Discover the Hidden Treasures of Choquequirao Peru

Choquequirao Peru is one of the most impressive Inca cities and is often called the Jewel of the Andes. Choquequirao is accessible by one of the more modest treks in Peru, but the journey is well worth it for the spectacular remains you’ll find at the conclusion.

This Choquequirao travel guide will fill you in on the history of the area, proving that it is just as important as the more well-known Machu Picchu ruins. Fill out our Traveler Form if you want our Travel Advisers to include this breathtaking climb and ancient ruins in your trip plans.

An Outline of Choquequirao

The spectacular Choquequirao Ruins are the culmination of this incredible journey through the semi-tropical Andes forests and the transition from the Andean altiplano to the high jungle. The site receives a fraction of the visitors that Machu Picchu does because of its seclusion, which needs a full two-day journey to reach. Typically, you won’t find anyone else there. Yet, just about 8,000 people visit each year, whereas Machu Picchu receives over a million.

You’ll want to be well-prepared for the challenging journey to the stunning Choquequirao ruins, and this guide will help you do just that. The llama rocks are well-known among visitors because they feature unique Inca motifs. It is unknown why the Incas only did it here, but academics have speculated that it may have been a custom of preceding civilizations like the Chachapoyas. If you make it to the end of the trail, you’ll be among the select few who have seen the mysterious terraces.

Details on Reaching Choquequirao

Only by bus charter or private vehicle can you go from Cusco to the trailhead leading to these ruins. Choquequirao can only be reached by trekking, which is no easy feat. You should probably hire a guide and several pack mules to help haul your additional gear. Full trekking takes around 2 days to reach the archeological site, and the entire journey takes about 4 days. Like the trail itself, the campsites are well-kept and have amenities that are uncommon on other Andes hikes. All of the campsites include modern conveniences including flushing toilets, hot showers, and convenience stores stocked with drinks and food.

Ideal Visit Dates

The Choquequirao Trail is at its best between the months of May and September. The weather in the Andes is at its most reliable during this dry season. Trail closures are common during the rainy season (October–April) due to muddy conditions and severe weather.

At higher elevations, the path descends into the bush in search of Choquequirao.

Difficulty of the Choquequirao Hike

Choquequirao is a difficult hike that most people shouldn’t attempt. In order to reach the lofty cloud forests where Choquequirao is hidden, the trail must climb steeply from the valley level. The trail uses a series of switchbacks to negotiate the high grade, but hikers will still feel the effects of the ascent. The final section of the walk to the Choquequirao stone gates is thankfully flat.

While getting there may be challenging, once you see the site’s renovated central square for the first time, you’ll know it was worth it. It’s also possible that you’ll be the only visitor to the Choquequirao ruins.

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Hiking with a Guide vs. Doing It Alone

The Choquequirao Trail can be done without a guide if enough time and effort are put into the preparation. But, if you want to ensure that you have safe transportation to and from the trailhead, you should hire a guide. A guide’s insight into the cultural context of the Inca ruins and the reasons for their construction will enrich your experience.

The Choquequirao Trekking Package from Peru for Less includes: Private Transportation to and from the Trailhead English Speaking Guide Cooks and Cooking Equipment All Meals on Trek Snacks Cooking, Eating, and Bathroom Tents Two-Person Tents Mule-handlers & Mules Saddled horse (1 horse for every 2 persons) First-Aid Kit & Emergency Ox

Acute Mountain Sickness

Overexertion at high elevations can lead to altitude sickness (AMS), a potentially fatal condition. At an altitude of 8,000 feet, 20% of persons experience it, while 40% do so at 10,000 feet. Since the highest point on the Choquequirao trek is over 3,050 meters (10,100 feet) above sea level, altitude sickness is a real possibility. This is why it’s crucial to get acclimated, take it slow on the path, and bring remedies just in case.

Acute mountain sickness can be prevented by spending 48 to 72 hours acclimatizing in the Andes, eating a light and high-calorie diet, staying hydrated, not smoking or drinking alcohol, starting the hike slowly, and stopping when required. In addition, you can ask your doctor for advice on which anti-altitude sickness drugs to take. Traditional treatment for combating AMS among the Andean people has long included the use of coca leaves, coca tea, or coca sweets.

History

Choquequirao (which translates to “Cradle of Gold” in the local Quechua tongue) was likely the political and military center of the Vilcabamba area. Choquequirao was the Incas’ primary line of defense in their final years as they fled Cusco and the Sacred Valley for the jungle in an effort to thwart the Spanish invasion.

Travel Tips

Choquequirao is a must-see for individuals with a penchant for exploration and a penchant for unspoiled wilderness.

Depending on the time of year, the weather can be extremely variable, so be sure to pack your best waterproof clothes.

The ruins are located at an altitude of 2600 meters, therefore even those who consider themselves very fit should only attempt the hike.

Packing List

The importance of each item has been ranked. If you need any further guidance on what to pack, don’t hesitate to see a travel agent.

Items to carry include a backpack, hiking clothes, hiking boots, a sleeping bag, toiletries, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, water bottles or a camelback, shower shoes (flip-flops), sunglasses, a camera, and extra batteries.

Your tour will take you through the vast complex’s lower levels, where you’ll see irrigation systems, agricultural terraces, and the Paccha, an outstanding ceremonial rock.

Following a long day of touring Choquequirao, you may unwind while taking in the breathtaking sunset over the site’s magnificent ruins. After that, you’ll head back to camp to unwind before dinner.

8.7 mile distance (14 km)
At its highest point, 10,100 feet (3,075 m)
8 hours is a ballpark estimate.
Difficult Gradient

Daily Itinerary Breakdown

DAY 1: CUSCO TO CHIKISCA

Start your adventures early today with a pick-up from your hotel and drive into the countryside. The road will cross the Pampa’s de Anta or Yawar Pampa (Blood Plains), the location of a vicious battle between the Incas and the Chankas over leadership for the city of Cusco.
The journey continues over the mountains and across the Apurimac River until you arrive at the town of San Pedro de Cachora where you will enjoy an energy-rich lunch.
After loading mules with equipment, your guide will initiate your journey with a small ceremony. Splashing a few drops of a not often palatable, but enormously popular chicha beer onto the ground, calling on the traditional Andean gods of the mountains and mother earth to give safe passage is customary. After asking “permission of the Apus and the protection of the Pachamama,” you’ll set off to Choquequirao.
Your guide will lead away from settled farmland and into an increasingly more gradient landscape. The ancient Choquequirao trail eventually brings you out onto a ridge, skirting the side of a deep, broad canyon. Several thousand feet below the thundering Apurimac River flows deep into the Andean cloud forests. Apurimac translates from Quechua to “talks to mountains, it’s a fitting name since you can hear it while trekking far above. Depending on the time of year, the river might swell from snowmelt running down from the glaciers and snowcapped mountains that tower above.
From here you will set off on foot, following a trail that leads up into a cool forest and native flora until the trail flattens out and you reach a lookout point at Capuliyoq which offers stunning views of Choquequirao and the surrounding Vilcabamba mountains. From here you will descend on a zigzagging trail until you reach your first campsite in a relatively warm valley at Chikisqa.

Distance: 11.8 miles (19 km) Maximum Altitude: 9,514 feet (2,900 m)
Approximate Time: 6 hours
Gradient: Moderate

DAY 2: HUANCACALLE TO UTUTO

After a hearty breakfast, you will start the day’s hike with a descent leading to the Apurimac River. From here you’ll begin to climb, sometimes tackling very steep inclines until you arrive at Marampata at 9,555 feet (2,912 m). Here you will be able to take a well-deserved break and enjoy the great view of Choquequirao.
After a long descent, you’ll arrive on the valley floor at the first campsite on the banks of the Apurimac River. Down here the mosquitoes tend to be more active than in the higher elevation areas. Be sure to check our Packing List below where mosquito repellant is included along with other necessary items.
Next, you will follow a varied route until you reach the camp at Choquequirao itself in time for lunch. After resting your legs, you will start exploring the intriguing site, which is still only partially understood by archeologists.
Your guide will take you through the lower part of the enormous complex to visit the agricultural terraces, water channels, and an impressive ceremonial rock called the Paccha.
After a full day of exploring the entire site of Choquequirao, you’ll rest and enjoy the evening watching the sunset over these incredible ruins. Then you will return to camp to relax before enjoying an excellent evening meal.

Distance: 8.7 miles (14 km)
Maximum Altitude: 10,100 feet (3,075 m)
Approximate Time: 8 hours
Gradient: Challenging

THIRD DAY: FROM CHOQUEQUIRAO TO SAN IGNACIO

Choquequirao’s outer sites, including the Priests’ House, the Urin Sector, and the major vantage point, will be explored after a hearty breakfast. After eating lunch, you’ll head back to camp for the afternoon.

Crossing the Apurimac River in the afternoon, you’ll begin your descent toward San Ignacio, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramas of the Vilcabamba Mountains. You’ll make a slow ascent, and then you’ll be back at camp in time for supper.

Drive time: 8.9 minutes (9 km)
At its highest point, 10,100 feet (3,075 m)
Time: about 5 hours
Steep: not easy

4 DAY SAN IGNACIO TO CUSCO

You will break camp after a hearty breakfast and take a path along the Tambobamba River valley. You’ll be able to take in the peaceful atmosphere of a mango forest as you stroll through it. At San Ignacio, you can go visit several trees that are completely full of parakeets. Also, if you’re lucky, you can see the region’s rarest wildlife, the spectacled bear, on the way down. This rare bear is only seen in extremely isolated places, such as the Choquequirao Pathway. The trek terminates at the cozy Villa El Loros lodge in Huanipaca. The peaceful flower beds and a meandering river provide the perfect setting for your farewell meal. After there, you’ll reconnect with your transfer for the return trip to Cusco. After seeing the far-flung Choquequirao Archeological complex, you can kick back, reflect, and take pride in your accomplishment on the journey home.

Travel time: 5 kilometers (8 km)
At its highest point, 10,100 feet (3,075 m)
Time: about 5 hours
Moderate incline

The Choquequirao hike is very remarkable for anyone who takes the time to go on it. You’ll also be among the select few who can say they’ve visited the incredible Choquequirao ruins with their own eyes. Please fill out our Traveler Form so that we may get in touch with you and assist you in making travel arrangements.

Discover the Hidden Treasures of Choquequirao Peru