Inca Rivers Trek - Choquequirao to Machu Picchu

Arriving in Cusco, you are transferred to your hotel in the historic centre, where the altitude and mountain setting immediately define the experience. The city’s narrow streets and stonework reflect its Inca foundations, layered with colonial history. The afternoon is free to rest or explore at your own pace, allowing time to adjust before meeting your guide in the evening to prepare for the journey ahead. In the early evening, meet your guide at the hotel at 6pm for a comprehensive trip briefing outlining the journey ahead. Accommodation: Abittare Hotel or similar

Meals: Nil

Today is spent exploring Cusco and its surrounding archaeological sites with a guided city tour. Walk through the historic centre to admire finely constructed Inca stonework alongside grand colonial churches, including a visit to Koricancha, once the Golden Temple of the Sun. A short drive takes us to the impressive hilltop ruins of Sacsayhuaman and Tambomachay, dramatically set above the city. The afternoon allows time to explore independently, taking in the rhythm of the city. Accommodation: Abittare Hotel or similar

Meals: B

Leaving Cusco, we travel to the Chinchero Plateau to explore this important Inca settlement, known for its massive stone walls and sweeping valley views. We continue to the circular agricultural terraces of Moray before visiting the Maras salt pans from a designated viewpoint overlooking thousands of salt pools. A scenic downhill walk follows a rarely used path into the Sacred Valley before driving to Ollantaytambo. The afternoon is free to enjoy this atmospheric town. Accommodation: Sol Ollantaytambo Hotel or similar

Meals: B

Today’s walk moves through rural Andean landscapes, where farmland, lakes and open pastures stretch across the valley. Snow-capped peaks, including Pitusiray and Sahuasiray, remain in view throughout the day. Passing through small communities, the connection between people and landscape is clear, with farming and herding continuing as part of daily life. The walk offers a quieter perspective of the Sacred Valley. Accommodation: Sol Ollantaytambo Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L

A gentle walk through agricultural terraces near Urco highlights the Inca understanding of farming and seasonal cycles. At the Inkariy Museum, the broader story of Peru’s ancient civilisations unfolds through detailed displays and artefacts. Later, a visit to Lamay provides a closer look at local life, from food preparation to small-scale industries that support the community. The experience offers a meaningful cultural context before the trekking phase begins. This community visit supports ongoing sustainable tourism initiatives in the region. Accommodation: Sol Ollantaytambo Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L

Travelling north from the Sacred Valley, the landscape becomes more dramatic as you approach the Apurimac Canyon. Stops at Tarawasi and Sayhuite reveal lesser-visited archaeological sites, each reflecting different aspects of Inca engineering. From Capuliyoc, the trek begins with expansive views across the canyon, descending toward the Apurimac River. Camp at Chikisca sits close to the river, marking the transition into a more remote and rugged environment. Accommodation: Camping

Meals: B,L,D

An early start sees us cross the river before beginning a long ascent through changing vegetation zones. After a picnic lunch, the trail continues through cloud forest with ever-expanding canyon views. We arrive at the vast archaeological complex of Choquequirao, exploring terraces and ceremonial spaces including the famed Llamas of the Sun. Camp is set near the site at Marampata. Accommodation: Camping

Meals: B,L,D

The morning is spent exploring Choquequirao in more detail, where restored terraces, ceremonial areas and living spaces reflect its importance within the Inca network. In the afternoon, the trail climbs to Choquequirao Pass before descending through cloud forest rich in plant life. The route leads to Pinchiunuyoc, another terraced site set above the valley. Accommodation: Camping

Meals: B,L,D

We descend steeply to the Yuracmayo River before beginning a sustained climb to the panoramic campsite at Maizal. From here, sweeping views extend across the Yanama and Yurahmayo gorges towards the Vilcabamba Range. This dramatic viewpoint marks one of the most scenic camps of the trek. Sunset views from camp are particularly striking. Accommodation: Camping

Meals: B,L,D

The day begins with visits to historic mining sites, reflecting both pre-Columbian and colonial activity in the region. The trail then climbs to a high pass before descending toward Yanama. This remote village sits beneath Mt Pumasillo, offering a glimpse into life in a less-visited part of the Andes, far from established trekking routes. Accommodation: Camping

Meals: B,L,D

Leaving Yanama, you travel by road toward Machu Picchu Hydroelectric, following a route that connects remote mountain regions to the Sacred Valley corridor. From here, a train journey brings you to Machu Picchu Village, where the landscape shifts from rugged highlands to the edge of the cloud forest. If you prefer to hike, you can also choose to go on a soft hike through the railways that lead you to Machu Picchu Village. Overnight: El Mapi by Inkaterra or similar

Meals: B,L,D

An early start allows time to explore Machu Picchu with a guided visit through the citadel’s key sectors. After the tour, there is time to absorb the atmosphere of this remarkable site before returning by train to Ollantaytambo. We then drive back to Cusco, arriving late evening depending on train schedules. Accommodation: Abittare Hotel or similar NB: Depending on train schedules, we may arrive into Cusco very late at night. Overnight: Hotel Abittare or similar *Important: To ensure the protection and conservation of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and enhance the visitor experience, several restrictions and regulations are in place. The site features three main circuits divided into ten predetermined routes. Visitors are limited to a maximum of four hours within the site to reduce congestion and preserve the ruins, and admission is not permitted after 4pm. Additionally, all visitors must be accompanied by a guide. Despite these restrictions, World Expeditions endeavours to ensure you have a memorable and fulfilling Machu Picchu experience. OPTIONAL HUAYNA PICCHU CLIMB OR MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN CLIMB - For the adventurous, you can purchase a permit for either the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climb (please enquire for costs). Choosing this option means forgoing the guided tour of Machu Picchu, which is non-refundable and non-transferable. Huayna Picchu, with its narrow trails, reaches an elevation of 2,963m, while Machu Picchu Mountain, with a wider path, peaks at 3,082m. Both climbs are steep, slippery, exposed, and involve vertiginous drops, requiring a minimum of 3 hours return. Note that these climbs are not guided. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable, and a waiver form must be signed before purchase. Both permits are limited and sell out quickly, so please contact us if interested.

Meals: B,L

A free day in Cusco provides time to rest or explore further, whether visiting markets, museums or simply taking in the atmosphere of the city. The slower pace offers a chance to reflect on the journey through the Andes. Accommodation: Abittare Hotel or similar

Meals: B

After breakfast, you are transferred to Cusco airport for your onward flight.

Meals: B