Choquequirao — The Other Machu Picchu

Choquequirao (pronounced: Cho-Kay-Kee-Rao), also known as “Machu Picchu’s little sister” is a lesser-known Inca archaeological site located just 64 km (40 miles) from Machu Picchu and is perfect for nature lovers and trekkers looking to explore alternative routes in and around the Cusco region, Peru.

Choquequirao

The archaeological site is reached after two days of challenging hiking in uneven terrain including a descent to the Apurimac River and a whopping 1500 meters of level change. Fun fact: The Incan site is said to be up to three times the size of its famous “older sister” and is still under cleaning process, having been largely covered by vegetation for centuries.

If this sounds up your alley, check our 7-Day Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek! This program has you trekking past the Apurimac river canyon, into the amazing ruins of Choquequirao, through the Cordillera Vilcabamba to finally reach Machu Picchu from its south side. This unique program is perfect for those who want to combine archaeology and mountains. Some of the trail follows the very footsteps of Hiram Bingham!

Trek to Choquequirao

Way off the beaten track, Choquequirao (the “Cradle of Gold”) is an amazingly preserved Inca outpost. Only accessible by a tough trek, it is comparable in size to Machu Picchu and dramatically located on a promontory nearly 1,700m above the roaring Apurimac River. Our seven-day mule supported hike to Choquequirao and beyond takes in high passes, perfectly preserved Inca Trails and awesome Andean peaks, and ends with a spectacular and rarely seen view of Machu Picchu, complete with a fully guided tour of these incredible ruins.

This is a long, spectacular and strenuous hike crossing the entire Vilcabamba mountain range from the Apurimac to the Urubamba watershed. It is approximately 75km long with almost 5,000m of both ascent and descent, passes up to 4,100m and river crossings as low as 1,450m.

Trek to Choquequirao

This is your chance to be among one of the few adventurers to visit this incredible site and complete this rewarding trek to Machu Picchu.

A 10-day package is available, including 3 nights in Cusco, Cusco city walking tour and transfers.

Please contact us for set departures dates for the 7-day trek.

• $2320 USD per person

*Prices are for set departures; contact us for private treks, to start on any date.

Your friendly Peru expert,

Gretchen