Choquequirao, an Inca city hidden among the mountains of southern Peru, rises silently above the Apurímac Canyon. It’s an Inca city as impressive as Machu Picchu, but with a distinct charm: its isolation, tranquility, and mystery.
Known as the “sacred sister of Machu Picchu,” this archaeological wonder offers a unique experience for travelers seeking adventure, history, and connection with nature.
Choquequirao was built during the reign of the Inca Pachacútec or Túpac Yupanqui, probably in the 15th century. In addition to being a political and religious center, it served as a refuge for the Incas resisting the Spanish invasion.
The site was rediscovered by explorers in the late 18th century, but archaeological excavations only recently began. It is estimated that only part of the complex has been restored, and that large areas remain covered by Andean vegetation.
This combination of history and mystery makes Choquequirao one of the last authentic Inca cities that can still be explored in silence, away from the crowds.
Machu Picchu’s Sister
Known as the sacred sister of Machu Picchu, Choquequirao was an administrative, agricultural, and religious center of the Inca Empire. Some historians believe it was also a refuge for the last Incas who resisted the Spanish invasion.
Where is Choquequirao?
Choquequirao is located in the Cusco region, in the province of La Convención, at more than 3,000 meters above sea level. From its terraces, you can see the Apurimac River canyon, one of the deepest in the Americas.
An adventure for those seeking something different
Getting to Choquequirao isn’t easy, and that’s what makes it special. Access is only possible on foot or horseback, following ancient Inca trails surrounded by mountains and high jungle.
Along the way, you’ll cross rivers, gorges, and natural viewpoints that look like something out of a postcard.
Architecture that defies time
The Choquequirao archaeological site is divided into sectors: temples, plazas, homes, and agricultural terraces. Every wall and stone tells a story.
Its design demonstrates the Incas’ advanced knowledge of engineering, astronomy, and urban planning.
The Main Plaza
This is the heart of the archaeological site. Surrounding it are ceremonial precincts, temples, and terraces overlooking the valley.
The Agricultural Terraces
These are terraces built with millimeter precision, used for farming and soil retention. On some walls, figures of llamas made of white stones can be seen, a unique detail in the Inca world.
The Temple Sector
Rituals dedicated to the Sun, the Moon, and the sacred mountains (apus) were performed here. The orientation of the temples reflects the Inca’s profound astronomical knowledge.
The Residential Zone
Composed of houses, warehouses, and workshops where the priests, administrators, and farmers who maintained the city lived.
The Natural Viewpoints
From the highest points, you can see the snow-capped peaks and the impressive Apurimac Canyon. They are ideal places for contemplation or photography.
The Famous Stone Llamas
One of the most unique features of Choquequirao is its llama figures formed from white stones embedded in the walls of the terraces.
These representations were a tribute to the sacred animals that accompanied the Incas in their rituals and agricultural work.
Nature and Environment
Choquequirao is part of a protected area known as the Choquequirao Regional Conservation Area.
The ecosystem combines highland rainforest and mountains, with impressive biodiversity: spectacled bears, condors, Andean foxes, hummingbirds, and a wide variety of orchids.
The contact with nature is constant. While hiking, you can hear the rivers, birdsong, and the wind echoing through the mountains. Everything contributes to a sense of peace and deep connection with the environment.
A gem yet to be discovered
Unlike Machu Picchu, Choquequirao doesn’t attract crowds; it still retains its silence and magic. There are no crowds, no lines, no noise, allowing for a more intimate and authentic experience, filled with history, nature, and Andean energy. Many travelers agree that the site’s energy is special, difficult to describe but easy to feel; it’s a place that invites silence, reflection, and wonder.
In the coming years, the construction of a cable car has been proposed to facilitate access, although many fear that this will disrupt its magic and tranquility. For now, it remains a hidden gem for those seeking something different.
The Trail and the Experience
The journey to Choquequirao is considered one of the most spectacular treks in Peru. Along the way, you can observe condors, orchids, Andean birds, and landscapes that change between the sun and the mist.
The effort is more than worth it upon arrival: a nearly empty Inca city, surrounded by silence and pure nature.
Sustainable Tourism and Local Communities
The Choquequirao area is inhabited by rural communities that preserve their ancestral traditions.
Many of the guides, muleteers, and cooks who accompany travelers are residents of these communities, so visiting Choquequirao also means supporting the local economy.
Local authorities and environmental organizations promote responsible tourism that respects nature and the living culture of the area.
Best time to visit
The best time to hike is during the dry season, between April and October, when the days are sunnier and the trail is in better condition.
During the rainy season (November to March), the landscape becomes greener, but the trail can be slippery.
The Spiritual Energy of the Place
For the Andean people, Choquequirao is not just an archaeological site, but a sacred space.
It is surrounded by apus (protective mountains) and is considered a point of connection with nature and the ancestors.
Many visitors report feeling a special energy upon arrival, a mixture of peace, respect, and admiration for the surroundings.
A journey to the heart of the Andean world
Visiting Choquequirao is more than a hike: it’s a spiritual adventure. It’s a journey back in time, discovering the grandeur of a civilization, and reconnecting with nature. Every step connects you with the history of the Incas, the power of the mountains, and your own spirit of exploration. In the end, Choquequirao isn’t just a visit; it’s a journey you experience and feel.
Every step along the way is a lesson in history, hard work, and respect for the land.
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination, steeped in culture, mystery, and adventure, Choquequirao awaits you with the open arms of the Andean world.
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