Trail Run to Machu Picchu

An extraordinary trail running experience in one of the world’s most sacred destinations

In partnership with

Embark on an unforgettable trail running adventure to Machu Picchu via the less travelled Choquequirao Route. Covering over 100 km of ancient Inca trails, this journey blends running, nature, and archaeology.

Discover diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to high mountain passes (4,650m above sea level), crossing rivers, glaciers, and snow covered mountains. Starting in Capuliyoc, we’ll explore the breathtaking arqueological site of Choquequirao, visit remote villages to finally reach legendary Machu Picchu.

  • Run on Ancient Incan Trails – Extraordinary run on the Choquequiaro Route through stunning mountain ranges, peaks, lakes, and rivers, following in the footsteps of the Incas from Cusco to Machu Picchu.

  • Guided Tour of Machu Picchu – Explore one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site after an epic multi-day journey through the Andes.

  • Fully Supported Adventure – Enjoy baggage transport, private cooks, and expertly set-up camps as you run from one breathtaking location to the next.

  • Immersive Cultural Experience – Discover the vibrant city of Cusco and the charming towns of the Sacred Valley, including Ollantaytambo, while learning about Incan history and traditions.

  • Expert Local Guides – Run with experienced bilingual Peruvian trail running guides who ensure a safe and enriching experience on and off the trails.

  • Seamless & Comfortable Logistics – Luggage transfers, private cooks and camp setups on our trek, plus comfortable hotel stays in Cusco before and after the trek.

Highlights

Your Itinerary

Day 1: Sat Oct 11- Arrival & Acclimatization in Cusco

Airport transfers from Cusco Airport

Our adventure begins! We'll meet at noon for lunch, get to know each other, and go over the trip’s details and itinerary. After lunch, we’ll walk to the main Cathedral and the Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun). Later, a two-hour van ride will take us to the Sacred Valley. Today is all about light activity and cultural immersion to help with altitude acclimatization. Walking through Sacsayhuamán and Qoricancha is a great way to adjust to Cusco’s altitude of 3,400m above sea level without overexerting.

Day 2: Sun Oct 12- Warm-Up Trail Run & Incan Sites

Distance: 12 km

We begin the day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. After breakfast, we’ll head to Moray, an ancient Incan agricultural lab where we'll explore the incredible site. From there, we’ll descend towards the Maras salt mines, a stunning landscape of saltpans still in use today. Here, we’ll take time to soak in the views and learn about the traditional salt-harvesting process.

Continuing our journey, we'll run towards Pichingoto, finishing with a well-deserved lunch at Tunupa Restaurant, where we’ll enjoy fresh, local flavors. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the historic town of Ollantaytambo and its inspiring ruins, a perfect way to close the day immersed in history and nature.

Day 3: Mon Oct 13 - Into the Wild: Capuliyoc

Distance: 10km

We’ll start the morning with an easy run and lunch before leaving the city behind to immerse ourselves in nature. On the way to Cachora, we’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the snowy peaks of Salkantay, Humantay, Pitusiray, Chicon, and Veronica. We’ll cross the Apurímac River and arrive at Capuliyoc (2,970m above sea level), where we’ll set up camp for the night. From here, we’ll get our first glimpse of the Apurímac Canyon and the exciting trails ahead.

The transition from the Sacred Valley to the Apurímac Canyon marks the true beginning of our adventure, and camping in Capuliyoc with those epic views is the perfect way to prepare for the journey ahead.

Day 4: Tue Oct 14 - Descent into the Canyon & Climb to Choquequirao

Distance: 27km / Elevation Gain: +2,400m

This is one of the most exciting days! We’ll start early with a hearty breakfast before descending a steep 9km trail down to the Apurímac River, the lowest point of our route (1,584 masl). From there, a challenging 1,400m ascent over just 6km awaits us. The effort will be worth it as we reach the sign welcoming us to Choquequirao.

This stunning complex of ruins will leave us in awe, making the trail feel almost flat as we reach the incredible Incan terraces. After exploring the archaeological site, we’ll continue with a mix of climbs and descents until we reach our campsite at Pinchauniyoc.

Day 5: Wed Oct 15 - High Passes & Hidden Trails

Distance: 17km / Elevation Gain: +2,200m

Waking up in the wilderness, we set out on another spectacular day of running. A smooth descent leads us to the Yuracmayo River before we start climbing again, heading towards the San Juan pass (4,200m). The higher we go, the more the landscape opens up, revealing vast valleys and towering peaks.

At the top, we pause to take in the views before running down towards the remnants of the Victoria silver mine and the remote village of Yanama. The feeling of moving through this isolated terrain, surrounded by mountains, is nothing short of incredible.

Day 6: Thu Oct 16- Reaching the Highest Point

Distance: 19 km | Elevation Gain: +1150m

Today, we push higher into the mountains, reaching the Mariano Llamojas pass at 4,600m, the highest point of our journey. Along the way, we’ll take in the majestic snow-capped peaks of Kiswar, Quriwayrachina, and Pumasillu. After the pass, we start a long descent towards the village of Totora. Due to recent landslides, we take a private van transfer before continuing our run to Lucmabamba.

We’ll slow down to enjoy a traditional coffee tour, learning from local farmers about the process of growing and roasting coffee in these remote mountain communities.

Day 7: Fri Oct 17 - The Grand Finale: Machu Picchu

Distance: 23 km | Elevation Gain: +1050m

Our last trail run takes us to Llactapata, an ancient Incan lookout with one of the most breathtaking first views of Machu Picchu. If the skies are clear, we’ll see the iconic ruins in the distance, a surreal moment after days of running through the mountains. From here, we descend towards Aguas Calientes, moving through dense cloud forests and along the Ahobamba River. The excitement builds with each step, knowing that soon, we’ll be standing among the legendary ruins of Machu Picchu.

After lunch, we finally arrive at one of the world’s greatest wonders. Walking through the stone corridors, we reflect on the journey—each trail, climb, and descent that led us here. This is more than just reaching a destination; it’s the culmination of an adventure through history, nature, and personal challenge.

As the sun sets over Machu Picchu, we board the train back to Cusco, carrying with us the memories of an unforgettable experience.

Day 8: Sat Oct 18 - Departures

After an unforgettable adventure through stunning landscapes and ancient ruins, it's time to head home, carrying with us the memories of a truly unique experience.

Your Guides

Meet Domingo, a Peruvian trail runner with 10+ years of experience as a guide in the Andes. He had the chance to be the guide for famous trail runners including Dean Karnazes, Darcy Piceu and Jeff Fuchs. Domingo participated in many races, including the Marathon des Sables Peru 250km, 7 times finisher in both New York and Boston marathons. He is also the founder of “Yo Soy Sus Ojos”, a non-profit organization for the social inclusion of the visually impaired. He’s very involved in the Peruvian running community and we’re very lucky to have him guide our trip!

Rodrigo is a runner and trekking lover who discovered Trail Running in 2012. Since then, he has become deeply involved in the sport, particularly long distance running. Rodrigo accomplished incredible feats, incluing the TNF Endurance Challenge 80km in Lima, the Patagonia Run 130km, and the TNF Endurance Challenge 160km in Santiago, Chile three times! He has also conquered the Leadville 100 in Colorado, USA, and the Chicamocha Canyon 160km in Colombia. When he's not hiking the trails, he enjoys spending quality time with his family. We can’t wait to discover the region with him!

Your Experience

Included

  • 3 nights in hotel (twin occupancy) and 4 nights in comfortable tents with sleeping pads

  • 7 days with bilingual Peruvian guides

  • Guided tour of Machu Picchu

  • Traditional coffee tour

  • All meals during the 5-day trek

  • Cooks and field staff

  • Luggage transfers

  • Horses and arrieros

  • Entrance to all attractions

  • Photos and videos for you to keep memories of the trip

Not included

  • Dinners outside of the trek days - we will eat together at a local restaurant each evening

  • Sleeping bags (available to rent)

  • Flights

  • Travel insurance (personal travel insurance is mandatory)

Registration

Early Bird:
CAD$ 2,700 pp in twin occupancy
(until April 30, 2025)

Regular:
CAD$ 2,950 pp in twin occupancy

Single hotel room supplement (on availability): CAD$300 pp

Booking deadline: June 30, 2025

Taxes included. Spots limited.

To sign up, please complete the form below and we will get in touch with you for next steps.

 FAQs

  • If you have finished a trail running event of 25km in the past 12 months and feel ready to complete the full daily distance (up to 27km) with an elevation gain up to 2,400m per day on technical trails with changing weather conditions, this trip is for you!

    We will hike the uphill sections and will be expected to run on the more rolling sections.

    If you have any doubts, please get in touch and we will be happy to discuss in further detail!

  • There are many daily direct flights with LATAM Airlines from Lima to Cusco.

    From Montreal, we recommend catching the following direct flights with Air Transat:

    10 Oct: Montreal - Lima (arrival 11 Oct)

    18 Oct: Lima - Montreal

  • We’re keeping the group size intimate, with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum of 12.

  • The trip requires a minimum of 4 people. We will indicate when the minimum number has been met so you can book your flights!

Let’s connect

Any questions? Simply reach out!