Choquequirao, the other Machu Picchu: Frequently asked questions
Did you ever hear about Choquequirao, the Inca city known as the ‘other Machu Picchu’? This place is an inca archaeological site little known in Peru. However, it hides as many mysteries as the Wonder of the World.
Solve all your doubts about the archaeological site of Choquequirao.
- Choquequirao: definition
- Choquequirao: tour to the ‘Other Machu Picchu’
- Choquequirao Tour – Machu Picchu
- Choquequirao: Tips and more information
Tourists in Choquequirao
Choquequirao: definition
What is Choquequirao?
Choquequirao is an Inca archaeological site with characteristics similar to Machu Picchu. Its name means ‘Cradle of Gold’. Due to its similarity to the ‘Inca City’ it is known as the ‘Sacred Sister of Machu Picchu’.
Where is Choquequirao in Peru?
Choquequirao is in the Andes Mountains of Cusco, Peru. It belongs to the province of La Convención, in the district of Santa Teresa.
How to get to Choquequirao?
A Choquequirao is reached by Cusco or Abancay. The first destination is the town of Cachora. From there, one can walk up to Choquequirao. The walk is 1 day. The return is in the same way.
How high is Choquequirao?
Choquequirao is 3,033 meters above sea level (masl).
What to see in Choquequirao?
Choquequirao is home to impressive Inca constructions, such as: the Main Plaza, the Colcas, Inca Cemetery, the Kallankas, the Ushnu, platforms, etc.
Choquequirao continues in the process of excavation. It is estimated that to date, only 30% of the original Inca enclosure has been discovered.
Who built Choquequirao?
According to the investigations made in Choquequirao, it is estimated that the Inca site was built around 1536.
Due to its similarity with Machu Picchu, it is believed that the Inca Pachacutec founded the place. His son Tupac Inca Yupanqui was the one who had Choquequirao built.
What is the weather like in Choquequirao?
The archaeological site of Choquequirao has a temperate climate. The walk to this place has a hot climate due to the proximity of the so-called ‘Apurimac Canyon’.
Choquequirao: tour to the ‘Other Machu Picchu’
How to make the trek to Choquequirao?
The trek to Choquequirao can be done with an organized tour or on your own. In both cases, a walk from Cachora to the archaeological site is needed.
How to buy tickets to Choquequirao?
Tours to Choquequirao are purchased online or in the Historic Center of Cusco. If the tour is done on your own, you must purchase the entrance tickets when you arrive at the archaeological site.
How much does the Choquequirao tour cost?
The prices of the tours to Choquequirao vary according to the tourism agency and the number of people.
Prices vary from $ 500 to $ 350 per person.
What does a tour to Choquequirao include?
The Choquequirao tour includes the following:
- Camping equipment
- 2 days of feeding.
- Travel by bus from Cusco to Cachora.
- Entrance tickets to Choquequirao.
- Tourism guide service.
- Cargo service of luggage.
- Trekking poles (sticks).
How to go to Choquequirao without a guide?
To go to Choquequirao without a guide (on your own) you need to follow the indicated route and carry the necessary luggage (food and shelter). Once at the door of the archaeological site, only the entrance must be purchased.
The route to follow is the following:
- Cusco (or Abancay) – Cachora.
- Cachora – Marampata.
- Marampata – Choquequirao.
Choquequirao Tour – Machu Picchu
How is the Choquequirao – Machu Picchu tour?
The Choquequirao – Machu Picchu tour is one of the most extreme and memorable adventures in Peru. It is a walk that connects Cusco – Choquequirao and Machu Picchu in 8 days. The total route is 115 kilometers.
How much does the tour from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu cost?
The prices of the tours from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu (8 days) vary according to the tourism agency.
Costs vary between $ 1,300 to $ 1,000 per person.
Can I do the Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu without a guide?
It is possible to make the route Cusco – Choquequirao – Machu Picchu by own. However, for this you need to have experience in trekking.
You must organize the appropriate luggage, acquire tickets in advance to Machu Picchu and follow the following route:
- Cusco – Cachora.
- Cachora – Marampata.
- Marampata – Choquequirao.
- Choquequirao – Abra Yanama.
- Abra Yanama – Collpa.
- Collpa – The Beach.
- The Beach – Hydroelectric.
- Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes.
- Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu.
Choquequirao: Tips and more information
How to go cheap to Choquequirao?
To visit Choquequirao economically, it is necessary to do the walk on your own. The necessary costs are:
- Entrance to Choquequirao.
- Transportation from Cusco to Cachora (and vice versa).
- Food for 2 days.
- Tents and sleeping bags.
- Mules or pack horses (optional).
When is the best time to go to Choquequirao?
The best time to visit Choquequirao is during the high season of tourism (from April to October). During those days, there is little possibility of rain, so the walks are safer.
How to hire muleteer and horse for Choquequirao?
The most comfortable way to ascend to Choquequirao is hiring muleteer and horse to carry luggage. The inhabitants of the town of Cachora offer this service before starting the walk.
Is Choquequirao dangerous?
Choquequirao is a difficult and demanding but not dangerous hike. The trails that lead to the archaeological site are well signposted. During the rainy season (from November to March), there may be landslides or flooding of the river so it is not advisable to do the trek at that time of the year.
What to take to Choquequirao?
During the walk to Choquequirao it is advisable to bring the following:
- A cap or hat.
- Comfortable and light clothing.
- Sunscreen.
- Hiking shoes.
- Trekking poles
- Repellent for mosquitoes.
- Water or rehydration.
- Poncho in case of rains.
- Sunglasses.
- Snacks
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, December 7, 2018