The Lost City of Choquequirao

13 days
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Small Group Tour
Escape the crowds on this challenging trek through the mountains of Peru. This varied trek is constantly moving up and down the climatic zones, leading you up steep paths through dense cloud forest, over spectacular scenic passes and along ancient Inca paths to the best-kept secret of the Vilcabamba range: the lost Inca city of Choquequirao. Machu Picchu may ...
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$3,827
From$2,835
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Take quiet trekking trails without the permit and other restrictions imposed on the Inca Trail
    • Discover Choquequirao, one of the best-preserved Inca ruins
    • Experience diverse scenery from cloud forests and canyons to high passes and the towering peaks of the Vilcabamba range
    • Enjoy guided tours of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley
    • Spend time exploring historic Cuzco

What's this trip about?

    Escape the crowds on this challenging trek through the mountains of Peru. This varied trek is constantly moving up and down the climatic zones, leading you up steep paths through dense cloud forest, over spectacular scenic passes and along ancient Inca paths to the best-kept secret of the Vilcabamba range: the lost Inca city of Choquequirao. Machu Picchu may draw the crowds, but Choquequirao is awe-inspiring with its secluded splendour. If you like being off the beaten path, are intrigued by rich history, and crave dramatic landscapes dominated by snow-capped peaks, this is the trek for you.Trek in Peru amid the Vilcabamba mountain range to the lost Inca city of Choquequirao

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range18 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityCuzco
End CityCuzco

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • South America
  • Peru

Attractions

  • Machu Picchu
  • Ollantaytambo

Activities

  • Culture
  • Hiking
  • Trekking

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, eight lunches and seven dinners
    • Five nights in hotels and seven nights of full-service camping
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader throughout
    • Arrival and departure transfers
    • Full porterage throughout trek
    • Exodus kitbag
    • Inflatable sleeping mat while camping

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Start Cuzco; afternoon walking tour

Welcome to Cuzco! The Inca capital – though small enough to be easily manageable – is among the most attractive cities in South America with much of the centre comprising Colonial-era buildings with Inca foundations. We have a short walking tour around the compact cit...

Day 2 Free day in Cuzco

Day 3 Drive to Capuliyoc Pass; begin the trek with a descent to Chiquisca

We leave Cuzco early this morning, around 5am, and drive for approximately seven hours to Capuliyoc Pass (approximately 9,565ft/2,915m) in time for lunch, stopping to explore the archaeological sites of Tarawasi and Saywite en route. From the top of the pass, we enjoy...

Day 4 Cross Apurimac River then climb to Santa Rosa and Maranpata; to Choquequirao camp

We have another very early start for a long day’s trek. Just over an hour of walking downhill brings us to Playa Rosalina (4,920ft/1,500m), from where we cross the Apurimac River before beginning the long and steep switchback climb up to Santa Rosa village. After a re...

Day 5 Full day to explore the magnificent Inca site of Choquequirao and the terraces of Pacchanta

We have ample time to fully explore the vast ruins of Choquequirao. Larger than Machu Picchu, the site comprises nine different areas, each of which had a distinct role covering religious, political and military functions. The quality of the stonework indicates that i...

Day 6 Cross Choquequirao Pass then descend to the Rio Blanco via Pinchinoyoc; continue to Maizal

We cover a lot of ground today and it can be strenuous, starting with a short but steep climb to the top of the Choquequirao Pass (10,550ft/3,215m) from where we enjoy our last panoramic view over Choquequirao. After the pass, we walk steeply downhill on a wide but du...

Day 7 Steep climb over San Juan Pass with impressive mountain views; descend to Yanama

We start the day with a steep, switchback climb (approximately five hours) up the San Juan Pass (13,680ft/4,170m) – the effort of ascending the pass is balanced with incredible views of the snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba range, including Choquetacarpo, Pumasillo ...

Day 8 Trek amid Vilcabamba range and over Yanama Pass, surrounded by glaciers, to Totora

Stunning scenery abounds today as we trek deep in the heart of the Vilcabamba range, climbing for approximately five hours to the highest point of the trek, the Yanama Pass (15,290ft/4,660m). There is a new road from Yanama village up and over the pass; however, our t...

Day 9 Descend to Lucmabamba

From Totora, we have a descent (approximately seven hours) to Lucmabamba. We notice more trekkers today as we converge with a section of the Salkantay trail and enter a more inhabited area. We follow the road for a short section, then a gravel path beside the river; t...

Day 10 Follow Salkantay River to Santa Teresa; train to Aguas Calientes

Rising early, we follow an original Inca trail, which climbs uphill for three hours to the site of Llactapata. After a final two-hour descent, we reach the hydroelectric station at Santa Teresa (6,235ft/1,900m) – a good spot for lunch. After lunch, we cross the Vilcan...

Day 11 Morning tour of Machu Picchu; train to Ollantaytambo

An early start is required for Machu Picchu to beat the day-trippers arriving from Cuzco and reach the ruins as early as possible; buses take us up the winding road to the site entrance, and during high season (May-October) there may be a wait. Machu Picchu is one of...

Day 12 Sacred Valley tour; continue to Cuzco

We wake to explore the narrow, cobbled streets and colossal Inca stone terraces that dominate the hillside above Ollantaytambo town. The archaeological site at Ollantaytambo was the royal estate of Inca emperor Pachacuti as well as being of religious and defensive sig...

Day 13 End Cuzco

The trip ends in Cuzco after breakfast and we begin our return journeys home. But if you’re not ready for the adventure to end, you can always book onto our Lake Titicaca extension, where you’ll explore the sky-high waters by boat, visit an indigenous community and ex...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,835
Price per day$218
Last Updated: 4/23/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Double Standard
Availability
02 Jun 2024
14 Jun 2024
$2,835
8 spots left
08 Sep 2024
20 Sep 2024
$3,150
8 spots left
06 Oct 2024
18 Oct 2024
$3,300
8 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Exodus Travels.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
12,551
Great
3,241
Average
608
Disappointing
140
Terrible
179
A

Anonymous

Mar 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

The Lost City of Chocquequiaro

This is a challenging hike. The altitude makes the steep ascents and descents very demanding. But the scenery and the access to Inca sites that aren't crawling in...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Thanks

It was a difficult trip for me, but the support of the Exodus staff made it an excellent experience. I think the final hike up to Llactapacta, and the realization t...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Fascinating trek

A strenuous but rewarding trek, topped off with some fantastic sightseeing, and of course Machu Picchu! Great diversity of microclimates during the trek, as well as...

A

Anonymous

Nov 2017

Provided byExodus Travels

The Lost City of Choquequirao

This trip challenges you physically, mentally and emotionally. It provides breathtaking scenery, camping in cloud forests, visiting Inca sites in beautiful and in...

A

Anonymous

Nov 2017

Provided byExodus Travels

Peru adventure

A challenging trek in Peru that managed to combine quiet trekking, magnificent scenery, the remote city of Choquequirao and the spectacle of Machu Picchu. Walking ...

Write a Review

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
What they’re known for
Global trips to both classic and exotic destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and discovery of local culture.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request)
    • Visas or vaccinations
    • Sleeping bag (hire locally from US$40)

Accommodation

8 days point-to-point walking with full porterage Altitude maximum 4560m, average 3000m Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Min age 16 yrs 5 nights en suite hotels and 7 nights full-service camping,We use three-star hotels on this Andean trip, which feature an excellent blend of quality and comfort and are within an easy walk of the attractions in Cuzco, Aguas Calientes and the Sacred Valley. On trek, we have full-service camping with full porterage by mules, meaning our camp staff put up and take down the tents, cook, and do all the camp chores. You need only carry your backpack for the day and enjoy your time trekking through the Vilcabamba range. Cuzco: MamaSara (nights 1, 2 and 12) Just a few blocks from the historic centre, MamaSara is well located for our adventures in the one-time Inca capital of Cuzco. The design of the rooms pays homage to the city with locally sourced furniture and artwork, while the restaurant serves Peruvian Andean cuisine. Choquequirao Inca Trail: Full-service camping (nights 3-9) For seven nights, we sleep and dine in good-quality four-season tents. We also have a toilet tent set up both in camp and during lunch stops. Boiled and filtered drinking water is provided in the mornings, at lunch and dinner so we can refill our water bottles. Additionally, a bowl of warm water is provided each morning and evening for washing. Camp staff set up and break down the tents, while our trusty mules transport all camp equipment necessary. Aguas Calientes: Inti Punku Machu Picchu (night 10) The Inti Punku is centrally located in Aguas Calientes, a small town alongside the Urubamba River. This comfortable hotel offers clean, contemporary rooms with private baths and hot water, making it a perfect place to relax and take in this unique setting far below the ruins of Machu Picchu. Ollantaytambo: Tunupa Lodge (night 11) Tunupa Lodge is located in Ollantaytambo, a small town in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It has comfortable and cosy rooms, plus a bar and restaurant that serves delicious local and international cuisine, plus a variety of drinks. The hotel also has a lovely garden and is a great place to relax and reflect on your amazing trek to Machu Picchu.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
All breakfasts, eight lunches and seven dinners are included in the price of the tour. Peruvian cuisine is loved for its flavours and originality; it’s well worth digging into the local delicacies. Among these are ceviche (seafood or fish marinated in lime juice), lomo saltado (a Peruvian take on a beef stir-fry), and various hearty soups including the delicious quinoa soup. Other dishes include roasted cuy (guinea pig) and alpaca steak. To drink, there’s pisco sour, the national beverage. Hotel breakfasts are normally simple buffets, usually including bread/toast and jam, cereal, sometimes eggs or cooked dishes, sometimes fruit, tea/coffee and fruit juice. We cannot guarantee wheat-/gluten-free products are available for breakfast in all locations – if you have an intolerance you may wish to bring your own breakfast food. Where lunch and dinner are not included in Cuzco/Aguas Calientes/Ollantaytambo, we visit a variety of cafes and restaurants. During the trek, hearty breakfasts are served and good-quality cooked lunches and dinners are provided, and usually consist of soup or a starter, a main course with meat/fish and some form of carbohydrates, followed by a dessert. Some snacks are also provided. Drinking water (boiled and filtered) is provided in the mornings and at lunch during the trek so you can refill your bottles. Tea/coffee is brought to your tent each morning and juice or hot drinks are provided with all meals during the trek. Drinking water is provided. The tap water in Peru is not safe to drink; boiled and filtered drinking water is provided on the trek and elsewhere your leader buys large water containers from which you can refill your bottle.
Age Requirements
18 years and up
Additional Information
Five nights in hotels and seven nights of full-service camping Eight days of walking with full porterage Altitude maximum: 15,290ft (4,660m); average: 9,845ft (3,000m) Travel by private bus and train
Trip ID
exodus-TPK

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