Choquequirao to Machu Picchu

Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Overview

Trek the alternative 'Inca Trail' to the lost city of Choquequirao

Sitting astride a high ridge amongst the snow-capped peaks of Peru, the Inca fortress of Choquequirao is one of the most important discoveries of Inca antiquity; we invite you to discover the secrets of this abandoned city on this classic 2 week trekking holiday. Already a rival to Machu Picchu in terms of its size and splendour, more buildings and llama-decorated terraces are being exposed at Choquequirao each year. More remote and challenging to access than Machu Picchu, it is far less visited and still offers you the chance to wander freely amongst the evocative ruins and explore the terraces in relative solitude. Our fully supported trek to this so-called 'Cradle of Gold' is by way of the awe-inspiring canyon of Apurimac River, involving an exciting descent and ascent of almost 2000 metres to reach our camp beside the citadel of Choquequirao (3000m)! We will have a full day to explore the ruins before setting off on a 5-day trek through the rugged and beautiful Cordillera Vilcabamba, a region dominated by impressive snowy 6000 metre peaks including Pumasillo and Salkantay. Following a former Inca trail which once connected Choquequirao to Machu Picchu, we then cross the Totora Pass (4500m) then turn north to descend the Rio Colpa, passing untouched Andean villages whose Quechua inhabitants still wear traditional dress. Arriving at the cloud forest cloaked valley of the Rio Urubamba, our trek concludes with a guided tour of Machu Picchu and a welcome free day in Cusco. This is a fantastic holiday in Peru and a must for adventure seekers who want to follow in the footsteps of the early explorers and for those searching for a genuine ‘Inca Trail’ experience, but without the crowds. This could well be the best trek in Peru! View our full range of walking and trekking holidays in Peru.