The world is filled with exotic, exciting, and little-known places. One such place is Choquequirao, a historical site nestled in the heart of Cusco – Peru, also known as the «sister of Machu Picchu.” Although it isn’t as famous, many reasons make it even more spectacular, such as sitting in the impressive Apurimac Canyon and being much larger than its counterpart.
To get there, you’ll need to embark on a trekking route, so if you’re looking for adventure, Choquequirao is just perfect. The site boasts terraces, enclosures, and lush scenic backdrops and offers the possibility of camping in the middle of nature. But is it worth it? In this guide, we’ll cover every aspect of Choquequirao and answer all your questions about this site!
All About the Impressive Choquequirao
The archaeological complex of Choquequirao is located in one of the Alto Salkantay strips (territory of the Yanama rural community) in the district of Santa Teresa of La Convención province in Cusco. The location of Choquequirao was of great importance to the Incas, as it is believed to have connected Pisac and Machu Picchu with the Peruvian Amazon.
Quick stats:
- Location: La Convención – Santa Teresa, Cusco
- Distance from Cusco: 205 km (127.4 miles)
- Altitude (site): 3,040 m (9,974 ft)
- Average park altitude: 1,500 m (4,921 ft).
- Weather: Cool at high altitudes, warm and humid in the lower sections.
What does Choquequirao mean?
The name “Choquequirao” is a mix of the Aymara word «chuqui,» which means gold, and the Quechua word «k’iraw,» meaning «cradle.» This translates to «cradle of gold.» The nod is inspired by the gleaming look of its buildings, thanks to the metamorphic rocks used in their construction. These rocks are rich in minerals and give off that special golden glow in the sunlight.
Brief History
Choquequirao is a reflection of the Inca’s incredible architecture. This ancient city was built in the same era as Machu Picchu, in the heart of the stunning Vilcabamba Valley. The site, also known as the «Cradle of Gold,» was a bustling center for agricultural activities and the valley’s primary source of coca. Many of its historic buildings are still intact today, giving a real feel for its past.
Even before the Incas, Choquequirao was still inhabited by other groups like the Antis and Pilcozones. It later became an important part of the empire under the reign of Pachacuti, the ninth Inca ruler.
Today, these ruins are famous worldwide for their historical importance and ideal location, close to Machu Picchu. To fully dive into the history of Choquequirao, check out our complete overview.
How to get there?
Reaching Choquequirao is no easy task, but the adventure is worth it. To get there, your starting point will be Cusco, where you’ll find most of the transportation. You’ve got choices! Whether you want to join a guided tour or rent a private car, both will get you to Cachora in about 3 hours. From there, it’s on to the trek’s starting point, Capuliyoc.
Apart from the usual options, there are some alternative routes you might want to consider:
1. The Classic Route
This is the favorite “tourist route,” starting in Cachora, about 151 km by road from Cusco. Your hike will begin in Capuliyoc and continue through the bridle path to the Choquequirao Archaeological Site. The entire route takes 4 to 5 days to complete and covers a distance of approximately 32 km or 20 miles. We’ll talk about this route later in detail.
2. Huanipaca Route:
You can opt for this route if you want a faster and less crowded hike. It starts in Huanipaca, 151 km (94 miles) from Cusco by road. From Huanipaca, you will take a dirt road to Tambobamba and then drive to the rural community of Kiuñalla to the old hamlet of San Ignacio until you reach the Apurimac River. On the right bank of the river is the access to Choquequirao through a recently built footpath. The trek is approximately 64 km (39.8 mi) long and takes four days to the final destination.
3. Mollepata Route:
This narrow road starts in the town of Mollepata, located 3 hours from Cusco. The route crosses the Salkantay mountain pass, reaches the middle part of the Santa Teresa river valley, and then goes to the Yanama Community before concluding in Choquequirao. The trail is approximately 135 kilometers (84 miles) long, making it less traveled and accessible. It takes about five days to complete.
4. Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu:
Approximately 83 km (51.6 miles). This tour starts with the classic route and continues through Yanama, passing through Santa Teresa and then Machu Picchu. Depending on the type of trek you choose, the journey can last 7 to 9 days.
| Pro Tip: You can hire a travel agency to take one of these routes, but if you feel more adventurous, the first one is the most accessible.
If you’re looking for a specific trek, take a look at our Choquequirao Tours:
- Choquequirao Trek – 4 Days
- Classic Choquequirao Trek – 5 Days
- Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu – 6 Days
- Choquequirao Expedition to Machu Picchu – 7 Days
›› See all Choquequirao Tours
