Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 7 Days | 6 Nights.

Name: Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 7 Days | 6 Nights.
Price: 1215 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.0 (31 reviews)

7 Days

Challenging

Tour Overview

The Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek (7 Days) is one of the most epic and complete routes in Peru. It is a challenging hike designed for travelers seeking a deep connection with history, raw nature, and a significant physical test. This journey connects the two most impressive Inca cities: Choquequirao (known as the "Sacred Sister" of Machu Picchu) and the marvelous Machu Picchu itself.

Along the way, we traverse deep canyons (Apurimac), cross high mountain passes, and shift from arid Andean landscapes to the lush high jungle. Exploring archaeological sites that few tourists ever see, this trek offers an authentic experience, solitude, spectacular views, and an unforgettable adventure in the Peruvian Andes.

Tour Highlights

Highlights: Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek (7 days)

Explore Choquequirao and take the time to discover its temples, terraces, and the famous Llama Sector. Traverse the spectacular Apurímac Canyon, experiencing dramatic changes in altitude and climate. Cross Victoria Pass (4,210 m a.s.l.) and enjoy panoramic views of Pumacillo, Padreyoc, and the surrounding peaks. Discover Pinchaunuyoc, an impressive Inca archaeological site featuring terraces and natural springs. Meet remote Andean communities, including a stay with a local family in Maizal. Hike through diverse landscapes, ranging from high-altitude mountains to warmer valleys teeming with orchids and crops such as coffee, avocado, and granadilla. Enjoy a traditional Andean coffee experience in Lucmabamba—from bean to cup. Relax in the Cocalmayo hot springs as an optional activity along the route. Follow an ancient Inca trail to Llactapata and enjoy an exceptional first view of Machu Picchu. Walk along the railway tracks from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes, skirting the mountains toward Machu Picchu.

7 Days Adventure

Price from USD 1215 USD / per person

Trip starts in Hotel

Physical Level Challenging

Group Size Max 10

Total Distance 95 km

Departures Daily Guaranteed Departures

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Detailed Itinerary

Our Guiding Cusco team will pick you up at your hotel at 4:30 a.m. and take you by minibus for 4 hours to the start of the trail at the viewpoint of Capuliyoc (2,885 masl / 9,465 ft). Here you will have 40 minutes to get ready, both travellers and workers such as cooks and muleteers. After all this we will be ready to appreciate the Inca city of Choquequirao and the Apurimac Canyon. The first 3 hours of trekking will be downhill to Chikiska, where we will start the trek into the highlands towards the Apurimac Canyon, where the climate is warmer. Lunch will be served by your mountain chef using fresh local products. The second part of the day is a 2.30 hour hike down 30 minutes to Rosalina Beach at an altitude of 1,500 masl/4,920 ft. Then it is uphill to lower Santa Rosa Camp (1,914 masl/6,280 ft). This is a 2 hour pure ascent and we will do this part in the afternoon when it is cooler.

Day 1: Cusco – Cachora – Capuliyoc – Chiquisca

After an early breakfast, you will start the most challenging part of the trek. The hike starts with a 3 hours zigzag ascent to Marampata (2,850 m.a.s.l. / 9,350 ft.). From here you will be able to see Choquequirao and you can also buy some soda or chocolates as this is the last village before Choquequirao. After all this we will continue to Choquequirao camp (3,000 masl/9,840 ft). Another 2 hours more lunch will be waiting for us ready and it is here that we will spend the night as we also have lunch. After a lunch from our mountain chef in the afternoon you will have time to visit this place less visited by tourists and your guide will be able to explain in detail about the history and you will be able to have a sunset in Inca city like the Incas. explore all the Inca city its temples, terraces and more than all llamas sector do not miss. Fantastic view of the mountains and a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Day 2: Chiquisca – Rosalina Beach – Marampata – Choquequirao

Wake up with a hot cup of tea in your tent while enjoying the view of the Andes. Then you will have breakfast with your trekking team and continue with the excursion. This day you will have another opportunity to visit the Inca city Choquequirao in the morning and observe the sunrise of the same Inca city. After all this you will continue to your destination until Choquequirao pass will be an hour of ascent. In Choquequirao pass you will have a majestic view where you will find yourself alone with your equipment in a pure connection with nature. Afterwards you will start with a 2 hour descent to Pinchayunuyoc. This place is another place of pure terraces with water springs, continuing with a descent to Rio Blanco (1,880 masl / 6,167 ft) for another hour. Lunch will be served here and you can also take a dip in the river as the weather will be perfect for an open air bath. Be sure to bring a good mosquito repellent. After lunch it will be a 4 hour zigzag ascent to a place called maizal (2,891 masl / 9,488 ft). There we will stay with a local family, the Perez family. That’s all for this difficult day.

Day 3: Choquequirao – Pinchaunuyoc – Rio Blanco – Maizal

After breakfast, you will continue the excursion, today you will find a 5 hours climb up to Victoria PASS, the first part is a gradual ascent with an impressive view of mountains around as well as tunnels that the Inca miners worked and the last part will be Inca steps or zigzag path all the way to Victoria PASS (4,210 masl / 13,549 ft.). where you can see mountains like Pumacillo, Padreyoc, etc. After the photos a descent of 1 hour and a half to the Yanama community (3,700 masl / 12,139 ft.). where you will have lunch. After lunch you will pack your things to continue with a small truck to Qollpapampa place (2,900 masl / 9,514 ft.) camping place for tonight day 4 will also be the time to say good bye to a member of the group (arriero), and in Qollpapampa you will meet many trekkers who will be doing Salkantay trail.

Day 4: Maizal – San Juan Pass (Victoria) – Yanama – Colpapampa

After breakfast you will continue with the hike like the other Salkantay trekkers for them day 3 and for you professional trekkers day 5 with a gradual descent having another type of vegetation like orchids. It will also be a more relaxing day finding plantations like granadilla, avocado, coffee, and etc. With a duration of 5 hours of pure relaxation on this day you will have lunch at Playa Sahuayaco (2,100 masl/6,880 ft) after lunch if you want your guide will be able to process your organic coffee from beans to your own coffee. In this place you have the option to visit the hot springs of Cocalmayo which will not be included if you want you can visit together with your guide the price would be no more than 60 soles. but all this is optional.

Day 5: Colpapampa – La Playa Sahuayaco – Lucmabamba

Wake up among coffee and avocado trees. Then, you will continue for 3 hours along an ancient Inca Trail to Llaqtapata (2,814 masl/9,232 ft). You will have the first and best view of the Great Inca City of Machu Picchu. After enjoying the views, you will also find a small Inca construction where your guide will be able to tell you more. Then zigzag dow to ahobamba valley. Where hidroelectric place and luch.

After lunch you will have another 3 hours walk along the side of the train tracks to Aguas Calientes (2,040 m.a.s.l./6,690 ft.). Overnight in a Hotel in Aguas Calientes, with hot shower and wifi after several days over mountains civilization again.

Day 6: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes

Today will be the most important day of your 7 days tour, today you will get up very early as every day, you will take the first bus to Machu Picchu to enter before sunrise. First you will go up to the top where the classic photo is taken and then you will start the guided tour, exploring the most important streets, squares and temples of the citadel of Machu Picchu. After the guided tour, you will have time to explore on your own or hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain (additional hikes other than the citadel). In the afternoon, take the 14:55 expedition train back to Ollantaytambo then to Cusco. Return to your hotel around 7.00pm, where the trek from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu ends

Day 7: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Inclusions & Exclusions

Price Includes

Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Cusco.
Guide: Professional English-speaking Native Guide.
Staff: Mountain Chef and Muleteers (Arrieros).
Mules: To carry camping gear, food, and up to 7kg of your personal belongings.
Meals: All meals included (Except Day 1 Breakfast and Day 7 Lunch/Dinner).
Water: Boiled water provided daily (except Day 7).
Camping Gear: 4-season tents, dining tent, tables, chairs, portable toilet.
Accommodation: 5 Nights Camping + 1 Night Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Tickets: Entrance fees to Choquequirao and Machu Picchu.
Transport:
- Private transport Cusco to Capuliyoc.
- Bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu (One way/Round trip - Verify operator standard).
- Expedition Train (Return).
Safety: First aid kit and Oxygen bottle.

Price Excludes

Breakfast Day 1, Lunch/Dinner Day 7.
Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Travel Insurance (Mandatory for this risk level).
Tips for staff (Guide, Chef, Muleteers).

Why Choose This Tour?

The Guiding Cusco Difference

Discover what makes this specific itinerary unique, authentic, and perfectly tailored for an unforgettable Andean adventure.

Why choose the 7-day Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek?

Visit both Choquequirao and Machu Picchu on a single trek.
Explore Choquequirao before reaching Machu Picchu, enjoying a much less crowded archaeological site first.
Traverse the stunning Apurímac Canyon, experiencing dramatic changes in landscape and altitude.
Hike through remote areas of the Andes where you will encounter few other tourists.
Enjoy a 7-day itinerary without rushing, allowing you to better appreciate the landscapes and local communities.
Combine archaeology, nature, and adventure into a single experience.
Discover diverse ecosystems, ranging from the high Andes to forest zones and the edge of the cloud forest.
Conclude the trek by arriving at Machu Picchu, making the final destination the highlight of the entire journey.
It is an alternative for travelers seeking a deeper experience than the conventional trip to Machu Picchu.

Why Choose Guiding Cusco?

Guiding Cusco is a locally owned tour operator based in Cusco with extensive hiking expertise. We are a 100% local company with no middlemen or outside shareholders.

Our goal is to make your trip unforgettable and leave you eager to embark on the adventure again. We specialize in small-group tours with high-quality, personalized service, so you can travel at your own pace without pressure.

We value our reputation as a responsible and sustainable tour operator. The Guiding Cusco team is like family to us, and we support them with fair wages. We are incredibly proud of our staff and the effort they put in every day to create unforgettable experiences for our clients.

Small Groups

We specialize in personalized service for small groups. Guiding Cusco limits group sizes to a maximum of 10 people (with a minimum of 4), unlike other companies that handle much larger groups.

4-Day Choquequirao Trek | A Route Like No Other

Our 4-day Choquequirao itinerary is designed to give you an authentic experience on one of the most remote and rewarding routes in the Cusco region. You will hike through the Apurímac Canyon, enjoy sweeping mountain views, and explore the Inca ruins of Choquequirao with the deep satisfaction of having reached a place few travelers ever see.

MEET OUR TEAM:GUIDES; COOKS; AND SUPPORT STAFF

Our Team of Guides

All our guides are highly qualified, licensed professionals certified by GERCETUR and MINEDU. Every year they complete refresher courses in first aid and languages, so you are always in safe, well-informed hands.

Our Cooks

Our cooks also receive ongoing training, and they lead our mountain cooking classes. Their fresh, carefully prepared meals keep you energized throughout the trek.

Our Entire Team

We take great pride in the achievements and hard work of everyone on our team, including our logistics staff and muleteers. We face the challenges of the trail together, and without them, our clients could not experience such extraordinary adventures.

Our Equipment

Our guides, cooks, muleteers, and support staff are all equipped with the necessary professional gear. Setting us apart from other companies, we also provide each hiker with a welcome kit that includes:

Rain poncho
Backpack rain cover
Distinctive trek shirt
Toilet paper

On top of this, we provide comfortable camping equipment so you can rest well after each day on the trail.

Travel Tips & Recommendations

Important Information

Please review these recommendations to ensure you have the best possible experience on your adventure.

Important Information Before Your 7-Day Choquequirao Trek and Machupicchu

Please read all the instructions from Guiding Cusco carefully before booking. They will help you prepare for your trip to Cusco and the Choquequirao trek.

Acclimatization

Although the highest point of the trek is Choquequirao at 3,103 m, we recommend spending at least two days in the city of Cusco before the trek to adjust properly and enjoy the hike more comfortably.

Briefing

A member of our team (your guide) will meet you at your hotel to give you clear, precise information about your trip, including weather conditions and the size of your group. This meeting is important, as it covers the final details before you begin your mountain adventure.

Pickup Time

Our adventure begins early. We pick you up at your hotel at 4:30 a.m. and travel by private minibus for approximately four hours to Capuliyoc, the starting point of the trek.

Where Can I Leave My Luggage?

Cusco is a major tourist hub, and hotels and hostels are used to multi-day excursions, so they will gladly store your belongings while you are away. If you are changing hotels, you can leave your luggage at our office, and we will keep it safe until you return.

Can I Change My Trip Date?

Unfortunately, no. The Machu Picchu and Choquequirao trek is a multi-day trip that requires careful advance organization of permits, logistics, and our team, so we are not able to change dates once the trip is confirmed.

How Do I Book My Trip?

To book the 7-day/6-night Choquequirao trek and Machu Picchu, we need the following details for every traveler in your party, through our booking form:

Full name(s) exactly as in the passport(s)
Passport number(s)
Date(s) of birth
Gender
Nationality

We also require a deposit of $ 700 USD per person to secure your spot and organize the trip. Payments can be made securely via interbank transfer, online payment, OpenPay, or through our website.

The Weather on Choquequirao to Machu Picchu

The trek descends into the Apurímac Canyon, where it can be warm during the day, and later climbs into the cloud forest, where temperatures are cooler. Conditions can change quickly, and rain can appear at any moment, so a rain jacket or poncho is essential.

What to Bring for Choquequirao to Machu Picchu

Pack light, breathable clothing that you can layer. We recommend:

Lightweight, quick-drying hiking clothes
A warm layer for the cooler mornings and evenings
A waterproof jacket or poncho
Hat, sunglasses, and sun protection (sunscreen and lip balm)
Insect repellent
Comfortable, broken-in hiking boots

Where Will We Be Dropped Off After the Trek?

Our service includes pickup from your hotel (or a nearby location). After the trek, our private transportation takes you back to Cusco, and will drop you off at your hotel if vehicle access is available. If not, we will take you as close as possible.

What Kind of Meals Are Provided?

Our mountain meals consist of Peruvian cuisine, prepared fresh by our chef with local ingredients and adapted to each traveler's dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free). They include vegetables, rice, potatoes, meat, and more. On the last day, lunch is served as a boxed lunch on the way back to Cusco.

How Difficult Is the Choquequirao Trek and Machu Picchu?

Choquequirao to Machu Picchu is a challenging trek because of its steep descents and climbs into and out of the Apurímac Canyon. Day 2 is the longest and most demanding, with a three-hour uphill climb followed by a visit to the ruins. Travelers who hike regularly will enjoy it much more. Our small groups and relaxed pace mean you can take the time you need to appreciate the views.

Should I Bring Extra Money?

Yes. It is a good idea to bring some extra money for emergencies or small purchases along the way.

Is Tipping the Staff Necessary?

After several days of care and hard work on the trail, it is customary to show appreciation to our team. Although they receive fair wages, a tip is a meaningful gesture that motivates them to keep delivering great service (suggested amount: 10%).

Pricing Details

Standard Price

From USD 1215

Book This Tour

Price per person USD 1215 USD

Book via WhatsApp

Secure inquiry. No payment required yet.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 31 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Carol B 
 
 
 
 Verified An unforgettable Salkantay Trek
Excellent Experience doing the 5 Day Salkantay trek with Guiding Cusco. The landscapes were increíble and everything was very well organized. Our Guide was friendly and always made sure we were doing well. Definitely and adventure i highly recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Laura C 
 
 
 
 Verified Unforgettable Day at Rainbow Mountain
I did the Rainbow Mountain tour with Edwin and it was perfect. From start to finish, the Guiding Cusco tour company made sure everything went smoothly and that everyone in the group felt happy and taken care of. The views at Rainbow Mountain were truly unforgettable. Edwin handled all the logistics perfectly so everyome could relax and enjoy the experience. Edwin is an amazing guide - funny, and a fantastic storyteller. He knows everything about Peru and makes the whole experience so much more meaningful. I would absolutely recommend a tour with Guiding Cusco to anyone visiting. 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   AnoukWolfs 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing trip
An Unforgettable Experience in Ausangate – Guiding Cusco Treking Ausangate with Guiding Cusco was one of the best experiences of our trip to Peru. From the very beginning, everything was very well organized, and the team made us feel safe, comfortable, and supported throughout the entire adventure. I want to give a special mention to Nazario, our cook, because he truly surprised us with the quality of the food. Being in such a remote place and at such a high altitude, we never imagined we would eat so well. Each meal was different, plentiful, fresh, and delicious. After long hikes, arriving at camp and finding a hot and well-prepared meal was incredible. We also want to give a special thanks to Percy, our muleteer, who did an excellent job throughout the trek. He was always attentive to the equipment, the horses, and making sure everything was ready at each campsite. It's clear he knows the mountain perfectly and works with great dedication. The campsites were excellent; everything was prepared and organized so we could rest after each day of hiking. Sleeping surrounded by the Ausangate mountains and waking up to those landscapes was simply spectacular. But the best part was the team. Everyone was kind, attentive, and professional, and we truly felt like we weren't just tourists on a tour, but rather having an authentic experience in the Andes. I highly recommend Guiding Cusco for Ausangate. If you're looking for a local, professional company with excellent organization, good food, good campsites, and a team that genuinely cares about its travelers, this is an excellent choice. Thanks to Nazario, Percy, and the entire Guiding Cusco team for making our Ausangate trip an unforgettable experience!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Trek11142408297 
 
 
 
 Verified reliable and individual support
We had direct contact with our guide from the beginning and were completely satisfied with his support. He was extremely accommodating, flexible, and addressed our wishes at all times. His advice on choosing the tour was particularly helpful: Based on his experience, he recommended a route to us where there were significantly fewer people and which suited us very well. We also felt in the best of hands with him during the tour itself. He accompanied us up the mountain and safely back down with a lot of experience and prudence. Overall, the entire service—from planning and personal support to execution—was more than satisfactory.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Marjorie Ocampos 
 
 
 
 Verified An amazing Salkantay Trek experience
I did the 5 day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Guiding Cusco as a solo traveller and had such a great experience. I felt comfortable and well looked after throughout the trek, and the group quickly became good company. The scenary was incredible and reaching Machu Picchu at the enf made all those challenging hiking dayscompletely worth it. So glad i decided to do this.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Skyle A 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing 5 day Trek.
We had an incredible trek to Machu Picchu with Lisbeth from Guiding Cusco. Everything was well organized, from the beautiful mountain scenery to the journey toward Machu Picchu. The team was friendly, professional, and always helpful. A challenging but unforgettable experience and definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Peru. Highly recommended.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Arnaldo g 
 
 
 
 Verified Five days of hiking in Cusco.!
Amazing experience! The smoll group made the Salkantay Trek feel very personal and relaxed. The guides were friendly, supportive, and the views were absolutely unforgettable. Reaching Machupicchu after five days of hiking was truly special.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Cosmopolitan382563 
 
 
 
 Verified Incredible Trek, Incredible Guide!
We did the 5 day/4 night Salktanay trek and it was awesome! Edwin is a local celebrity on the trail-- he knows every guide and all the community members along the trail. He was able to seamlessly resolve little the inevitable little hiccups (arranging cars, etc) and even helped us snag some Circuit 2 (the best circuit) Machu Picchu tickets when we arrived in Aquas Calientes. One thing that's special about Guiding Cusco Expeditions is that it's a smaller outfit and they do things a little differently from the two big trekking companies. Edwin knew different trails that were less crowded (both people and mules) that were far more beautiful than the mainline trails that we could see the other group taking across the valley. Edwin is also extremely knowledgable about the local ecology, plants, and birds. After going over the Salktanay pass and dropping into the cloud forest, he pointed out all the different species of flowers and even the wild orchids along the trail. I also have to give a special shout out to Nassario, the mountain chef who accompanied us for most of the trek-- every day he put together these incredible meals that were diverse, full of local flavor, and perfect for a long day of trekking. He even taught us how to make lomo saltado one afternoon. We had a fantastic experience and wouldn't hesitate to recommend Guiding Cusco Expedition-- they're a really awesome outfit who were a pleasure to work with at every step of the journey and we had an absolute blast.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   H B 
 
 
 
 Verified Six Stars for Guiding Cusco Expeditions
Outstanding Trip! Pick Guiding Cusco Expeditions. We just completed the 5 day / 4 night Salkantay Trek with Guiding Cusco Expeditions led by expert guide Edwin and chef Nosario. I cannot recommend Guiding Cusco more highly. First of all, the trek is spectacular. Every day is a completely new ecological environment, from high alpine peaks to a rainforest full of wild orchids and half a dozen different species of hummingbirds. Guiding Cusco Expeditions is a particularly good guide company. Coordinating with Lisbet over WhatsApp prior to the trip was easy and efficient. Edwin has over a decade of experience guiding in the Andes and he and Lisbet recently started Guiding Cusco. The entire trip was both safe, fun, and exceeded anything I could have organized myself. Edwin is extremely knowledgeable about history, geography, and the natural world and a true pleasure to learn from. Edwin also made our hike absolutely seamless, from the hotel pickup to the pass at 15,000 feet, to the 45th mile. He is able to juggle many logistics while making everything seem effortless (certainly felt that way to us). The accommodations were really great. Edwin knows the region very well and our hike benefited from his expertise. For example, there were several parts of the trek where we would see other companies walking along the road whereas Edwin would take us on forested trails with waterfalls and wildlife. I also have a severe food allergy and Guiding Cusco Expeditions expertly accommodated this throughout the entire trip. Guiding Cusco Expeditions was extremely diligent. They even led a cooking class one day on the trail! It was spectacular to cook classic Peruvian cuisine surrounded by the peaks of the Andes. If you want to support a local business and enjoy hiking in small groups with great vibes, pick Guiding Cusco Expeditions. You'll have an amazing time.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   onialias 
 
 
 
 Verified Ausangate 4d3n + Rainbow Mountain
I went with Guiding Cusco for a private Ausangate + Rainbow Mountain trip organised by Lisbet and guided by Edwin at the end of April 2026. They are amazing team and has been the easiest and professional operator to deal with. Lisbet is extremely responsive on Whatsapp communication and went above and beyond to help me in my last minute travel plan. Edwin and his team looked after me very well during the trek. Vegetarian food prepared by Nazario was amazing and you will never ever go hungry! Any extra food is shared with local community so nothing goes to waste. Guiding Cusco is the operator to go with particularly if you are looking for experienced local guide for your trekking around Cusco.

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the 7-day hike from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu?

It is a demanding hike, suitable for travelers with good physical fitness and prior hiking experience. The route involves long days of walking, steep ascents and descents, and significant changes in this hike.

How many hours do we hike each day?

Hiking time varies depending on the day and the route, but averages between 5 and 9 hours per day. The guide will set the pace based on the group and trail conditions.

Do I need prior hiking experience?

Having experience with multi-day hikes is recommended, though you do not need to be an expert mountaineer. Good physical fitness and the ability to hike for several consecutive hours are important.

Will I visit both Choquequirao and Machu Picchu on the same trip?

Yes. The 7-day itinerary is designed to connect Choquequirao with Machu Picchu, allowing you to explore both archaeological sites as part of a single multi-day hiking experience.

Are there fewer people at Choquequirao than at Machu Picchu?

Yes. Choquequirao receives considerably fewer visitors than Machu Picchu, making the experience feel more secluded and allowing you to explore the archaeological complex in a quieter atmosphere.

When will I visit Machu Picchu?

The visit to Machu Picchu takes place towards the end of the 7-day journey. After completing the hike, you will take a guided tour of the citadel before returning to Cusco.

Can I climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?

Additional tickets for these mountains can be requested, subject to availability. These tickets are separate from the standard Machu Picchu entrance ticket and must be arranged in advance.

How do I return to Cusco after visiting Machu Picchu?

After visiting Machu Picchu, you will travel to Aguas Calientes and continue to Cusco via train and ground transport, in accordance with the itinerary and train schedule selected for your trip.

Testimonials

What Our Guests Say

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 31 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Carol B 
 
 
 
 Verified An unforgettable Salkantay Trek
Excellent Experience doing the 5 Day Salkantay trek with Guiding Cusco. The landscapes were increíble and everything was very well organized. Our Guide was friendly and always made sure we were doing well. Definitely and adventure i highly recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Laura C 
 
 
 
 Verified Unforgettable Day at Rainbow Mountain
I did the Rainbow Mountain tour with Edwin and it was perfect. From start to finish, the Guiding Cusco tour company made sure everything went smoothly and that everyone in the group felt happy and taken care of. The views at Rainbow Mountain were truly unforgettable. Edwin handled all the logistics perfectly so everyome could relax and enjoy the experience. Edwin is an amazing guide - funny, and a fantastic storyteller. He knows everything about Peru and makes the whole experience so much more meaningful. I would absolutely recommend a tour with Guiding Cusco to anyone visiting. 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   AnoukWolfs 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing trip
An Unforgettable Experience in Ausangate – Guiding Cusco Treking Ausangate with Guiding Cusco was one of the best experiences of our trip to Peru. From the very beginning, everything was very well organized, and the team made us feel safe, comfortable, and supported throughout the entire adventure. I want to give a special mention to Nazario, our cook, because he truly surprised us with the quality of the food. Being in such a remote place and at such a high altitude, we never imagined we would eat so well. Each meal was different, plentiful, fresh, and delicious. After long hikes, arriving at camp and finding a hot and well-prepared meal was incredible. We also want to give a special thanks to Percy, our muleteer, who did an excellent job throughout the trek. He was always attentive to the equipment, the horses, and making sure everything was ready at each campsite. It's clear he knows the mountain perfectly and works with great dedication. The campsites were excellent; everything was prepared and organized so we could rest after each day of hiking. Sleeping surrounded by the Ausangate mountains and waking up to those landscapes was simply spectacular. But the best part was the team. Everyone was kind, attentive, and professional, and we truly felt like we weren't just tourists on a tour, but rather having an authentic experience in the Andes. I highly recommend Guiding Cusco for Ausangate. If you're looking for a local, professional company with excellent organization, good food, good campsites, and a team that genuinely cares about its travelers, this is an excellent choice. Thanks to Nazario, Percy, and the entire Guiding Cusco team for making our Ausangate trip an unforgettable experience!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Trek11142408297 
 
 
 
 Verified reliable and individual support
We had direct contact with our guide from the beginning and were completely satisfied with his support. He was extremely accommodating, flexible, and addressed our wishes at all times. His advice on choosing the tour was particularly helpful: Based on his experience, he recommended a route to us where there were significantly fewer people and which suited us very well. We also felt in the best of hands with him during the tour itself. He accompanied us up the mountain and safely back down with a lot of experience and prudence. Overall, the entire service—from planning and personal support to execution—was more than satisfactory.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Marjorie Ocampos 
 
 
 
 Verified An amazing Salkantay Trek experience
I did the 5 day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Guiding Cusco as a solo traveller and had such a great experience. I felt comfortable and well looked after throughout the trek, and the group quickly became good company. The scenary was incredible and reaching Machu Picchu at the enf made all those challenging hiking dayscompletely worth it. So glad i decided to do this.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Skyle A 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing 5 day Trek.
We had an incredible trek to Machu Picchu with Lisbeth from Guiding Cusco. Everything was well organized, from the beautiful mountain scenery to the journey toward Machu Picchu. The team was friendly, professional, and always helpful. A challenging but unforgettable experience and definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Peru. Highly recommended.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Arnaldo g 
 
 
 
 Verified Five days of hiking in Cusco.!
Amazing experience! The smoll group made the Salkantay Trek feel very personal and relaxed. The guides were friendly, supportive, and the views were absolutely unforgettable. Reaching Machupicchu after five days of hiking was truly special.
  
 
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   Cosmopolitan382563 
 
 
 
 Verified Incredible Trek, Incredible Guide!
We did the 5 day/4 night Salktanay trek and it was awesome! Edwin is a local celebrity on the trail-- he knows every guide and all the community members along the trail. He was able to seamlessly resolve little the inevitable little hiccups (arranging cars, etc) and even helped us snag some Circuit 2 (the best circuit) Machu Picchu tickets when we arrived in Aquas Calientes. One thing that's special about Guiding Cusco Expeditions is that it's a smaller outfit and they do things a little differently from the two big trekking companies. Edwin knew different trails that were less crowded (both people and mules) that were far more beautiful than the mainline trails that we could see the other group taking across the valley. Edwin is also extremely knowledgable about the local ecology, plants, and birds. After going over the Salktanay pass and dropping into the cloud forest, he pointed out all the different species of flowers and even the wild orchids along the trail. I also have to give a special shout out to Nassario, the mountain chef who accompanied us for most of the trek-- every day he put together these incredible meals that were diverse, full of local flavor, and perfect for a long day of trekking. He even taught us how to make lomo saltado one afternoon. We had a fantastic experience and wouldn't hesitate to recommend Guiding Cusco Expedition-- they're a really awesome outfit who were a pleasure to work with at every step of the journey and we had an absolute blast.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   H B 
 
 
 
 Verified Six Stars for Guiding Cusco Expeditions
Outstanding Trip! Pick Guiding Cusco Expeditions. We just completed the 5 day / 4 night Salkantay Trek with Guiding Cusco Expeditions led by expert guide Edwin and chef Nosario. I cannot recommend Guiding Cusco more highly. First of all, the trek is spectacular. Every day is a completely new ecological environment, from high alpine peaks to a rainforest full of wild orchids and half a dozen different species of hummingbirds. Guiding Cusco Expeditions is a particularly good guide company. Coordinating with Lisbet over WhatsApp prior to the trip was easy and efficient. Edwin has over a decade of experience guiding in the Andes and he and Lisbet recently started Guiding Cusco. The entire trip was both safe, fun, and exceeded anything I could have organized myself. Edwin is extremely knowledgeable about history, geography, and the natural world and a true pleasure to learn from. Edwin also made our hike absolutely seamless, from the hotel pickup to the pass at 15,000 feet, to the 45th mile. He is able to juggle many logistics while making everything seem effortless (certainly felt that way to us). The accommodations were really great. Edwin knows the region very well and our hike benefited from his expertise. For example, there were several parts of the trek where we would see other companies walking along the road whereas Edwin would take us on forested trails with waterfalls and wildlife. I also have a severe food allergy and Guiding Cusco Expeditions expertly accommodated this throughout the entire trip. Guiding Cusco Expeditions was extremely diligent. They even led a cooking class one day on the trail! It was spectacular to cook classic Peruvian cuisine surrounded by the peaks of the Andes. If you want to support a local business and enjoy hiking in small groups with great vibes, pick Guiding Cusco Expeditions. You'll have an amazing time.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   onialias 
 
 
 
 Verified Ausangate 4d3n + Rainbow Mountain
I went with Guiding Cusco for a private Ausangate + Rainbow Mountain trip organised by Lisbet and guided by Edwin at the end of April 2026. They are amazing team and has been the easiest and professional operator to deal with. Lisbet is extremely responsive on Whatsapp communication and went above and beyond to help me in my last minute travel plan. Edwin and his team looked after me very well during the trek. Vegetarian food prepared by Nazario was amazing and you will never ever go hungry! Any extra food is shared with local community so nothing goes to waste. Guiding Cusco is the operator to go with particularly if you are looking for experienced local guide for your trekking around Cusco.

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