Overview
Peru by Locals, a team of passionate mountain people (guides) who love to explore and guide amazing places, has prepared this long and incredible adventure for those who love being in the mountains and especially the complete journey to Machu Picchu. This spectacular expedition takes you through the most stunning deep canyons, tall mountains, cloud forests, original stone-paved Inca trails that have remained from 500 years ago, well-preserved Inca ruins such as the amazing Choquequirao or the Cradle of Gold, often known as the other Machu Picchu, up to the sacred Mount Salkantay, the tallest mountain in the region, and finally connecting to the famous classic Inca Trail.
The grandiose and mysterious old city of Choquequirao, an abandoned city, has many parallels with Machu Picchu, featuring temples, agricultural terraces built on the steep sections of the mountain similar to Huayna Picchu’s mountain terraces, an entire city built over 4,000 feet above the Apurímac River, high up in the mountains but covered in the jungle.
This journey ends at the new World Wonder, Machu Picchu.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Hike with our passionate local guides who spend more time in the mountains than in the city
- Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Andes mountains, snow-covered peaks, jungle, deep canyons, isolated mountain farms, and tropical jungle
- Visit the two major Inca cities, Machu Picchu and its sister site, Choquequirao, the Golden Cradle
- Combine the top three treks to Machu Picchu
- Enjoy Peruvian cuisine while trekking, prepared by our chefs from scratch
Follow the original Inca Trail once used by our ancestors
Details
- Type of transport: Van transport, train, trekking
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Distance covered: 154 km (96 miles)
- Type of tour: Trekking, scenic, cultural, historical
- Accommodation: 11 nights camping and 1 night hotel
Our guides: PERU BY LOCALS was a dream that came true in 2015 for Jose Condor, who guided treks from 2014 until today and has been to Machu Picchu over 1,000 times. Now, Peru by Locals has a group of top guides, both men and women, who hold professional degrees and receive refresher training every year with NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) in WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER, since our treks take place in the wilderness and your health is our priority. Our guides are fully trained to assist with any needs while you are vacationing. We invest in our guides because we believe they are the main ingredient of any trip.
Location: This trip starts in Cusco city or the Sacred Valley upon your request. You will need to fly to Lima, the capital of Peru, then to Velasco Astete Airport in Cusco, which is a small domestic airport.
Departures: This hike is operated 100% by PERU BY LOCALS. When you book your hike or take any tour package with us, we have departures from April to September for this adventure since it’s the dry season and the views are amazing. The group size averages from 2 to 8 people, but often we go with the number of booked people, allowing us to provide personalized service and share more about our amazing country.
We take bookings year-round, but we highly recommend booking this trek at least six months in advance since permits are limited. You are welcome to reach us with any questions at our 24/7 number +51 989585967 or by emailing us at perubylocalstravel@gmail.com.
DAILY ITINERARY DISTANCES
- DAY 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Rio Blanco (12 km – 7.2 miles)
- DAY 2: Rio Blanco – Maranpata – Choquequirao (13 km – 8 miles)
- DAY 3: Choquequirao – Pinchiunuyoc – Maisal (14 km – 8.7 miles)
- DAY 4: Maisal – San Juan Pass – Yanama (12 km – 7.2 miles)
- DAY 5: Yanama – Yanama Pass – Colpapampa (16 km – 9.9 miles)
- DAY 6: Totora – Colpapampa – Wayraqmachay (12 km – 7.2 miles)
- DAY 7: Waramachay – Salkantay Pass – Pampa Japonesa (14 km – 8.6 miles)
- DAY 8: Pampa Japonesa – Papacawana (14 km – 8.6 miles)
- DAY 9: Pampacawana – Wayllabamba – Ayapata (12 km – 7.2 miles)
- DAY 10: Ayapata – Dead Woman’s Pass – Chaquicocha (13 km – 8 miles)
- DAY 11: Chaquiccocha – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (15 km – 9.3 miles)
- DAY 12: Machu Picchu Tour and train back
Itinerary
DAY 0: BRIEFING
At PBL, we believe it’s important that all of our guests receive the final details about the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek (the itinerary, the challenges, what to bring, etc.) before we start the lifetime adventure. At a pre-arranged time, your guide will provide a full pre-trek briefing at your Cusco hotel the day before the trek begins.
DAY 1: CUSCO – CAPULIYOC – PLAYA ROSALINA
We will pick you up at 5:30 am for about a 4-hour drive in our private transport to Capuliyoc (2915m / 9563 ft). We will stop in the town of Curawasi for breakfast. The views along the way are spectacular, making the journey enjoyable as you appreciate herds of cows, sheep, and mountain villages.
Once at Capuliyoc, we meet our horsemen and horses and pack all our equipment onto the horses, including food, tents, and our gear for the night.
We then start by walking through up and down terrain to Capuliyoc viewpoint. From here, we will have great views of the deep Apurímac canyon, snow-capped mountains, and the majestic Choquequirao way far up on the mountains.
After reaching Chuiquisca, we will stop for lunch with an organic and nutritious meal. Our food is a definition of deluxe; while we eat, we get to enjoy great views of Apurímac Canyon and snow-capped mountains such as Padreyoc. After lunch, we descend for two hours to our first campsite at La Playa Rosalina, the base of the canyon, where we will spend the night.
- Lowest Elevation: 1,475m / 4,839 ft
- Highest Elevation: 2,915m / 9,563 ft
- Distance to walk: 12 km / 7.2 miles
- Approximate walking time: 6 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 2: PLAYA ROSALINA – MARANPATA – CHOQUEQUIRAO
After waking up with a nice cup of coca tea in your tent and a hearty breakfast, we start ascending towards Maranpata for about 5 hours. The climb is very challenging due to the steep trail and the heat. We will stop at Maranpata for lunch and to set up camp. After lunch, we will hike towards Choquequirao for over 1.5 hours to explore this amazing Inca site and learn about its history as we enjoy the sunset.
- Distance covered: 13 km
- Time: 5 to 6 hours
- Lowest elevation: 1,550 m
- Highest elevation: 3,110 m
- Level of Difficulty: Demanding
DAY 3: CHOQUEQUIRAO – PINCHIUNUYOC – MAISAL
Early morning wake-up call with a cup of coffee followed by a nutritious breakfast. We will hike up for about 1 hour to the first pass (3,250m) of the trek through a typical cloud forest with great vistas all around, then descend for the next couple of hours to Rio Blanco for lunch. After lunch, we hike through a steep trail up to camp.
- Distance covered: 14 km
- Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Lowest elevation: 1,900 m
- Highest elevation: 3,250 m
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 4: MAISAL – SAN JUAN PASS – YANAMA
We start descending towards Rio Blanco, the lowest point of the trek (1,990m / 6,507 ft) and probably the hottest in the entire trek. It is a nice place to rest and dip your feet into the cold river to relax. After a nice relaxation, we will start ascending again for about 3 to 4 hours to Maizall through beautiful vegetation and great views. Lunch will be at the camp.
- Distance covered: 12 km
- Time: 6 to 7 hours
- Lowest elevation: 1,990m / 6,507 ft
- Highest elevation: 4,130 m / 13,546 ft
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Demanding
DAY 5: YANAMA – YANAMA PASS – COLPAPAMPA
Early morning wake-up and hike up to the next pass called Yanama Pass (4,670m / 15,321 ft) for about 4 hours. The hike goes through grassy land called Puna. Today we will see many snow-capped mountains due to the elevation of the hike. On our way down to camp, the vegetation will change and it almost becomes more jungle at Totora (3,600m). Here at this camp, we will have hot showers and clean bathrooms.
- Distance covered: 16 km
- Time: 8 to 9 hours
- Lowest elevation: 3,100 m
- Highest elevation: 4,670 m
- Level of Difficulty: Demanding
DAY 6: COLPAPAMPA – WAYRAQMACHAY
Today we will connect to the Salkantay Trail for the following two days. We will likely encounter many hikers doing the Salkantay journey in the opposite direction and will leave the jungle region.
This hike is all uphill for about 6 to 7 hours towards Wayraqmachay (3,900m) through cloud forest. Here, we stop for a delicious lunch and camp for the night, nestled at the bottom of the Humantay and Salkantay mountains.
- Distance covered: 12 km
- Time: 6 to 7 hours
- Lowest elevation: 3,100 m
- Highest elevation: 3,900 m
- Level of Difficulty: Demanding
DAY 7: WAYRAQMACHAY – SALKANTAY PASS – PAMPA JAPONESA
After enjoying a breakfast prepared by our chef, we start our trek uphill for 3 to 4 hours towards Salkantay Pass (4,600m) through rugged terrain with great mountain scenery. After spending some time at the pass enjoying the magnificent view of Salkantay Mountain, you hike down for 20 minutes to Royroqocha for a delicious lunch. After lunch, we descend to Salkantay Pampa for about one hour and then undertake a final uphill hike for a couple of hours to Pampa Japonesa.
- Distance covered: 14 km
- Time: 8 to 9 hours
- Lowest elevation: 4,100 m
- Highest elevation: 4,600 m
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Demanding
DAY 8: PAMPA JAPONESA – PAMPACAWANA
After our chef serves us a delicious breakfast, we continue our journey for a couple of hours up to the highest pass of the trek, called Inca Chiriasca (4,860m), the highest pass in our trek. We will rest here for a good amount of time; this pass offers one of the most spectacular views of snow-capped mountains, including Salkantay Mountain—a perfect place for pictures. From the pass, we hike down for about 2 hours to a lunch spot called Sisaypampa. After lunch, we will continue downhill towards Pampacawana (3,650m) where we spend the night.
- Distance covered: 14 km (9 miles)
- Time: 8 to 9 hours
- Lowest elevation: 3,800 m (12,467 feet)
- Highest elevation: 4,860 m (15,945 feet)
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 9: PAMPACAWANA – WAYLLABAMBA – AYAPATA (INCA TRAIL)
Hike down through a narrow valley for about three hours towards the first Inca site on the trek, Paucarcancha (3,150m). We stop here for a history lesson given by our guide. Then we hike down for thirty minutes to Wayllabamba, where we join the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Here, we will meet our porters who will be in charge of carrying all the equipment to the end of the trek since horses are no longer allowed on the Inca Trail.
After a delicious meal, we start ascending for about 1.5 hours towards the campsite. The hike goes through various ecosystems, including the sierra and cloud forest.
- Distance covered: 12 km
- Time: 7 to 9 hours
- Lowest elevation: 3,000 m
- Highest elevation: 3,650 m
DAY 10: AYAPATA – DEAD WOMAN’S PASS – CHAQUICOCHA
The morning begins very early at 5 am, and we will start our hike around 6 am. This day is especially demanding because of the altitude and long day. The ascent to the next pass on the Inca Trail will take us about two hours. Once we reach the top of Dead Woman’s Pass at WAMIWAÑUSQA (4,215m), we descend to the lunch spot at PAQAYMAYO (3,650m). We start with a one-hour ascent to the next pass on the Inca Trail, RUNKURAQAY (3,950m). After taking some time to rest here, we descend to explore the Inca ruins at SAYAQMARCA before heading to our campsite Chaquicocha (3,590m).
- Distance covered: 13 km
- Time: 8 to 9 hours
- Lowest elevation: 3,590 m
- Highest elevation: 3,950 m
- Level of Difficulty: Demanding
DAY 11: CHAQUICCOCHA – MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES
We will leave camp early after enjoying another gorgeous sunrise over the mountains. We then head towards Phuyupatamarca Inca archaeological site, where we stop briefly to explore the site. Then we hike downhill for about three hours to WIÑAYHUAYNA, the site with the most magnificent Inca ruins along the Inca Trail. Here, we will have a guided tour of the site and the last lunch of the trek. After saying goodbye to our porters and chef, we begin our two-hour hike to Machu Picchu and will arrive before sunset. Once we reach Machu Picchu, we will have the chance to take great pictures because, by this time, most people have already left the city. We will then take a bus down to Aguas Calientes, where we spend the night at a hotel and enjoy dinner together at INDIO FELIZ RESTAURANT.
- Distance covered: 15 km
- Time: 7 to 9 hours
- Lowest elevation: 2,400 m
- Highest elevation: 3,700 m
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 12: MACHU PICCHU TOUR AND TRAIN BACK TO CUSCO
On the last day, we will visit the lost city of Machu Picchu, a World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. We will take the bus from Aguas Calientes early and arrive at Machu Picchu to watch the sun rise spectacularly over one of the most amazing places on earth. Be prepared for a flood of emotions or goosebumps at the very least as you gaze at the ancient city of Machu Picchu!
Once we arrive, we will go on a three-hour guided tour of the most important sites in the city. After the tour, you will have time to explore the ancient city and take pictures on your own. If you are brave and fit enough, you can hike up the steep Huayna Picchu Mountain. Alternatively, you may decide to find a shady spot to relax, meditate, and soak up the inspiring and spiritual energy of Machu Picchu. When you are ready to leave, you can take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes to collect your luggage from the hotel and enjoy a farewell lunch with the rest of the group before returning to Cusco by train in the afternoon. We will meet you at the Cusco Station and transport you to your hotel.
- Distance covered: Walking tour of Machu Picchu
- Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Lowest elevation: 2,050 m (6,726 feet)
- Highest elevation: 2,400 m (7,874 feet)
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Services
SERVICES INCLUDED
- Transport to and from your hotel in Cusco
- Organic meals from the beginning to the end
- Entrance tickets to all trails including Choquequirao and Machu Picchu
- Porters who will carry all the equipment (food, tents, chairs, table, etc.)
- Horses to carry all the camping gear in the Choquequirao and Salkantay sections
- Porters who will carry your belongings such as sleeping bag, sleeping pad, or clothes for the night up to 8 kilos / 17 lbs and for carrying all the equipment for camping in the Inca Trail section
- Chef from the beginning to the end
- Boiled drinking water throughout the trek
- Professional trekking guides, knowledgeable in history, tradition, fauna, and flora. Our guides are trained in Wilderness First Responder; we believe your safety is our priority, especially while you are vacationing in the mountains
- First Aid Kit carried by your guide
- Equipment (sleeping tent, dining tent, kitchen tent, table, chairs, air mattresses)
- Duffle bag if needed (during your briefing with your guide, you can request a duffle bag or email us before coming so we can have it ready for you)
- Bus tickets from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Train tickets from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (expedition). If you prefer vistadome service, we will upgrade it at an additional cost of US$25 per person
- Toilet tent with toilet seat
SERVICES EXCLUDED
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from us at a cost of US$20). Our sleeping bags are washed after each use
- Gratuities for porters and guides. A recommended amount is 15% of the total cost of the trek for the whole team of porters.
Packing list
- Original passport – Please remember to bring your original passport, which should be the current one. If you have acquired a new one after booking, bring both (the one you used for booking your trip and the new one). The information you provided at the time of booking must match your tickets for the Classic Inca Trail.
- Sleeping bag – Recommended at least 5°F (If you don’t have one, you can rent from us for $20)
- Good hiking shoes – They should be broken in already. If you have acquired new ones, make sure to break them in before you come. They should be comfortable for your feet and possibly have ankle support.
- Down warm fleece – The jacket should be warm enough for the nights and windbreaker-resistant.
- Few t-shirts – Made for hiking. As you will sweat a lot, consider bringing at least 3 or 4 of them: one for the hike, one for the night, and one clean for Machu Picchu.
- Socks – Bring at least 3 pairs.
- Sun hat – Some days can be hot and sunny, so we recommend bringing a sun hat that can keep the sun off your face.
- Light long pants – Trekking pants are the best, especially those that can zip off the legs and dry fast.
- Clothes for sleeping – Warm long underwear; you can use your fleece to sleep in and consider bringing gloves, especially for the campsite.
- Headlamp – All the camps are dark, so you will need to bring a headlamp for organizing your stuff in your tent or going to the bathroom at night.
- Sunscreen – SPF 35+ recommended.
- Sunglasses
- Trekking poles – They are very helpful and can reduce the strain on your legs by up to 30%. If you don’t have them, you can rent them from us for $10 per pair for 4 days of hiking.
- Camera – With spare batteries or phones to take great pictures (batteries run down faster at high altitudes).
- Bug repellent – There are mosquitoes all year round, so make sure you pack your bug repellent.
- Water bottle – Machu Picchu National Park does not allow plastic bottles. Please make sure you have a Nalgene bottle or camel bag. Before we leave the hotel in Cusco, ensure you have filled up your water bottle for the first day. You will be able to get more from us whenever you need it.
- Toiletries
- Prescription medicines – Please inform your trip leader of any medications you are taking.
- Food restrictions – If you have any allergies or preferences, make sure to add them in the booking form.
- Books to read – You will have some spare time at every camp to read your favorite book or those about Machu Picchu, which may make your journey more interesting. (Recommended books: Last Days of the Incas by Kim MacQuarrie, Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time by Mark Adams)
Important information
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHERE DO I MEET THE TEAM?
The day before the trek starts, your guide will meet you at your chosen hotel in Cusco at 5:30 pm for a pre-trek talk. We recommend booking a hotel in the downtown area of Cusco.
WHAT IS THE TERRAIN LIKE? HOW CHALLENGING IS IT?
The trek is rated as moderate to challenging and covers approximately 51 km (31.6 miles) on uneven, rocky terrain with steep uphill and downhill sections. This trek does not reach very high elevations, so it is mostly a physical challenge.
HOW LONG BEFORE SHOULD I BOOK THIS TREK?
While this trek does not strictly require booking in advance, we recommend booking at least a couple of weeks in advance to give us enough time to organize everything so you can enjoy this amazing adventure without worries.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE TREK DURING THE YEAR?
Weather in the region is extremely variable, and you should pack for a variety of conditions. Additionally, our trek passes through ten bio-zones ranging from high-altitude alpine conditions to high jungle. On a sunny day, you can expect temperatures of about 18–25°C (65–77°F). However, on the second day, the weather is very unpredictable, and temperatures can drop to 6°C (42°F) during the day at the pass (though you won’t spend much time up there).
The Machu Picchu area has a humid climate and tends to be warmer since it is located at a lower altitude and near the Amazon Jungle. The average temperatures at Machu Picchu are between 23°C to 25°C (73°F and 77°F), with the minimum temperature around 18°C (64°F). The Cusco area has only two well-defined seasons: the wet season and the dry season. The wet season starts in November and ends in March. During this period, it rains almost every day for three or four hours, but there are also several sunny days. The dry season begins around April and lasts until October. June and July are the coldest months. Paradoxically, at noon, the temperatures can reach 23°C (73°F), the annual highest temperature.
WHAT DO HORSES CARRY FOR ME?
You only carry a day-pack with everything you may need for a day’s hike (water bottle, rain gear, cameras, snacks). Horses carry the rest of your extra bag and will meet you upon arrival at the next stop. You are allowed to put up to 8 kilos / 17 pounds, which may include a sleeping bag (1.5 kilos / 3.3 pounds), sleeping pad (1 kilo / 2 pounds), and extra clothes for the night such as long warm underwear, warm fleece, and others.
WHAT AM I GOING TO EAT ON THE TREK?
Our meals are based on organic food, and we prepare fresh vegetables from the beginning. Your lunch would typically include quinoa, pasta, vegetable soup, and a main course usually served buffet-style in small portions, including rice, potatoes, white or red meat, and salad such as avocado.
Dinner is usually similar but includes dessert. Breakfast is based on eggs, omelets, pancakes, bread, cereals, oatmeal, and drinks. You will be very well fed and may only need to pack very few snacks with you because we will provide snacks such as fruit and a cookie for the way.
*Note:* We have options for vegetarians or vegans too. When booking, please inform us so we know what to prepare for you on the trek.
HOW MANY DAYS SHOULD I STAY IN CUSCO BEFORE THE TREK TO ADJUST TO THE ALTITUDE?
This trek does not require altitude adjustments, but we recommend spending at least a day in Cusco for your body to rest and be ready for an amazing adventure. This trek is more about physical endurance, so train before coming.
DO I NEED TO BRING MONEY ON THE TREK?
You should consider bringing money, as you may want to buy bottled water, snacks, Gatorade, beer, etc., from locals along the way, especially on day one. Additionally, if you wish to give appreciations or tips to the porters and guides, you will need money. The last lunch at Aguas Calientes is not included, so you will need money for that as well. We recommend bringing soles rather than dollars; there are banks and exchange offices in Cusco where you can change any type of currency.
DO I NEED TO CARRY MY OWN MEDICINE OR FIRST AID?
Your guide will always have a first aid kit while you are on the trek, which includes some painkillers, bandages, blister prevention kits, an oxygen tank, pills for diarrhea, and similar items. If you need any special medication or have a special medical condition, please contact your doctor to get the best advice before the trek.
CAN I RENT A SLEEPING BAG FROM YOU? WHAT TYPE SHOULD I BRING?
We rent sleeping bags that are specially designed for cold temperatures on the treks and offer sleeping bags for up to 5°F (-15°C). When booking your trek with us, you should request a sleeping bag if you need one, as it won’t be possible to rent it on-site.
If you have one, ensure it is down-filled and suitable for temperatures up to 5°F (-15°C) or colder, as you don’t want to be cold.
HOW BIG WILL MY GROUP BE?
We specialize in both small and large groups, but we prefer small groups because they allow us to provide personalized service, especially when encountering various elements on treks, such as Incan sites, flowers, flora, and fauna. Your guide spends more time with you, allowing you to learn more about our culture and history.
We limit the size of our trek groups to up to 8 people. Of course, if any situation requires more than 8 people in a group, that is not a problem for us. For example, a group of friends or family larger than 8 is welcome to join as a single group.
HOW DO I GET WATER ON THE TREK?
You will be provided with boiled drinking water from day 1 to the end of your trek. However, make sure you have enough water for the first day (you can also purchase it on the way to the beginning of your trek). People usually drink about one and a half liters of water per day, some even more, so you need to bring water bottles for the first day to refill them. We recommend bringing Nalgene water bottles or camel bags to reduce garbage. You will encounter locals selling bottled water along the way, but not everyone is responsible, and many people litter. We need to take care of our home and nature—that is why we recommend refilling your bottles whenever possible. Thank you for being part of our green home.
IS THERE ANY AGE LIMIT?
On the Inca Trail, there is no minimum age or maximum limit. Any person who is prepared for trekking can do it. The Inca Trail is a challenging trek, so there is a requirement to be fit. Everyone considering trekking the Inca Trail should have a certain level of fitness—you don’t want to give up in the middle of the trek, as the Inca Trail is not like walking in the park, but it is also not impossible.
WHAT TIME DO I GET BACK TO CUSCO ON THE LAST DAY?
You will be back in Cusco around 5 pm after the trek. If for any reason you need to be back in Cusco earlier than that, please inform us at the time of booking or at least one month before your trek begins, as we have to purchase the train ticket for the exact specified trains.
WHAT IS THE TOILET SITUATION ON THE TREK LIKE? SHOULD I BRING MY OWN TOILET PAPER?
This trek has toilets, especially at lunch and campgrounds, but they don’t usually provide toilet paper. We recommend bringing one roll for every two people. If for any reason you need extra, your cook will have additional rolls for you. Please don’t hesitate to ask for more, as they are always prepared for emergencies.
DO I NEED WALKING POLES?
Walking poles are recommended for everyone as they help significantly both downhill and uphill. Our expert guides say they can reduce the strain on your legs by up to 30%. A pair of walking poles is recommended per person. If you don’t have any but want to use them on your trek, you can rent them from us as well—a pair costs US$15 for four days of hiking.
HOW BIG SHOULD MY DAY BACKPACK BE?
A thirty-liter backpack is sufficient to carry your belongings, such as water, rain gear, and extra clothes.
HOW BIG ARE THE SLEEPING TENTS? HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN SLEEP IN THEM?
Our tents are designed for four seasons and each can accommodate three people, but we typically use them for two (2.30 cm length / 0.90 inch width, 1.70 cm / 0.70 inch). Please email us if you are a solo traveler, want to share a tent, or prefer to have your own tent to sleep in.
IS THERE ANY PLACE TO WASH MYSELF? ARE THERE SHOWERS?
This trek does not offer showers, but our crew will provide you with a small bowl of water to wash once you arrive at the camps.
CAN I PAY THE REST OF THE BALANCE WITH A CREDIT CARD OR DOES IT HAVE TO BE IN CASH?
We accept the balance of the payment in cash to avoid extra fees. Of course, you can use PayPal or a credit card, but you will need to pay the fees, which are usually over 4.5%.
On the day of your briefing, when your guide meets you, one of our representatives will also meet you to collect the remaining balance for your trek.
PERUVIAN CURRENCY
The Peruvian sol is the currency of Peru and usually fluctuates between 3.3 to 3.8 Nuevo sol to 1 US Dollar.
LANGUAGE
Spanish is the national language of Peru. Additionally, about 20% of Peruvians speak Quechua (the Inca language). Our guides are fluent in Spanish and English.
Why Peru by Locals
- Peru by Locals offers tailor-made treks and tours, catering to your interests when planning your tour.
- We are committed to providing world-class tours based on exceptional customer service.
- We are a locally owned and highly experienced travel company based in Cusco, Peru.
- Our staff consists of members with decades of first-hand experience in the Peruvian tourism sector.
- All management and staff in Peru by Locals speak English, Spanish, and Quechua (the language of the Incas).
- Our guides and staff members are professionally trained and educated in the history of the Incas, Peruvian history, culture and traditions, first aid in the wilderness, guiding treks and tours, the fauna and flora of the region, and tourism management.
- We are committed to protecting our environment.
- We are committed to creating jobs and empowering local people. We believe in fair labor practices and honor and treat all our employees with dignity.
- We have programs to help with the development of the porters’ families and communities, such as planting trees and buying school books and equipment for poor local communities.
- We honor native communities that have stewarded the land you visit.
- We have also started an Education Fund to support the education of the children of porters. A percentage of income from every tour and trek goes to the education of those in need.
- Our trips are carefully designed to meet your needs, creating diverse and unique itineraries from 1 to 15 days in length. We offer a wide range of tours and treks, and we guarantee you the experience of a lifetime!
- Peru By Locals organizes worry-free trips for you to fully enjoy.
Peru Small Group Specialists
Our tours are designed for those who love adventure, want to explore new places, experience the local culture, love food, and enjoy history or photography, suitable for all ages whether you are traveling alone, with friends, as a couple, or with family.
Small groups are the best, and the average tour or trek group is around 4 to 8 people. Why is this great? Well, have you ever waited in line while 40 other people get a coffee in the morning? Believe it or not, it is not fun. Taking small groups allows us the flexibility to take you on adventures to places that nobody else goes.
Price
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Choquequirao + Salkantay + Inca Trail 12D/11N | Peru by Locals

Peru by Locals, a team of passionate mountain people (guides) who love to explore and guide amazing places, has prepared this long and incredible adventure for those who love being in the mountains and especially the complete journey to Machu Picchu. This spectacular expedition takes you through the most stunning deep canyons, tall mountains, cloud forests, original stone-paved Inca trails that have remained from 500 years ago, well-preserved Inca ruins such as the amazing Choquequirao or the Cradle of Gold, often known as the other Machu Picchu, up to the sacred Mount Salkantay, the tallest mountain in the region, and finally connecting to the famous classic Inca Trail.
Product Brand: Peru by Locals
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 2680
Product In Stock: InStock
5
GROUP SERVICE
Our tour groups are very important. We run tours from 2 to 8 people usually per group and open any tour dates with 2 guests. This service is considered semi-private for personalized experiences, allowing you to take advantage of your valuable time.
Accommodations
Costs are based on double bedroom occupancy and are in US dollars. For single room occupancy, contact us at info@perubylocals.com or call our 24/7 number +51 989585967 (WhatsApp).
To secure your booking with us, we require a 20% deposit pre-payment of the total cost, and the remaining balance must be paid 30 days prior to your trip.
Choosing this option
- Once a tour date is opened with 2 guests, the travel date is unlikely to change later.
- This is a great option to meet other travelers and socialize during the trip.
- The quality of service is the same as with private tours.
- If for any reason one of you cannot continue the tour, the tour will proceed as planned from beginning to end.
PRIVATE SERVICE
Our private service can start with 1 person and accommodate any number you desire, allowing you to choose your travel date.
Accommodations
We run all our tours with 3-star hotels, but we can customize with 5-star hotels upon request.
Costs are based on double bedroom occupancy and are in US dollars. For single room occupancy, contact us at info@perubylocals.com or call our 24/7 number +51 989585967 (WhatsApp).
To secure your booking with us, we require a 20% deposit pre-payment of the total cost, and the remaining balance must be paid 30 days prior to your trip.
Choosing this option
- We cater to your needs with flexibility.
- Once a tour date is opened, it can still be changed if time allows and upon your request.
- This is a great option to spend time with parents, family, and friends or to travel for special occasions such as a honeymoon.
- The quality of service is the same as other tours.