Trek Choquequirao

Information

Distance

58.0 km

Duration

4–6 days

Max elevation

3,150 m

Country

Peru (PE)

Difficulty

Strenuous — total descent and ascent of about 1,600 m through the Apurímac canyon; rocky terrain and cloud forest demanding high stamina

Best Season

April–October (Andean dry season; June–August most stable)

Permits & Fees

No special permit required; a site entry fee of about 60 soles per person is paid at the Capuliyoc checkpoint at the trailhead

Description

The Choquequirao Trek is a ~58 km out-and-back journey beginning in the village of Cachora (2,900 m) in Cusco Region, Peru, descending steeply into the Apurímac River canyon (1,450 m) before climbing back up to the Inca ruins at 3,085 m. Often called the 'sister city of gold' to Machu Picchu, the complex covers 1,800 hectares — three times larger — yet only about 40% has been excavated, making it one of the quietest and most authentic Inca sites. The classic 4-day route passes through tropical cloud forest, multi-level agricultural terraces, and the remarkable white-stone llama mosaics carved into the terrace walls and first uncovered by archaeologists in 2008. No advance reservation system exists like the Inca Trail; the trek can be done independently by paying an entrance fee of around 60 soles at the Capuliyoc checkpoint. The best trekking window is April to October during the Andean dry season.

Trail Highlights

The quiet, little-visited Inca ruins of Choquequirao (3,085 m) — three times larger than Machu Picchu yet only about 40% excavated; a unique white-llama mosaic on terraces discovered in 2008; the dramatic Apurímac River canyon (1,450 m) with vertical rock walls; tropical cloud forest; and views of the Salcantay range and Nevado Padreyoc.