Is Choquequirao as impressive as Machu Picchu? Here, you will learn more about this ancient Inca city, known as the younger sister of Machu Picchu. This is due to its similarities in construction, although Choquequirao has more extension and constructions. Those who made the 2-day hike to visit it even say that Choquequirao is better. Is that true? Learn more about this new archaeological site in Cusco, Peru. Discover some secrets of this place and learn the truth about the hike and other myths that were formed around Choquequirao. Let’s start!

• What is really Choquequirao?
• Is it worth visiting Choquequirao?
• Where is Choquequirao located?
• What does Choquequirao mean?
• How is the architecture in Choquequirao?
• What to see in Choquequirao?
• How is the trek towards Choquequirao really?
  • Most popular points on the Apurímac side
  • Most popular points on the Cusco side
• How much does it really cost to go to Choquequirao?
• Can I visit Choquequirao without a tour?
• Interesting facts about Choquequirao that yes or yes you should know
• Some frequently asked questions about Choquequirao

Incredible construction of Choquequirao

What is really Choquequirao?

Choquequirao is known as the younger sister of Machu Picchu, because of the similarity between the two citadels. The truth is that they are also part of a construction that is located in the limits of the Andes that open the way to the high jungle.

It is estimated that the construction of Choquequirao could have concluded in 1536. So long before that, the reforms and constructions of all this enclosure were already being made. Choquequirao, like the last Inca constructions found, is not its real name. However, it is one more jewel for anthropology and Peruvian history. Here are some facts about Choquequirao.

• Choquequirao is an Inca urban center with features common to others more than Cusco, especially Machu Picchu.
• The similarity with Machu Picchu is due in large part to the similar geography of the place where the site was built.
• According to various investigations, Choquequirao would also be a fortress and a ceremonial center. The truth is that due to its hidden location in a high and distant mountain; It was a strategic point for various purposes.
• Over the years, like Machu Picchu, Choquequirao was abandoned and covered by the jungle until its re-discovery.

Unlike Machu Picchu, there is no train or bus to get to Choquequirao. The only way is to do it on foot for 32 kilometers of incredible landscapes.

Is it worth visiting Choquequirao?

• The only way to get to Choquequirao is by walking. There are 3 days of roads (round trip) including the route through Choquequirao.
• The trek to Choquequirao makes visiting this inaccessible place a difficult but memorable adventure.
• Once in Choquequirao, the tourist will be practically alone with an archaeological site as spectacular as Machu Picchu.
• The few tourists in the world who visited Choquequirao agree that it was worth it.

Where is Choquequirao located?

• Choquequirao is located at 3,103 meters above sea level in a privileged location: it lies on the impressive canyon of the Urubamba River.
• It is located in the foothills of the Salkantay mountain, in the Apurímac valley, in the province of La Convención in Cusco, Peru.

Distance map from Cusco to Choquequirao

What does Choquequirao mean?

• Choquequirao means ‘Cradle of gold’ in Quechua. It is considered the city ‘Sister of Machu Picchu’, for its similarities with the Inca City.
• In truth, its architecture is as impressive as that of Machu Picchu.
• At the moment, Choquequirao has the advantage of not receiving the number of visitors that its ‘Big Sister’ receives.
• There are few people who know Choquequirao. Maybe due to the difficult walk that takes to get there.

Tourists arriving at the Choquequirao archaeological site

How is the architecture in Choquequirao?

• Choquequirao has numerous Inca buildings. However, currently only 30% of its entire area has been excavated.
• Its most important buildings are built with quartzite, cut in great detail. The rest of the walls are made of raw stone.
• These walls were covered with clay both inside and outside.
• It is believed that the walls of Choquequirao were painted light orange. Although in reality there are few structures that continue with this coating.

Choquequirao archaeological site

What to see in Choquequirao?

• The ancient city of Choquequirao has two main squares, temples, fountains, canals, workshops, warehouses, elite residences and other more common ones.
• The ceremonial center of Choquequirao is a large platform that can only be reached through a double jamb door.
• The biggest buildings of the place are the colcas (warehouses).
• Like Machu Picchu, Choquequirao has structures that mark solar events as solstices and equinoxes.

Among the most impressive structures in Choquequirao, there is a huge staircase that at dawn of the summer solstice is illuminated completely by the sun’s rays.

Tourist photographing from the Choquequirao lookout point

How is the trek towards Choquequirao really?

• In truth, the walk to Choquequirao is demanding.
• The ascent to Choquequirao begins in the town of Cachora (164 kilometers by car from Cusco).
• The road is in ascent crosses places of the Apurímac valley like: the Capuliyoq viewpoint, the Chiquiska camp, Marampata and others.
• Obviously, the climb is more demanding than the descent.Choquequirao is in the middle of the departments of Cusco and Apurimac.
• The descent path belongs to the department of Apurímac while the climb belongs to the department of Cusco.

Most popular points on the Apurímac side

• Mirador Capuliyoc (2900 masl).
• Chiquiska (1550 masl).
• Rosalina Beach (1500 masl).

Most popular points on the side of Cusco

• Santa Rosa (2200 masl).
• Marampata (3000 masl).
• Choquequirao (3,035 masl).

How much does it really cost to go to Choquequirao?

• Choquequirao is a tourist attraction that can be done with a tour or without a tour (on your own).
• Obviously, the cheapest way to go to Choquequirao is on your own. However, the safest way is to do it with a tour.
• The tour to Choquequirao costs between 400 and 600 dollars depending on the tourist agency and the number of tourists.
• Going to Choquequirao on your own is cheaper. The necessary expenses are the food (for 3 days), the camping implements and the entrance fee (18 dollars for adults).

The visit to Choquequirao can be with a tour or on your own. The tours cost between 400 and 600 dollars. The visit without a tour, much less.

Can I visit Choquequirao without a tour?

• Unlike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Choquequirao is a destination that can be visited without a tour.
• To go to Choquequirao on your own, you must organize the hike (luggage, food, camp) and pay the entrance at the same door of the archaeological site.
• When going to Choquequirao on your own, the visitor is your own guide.You must organize your luggage and take all necessary precautions.
• The following are some recommendations for the hike to Choquequirao.
  • First of all, avoid doing the route alone. Unless, you are an expert and hiking routes.
  • Likewise, it is advisable to have a previous acclimatization of at least 2 days.
  • It is a really demanding route, before doing the hike, make a proper training and strengthening of muscles.
  • Try to organize the weight of your backpack, to avoid carrying unnecessary things.
  • Wear sturdy and comfortable shoes. It will be important to have a good grip.
  • Carry a small first aid kit.
  • Always check the condition of your traveling companion.
  • Hike with short breaks and also remember to hydrate adequately.
  • Carry hiking poles, they are ideal for distributing the weight of the entire load.
  • Make a prior consultation with your doctor.

Tourists resting at the ruins of Choquequirao

Interesting facts about Choquequirao that yes or yes you should know

• During the walk to Choquequirao, the tourist can choose between many places to spend the night. It is estimated that a camp can be found every 3 hours.
• There is an alternative route that connects Choquequirao with Machu Picchu. This adventure begins in Cusco and lasts 8 days and 7 nights.
• In Choquequirao a cable car will be built that will connect the archaeological site with a neighboring town. This would facilitate access to the Inca site.
• In 1909 (2 years before the ‘discovery’ of Machu Picchu), the American explorer Hiram Bingham arrived in Choquequirao.
• Like Machu Picchu, the Incas built Choquequirao in a strategic position on top of a mountain. This allowed them to have a privileged view of the environment.

Some frequently asked questions about Choquequirao

• 1) Where can I buy the entrance ticket to Choquequirao?

  When visiting Choquequirao, one of the advantages is that it is not very visited like Machu Picchu. In this sense the entrance tickets can be purchased at the same place. This means that you can buy the entrance ticket to Choquequirao just before entering. The cost of this ticket is 18 USD. It is recommended to bring cash to facilitate payment. It can also be purchased at the offices in Cusco.

• 2) Is the route or road to Choquequirao safe?

  The route has its imperfections like any other. It is important to always be aware of where we step. On the other hand, the level of demand is high, which can cause tiredness in the hikers. This, in some cases, makes the hiker lose interest in the route and unfortunately get injured. It is recommended to take short breaks before pushing yourself too hard.

• 3) What food do the travel agencies offer on the route to Choquequirao?

  Most of the tours offer the route with an expert chef on the route. This allows them to recover their energies as they should. Likewise, a balance is sought between the best of Peruvian cuisine and a breakfast, lunch and dinner that is nutritious and ideal to recover the energies of the place. The food usually has a good portion of proteins and a good amount of hot drinks will also be provided to the hikers.

• 4) Who can visit or hike to Choquequirao?

  The route to Choquequirao is quite demanding and requires a great effort, especially during the second day. In this sense, it is recommended that adults do it. This is so that they can enjoy the experience and not live it as a punishment. On the other hand, in the case of older adults, they can also do it without much inconvenience. However, it is essential that they make a previous consultation with their doctors. It is also recommended that they have training prior to the route. Especially exercises to strengthen the muscles of the legs.

• 5) Is the route to Choquequirao really demanding?

  Yes, it is one of the most demanding routes that can be done in Cusco, and its difficulty even increases if we think about adding the route to Machu Picchu. In all this route you must hike for at least 7 days. This means that you can do the route of about 115 kilometers of trekking. Crossing much of the Cusco Andes to enter the high jungle of Cusco.

  Only the route to reach Choquequirao, follows a route of almost 40 kilometers. Although it may not seem like a lot of kilometers. The difficulty of the route is due to its geography, the road to Choquequirao is full of ascents and descents that allows to enter near the cloud forests. However, the entire route allows to appreciate beautiful landscapes and also to have a special moment of connection with nature.

Advice from people who have been there

Choquequirao

By: Paul H.

“Unforgettable“

“I did this route with a group of friends. The experience was really unforgettable. Especially because the second day of the hike was quite demanding. However, we achieved our goal and were able to enter Choquequirao for a brief moment. Spending the night in this place allows you to appreciate the beauty of nature. I recommend it to everyone looking for new experiences.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, September 30, 2024