How Choquequirao Expeditions Was Born

Introduction

Choquequirao Expeditions was founded on a simple conviction: Peru’s most extraordinary places shouldn’t just be for those who can afford a helicopter or have special connections. They should be for anyone willing to walk.

We are part of My Peru Destinations Group, a Cusco-based travel collective with over a decade of experience operating expeditions in the Peruvian Andes. We know every stone on the path to Choquequirao because we’ve walked it hundreds of times. We know the families of Cachora, Yanama, and Huancacalle because we’ve worked alongside them from the very beginning.

Why Choquequirao?

As Machu Picchu began receiving millions of visitors a year—when long lines became part of the experience and tickets started selling out months in advance—we knew travelers were looking for something different.

Choquequirao was always there. Larger than Machu Picchu. Just as breathtaking. But without the crowds. Without the buses. Without the time constraints. The only requirement: a willingness to hike for two days to reach it.

We chose to specialize in this route because we believe the effort of the journey is part of the reward. We don’t sell “easy” tours; we sell experiences that are earned.

Why Vilcabamba?

After years of operating in Choquequirao, we began to explore further. We crossed the San Juan Pass. We descended into Yanama. We followed the paths Manco Inca took 500 years ago.

What we found changed us: Vilcabamba, the last refuge of the Inca Empire, remained almost forgotten. Fewer than 500 people a year visited Espíritu Pampa. The White Rock of Ñustahispana, one of Peru’s most powerful ceremonial sites, didn’t appear in any guidebooks.

We decided to open these routes—not to mass-market them, but so that travelers seeking authentic history and real adventure could find them.

What Defines Us

• Local Expertise We aren’t a desk agency that outsources operations. We are the operators. Our guides have hiked these routes for years. Our chefs know every campsite. Our muleteers were born in the communities along the trail.
• Small Groups A maximum of 12 people on the Classic Trek and 6 on the Vilcabamba routes. Small groups mean a better experience, lower environmental impact, and personalized attention.
• Real Commitment We don’t use “sustainability” as a marketing buzzword. We pay fair wages, limit the weight carried by our pack animals, buy supplies from local communities, and pack out every piece of trash we generate.
• Honesty We tell you the truth about the difficulty of each trek. If you aren’t prepared for a specific route, we’ll let you know. We’d rather you go on a trek you can enjoy than sell you something that will make you suffer.

Cusco is Our Home

Our office is in Cusco, not Lima or abroad. We live here. We know the city, the weather, and the culture. When you arrive in Cusco, you are arriving at our home. This means we can:

• Resolve any issues in person.
• Provide first-hand recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and activities.
• Adjust itineraries at the last minute if necessary.
• Be available for you before, during, and after your trek.

Part of Something Greater

Choquequirao Expeditions is part of My Peru Destinations Group, which also operates:

• Tailor-made trips throughout Peru.
• Luxury expeditions.
• Cultural and culinary tours.
• Volunteer programs.
• B2B services for travel agencies.

This gives us the stability of a large group with the specialized focus of a boutique company.

Our Promise

When you hike with us, we promise:

• Guides who know every meter of the trail.
• Hearty, well-prepared meals.
• Equipment in top condition.
• Total transparency regarding what is and isn’t included.
• Respect for local communities and the environment.
• A rapid response if anything goes wrong.

We don’t promise it will be easy. We promise it will be worth it.