Choquequirao
An Inca mountain-top site often called the 'sister city' of Machu Picchu. It can only be reached on foot, usually requiring four days round trip, and sees few visitors.
Choquequirao is a mountain city from the late Inca Empire, sitting on a ridge at about 3,000 m above the Apurímac River canyon. It is comparable in size to Machu Picchu. Only parts of it have been cleared so far. It is best known for its terraces on the stone walls, which are decorated with llama figures made of white stone. With no road access, the trip begins with a roughly 4-hour drive from Cusco to Cachora. From there, you hike down roughly 1,500 m into the canyon and climb back up. The classic round trip takes 4 days and 3 nights, and it can be extended by 7–8 days to reach Machu Picchu. Most people join a hiking group from Cusco, which includes mule support and camping. Entry costs about 60 soles and is purchased at the site entrance. The route has large changes in elevation and strong sun, so you need good fitness and should acclimatize to the altitude in advance.
Opening hours
All day (daytime visits)
Nearby sights
- Sacsayhuamán
- San Pedro Market
- San Cristóbal Church & Viewpoint
- Basilica and Convent of La Merced, Cusco
- Cristo Blanco
- Plaza de Armas, Cusco
- Museo Inka
- Cusco Cathedral