour hike, catch those first glimpses of Machu Picchu at Mesa Pata Observatory and Camping. Continue on the gradual descent to the ruins of Llactapata, which offer great views of Machu Picchu. After that, continue only .5 miles down the trail to arrive at the epic Llactapata Lodge.

Logistics Day 7 | Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek

• Distance: 7 miles
• Duration: 5 hours
• Sleeping Option: The Llactapata Lodge is a true highlight of the Salkantay Trek and worth the overnight. However, it makes for a short day so it’s possible to continue to Aguas Calientes if you wish. This place was a highlight of the trek.

Day 8 | Llactapata Lodge to Aguas Calientes

Before Departure, watch the sunrise from the Llactapata Lodge. Then, begin the downhill trek towards the Hydroelectric Plant. After the trail meets the road, turn left.

Cross the river, and continue to the little makeshift village and the Hydroelectric Plant where the railroad tracks begin. Look for the Machu Picchu Ticket Control Area. Make sure to check in, even if no one is manning the station.

Keep walking until you see a bunch of makeshift food stands and the actual railroad tracks. Next, continue along the train tracks, this is an uneventful 5-mile walk to Aguas Calientes.

Finally, continue into Aguas Calientes, or camp out near the lower entrance gate of Machu Picchu. This saves a bus ride or early departure to reach Machu Picchu the following morning.

Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek Map | Day 8

• Distance: 8.75 miles
• Duration: 4.5 hours
• Sleeping Options: Sleep in Aguas Calientes, or we opted to camp near the lower entrance gate to Machu Picchu at Wayna Picchu.

Day 9 | Visit Machu Picchu

Yeah!! After 9 days of hiking the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek, it’s time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu. Make sure to have your ticket reservation, especially if you want to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.

There are new circuit regulations to visit Machu Picchu, so check in with the new regulations here.

Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek an Epic Alternative Inca Trail to the Lost City

Interested in taking this truly “off the beaten path” alternative Inca trail to Machu Picchu? Find useful information on how to reach the trailhead in Cachora, tips and tricks, in-depth daily schedules, a full packing list, and how much the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek costs in this complementing in-depth blog post:

Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek: A Real Expedition

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Disclosure: This is part of my Hikes & Adventures series, which means these treks can be strenuous and challenging. These are my experiences and I am not an expert. Please have all the proper equipment, verify the weather conditions, use professional resources, do your own research, and take into consideration your own physical abilities and/or limitations. These guides are for entertainment purposes only. Please see my full disclosure for more information here.

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