Salkantay To Choquequirao: The Trail Of The Lost City

The journey begins at 5:30 am with a transition toward Mollepata, where the Andean landscape expands. We commence the march at Challacancha with a steady 45-minute ascent that tests acclimatization before the trail stabilizes toward Soraypampa. The air carries the scent of muña and tarwi, medicinal plants growing along the path.

After a lunch prepared with local ingredients in Soraypampa, we ascend toward Humantay Lagoon. This stretch is an exercise in physical presence before the glacial mass. The afternoon closes with the ritual of tea and dinner at the foot of the Apu, setting the tone of silence that will define the expedition.

Details
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Maximum altitude: 4,220 m / 13,845 ft
• Walking time: 6 hrs
• Walking distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
• Accommodation: Andean Expedition Camps
• Challacancha (Trailhead): 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
• Soraypampa (Campsite): 3,950 m / 12,959 ft
• Arrival at Camp: Approx. 5:00 pm

The ascent toward the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m) is the most demanding and defining stage. The pace is deliberate, allowing the body to adapt to the atmospheric pressure while glacial peaks dominate the horizon. In the rocky zones, one may observe the subtle movement of chinchillas. Reaching the pass is not a goal of speed, but a moment of stillness before the cordillera.

We begin the descent toward Huayracmachay for lunch. As we lose altitude, the air softens and the vegetation turns dense. We are entering the ceja de selva (cloud forest), where the Andean ecosystem yields to the high jungle.

Details
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Maximum altitude: 4,650 m / 15,255 ft
• Walking time: 8 hrs
• Walking distance: 22 km / 13.6 miles
• Accommodation: Andean Expedition Camps
• Soraypampa (Trailhead): 3,950 m / 12,959 ft
• Salkantay Pass: 4,650 m / 15,255 ft
• Colpapampa (Campsite): 2,050 m / 6,725 ft
• Arrival at Camp: Approx. 4:00 pm

Following a shared breakfast with the team, a local transport transfers us for two hours to Yanama, where the trek resumes. We ascend toward the Yanama Pass (San Juan), from which the depth of the Apurímac Canyon and the silhouette of Nevado Pumasillo are revealed for the first time.

We descend to Maizal, establishing our camp on the lands of a local family. In this environment of absolute silence, the chefs prepare an Andean meal using native herbs gathered on-site. The day concludes with a bonfire under the star-filled sky of the eastern Andes.

Details
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Maximum altitude: 4,150 m / 13,615 ft
• Walking time: 7 hrs
• Walking distance: 13 km / 8.0 miles
• Accommodation: Andean Expedition Camps
• Colpapampa (Trailhead): 2,050 m / 6,725 ft
• Yanama Pass: 4,150 m / 13,615 ft
• Maizal (Campsite): 3,250 m / 10,662 ft
• Arrival at Camp: Approx. 1:00 pm

We begin with a sharp two-hour descent to Río Blanco, a thermal breaking point in the route. After a crossing that allows for a brief contact with the cold river water, we start the technical ascent toward Pinchuniyoc. We lunch near this archaeological complex, observing terraces that seem to hang over the void.

We continue the climb toward the Choquequirao Pass. From this vantage point, the lost city and the imposing Nevado Padreyoc become visible. The final descent leads us to the Choquequirao camp, where the night is dedicated to rest and the exchange of experiences with our local collaborators.

Details
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Maximum altitude: 3,200 m / 10,498 ft
• Walking time: 9 hrs
• Walking distance: 18 km / 11.1 miles
• Accommodation: Andean Expedition Camps
• Maizal (Trailhead): 3,250 m / 10,662 ft
• Pinchuniyoc: 2,700 m / 8,858 ft
• Choquequirao (Campsite): 3,050 m / 10,006 ft
• Arrival at Camp: Approx. 4:30 pm

The day is dedicated to the exhaustive exploration of Choquequirao. We ascend to the Usno (ceremonial center) lookout and traverse the Main Plaza, the water fountains, and the llama sector, where stone iconography stands out upon the walls. We lunch on the periphery of this sacred site.

In the afternoon, we descend toward the Water Temple and the agricultural terraces—sectors that demand additional physical effort due to the gradient. Finally, we move toward Marampata for our final dinner in the mountains, under the shadow of the citadel.

Details
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Maximum altitude: 3,300 m / 10,826 ft
• Walking time: 9 hrs
• Walking distance: 13 km / 8.0 miles
• Accommodation: Andean Expedition Camps
• Choquequirao (Trailhead): 3,050 m / 10,006 ft
• Marampata (Campsite): 3,100 m / 10,170 ft
• Arrival at Camp: Approx. 4:30 pm

The final challenge of the expedition is the crossing of the Apurímac Canyon. We descend vertically to Playa Rosalinas (1,850 m), the lowest point of the trek, where the canyon's heat is felt. From there, we begin a demanding ascent toward Chiquiska and Cocamasana for a final lunch with panoramic views of the abyss.

We hike the last three hours toward Capuliyoc, where our transport awaits. Before departing, we bid farewell to the horsemen and local collaborators as they return to their communities. The return to Cusco marks the end of a journey that connects two of the most significant legacies of the Inka world.

Details
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Maximum altitude: 3,120 m / 10,236 ft
• Walking time: 7 hrs
• Walking distance: 22 km / 13.6 miles
• Marampata (Trailhead): 3,100 m / 10,170 ft
• Playa Rosalinas: 1,850 m / 6,069 ft
• Capuliyoc (End): 3,120 m / 10,236 ft
• Total distance: 98 km / 60.8 miles
• Arrival in Cusco: Approx. 6:00 pm