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Choquequirao
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Landmark
Choquequirao, often called the 'Sister City of Machu Picchu,' is one of Peru's most remote and awe-inspiring Inca citadels. Perched on a high ridge 3,000 meters above the Apurímac River, it is only accessible after a grueling two-day hike through steep canyons. Because of its isolation, it sees only a fraction of the visitors of Machu Picchu, offering a sense of true discovery. The site is famous for its massive terraces, grand plazas, and the unique 'Flame Terraces' decorated with white stone llamas. Choquequirao likely served as a strategic outpost and a royal estate, and it was one of the last strongholds of the Inca resistance after the fall of Cusco. Much of the city remains hidden beneath the dense cloud forest, waiting to be revealed.
- Location: Peru
- Top sights: Piquiwasi · Section XI - House of the waterfall · Paqchayoc
- Nearby: Urubamba (84 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 |
| Rain mm | 139 | 137 | 109 | 38 | 16 | 5 | 13 | 14 | 28 | 53 | 72 | 133 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Choquequirao is a remote Inca site reachable only on foot. The ruins are open to visitors, but accessing them requires a multi-day hike.
Typical hours
The site typically has no fixed opening hours as it is unguarded. The best hiking season is during the dry months from May to September.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the site. Drones are prohibited without special permission to protect the ruins and wildlife.
Time needed
The round-trip hike typically takes four to five days. Allow at least half a day to explore the ruins themselves.
Combine with
Combine the hike with a visit to the nearby Sacred Valley (Valle Sagrado) or Machu Picchu, though the latter is farther away.
Getting there
The trailhead is the village of Cachora, about 150 kilometres from Cusco. From Cusco, reach Cachora by bus or taxi.
Insider tip
Hire a local guide and porter as the route is challenging and poorly marked. Bring plenty of water and insect repellent.
Geography
Facts
- The name 'Choquequirao' means 'Cradle of Gold' in the Quechua language.
- Located in the Vilcabamba range, overlooking the deep Apurímac River canyon.
- Only about 30% to 40% of the site has been fully excavated and cleared of jungle.
- Famous for the 'Llamas del Sol', 24 white stone llama shapes embedded in the terraces.
- Built during the reign of Topa Inca Yupanqui in the late 15th century.
- The trek to the ruins involves descending and then ascending over 1,500 meters.
- A key refuge for the Neo-Inca state of Vilcabamba during the Spanish conquest.
- The site features a massive main plaza and an impressive upper religious sector.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Choquequirao (9)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the hike to Choquequirao?
Very demanding, 2 to 3 days of trekking are required.
What is the goal of the trek?
The forgotten Incan city, much quieter than Machu Picchu.
Is there accommodation there?
Only camping options near the ruins.
When should you hike?
During the dry season, between May and October.
Is a guide mandatory?
Not mandatory, but highly recommended for this trek.
Choquequirao: where is it located?
Choquequirao is located in Peru.
Choquequirao: what is there to see?
Highlights include Piquiwasi, Section XI - House of the waterfall, Paqchayoc.
Choquequirao: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Choquequirao: why is it worth visiting?
Choquequirao, often called the 'Sister City of Machu Picchu,' is one of Peru's most remote and awe-inspiring Inca citadels.
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History & landmarks
Machu Picchu
The famous Inca citadel high in the Andes, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a wonder of the world.
Ollantaytambo
One of the best-preserved Inca towns with an impressive fortress, located in the Sacred Valley.
Moray
An Inca archaeological site consisting of deep, circular terraces dug into the earth.
Sacsayhuamán
A massive Inca fortress near Cusco, known for its massive, seamlessly fitted stone blocks.
Cusco Cathedral
The magnificent main church on the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, built on the foundations of an ancient Inca palace.
Cristo Blanco
A large white statue of Jesus on Pukamoqo Hill, watching over the city of Cusco with open arms.
Coricancha
The most important sun temple of the Inca Empire in Cusco, upon whose ruins the Spanish built the Church of Santo Domingo.
Q'enqo
One of the largest Inca sanctuaries in the Cusco region, known for its channels and altars carved into the limestone rock.
Nature
More places
Vilcabamba
The last refuge of the Inca Empire before the complete conquest by the Spanish.
🗺️
Quillabamba Cacao Farms
The center of Peruvian cacao production in the tropical forest of Cusco, prized for its fine-flavor premium cacao.
Salcantay
Salcantay is the highest peak in the Cordillera Vilcabamba and a famous alternative trekking peak en route to Machu Picchu.
Machupicchu Butterfly House
An educational center and sanctuary for butterflies near the famous ruins, showing the life cycle of local species.
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Camisea Gas Project
A major natural gas extraction project located in the Amazon rainforest of the Cusco region.
Otishi National Park
A protected mountain forest in the Cordillera Vilcabamba, rich in waterfalls and endemic species.
Megantoni Sanctuary
A hard-to-reach protected region that forms a vital bridge between the Andean highlands and the Amazon rainforest.
Qorikancha
The most important temple of the Inca Empire, dedicated to the sun god Inti, on which the Spanish built a monastery.