CHOQUEQUIRAO TO MACHU PICCHU TREK
CUSCO REGION, PERU
Overview
Activity:
Trekking/Hiking, Historical
Length:
14 Days/13 Nights
Accommodations:
Camping, Villa
(Accommodations depend on the # of participants)
Guide Type:
Guided
Activity Level:
Vigorous
Age Minimum:
18 years
Weather:
Avg. 75° F (low) / 62° F (high)
Elevation:
43 ft
Terrain:
Rugged
Join us for a self-supported Expedition in the Andes.
Do you love an epic adventure off the beaten path hiking and camping? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to step back in time and discover ruins? Turns out you can.
Imagine joining a group of like-minded people to hit the trails, explore a remote region with remote ruins, take a deep dive into culture, step back in time, and enjoy the vibrancy of present day life in Peru.
Journey to Choquequirao, (Cho-ka-key-row) "row" pronounced like "cow," Remains roughly 30% covered, roughly 70% uncovered, and is approximately three times the size of Machu Picchu.
"Think: Indiana Jones would be Jealous."
This trip is for you if you enjoy getting gnarly on the trail in rugged conditions. If you can run at least 10 mile trail runs at moderate to high intensity. If you can hike 15 miles with a fully loaded pack, of 30-5o lbs. If you can hike an entire day of steep uphill or downhill. Essentially, this is a long rugged hike days on end and we want you to be sure you feel fit and able.
This trip is NOT for you if you are unsure of whether or not you can do it. The trail is not the place to take a "trial run" going this distance, trying new gear, or carrying a fully loaded pack. You must come with the fitness and experience to be able to trek for 10 days carrying your gear, personal camping equipment and food.
Every detail in this journey focuses on our commitment to the local community, to experiencing culture, with the spirit of adventure. Rest under the blanket of the Southern sky, step onto the trails the Incas walked, and steep yourself in nature.
Step off of the beaten path to take a path to Machu Picchu seldom taken by tourists. Have the opportunity to camp within the ruins of Choquequirao, the sister site of Machu Picchu and the last holding place of the Inca Empire.
Take time to rest, Get rugged, then digest. We will have time together to gather as a crew before hitting the trail and after trekking to our two peak destinations on the trail we will regroup indoors, under a roof, with access to hot showers. Our accommodations pre and post hiking will depend on the number of people (maximum of 10 people). Shown below is the villa we typically use for trips, but the number of people and booking date will determine where we stay. Relaxing in a large house around a fireplace will be our top choice, if possible.
Fueling Up, before hitting the trails is a must for this adventure. Although we may choose to grab a lunch on the trail with a local family this is not always an option and not always suitable for all digestive systems. We will be going to the local markets to stock up on fresh grains, oats, nuts and berries, so there is no need to bring those items down from the North.
Activities, on this trip will peak to vigorous and high intensity at times, a lot of the time.
Highlights
Explore a historical site seldom seen by tourists and feel like you have it to yourself
Hike on the trails of the Incas
Step back in time and experience archaeological sites that are still in use today
Camp inside ruins and enjoy nature
Team building and group support throughout the journey
Feel proud of yourself for going on a self-supported journey, trekking hard, and enjoying camp life
Connect with the local community and learn what life is like in the mountains by visiting traditional villages in the present day
Arrive at Machu Picchu like you earned it, because you did
Explore the culture first hand by spending time with people who live it
Itinerary
This itinerary is subject to change or shuffling of the daily schedule due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Arrival
Day: 1
Greetings...
We suggest that you arrive at least one day prior to the start of the trip which will minimize the risk of travel-related delays and to being to acclimatize.
If you choose to arrive early we are happy to arrange your transportation from the airport to your hotel, assist with hotel recommendations, or set up an extra tour. To have us handle all of the details of your additional days. Please, contact us.
We will contact you before departure to arrange your pick up details. Group transportation is provided from Cusco to our accomodations in Urubamba. The van will leave from Cusco at 2pm for the 1.5hr drive to the villa. We will arrange to pick you up from the airport, hotel, or the main square.
Upon arrival you will be warmly greeted by Heidi and Colin and welcomed to your home for camping and trekking prep. Grab a snack or a siesta. We will gather for dinner and meet your travel friends for the fun journey ahead.
Gathering & Prepping
Day: 2
Rise and shine for a refreshing day in the Andes.
Greet the morning with a lovely breakfast in the kitchen, before preparing for a full day. This day will be all about on the ground prepping and logistics.
We will head into town to gather any supplies necessary for 10 days of hiking. We will go through a gear check to make sure everyone is prepared (a gear list will be provided ahead of time) and see if anyone needs to rent any gear.
Everyone will be briefed during this time with a full itinerary of distances for each day, campsite names, potential food stops, and all related details.
Take a siesta, explore more, enjoy and meal together, and savor a restful nights sleep.
**Remember this trip is completely self-supported, we will not be relying on mules, horses, or porters to carry gear. Everything you want to bring will be on your back.
Please see the detailed description above for a reminder on the fitness level required**
Trek: Choquequirao to Machu Picchu
Day: 3-12
Wake up fully refreshed for a day of exploration and adventure.
We will take the 4-5 hour van ride to the trailhead early in the morning to start our journey. Depending on the timing and the group our first day will consist of a 7.5-10mi of steep hiking.
Day 4: Peak Destination number 1--Choquequirao
Day 12: Peak Destination number 2--Machu Picchu
Rest
Day: 13
Rest!
This will be a day of full rest and wandering. Take time for yourself to savor the journey, eat, and restore.
Gather together for dinner to integrate your journey and prepare to head home or on to your next destination of exploration in Peru.
Departure
Day: 14
You will say farewell to your guides at 10:00 AM at the Villa in Urubamba. You will take the 1.5 hr ride back to Cusco to the airport or to your next hotel to continue exploring Peru.
Housing & Accommodations
The group accommodations when we are not on the trail will depend on the group size.
Housing is not determined at this time. Ideally, we will stay in a large house, an example of this is below.
We will stay for a total of four nights (2 nights before hiking 2 nights after hiking) in either the city of Cusco or the town of Urubamba. Accommodations will also include a one night hotel stay in the city of Auguas Calientes, situated below Machu Picchu.
Expressing interest in the trip the earlier the better so housing can be secured.
Booking for this trip must be made directly. Please contact us to express your interest.
What's Included
4 Dinners, 2 Lunches, 4 Breakfast
Bus Ticket to Machu Picchu, optional onsite
1 night Hotel Accommodations in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu
Private Transportation throughout the trip
Outer Edge Travel Guide
Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket
Train Ticket to and from Machu Picchu
Transportation to and from accommodations
Accommodations- 5 nights
Entry Fees into Choquequirao
Exclusions
Travelers Insurance
Food supplies for hiking and camping
Personal hiking gear, refer to required gear list
Optional climb to Huayna Picchu, Moonngate, or Machu Picchu Mountain at Machu Picchu. These tickets must be booked months in advance. Please let us know if you are interested
Vaccines or Health Insurance
Flights to and from Peru
MEET YOUR GUIDE
Heidi
Heidi is an experienced international traveler having been to 5 continents and explored 7 different countries. She seeks adventures off of the beaten path and craves intimate cultural experiences.
On her way to Patagonia with a stop over in Peru, she ended up staying for 2 months making her way into the Andes, the Cordillera Blanca mountain range, and deep into remote parts of the Amazon only accessible by boat or plane.
Heidi has been teaching yoga for over 8 years. She focuses on making yoga practical, approachable, and pertinent. The heart of her practice is living yoga and using time on the mat for deep insights and investigation into the mind and body.
She has a passion for the outdoors and is certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR, as well as a liscenced trail guide. Heidi combines mindfulness practices, and ancient techniques to reconnect with nature in the modern world.
MEET YOUR GUIDE
Colin
Colin has years of experience traveling back and forth to Peru and vast exploration throughout the country.
He is an avid world traveller and enjoys time spent in remote villages connecting with culture and eating street food.
After going on this same trek previously and trekking extensively throughout the region, he cannot wait to share this experience with others.
Colin is passionate about the outdoors, keeping things wild, preventing trail degradation and animal and human abuses that occur through tourism and finding sustainable solutions. He is certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR.
Outer Edge Travel: Peru
Trip Details
How to Get There:
FLY INTO:
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ)
MEETING LOCATION:
You will be picked up from either the airport or your hotel. Arrival details will be shared prior to arrival to ensure pick up.
You will be driven 1.5 hr to Urubamba to the Villa. Transportation details will be shared after booking.
MEETING TIME:
2PM
Saying Farewell:
FLY OUT OF:
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ)
DEPARTURE LOCATION:
After departing from the Villa, you will be driven 1.5 hr to Cusco to continue to explore or take your flight home.
DEPARTURE TIME:
11AM
All Details:
ARRIVING:
We suggest that you arrive at least one day prior to the start of the trip which will minimize the risk of travel-related delays and to being to aclimatize. We recommend that you fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ).
If you choose to arrive early we are happy to arrange your transportation from the airport to your hotel, assist with hotel recommendations, or set up a tour.
To have us handle all of the details of your additional days. Please, contact us.
DEPARTING:
You will say farewell to your guides at 11:00 AM at the Villa in Urubamba. You will take the 1.5 hr ride back to Cusco to the airport or to your next hotel to continue exploring Peru.
PLANNING YOUR ADVENTURE
BOOKING:
Since this trip is an exclusive offer you must inquire directly about booking. Thank you.
ONCE BOOKED:
As soon as you are fully booked you will receive a confirmation email with trip details. Two weeks prior to the trip start date we will reach out with a request for your arrival details. One week prior to the trip start date you will receive an email containing any last minute information you need to know prior to arrival.
See our recommended Gear List, to assist with packing.
WHAT IF I HAVE TO CANCEL?
We understand, life happens. If you need to cancel or change a tour, please reach out right away.
Prior to speaking with us, please review our cancelation policy to help answer any questions you might have.
TRAVEL PROTECTION
We require proof of Travelers Insurance including Health Coverage 90 days before the trip start date. We recommend this purchase is made upon booking with us.