Choquecancha Trek to Machu Picchu
Experience real Andean culture, breathtaking landscapes, and a unique path to Machu Picchu.
Duration
4 Days
Difficulty
Easy
Availability
Selling Fast!
Tour Overview
Time to escape the beaten path and experience a true mountain adventure. This is the trek to Machu Picchu you’ve been longing for.
An alternative to the crowded Inca Trail, the Choquecancha Trek is far from expected, ordinary, or overdone.
Our 4-day, 3-night Choquecancha Trek traverses lagoons, mountains, and archaeological sites, Haukani, visiting the Andean community of Choquecancha and the Lares hot springs before making our way to Machu Picchu. Two nights in a tent is your chance to connect with Peru’s enchanting Highlands and disconnect from everything else.
One of the highlights of this memorable trek is that you’ll get to immerse yourself in the beautiful culture of a true Andean village.
Get up close and personal with Andean farmers as you learn ancient Incan farming techniques. Learn and participate in traditional music and dance. Try on stunning garments woven by the local women. As we teach you our community’s history and feed you the delicious local fare, you’ll begin to imagine what ancient Incan life was like.
Because of our relationship with Choquecancha village, True Mountain Traveler is the only tour operator who can give our travelers this interactive experience. The best physical journeys are also journeys of mind and soul, and we’re proud to to share our home with you in this special way.
Choquecancha Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N – Overview:
- Visit lagoons, mountains, archaeological sites, Hauk’ani, the Andean village of Choquecancha, the Lares Hot Springs, and Machu Picchu.
- Interactive traditional Incan culture experience with farming, dancing, and more.
- Scenic alternative to the crowded Inca trail.
- History, culture, and a challenging adventure all in one.
- Trip length – 4 days, 3 nights. Includes 2 nights camping and 1 night hotel.
- Guided hiking from campsite to campsite.
Trip Highlights
Daily Itinerary
- Early pick up at your hotel for the start of the Choquecancha Trek!
- Arrive to the village Amparaes – 3,600 meters elevation
- At Amparaes, you will meet the full team – your porters, the chef, the horsemen – and have breakfast
- We head southwest, following a trail that climbs. In about 3 hours, arrive at the Yanaccocha lagoon
- After another 2 hours, we reach the Quelwacchocha lagoon for lunch with a view – 4,400 meters elevation
- Continue west for a 3 hour hike descending to the Chullpata campsite – 3,800 meters elevation
- Warm up with some tea or coffee, replenish your energy with dinner, and stargaze before a restful sleep
- Early wake up from your porters who will greet you at your tent with hot coca tea
- Hike 4 hours west over the mountain Huanacari – 3,900 meters
- Visit the archaeological site of Jaukani – 3,590 meters elevation
- Lunch in Jaukani
- Continue west for 3 hours along an original Inca trail
- Arrive to Choquecancha, where you spend the night – 3,148 meters elevation
- After breakfast, we will visit a Choquecancha farm close by
- The time here will be filled with fun as you:
- Learn about Andean agriculture
- See how music and dance are incorporated into the fabric of Andean farming culture
- Drink chicha, learn the importance of the sacred drink, and learn proper Andean drinking etiquette
- Try on clothing weaved by local Choquecancha women
- Lunch featuring traditional Andean food
- We reach our destination, Lares town (3100mt/10170ft), then we enjoy the natural hot springs for 2 hours.
- After lunch in Lares we take our private transport to Ollantaytambo from and we catch the train to Aguas Calientes where we will check in at our hotel.
This is the day you’ve been waiting for. We wake up early to take a bus to the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu.
Once there, you will have a 2 hours guided tour through these magical ruins. Afterwards, you’ll have plenty of time on your own to enjoy the sweeping panoramic views.
Optional hike to: Huayna Picchu or machupicchu mountan ( limited to 400 hikers a day), sun gate, Inca bridge.
Lunch in Aguas Calientes before returning back to Cusco, where we will transfer you to your hotel.
If desired, a night in Aguas Calientes can be arranged.
Packing Checklist
Tour Inclusions
What's Included
- Pick up & Drop off (Private Transport)
- Porters (Carry 7kg/15lb of your gear)
- Spacious Tents & Foam Mats
- Professional Chef & Meals
- Hotel (Day 3)
- Entrance Machu Picchu (Circuit 2)
- National park Bus Tickets (Round Trip)
- Train (Expedition Class)
- Licensed professional guide
- Drinking water during the hike
- Dining tents
- Private toilet tent
Not Included
- Breakfast Day 1, Lunch Day 4
- Sleeping Bag (Rent for $20)
- Inflatable Sleeping pad (Rent for $20)
- Walking Sticks (Rent for $15)
- Tips for Crew
Starting from
- Max 12 Travelers per group
- Daily Departures guaranteed
- Professional English Speaking Guide
Optional Upgrades