If there is a route that separates hikers from true explorers, it is the path from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu. While thousands of people crowd the traditional Inca Trail, this 8 to 9-day journey immerses you in the solitude of the Andes, crossing deep canyons and lost cities that still guard secrets beneath the jungle.
In this guide, we will explore why this trek is considered the “big brother” of all routes in Cusco and what you need to conquer it.
Why choose the Choquequirao Machu Picchu route?
Most travelers know Choquequirao as the “Sacred Sister of Machu Picchu” due to its architectural similarity. However, what makes the Choquequirao Machu Picchu route special is the isolation. There are no trains or buses to get here; every step is earned with effort, connecting two of the most important archaeological sites of the Inca Empire through the Vilcabamba mountain range.
Technical Trip Data
- Total distance: Approximately 115 km (71.5 miles).
- Maximum altitude: Yanama Pass (4,660 m / 15,288 ft).
- Difficulty: Challenging / High.
- Best season: May to September (dry season).
Suggested Itinerary: 9 Day Trekking Cusco
To enjoy this experience without rushing and allow for proper acclimatization, a 9 day trekking Cusco is the ideal option. Here is a summary of the route’s evolution:
Descending into the Apurímac Canyon
The first few days focus on reaching Choquequirao. You will descend from Capuliyoc to the Apurímac River and then ascend toward the citadel. It is an intense physical challenge due to the canyon’s heat and the steep gradient.
Exploring the “Sacred Sister”
We dedicate exclusive time to Choquequirao. Unlike Machu Picchu, here you can walk through the famous Llama Terraces in almost total solitude.
Crossing the Mountain Range to Machu Picchu
After leaving Choquequirao, the route becomes wilder. You will cross the Pinchiunuyoc Pass and the Yanama Pass, where the landscape changes from cloud forest to stunning snowy peaks. Finally, you will connect with the Santa Teresa or Lucmabamba area for your grand entrance to Aguas Calientes.
Trekking Map: Orientation and Geography
Although the trekking map for this route is complex, it can be divided into three major stages:
- Cachora – Choquequirao: The access and endurance stretch.
- Choquequirao – Yanama: The stretch of total isolation and high mountains.
- Yanama – Lucmabamba – Machu Picchu: The connection stretch with the high jungle and the historical sanctuary.
Safety Note: Do not attempt this route without a certified guide or a detailed satellite map, as trails can be confusing after the rainy season.
Expert Tips: Only for Local Trekkers
As local experts at Local Trekkers Peru, these are the tips that will make a difference in your expedition:
- Critical Acclimatization: Do not start this trek as soon as you arrive in Cusco. We recommend at least 2 or 3 days in the city beforehand to avoid altitude sickness.
- Prior Training: This is not a route for beginners. Strengthen your knees and do hikes with elevation gain weeks before coming.
- Variable Weather: In a single day, temperatures can go from 25°C (77°F) in the canyon to -5°C (23°F) in the mountain passes. The layering system is mandatory.
- Watch out for “Pariachas”: In the Apurímac canyon, small biting flies (pariachas) abound. Bring powerful repellent and long pants.
What to carry in your backpack?
For a trip of this magnitude, weight is your enemy, but preparation is your ally:
- Trekking poles (essential for the descents).
- High-mountain sleeping bag (minimum -10°C / 14°F).
- Solar charger or power banks (there is no electricity in 80% of the route).
- Water purification tablets.
Conclusion: The Final Reward
Completing the choquequirao to machu picchu traverse is a badge of honor for any outdoor lover. It is an opportunity to see Peru in an authentic way, far from the masses and in direct contact with the living history of the Incas.