If you’re seeking an adventure that combines breathtaking scenery, rich history, and solitude, the Choquequirao trek in Peru is an experience not to be missed. Often called the “Sister of Machu Picchu,” Choquequirao offers a unique, less-crowded alternative to the world-famous Inca site. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the highlights of the trek, the challenges you might face, and why Choquequirao is an essential destination for any trekking enthusiast.
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Choquequirao tours are the adventure you need. The Choquequirao archaeological site is relatively high, situated near the snow-capped Quriwayrachina, and surrounded by deep valleys and steep mountains. This incredible hike starts at the valley floor and is an alternative to the Inca Trail.
If you want to experience the Choquequirao trek, come to Choquequirao Tours—we have the best equipment to make your Choquequirao tour unforgettable. On this 4-day Choquequirao tour, you will see that this place is more extensive than Machu Picchu and much less known. Hence, it still feels wild and remote, perfect for those seeking a real adventure, and even most of the mountains of Choquequirao are not yet accessible.
Trek Choquequirao Peru
Learn how to get to Choquequirao and be part of this fantastic Choquequirao tour. The sacred city of Choquequirao (twin city of Machupicchu) is located on top of a mountain in the Andes. Choquequirao is surrounded by spectacular views and endless roads, offering a chance to witness the beauty of the environment, framed by one of the deepest canyons. In the Apurimac Canyon, you might see some condors.
This Choquequirao trekking tour is similar to the Inca Trail in terms of scenery and cultural richness. However, unlike the Inca Trail, you don’t need to walk at very high altitudes. So, don’t worry about altitude sickness!
Choquequirao, nestled within the majestic Andes, offers trekkers an unrivaled sense of discovery. Unlike its more famous sibling, Machu Picchu, Choquequirao remains a hidden gem shrouded in mystery. Its isolation and limited accessibility mean that visitors often have the entire site to themselves, creating an intimate connection with this ancient marvel. The trek’s exclusivity enhances its allure, offering an exploration that feels personal and unique.
The architectural brilliance of the Incas is on full display at Choquequirao. The intricate stonework, expansive terraces, and sophisticated water management systems reflect a civilization that was both advanced and deeply attuned to its environment. Each structure is carefully placed, harmonizing with the surrounding landscape. This thoughtful integration is a testament to the Incas’ ingenuity and their spiritual connection to nature, leaving trekkers in awe of their accomplishments.
The natural beauty surrounding Choquequirao is as captivating as the ruins themselves. The trek leads through diverse ecosystems, from lush cloud forests to high-altitude grasslands, each teeming with unique flora and fauna. The sights and sounds of the natural world here offer a serene counterpoint to the physical demands of the hike. Wildlife encounters, whether glimpsing a soaring condor or spotting a rare orchid, add to the trek’s enchantment.
The best time to embark on the Choquequirao trek is during the dry season, from May to October. During these months, trekkers can expect clear skies and pleasant temperatures, ideal for hiking and photography. However, each season brings its own charm. The rainy season, from November to April, while more challenging due to muddy trails, transforms the landscape into a lush, green paradise, offering a unique perspective on the region’s natural beauty.
Choquequirao is not for the faint-hearted; it demands physical and mental resilience. The trail stretches approximately 58 kilometers round-trip, with significant elevation changes. Trekkers will face steep ascents and descents, testing endurance and determination. Despite its challenges, the trek is accessible to those with a moderate level of fitness, and the rewards—spectacular vistas and a profound sense of achievement—are well worth the effort.
Altitude presents a significant challenge during the trek, with the highest point reaching about 3,050 meters (10,006 feet) at the Choquequirao ruins. Acclimatization is crucial to prevent altitude sickness. Spending time in Cusco or other high-altitude areas beforehand can help your body adjust. Additionally, staying hydrated and ascending gradually can mitigate symptoms, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable trekking experience.
The trek to Choquequirao offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore remote Inca ruins far from the usual tourist trails. The journey provides a sense of adventure and exploration, as each step brings you closer to a deeper understanding of Inca culture. The tranquility and solitude found along the trail allow for personal reflection and a more meaningful connection with the history that surrounds you.
One of the most dramatic segments of the trek is the descent into the Apurímac Canyon, one of the world’s deepest canyons. The trail offers awe-inspiring views, with the canyon’s steep walls and the roaring river below creating a natural spectacle. While the ascent out of the canyon is arduous, the panoramic views at the top are a fitting reward, offering a sense of triumph over the trek’s challenges.
Reaching the Choquequirao ruins is an experience that defies words. The site is vast, with only a fraction excavated, allowing visitors to feel like true explorers. The main plaza and ceremonial platforms exude an air of mystery and grandeur. The famed Llama Terraces, adorned with stone carvings, are a highlight, offering a glimpse into the Inca’s reverence for these animals, which were integral to their economy and culture.
Packing wisely is crucial for a successful trek. Essential items include sturdy hiking boots with ankle support for navigating uneven terrain. Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing is recommended to stay comfortable in varying temperatures. A quality rain jacket and warm layers are necessary for protection against the elements. Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, a hydration system, energy snacks, and a basic first aid kit.
Familiarity with the trail’s elevation profile can enhance your trekking experience. Starting in Cachora, the trail descends steeply into the Apurímac Canyon before a challenging ascent to the Choquequirao ruins. The varying elevations demand physical stamina and mental preparedness. Understanding these challenges allows trekkers to pace themselves effectively, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey.
Physical preparation is key to tackling the Choquequirao trek. Training should focus on building endurance, strength, and cardiovascular fitness. Regular hiking, especially on uneven terrain, can simulate trail conditions. Incorporating strength training, particularly for the legs and core, will help manage the strenuous ascents and descents. Mental preparation is equally important, fostering resilience and determination to overcome obstacles.
While both Choquequirao and Machu Picchu offer unique experiences, they cater to different types of trekkers. Choquequirao appeals to those seeking solitude and a sense of discovery, away from the crowds. The trek is more challenging and remote, providing a raw, unfiltered adventure. In contrast, Machu Picchu, with its well-trodden paths, offers a more structured experience, rich in history but shared with many others.
One of the most compelling aspects of the Choquequirao trek is its solitude. The site’s isolation means fewer visitors, allowing for uninterrupted exploration. This solitude enhances the sense of connection with the ancient world, enabling a deeper appreciation of the site’s historical and cultural significance. It’s an experience of reflection and immersion, where the ruins reveal their secrets to those willing to venture off the beaten path.
The challenges presented by the Choquequirao trek are part of its allure. The physical demands, coupled with the remote setting, create an adventure that is both rewarding and challenging. Overcoming these obstacles provides a profound sense of accomplishment, fostering a personal connection with the landscape and its history. It’s a journey that tests limits and rewards perseverance with unparalleled beauty and insight.
Choquequirao Archaeological Park is located in Santa Teresa, La Convención Province, Cusco Department, Peru.
Surrounded by spectacular snow-capped peaks and steep, densely forested slopes, the city is an inspiring example of an elite Inca ceremonial center dedicated to worshiping the mountain gods, the river, and the elements of nature.
Geographical Location: North of the Apurimac River Valley in La Convención, Cusco. It is located approximately 47 km from the town of Cachora in the Apurimac region.
Details to know about the Choquequirao hike
Details about Choquequirao Trek
The first thing you must do to get to Choquequirao from Lima is to get to Cusco. Here are three options.
By plane:
Several airlines offer daily flights from Lima to Cusco with a flight time of just over an hour. Many international travelers take a connecting flight from Lima to Cusco directly after arriving in Peru. If this is the case for your itinerary, please note that you must clear customs before your connecting flight.
By bus:
If time is on your side, a bus trip from Lima to Cusco will reveal Peru’s natural diversity and beauty. Bus companies such as Cruz del Sur and Ormeño offer different routes with different travel times. The faster option (18–21 hours) takes passengers from Lima to Cusco via Nazca and Abancay. The extended option (24–27 hours) also departs from Lima and arrives in Nazca. However, it passes through Arequipa before arriving in Cusco.
Tour of the South:
Take a bus or a quick flight from Lima to Arequipa to witness the incredible architecture built with white volcanic stone. After a day or two and plenty of culinary tastings, head to Puno, where you can take a boat ride on the floating islands of Lake Titicaca. From Puno, the so-called Folk Capital of Peru, the city of Cusco is only an hour away by plane.
Then, we begin the trek from Cusco to Choquequirao. It can be done as a separate trek or combined with a hike to Machu Picchu and completed independently or with a tour company. The walk to the Choquequirao ruins takes 4 to 5 days, and visiting Machu Picchu will require an additional 8 to 9 days.
Three trails lead to Choquequirao: one from Cachora, one from Huanipaca, and another from Yanama.
To get to Cachora or Huanipaca, take the bus from Cusco to Abancay and get off at the “Ramal de Cachora” stop, the detour to Cachora or Huanipaca (just after Saywite).
Many bus companies depart for Abancay from Terminal Terrestre in Cusco, but the schedules are usually not online. The ticket costs approximately PEN 70.
Get off the bus at Ramal (from Cachora)
Cabs usually wait for people on the bus during the day, except on Sundays, when you may have to wait an hour. A shared ride from Ramal to Cachora costs PEN 5 per person. A private cab will cost PEN 30. From Cachora, you can start walking directly or take a taxi (PEN 30) to the Mirador de Capuliyoc, which takes approximately 3 hours.
An alternative to taking a bus is to take a “combi” from Cusco to Curahuasi. The trip costs PEN 45 per seat. The colectivos leave near the eastern end of Avenida Arcopata when the journey is complete. Once in Curahuasi, you can take a cab to Cachora for PEN 90 Soles.
For the Huanipaca and Yamana trails, steep sections make hiking the only option, but what can the path from Cachora do on foot or horseback?
If you speak a little Spanish, you should have no trouble finding a muleteer and one or more mules or horses in Cachora. Ask your cab driver when you arrive or at the Central Plaza del Armas stores. Expect to pay PEN 50 per day for a muleteer and PEN 200 per day per horse. The price can be negotiated, but it has risen due to the trek’s increased popularity.
Renting a mule for your pack is highly recommended. Plan to provide a meal or two for your muleteer and treat him to a drink or beer.
The Huanipaca trail is shorter, steeper, and lacks the amenities offered by the Cachora hiking trail. You can get a meal at Hacienda San Ignacio, about 2.5 kilometers from the river on the Huanipaca side. There are several water sources on the Huanipaca side, so bring your filter.
The Cachora trail has several drinking fountains, campsites, showers, restrooms, and stores where you can buy soft drinks, water, beer, and small snacks such as crackers or cookies.
Walking from Yanama, you must start at Mollepata, Santa Teresa, or Machu Picchu Pueblo. These are very long and challenging treks. If you want to do the 8-day Machu Picchu,
The Cachora trek is probably easier to do the other way around, as you will find muleteers much easier and cheaper in Cachora than at the Machu Picchu end.
You will probably have to pay for a return trip for the muleteer and mule rental, not just the one-way trip.
Suppose you already have your camping equipment and don’t mind figuring out lodging and transportation. In that case, you can also find a tour from Cachora that includes a guide, a muleteer, a mule, necessary camping equipment, and food. The advantages of this option are similar to the previous ones: all the security on the route, transportation, and logistics are taken care of, and you will have someone who knows the region!
The disadvantages are that it is still more expensive than going alone, at $300-$800 (though the prices are about half what you would pay from Cusco). You will also need to make last-minute arrangements, as most guides in Cachora do not have websites or stores.
Choquequirao is considered the new Machu Picchu and has been called “Machu Picchu’s sacred sister” for its striking similarities in design and ceremonial architecture.
Choquequirao is a surprisingly well-preserved Inca city in the Vilcabamba region of Cusco, Peru. It is 03 times the size of Machu Picchu. However, few tourists visit it due to its hidden location and difficult access. A new adventure that you should consider.
Choquequirao comes from the Quechua word “Chuqui K ‘raw,” which means Cradle of Gold. The name comes from a hill near the archaeological site.
Choquequirao was a religious, political, and social center, becoming an essential axis of cultural and economic exchange between the coast and the highlands.
Undoubtedly, Choquequirao also played an essential role as a link between the Amazon jungle and the city of Cusco. It has also been widely speculated that Choquequirao provided a seasonal pilgrimage destination for regional ceremonial events sponsored by the Inca government. Evidence suggests that Choquequirao was also an essential center for coca cultivation and distribution.
However, all experts agree on one thing: Choquequirao was probably one of the control points at the entrance to Vilcabamba, one of the most important valleys of the perimeter. It most likely served as an administrative center with political, social, and economic functions.
In addition, many experts assure us that Choquequirao’s environment is among the richest in the high jungle’s biodiversity, thanks to its diverse fauna and flora.
Choquequirao, which means Cradle of Gold, was the gateway between the Amazon and the city of Cusco.
Choquequirao is full of ruins; its buildings and terraces are hidden under a hill, leveled several hundred years ago, and surrounded by stones to create a platform.
Built as a cultural and religious center, it still stands tall and high in status, revealing the numerous niches and double doors that were once prominent.
According to history, it was the last Inca refuge, which allowed the Inca culture to resist the Spanish invasion for about 40 years. The history of Choquequirao is still a matter of speculation.
The construction of Choquequirao is the work of the successors of the Inca Pachacútec Túpac Inca Yupanqui (1 471-1 493) and Wayna Cápac (1 493-1 527).
Domestic and ceremonial ceramics have been found here in the classic Cusquenian style, as well as from other populations that came to live here to build and permanently populate the area.
They were most likely experienced farmers who knew how to build and use agricultural terraces in high Amazonian forest areas.
Choquequirao was built at approximately the same time as Machu Picchu. Under this hypothesis, specialists believe that the citadel was built by Pachacutec Inca Yupanqui in the fifteenth century and expanded by his son Tupac Inca Yupanqui.
Archaeologists suggest that Choquequirao was designed as an agricultural center for cultivating and distributing coca leaves (a sacred plant for the Incas). The layout of Choquequirao includes an urban area with terraces and lined fountains, ceremonial halls, and agricultural regions. Many of the great stone walls remain intact, and the site showcases what even engineers would describe as impressive construction techniques, incorporating limestone and granite throughout the structures.
The recent excavation of Choquequirao has revealed the skill of the Inca engineers. Everything here is excellent in terms of precision and attention to detail. According to studies of Choquequirao, the city’s residents built houses with towering double doors, water fountains made of large rocks to prevent wear, and flat slabs under windows for food storage.
Approximately 40% of the Choquequirao Inca ceremonial center has clean vegetation. The rest of the area consists of complex terraces built on steep slopes. An imposing stairway of 180 terraces descends from one of the ceremonial center’s flanks and reaches the open river for swimming.
Most buildings are well-preserved and restored, making them a lovely place to visit.
The Inca ruler Manco Inca used Choquequirao and the entire Vilcabamba valley as a hideout and place of resistance against the Spanish conquerors.
The Inca Manco dynasty resisted the Spanish conquerors for 40 years (1536–1572) from this fortress in the Vilcabamba area. The Spanish conquerors were never able to expel them from it.
This enormous “eagle’s nest” held the attention of romantic historians for a century and a half. The earliest reference to Choquequirao is in Pablo José Oricain’s notes from 1790. Later, during the early days of the Republic of Peru, a wealthy landowner, Señor Tejada, who owned these steep mountain slopes, searched for treasures here.
The lure of this lost city brought the French explorer Eugene de Sartiges to Choquequirao in 1834. The next visitor to Choquequirao was another French scholar, Leonce Angrand, who traveled to these remote ruins through the forests in 1834.
Angrand was drawn to Choquequirao by legends of “innumerable treasures hidden in ruins by the Sons of the Sun who fled to this wild place of refuge.” Angrand measured the buildings in these ruins and noticed a row of intriguing inlaid stone rings on the wall of the central plaza. These rings still look like mooring places on some ancient stone pier.
They were probably used to tie something down, which led Angrant to suggest that wild pumas were linked here, as pumas were the only animals that required such strong rings.
Interest in Choquequirao peaked in the first decade of the 20th century. JJ Nùñez, the prefect of Apurimac province, raised thousands of dollars and led a massive treasure-hunting expedition to the ruins.
He reached Choquequirao but left without any dramatic discoveries. Shortly after this, in February 1909, a young American named Hiram Bingham visited the site. He made the dizzying descent to the Apurimac, crossed the new bridge, and spent a few days sketching and photographing the legendary ruins.
For centuries, Choquequirao was shrouded in obscurity, protected by its remoteness. Unlike Machu Picchu, people knew it was there: it was first mentioned in a Spanish document in 1710, then visited by various explorers and treasure hunters, and examined in the 19th century by the French consul in Lima, Leonce Angrand. Finally, in 1909, the tireless American explorer Hiram Bingham, the future scientific discoverer of Machu Picchu, explored and mapped the site.
The first known Spaniard to arrive at the citadel was Juan Arias Díaz in 1710, while the first written account was by the Spanish scientist Cosme Bueno in 1768.
Much later, in 1909, Hiram Bingham arrived and explored Choquequirao.
Many knew of the Inca archaeological remains at Choquequirao in addition to Machu Picchu. However, it is considered that Hiram Bingham, the discoverer of Machu Picchu, also discovered Choquequirao in 1909 and made the importance of the Inca site known to the world.
Choquequirao was discovered in 1909. A young Yale historian and explorer, Hiram Bingham, first stumbled upon this citadel while searching for the last bastion of the lost Inca civilization. He stayed a few days and moved on, apparently impressed by its architecture.
Due to the site’s remote location, excavation began only in the 1970s. Since then, work has continued to unearth and restore many of the ruins still covered by jungle.
Today, the Peruvian government is working to restore the entire Choquequirao archaeological complex and turn it into a tourist destination, alongside Machu Picchu, as part of a nine-day trekking route.
Architecturally, Choquequirao is similar to Machu Picchu and spans 6 square kilometers. Two plazas follow the Inca urban design and house significant structures, including temples, elite residences, fountains, and bath systems.
Its urban design has followed the symbolic patterns of the imperial capital, with ritual places dedicated to the Sun (Inti) and the ancestors, the earth, water, and other divinities, with mansions for administrators and houses for artisans, warehouses, large dormitories or kallanka, and agricultural terraces belonging to the Incas or local people. With an extension of more than 700 meters, the ceremonial area descends up to 65 meters from the elevated areas to the central plaza.
There are a couple of important and exciting features of Choquequirao’s architecture. There is unique art on a set of terraces by the staircase of the central plaza. The city’s builders decorated each patio with white rocks shaped like llamas or alpacas, which are now thought to pay homage to these animals used to transport food and supplies.
Two unusual sites lie below the two plazas; they are step terraces designed around water. Experts believe that water played an essential role in this city through its extensive hydraulic system, unlike in the archaeological center of Tipon, south of Cusco.
The city complex comprises nine sectors, including the political and religious center, the aqueduct system, and the canals. Most buildings were used for ceremonial purposes, as residences for priests, or for storing food.
The residential area is located in the lower zone, while the mountain flanks host cultivation terraces. Some irrigation canals were used permanently, while others were temporary. It also includes a group of family houses called Piquiwasi.
The ceremonial area is located around the central plaza, which was dedicated to worshiping the gods of the mountain, the river, and other natural systems. Two levels of temples and buildings, such as the Sunturwasi, were built for various purposes and collective services.
Choquequirao has been excavated by only 30%. Despite this, it already has several fundamental Inca constructions:
The central plaza, or Huaqaypata, divided the site into two. It is a two-story stone construction.
Typical constructions of the main Inca centers; the purpose of these deposits was to store products for food, clothing, and others. In Choquequirao, these platforms have internal subdivisions.
Choquequirao has many cultivation platforms. In the western sector, 22 llama-shaped engravings are arranged on 15 Inca platforms. These figures are known as the ‘Llamas of the Sun.’
In the highest part of Choquequirao, there are up to five buildings whose purpose is probably to house the priests of the enclosure. It is believed that this Inca site was an important ceremonial center.
The Inca cemetery is also known as the ‘Triumphal Wall.’ There, 17 funerary bundles and a gutter called “the House of the Waterfall” were found.
These rectangular buildings served multiple functions, including workshops, administrative centers, and meeting spaces. In Choquequirao, there are 2 Kallankas with walls that had gutters for water supply.
This oval platform is located on a hilltop. Due to the surrounding wall and the privileged view of the snow-capped mountains, the river, and the entire enclosure, it is believed to have a religious purpose.
The impressive citadel of Choquequirao, with a variety of plants and vegetation around its construction and with a fantastic fauna that you can appreciate from the magnificent flight of the condor to see the spectacled bear and the most incredible diversity of colorful orchids throughout this exciting journey, closely
The exceptional variety of flora and fauna species is possible due to the particular climatic conditions. You can see condors, different species of rabbits, foxes, pumas, bears, hummingbirds, and even cocks of the rock, a symbol of Peru. The most distinguished plants are giant ferns, and like Machu Picchu, there is a great variety of orchids.
Although many tourists choose to reach Choquequirao on a tour, it is possible to do so independently.
At the same time, you need to bring your tent, and along the route, you can find camping areas where you can rent land. Although the route and destination are spectacular, it is not recommended to do it yourself; always seek professional and safe tourist services like ours.
The Choquequirao Trek is challenging, with sections that are difficult to ascend from the Apurimac Canyon to the base of Choquequirao. If you choose to extend the trek to Machu Picchu, it becomes even more challenging. It should only be attempted by fit individuals and a professional trekking guide.
The standard duration of the entire trek is 4 days, but it can be extended to 10 days. A typical trekking itinerary takes nine days to reach Machu Picchu via Choquequirao. The trek is remote, with no vehicle access, few settlements, and minimal infrastructure.
The standard four-day trek reaches a maximum altitude of 3,050 m at the Choquequirao camp, while the highest point of the nine-day trek to Machu Picchu is Yanama Pass at 4,668 m. Trekkers can expect to encounter a range of temperatures, with daytime highs sometimes reaching 40°C in the Apurimac Canyon and dropping below 0°C at night. Temperatures can be significantly below freezing at the highest altitudes on the nine-day trek.
Tents are the primary form of accommodation at campsites along the way. The best season to attempt the trek is during the dry season from April to October, as the wet season from November to March can make the trail muddy and slippery, increasing the risk of slipping. However, the trek can be attempted year-round.
The trek starts and ends in Cachora, located just off the road between Abancay and Cusco, and can be reached by train or bus. While no permit is required for the Choquequirao Trek, it is recommended that you reserve your tickets in advance if you plan to visit Machu Picchu. You will also need your passport to enter the site, and it is highly recommended that you take out travel insurance.
The Choquequirao trek is a journey through history, nature, and personal endurance. Its remote location and challenging terrain make it an ideal destination for adventurous travelers seeking a unique experience. Whether you’re drawn by the allure of the ruins, the beauty of the Andes, or the thrill of the trek itself, Choquequirao promises an unforgettable adventure.
In summary, Choquequirao offers an unparalleled trekking experience for those willing to venture off the beaten path. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and sense of solitude, it’s a destination that should be on every trekker’s bucket list. So pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime in the heart of Peru.
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