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16th-century Inca site in Peru
Photo: Harley Calvert, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Choquequirao is a large Inca ruin in Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru. Much less visited than its more famous cousin Machu Picchu, it is only accessible by a strenuous two-day trek.
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A collection of buildings - including warehouses and priests' residences - fountains and water channels on a hill above the main plaza.
Warehouses and workshops organized as five areas on two levels. There are three entries on the first level and four on the second.
The central area of the ruins with an open area and several large buildings used for ceremonial purposes.
A two-level, covered structure with access to the rear field and Plataforma Ceremonial Ushno.
A semicircular field on a hill, south of the main plaza, that offers panoramic views of the area. It may have been used for astronomical observations and religious ceremonies.
A temple used by priests with ceremonial terraces.
Three wide terraces below the main square. A 300 m stone path runs their length.
Llama Terraces
A series of terraces connected by steep stairs and irrigation channels. The retaining walls are decorated with white stone llamas and other geometric shapes. The path down to the terraces descends close to 100 m, is steep in some sections, and can be slippery if the ground is wet. Near the bottom there is a trail to a viewpoint that looks back on the terraces.
A collection of rectangular and single-level circular buildings connected to each other by narrow passageways and stairways. These were thought to be living areas for families or workers.
Terraces along an edge of a cliff connected by irrigation channels.
The largest sector in the entire complex, composed of over 80 terraces used for cultivation.
A distant group of terraces, approximately 4 km (3 hr) north of the main plaza. Artifacts, such as stone tools, ceramics, and bones have been found on the upper terraces.
A homestead owned and run by the Sullcahuasami Lopez family, this is 4 km along the way to Choquequirao, and is a great place to stay the night before beginning the trek, as it gives you a bit of a head start. The Lopez family are very hospitable and can help you with hiring an arriero and mules, although they only speak Spanish. To reach it you can either walk the 4 km down the hill from Cachora, or else it is reachable by taxi.
You can camp next to the little huts behind Choquequirao Wasi although they are very windy (S/5). Cold showers and toilets. You can buy snacks and some food and eat any meal of the day there. Generous portions, and menu more varied compared to later campsites
A simple campsite run by an old couple who have been farming for over 30 years. No snacks or drinks. Water must be brought from the nearby stream.
A campground and shop a few km above the Apirumac river on the path to Choquequirao, at km 19. The 'standard itinerary' often stays here the first night. It is, however, less pleasant than most of the other campsites, due to the presence of many biting flies that leave tiny blood blisters at the bite site. You can buy simple cooked food, snacks and drinks here. The shopkeeper is very friendly, and may try to feed you chicha or the deadly-strong distilled alcohol caña.
This is a well-fitted out campsite next to the Apurimac river on the trek to Choquequirao, around km 21. Ice cold drinks, snacks and simple cooked food is available, as are concrete shelters, clean bathrooms and showers. Compared to the other campsites, this one feels less homely and more artificial.
Santa Rosa is a campground at km 25 along the path to Choquequirao. There are two campsites - both offer room-temperature drinks, snacks, and simple cooked meals.
Santa Rosa Alta is a campsite about 100 m higher in elevation than Santa Rosa. Inquire when passing through Santa Rosa if there is food as it may not be available during low season.
A small village with several campsites and shops to purchase snacks, drinks, and meals. Most campsites have basic bathrooms and showers, though not all. Rooms with beds are available at some guest houses if you do not have a tent. It has beautiful views of the valley below and, at km 28, it is only 4 km below Choquequirao.
A campground that is inside the Choquequirao ruins, though you will have to walk at least 30 min to get to the main plaza. Basic bathroom facilities and showers but no food. As it receives less sun than Marampata, it is much colder at night.
Two-day trek from Cachora
Day One - Start out early from Cachora to make it to camp before nightfall and take in all the views as the sun goes down over the Andean valley.
One-day trek from Huanipaca
Day One - Start walking early in the morning from "El Carmen" road tip, Tambobamba zone, Huanipaca.4 km).
Total time with a 15-kg pack, no guide, no mules: 5 days. Excellent scenery and a great alternative to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
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Articles and travel topics about Choquequirao and Peru.
ItinerariesThe Inca Highlands, the center of Inca civilization in Peru, features numerous attractions, notably the world-famous Machu Picchu (the "Lost City of the Incas") and the Inca Trail which leads to it.
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ItinerariesThe Inca trail to Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas", is a world-famous 45 km (28 mi) trek in Peru. It's the best known part of the Inca road system, which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014.
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Culture & historyAn archaeological site (or archeological site) is any place with physical evidence of past human activity. Such sites might be from pre-history as well as history, and the oldest sites can be considered paleontology.
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Culture & historyBefore Europeans arrived in South America, the continent was home to a variety of flourishing civilizations and cultures. Some of these cultures remain today; others have left incredible ruins.
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