The ultimate Andean traverse — connecting two great Inca citadels on foot through nine days of extraordinary mountain scenery
This is the finest long-distance trek in Peru and one of the great multi-day walks in the world. Beginning at the Choquequirao trailhead and ending at Machu Picchu, the 9-day traverse crosses the Andes on a series of high passes (the highest at 4,650m) through cloud forest, remote Andean villages, and landscapes that no other trekking route in Peru covers. The route includes two Inca citadels, two nights at the ruins themselves, and a final Sun Gate arrival at Machu Picchu — the same moment, but earned rather than bussed to.
Transfer and first day descent into the Apurímac Canyon. Camp at Chiquisca (2,900m).
Climb through cloud forest to the ruins. Afternoon exploration of the main citadel.
Complete exploration of all sections including the unique Llama Terraces. Overnight at camp.
Cross the ridge above Choquequirao and begin the high traverse. Camp at Maizal (3,100m).
The hardest day — climb to the highest point of the entire traverse at 4,650m with views of the Salkantay and Ausangate massifs. Descend to the remote village of Yanama.
Cross the Victoria Pass (4,350m) with extraordinary views of the La Verónica glacier. Descend to the cloud forest and the village of Totora.
Descend to the Urubamba Valley and the village of La Playa. Late afternoon bus or walk to Aguas Calientes. First shower in 7 days. Dinner at a restaurant.
First bus at 5:30am. Full guided day at Machu Picchu with your guide who has been with you from Day 1. The citadel is more meaningful after 8 days walking through Inca landscapes. Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
Morning train to Ollantaytambo or Cusco Poroy. Transfer to Cusco. The trek is complete.
Three passes above 4,000m with the highest at 4,650m. Full acclimatisation in Cusco (minimum 3 days at 3,400m) before the trek start is mandatory. Altitude sickness medication (Diamox) is strongly recommended for the Yanama Pass day.
Eight nights in tents. The remotest section (Days 4–6) is completely off the tourist trail — no other trekkers, no services, no rescue access. The guide carries a satellite communicator for emergencies.
This is one of the most demanding multi-day treks in South America. Previous experience on multi-day high-altitude hiking (4,000m+) is required. Do not book this if you have not previously completed at least a 5-day mountain trek.
The combination of total solitude at Choquequirao, nine days of genuine wilderness, the high Andean traverse, and a Sun Gate arrival at Machu Picchu is unique. No other itinerary in Peru offers this quality of sustained mountain experience.