Overview
Your journey starts at Machu Picchu, where you’ll explore intricate stone temples and agricultural terraces alongside expert local guides before leaving the crowds behind. From Aguas Calientes, you’ll travel to Lucmabamba to meet regional farmers and experience an authentic hands-on coffee cultivation tour. The path then leads higher into the Andes through Yanama, crossing high-mountain passes with sweeping vistas of cloud forests and alpine valleys. The ultimate reward awaits at Choquequirao—the legendary “Sacred Sister of Machu Picchu”—where you can stand among quiet ruins nestled above the Apurímac canyon without the typical tourist traffic. Throughout the trek, our team of local cooks, muleteers, and guides takes care of every detail, from preparing hot meals to setting up camp under the Andean night sky. You will experience authentic mountain hospitality while pushing your boundaries on Peru’s finest wilderness trails from Machu Picchu to Choquequirao.
Summary
CUSCO – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU
From Sacred Valley rails to the mist-crowned heights of Machu Picchu, discover the engineering marvels and timeless spirit of the ancient Inca Empire.
AGUAS CALIENTES – HIDROELECTRICA – LUCMABAMBA – YANAMA
Savor the rich aroma of local coffee and breathtaking scenery as you journey from lush cloud forests to the tranquil mountain heights of Yanama.
YANAMA – CHOQUEQUIRAO
Trek the road less traveled to Choquequirao, the ‘Sacred Sister,’ and witness the breathtaking harmony of ancient history and untamed Andean wilderness.
CHOQUEQUIRAO – YANAMA – SANTA TERESA – CUSCO
Witness the dawn’s golden glow over Machu Picchu, fulfilling a lifelong dream before a scenic rail journey carries you back to the heart of Cusco.
Itinerary
DAY 1: CUSCO – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU
Early in the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and transfer you privately to the Ollantaytambo train station. From there, you will board a scenic train to Aguas Calientes, enjoying beautiful views of the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, your guide will meet you and accompany you to the bus station. You will then take a shuttle bus (approximately 30 minutes) to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
Once inside the citadel, you will enjoy a guided tour of approximately 2 hours, exploring the most important sectors of the Inca city, including temples, terraces, ceremonial areas, and agricultural zones. Your guide will share information about Inca history, engineering, and the cultural significance of this iconic sanctuary. After the tour, you will return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time for lunch at a local restaurant (lunch not included). In the afternoon, you can explore the town of Aguas Calientes a bit more and relax for the rest of the day.
DAY 2: AGUAS CALIENTES – HIDROELECTRICA – LUCMABAMBA – YANAMA
After an early breakfast in Aguas Calientes, we will board the train toward Hidroeléctrica, enjoying scenic views of the lush cloud forest along the way. Upon arrival, we continue by road to Lucmabamba, where we will take part in the Coffee Tour, learning about the traditional process of coffee cultivation, harvesting, and roasting in this fertile region.
After the tour, we will continue our journey through the Andes toward Yanama, traveling along spectacular mountain roads surrounded by valleys and Highland landscapes. Upon arrival in Yanama, you will check in and enjoy a well-deserved rest, preparing for the next stage of the adventure.
DAY 3: YANAMA – CHOQUEQUIRAO
After an early breakfast in Yanama, we begin one of the most scenic and rewarding days of the trek. We will start our hike heading toward Choquequirao, ascending through high Andean landscapes, remote valleys, and mountain passes that offer breathtaking panoramic views. Along the way, we will enjoy the dramatic contrast between alpine terrain and cloud forest, with opportunities to spot native flora and fauna. This route is one of the least traveled sections of the trek, allowing for a truly immersive and peaceful experience in nature.
In the afternoon, we will arrive at the Choquequirao Archaeological Complex, known as the “Sacred Sister of Machu Picchu.” We will have time for an initial exploration of the site and to enjoy the impressive views surrounding the ruins. We will spend the night near Choquequirao, where dinner will be served and you can rest under the Andean sky, preparing for the next day of exploration.
DAY 4: CHOQUEQUIRAO – YANAMA – SANTA TERESA – CUSCO
We made it! Today, we’ll enjoy a guided visit to the magnificent Inca citadel of Machu Picchu the highlight of the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek and a lifelong dream for many.
Early in the morning, we’ll take the bus up to the site to experience Machu Picchu in the soft light of dawn. Your expert guide will lead a two-hour tour through the most important areas of the sanctuary, revealing the remarkable engineering and spiritual legacy of the Incas.
After the visit, we’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch at a local restaurant. Later, we’ll board the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo, where our private driver will be waiting to transfer you directly back to your hotel in Cusco.
Total travel time from Aguas Calientes to Cusco: approximately 4 hours.
Details
What Trip Includes
What Trip Excludes
Packing List
What to bring?
Additional articles
Frequently Asked Questions
Route Map
Contact Us
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