Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek 7D/6N | Vilcabamba Epic Route + Llaqtapata Viewpoint

After breakfast, tackle one of the most demanding sections: hike 4 hours uphill in switchbacks to Marampata for lunch with panoramic mountain views and rich local flora and fauna. Continue for 2 more hours to Choquequirao, the “sacred sister of Machu Picchu”. In the afternoon, explore its terraces, plazas and temples as sunset light bathes the site—perfect for unique photos. Camp near the ruins, enjoy dinner under a starry sky, and rest for the next day.

Wake up with coffee or hot tea and take a guided visit of Choquequirao, learning about its history and architecture while exploring plazas, terraces and temples. After lunch, climb 1 hour to the Choquequirao pass, then descend 3 hours to the Inca site of Pinchiunuyoc to see ancient agricultural terraces. Continue descending 2 more hours to the Río Blanco (1,880 m) campsite. The environment is warmer and more humid, so mosquito repellent is recommended. Dinner and rest, preparing for the climb toward Maizal and Pajonal.

After breakfast, begin a tough switchback climb of about 4 hours to Maizal (2,891 m), with views of cultivated fields, birds and native flora. After lunch, continue ascending for another 4 hours to Pajonal (4,000 m). As you gain elevation, glacier scenery appears and you may see the old Victoria mines. It’s physically demanding, but deeply rewarding with high-mountain panoramas and a strong sense of walking through historic Vilcabamba routes. Hot dinner and rest.

After breakfast, climb for about one hour to San Juan Pass (4,210 m), one of the trek’s most powerful natural viewpoints. Descend 3 hours to Yanama (3,700 m) for lunch and say goodbye to the muleteers. Then take transport to Lucmabamba (2,100 m) and spend the night at a coffee grower’s home, learning about rural life and local coffee production surrounded by tropical vegetation.

Wake up among coffee plants and avocado trees, enjoy breakfast and visit an organic coffee farm to learn about harvesting and roasting. Then hike 3 hours along an ancient Inca Trail section to Llaqtapata, where you’ll get your first—and best—view of Machu Picchu from the mountains, a key moment thanks to the unique perspective. Afterward, descend to Hydroelectric for lunch and continue with a 3-hour walk along the railway to Aguas Calientes. Dinner and hotel check-in, ready for Machu Picchu.

Wake up early and take the first bus to Machu Picchu to enter before sunrise. Enjoy a guided visit following Circuit 2, exploring the main streets, plazas and temples with insights into Inca history and architecture. After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to explore or optionally hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (separate ticket). In the afternoon, return to Cusco on the panoramic Vistadome train, arriving around 7:30 p.m.