Choquequirao: trek to the secret Inca city, an alternative to Machu Picchu

Choquequirao rests practically desolate at the top of the deepest canyon in America.

Here tourists do not arrive in comfortable trains, but real adventurers who, after days of exhausting trek, meet with the absolute silence of their mysterious ruins. Archaeologists have estimated that only 40% of the city has been exposed, with various government projects on the way to squeeze their tourism potential. That’s why you should do the trekking to Choquequirao now, before the crowds rob you of an authentic encounter with our historical past Choquequirao .

¿EN QUÉ CONSISTE EL TREKKING A CHOQUEQUIRAO?

The trek to the Inca citadel begins in the small town of Cachora, to cross the Apurimac canyon until you reach the ruins of Choquequirao. It is a difficult circuit, 3 times more demanding than the classic Camino del Inca, since on one day you drop 1 kilometer of slope (which takes 5 hours approximately) and the next day you climb it again (and then you have to go back). But the effort is rewarded every second thanks to the stunning views offered by the canyon. While in Machu Picchu you fight side by side with 2500 tourists to get the best picture, Choquequirao receives approximately 30 people a day in high season, making it the true lost city of the Incas.

At Machupicchu Agency we have two alternatives, the classic 4-day trek with transfers from Cusco (includes the return), and another one of greater length that connects Choquequirao with Machu Picchu on an 8-day trek. The information in this article corresponds to the classic circuit. It is important to mention that, to lighten the load, there are muleteers who carry camping equipment and your backpack on mules, from one campsite to the next.

INFORMACIÓN Y RUTA

Duration	4 days
Distance	32 kilometers
Difficulty	high
Walking trails	The trail is well maintained and easy to follow.
Maximum height	3050 meters above sea level
Admission ticket	60 soles per person / 30 soles students with ISIC card
Best time	May to October.

Apart from experiencing immense ruins with a tranquility and privacy that you would never find in Machu Picchu, the trek to Choquequirao is an incredible personal challenge, with views during the journey that will take your breath away. Unfortunately (for some, including myself), the Peruvian government is considering the construction of cable cars to the city, so it will not be many years before Choquequirao is transformed into another popular park in the style of Machu Picchu.

Flooded with a sense of satisfaction at completion, the trek to Choquequirao is an adventure you will never forget. Our recommendation is to take advantage of doing it as soon as possible (before it becomes too popular) and then convince the rest of your friends to dare Choquequirao.

To visit the citadel of Machupicchu and see (more information).