Overview
Join Dirty Health for an unforgettable journey through the Peruvian Andes, trekking the remote Choquequirao route to Machu Picchu alongside Matt Pritchard and the Earth’s Edge Peruvian expedition team.
About Dirty Health
Dirty Health creates relaxed, down-to-earth wellness retreats designed to help people reset and feel better without the pressure of strict routines or quick fixes.
Based in Wales, their purpose-built retreat combines fitness, recovery, nutrition and time to switch off, with facilities including a fully equipped gym, yoga space, sauna, hot tub and cold therapy, alongside chef-prepared meals and practical nutrition support.
Co-founder Matt Pritchard brings his trademark no-nonsense approach to health and wellbeing, drawing on his background in television, endurance challenges, food and fitness to encourage a more balanced and sustainable approach to healthy living.
Trekking to Machu Picchu via Choquequirao, Peru
The Dirty Health Machu Picchu Trek is a 14-day expedition through some of the most remote and spectacular landscapes in the Peruvian Andes.
Rather than following the busy Classic Inca Trail, this route takes you deep into the mountains to the remarkable Inca site of Choquequirao, before crossing high mountain passes and continuing towards Machu Picchu.
You’ll spend nine days trekking, camp for much of the route and cross passes reaching 4,668m above sea level. This is a Level 5 expedition, suited to those looking for a longer, quieter and more adventurous route to one of Peru’s most iconic sites. No previous high-altitude trekking experience is needed. With the right training and preparation, this trek is achievable for people with a good level of fitness and a sense of adventure.
Along the way, you’ll also visit a local coffee farm, have time to relax in natural hot springs, and have the option to visit Rainbow Mountain, making this a much broader experience of Peru than the trek alone.
Throughout the expedition, you’ll be supported by our highly experienced Peruvian guiding team and a dedicated Earth’s Edge expedition doctor.
Expedition Highlights
Travel with Matt Pritchard
Take on this epic trek to Machu Picchu alongside Dirty Health co-founder Matt Pritchard – TV personality, extreme endurance athlete, cook, author and lifelong adventurer.
Trek the Choquequirao Route
Reach Machu Picchu via the remote and spectacular Choquequirao trail, with time to explore these remarkable Inca ruins – a far quieter alternative to the classic Inca Trail.
Nine Days on the Trail
Spend nine days hiking through dramatic Andean landscapes, crossing high mountain passes and descending through remote valleys into lush coffee-growing country.
Cross the Andes at 4,668m
Reach the highest point of the expedition at Yanama Pass, with incredible views across the surrounding Peruvian Andes.
Finish at Machu Picchu
Complete the journey with a guided visit to Machu Picchu before hiking to the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain at 3,080m.
Dirty Health Machu Picchu: What’s Included
Before You Go
- A dedicated Dirty Health Wellness Retreat to support your preparation before departure
- An Earth’s Edge team jacket, buff and cap for you to keep
- Ongoing pre-departure support from the Earth’s Edge team based in Ireland
- Advice on training, equipment and preparing for altitude
In Peru
- Highly experienced Peruvian expedition guides
- Dedicated Earth’s Edge expedition doctor
- Full local support team including guides, cooks and mules
- Accommodation throughout the expedition (based on twin sharing in Wajaqui Ecolodge, in hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes, and camping elsewhere)
- High-quality tents and Therm-a-Rest sleeping mats during the trek
- Meals and drinking water as outlined in the itinerary (in Cusco and Aguas Calientes accommodation is based on B&B)
- Celebratory dinner at the end of the expedition
- Planned group transport throughout the trip
- Airport transfers that match our recommended flights
- Entry to Machu Picchu
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Entry to Machu Picchu Mountain
- Group trekking and camping equipment
- Fully stocked group medical kit
Flights
Flights are not included in the expedition price.
Travelling from the UK? We’ll send you our recommended flight timings approximately 10 months before departure. These are designed to connect with our complimentary group airport transfers.
If you’d prefer to book different flights, speak to us first so we can make sure your arrival works with the expedition schedule.
Payment Information
- Secure your place with a £400 deposit
- A part-payment of £1,000 is due six months before departure
- The remaining balance is payable by instalments or in full
- All fees are due 90 days prior to departure
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Cusco (3,400m)
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Arrive in Cusco, which sits at approximately 3,400m above sea level.
After checking into the hotel, you’ll have time to settle in, relax or begin exploring the city before meeting the group for a full expedition briefing.
It’s a gentle first day, giving you time to start adjusting to the altitude and get to know the people you’ll be trekking with over the next two weeks.
Day 2
Acclimatisation hike in Cusco (3,700m), 5 hrs trekking. Transfer to Wajaqui Ecolodge (3,330m).
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Today is all about helping your body gradually adjust to the altitude. We’ll head out on a guided acclimatisation hike around Cusco, reaching approximately 3,700m while taking in some of the sights around the city.
Afterwards, we transfer to Wajaqui Ecolodge (3,330m), where we’ll enjoy a traditional lunch and a relaxed afternoon before the main trek begins.
Day 3
Wajaqui Ecolodge to Cachora to Playa Rosalina (1,460m), 6 hrs trekking.
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After breakfast, we drive to the trailhead at Cachora (2850m). From here, the trek begins as we make our way down through the mountains towards the Apurimac River and our first campsite at Playa Rosalina.
It’s a great introduction to the scale of the Andean landscape and the changing scenery we’ll experience over the days ahead.
Day 4
Playa Rosalina to Choquequirao (3,000m), 10 hrs trekking.
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In the morning we have a tough climb from the Apurimac River to reach Marampata, which offers stunning views of Choquequirao. From there we follow an undulating trail cut into the mountain side to reach our campsite below Choquequirao, giving us our first real sense of just how remote this remarkable Inca site is.
Day 5
Choquequirao to Pinchiunuyocc (2,400m), 4 hrs trekking.
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A short climb brings us to Choquequirao, one of the highlights of the entire expedition. We’ll spend time exploring this remarkable Inca site, including its main plaza, ceremonial areas, terraces and irrigation systems. Unlike Machu Picchu, Choquequirao can only be reached on foot, and its remote location gives the site a very different atmosphere.
In the afternoon, we continue through the mountains towards our next campsite at Pinchiunuyocc.
Day 6
Pinchiunuyocc to Maizal (3,200m), 7 hrs trekking.
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We begin by descending towards the Rio Blanco before another tough climb through cloud forest to reach Maizal. The landscape changes noticeably throughout the day as we move through different vegetation zones, with wide views across the surrounding valleys and mountains.
Day 7
Maizal to Yanama (3,850m) via Victoria Pass, 9 hrs trekking.
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Today we cross Victoria Pass at 4,150m. From the pass, weather permitting, there are fantastic views towards the snow-covered peaks of Humantay (5,700m) and Salkantay (6,271m). We then continue down towards Yanama, where we spend the night.
Day 8
Yanama to Totora (3,500m) via Yanama Pass, 10 hrs trekking.
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Another stunning day as we reach the highest point of the expedition: Yanama Pass at 4,668m. The scenery is impressive with wide views across the surrounding Andes, and we may be lucky enough to spot some Andean condors! After crossing the pass, we descend towards Totora.
Day 9
Totora to Santa Teresa (1,550m), 7 hrs trekking.
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Today is a special day on our adventure as we visit a coffee farm, where we can learn more about coffee production in this part of Peru. Later, there’s time to unwind in the natural hot springs at Santa Teresa, a very welcome way to finish the day!
Day 10
Santa Teresa to Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes (2,040m), 4 hrs trekking.
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We transfer towards the Hidroelectrica area before continuing on foot towards Aguas Calientes, the town that sits below Machu Picchu. The beautiful route follows the railway through thick forest, with glimpses of the surrounding mountains along the way.
Day 11
Machu Picchu Day, 5-7 hrs trekking.
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Today we visit Machu Picchu! We start very early in the morning and explore the citadel on a two-hour guided tour, learning more about its history, architecture and importance within the Inca Empire. Afterwards, we hike to the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain at 3,080m, where there are fantastic views over the site and surrounding mountains. We return to Aguas Calientes for lunch, with the rest of the afternoon free to relax.
Day 12
Aguas Calientes to Cusco.
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After breakfast, we take the train back towards Cusco. You’ll have some free time to explore the city, relax or pick up a few last-minute souvenirs before we get together for a celebratory dinner that evening.
Day 13
Free day in Cusco or Optional Rainbow Mountain
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Today is yours to enjoy Cusco at your own pace. You can spend the day exploring the city, relaxing in one of its cafés or simply taking it easy after the trek. Alternatively, you can join an optional trip to Rainbow Mountain (5,036m) and the nearby Red Valley (5,200m).
Facts
Why Trek Machu Picchu with Dirty Health & Earth’s Edge?
Adventure changes lives. At Earth’s Edge, we believe how you trek to Machu Picchu matters just as much as reaching the destination.
Our approach is built around preparation, expert support, responsible travel and a strong sense of community.
Dedicated Expedition Doctor
Every Earth’s Edge Machu Picchu expedition travels with a dedicated expedition doctor. This is a bedrock of our service and our safety standards, giving the group an additional level of medical support while trekking at altitude.
Having a doctor as part of the expedition team gives you additional peace of mind and support while trekking at altitude and in more remote areas of the Andes. Alongside our guides, they closely monitor acclimatisation, respond early to any medical issues, and support you with confidence and reassurance throughout the expedition.
Experienced Peruvian Guiding Team
Our exceptional Peruvian guiding team know the mountains, trails and communities along this route extremely well, making for a truly authentic experience. They work alongside our cooks, mule handlers and wider support team to make sure everything runs smoothly throughout the trek, from setting the pace on the trail to preparing meals and managing camp each day.
Trek to Machu Picchu via Choquequirao
There are several ways to trek to Machu Picchu, but the route via Choquequirao offers a very different experience from the Classic Inca Trail.
Instead of focusing only on arriving at Machu Picchu, you’ll spend nine days experiencing the Andes along the way, visiting Choquequirao, crossing high mountain passes, walking through changing landscapes, visiting a local coffee farm and relaxing in natural hot springs before eventually reaching Machu Picchu itself.
This isn’t the quickest way to reach Machu Picchu, and that’s exactly what makes it so special.
The journey becomes just as memorable as the destination.
Responsible Travel
Earth’s Edge is a Certified B Corp and currently the highest-scoring B Corp in Ireland. We're committed to responsible travel, fair treatment of local staff and reducing the impact of our expeditions on the places we visit.
Preparing for Your Machu Picchu Trek
Is the Dirty Health X Machu Picchu Trek Suitable for Beginners?
Yes. You don’t need previous high-altitude trekking experience to join this expedition. What matters most is that you’re willing to train in the months before departure and arrive with a good base level of fitness.
There are nine trekking days, including some longer walking days and several mountain passes, but we trek at a steady pace and you’ll be supported throughout by our experienced Peruvian guiding team and an Earth’s Edge expedition doctor.
If you’re unsure whether this expedition is suitable for you, book a free consultation and we’ll talk it through with you.
How Fit Do I Need To Be?
We've classified Machu Picchu as a level 5 expedition, which means that you should have a good level of general fitness and be comfortable walking for several hours at a time.
Regular hillwalking is one of the best ways to prepare, supported by cardiovascular and strength training.
Please contact us if you have any concerns regarding your level of fitness, health or ability to complete the trek.
What is The Highest Altitude on the Trek?
The highest point is Yanama Pass at 4,668m above sea level. To help adjust to the altitude, the itinerary begins with time in Cusco at approximately 3,400m above sea level, followed by an acclimatisation hike reaching 3,700m before we begin the main trekking section.
You’ll also have a dedicated Earth’s Edge expedition doctor travelling with the group. Read more about how to cope with altitude on Machu Picchu.
What's the Accommodation Like?
You’ll stay in a combination of hotels, the unique Wajaqui Ecolodge and campsites during the expedition.
Camping makes up much of the main trekking section and allows us to travel through parts of the Andes where there is very little permanent accommodation.
What Should I Pack for Machu Picchu?
You’ll need clothing and equipment that can handle both cooler high-altitude conditions and the warmer valleys later in the trek. We provide your tent and Therm-a-Rest sleeping mat, but you’ll need to bring your own sleeping bag and personal trekking equipment.
See our full Machu Picchu packing list.
Read Our Machu Picchu Blogs
Looking for even more Machu Picchu advice? We have lots of extra insight into our Machu Picchu trips on the blog, or visit our YouTube channel for even more detail.
