Choquequirao Trek: The “Other Machu Picchu” (2026 Guide)

Imagine a Machu Picchu-scale Inca city perched above a dramatic canyon — and almost no one there. That’s Choquequirao, often called the “other Machu Picchu,” reachable only on foot. The trek to it is one of Peru’s great adventures precisely because it’s hard to get to: no train, no crowds, just a demanding hike into the Apurímac Canyon and back.

Here’s what the Choquequirao trek involves and how to plan it.

Quick Answer

• What: a multi-day trek to a huge, uncrowded Inca ruin above the Apurímac Canyon.
• Length: typically 4–5 days round trip, about 50–60 km (30–37 mi).
• Difficulty: moderate to hard — the challenge is relentless canyon descents and climbs, not extreme altitude.
• Altitude: the site sits around 3,050 m; you start from Cusco (3,400 m) and drop deep into the canyon first.
• Best for: fit hikers who want solitude and ruins without the permit lottery or the crowds.

Why Choquequirao Is Special

Choquequirao is a sprawling Inca complex — temples, plazas, and the famous llama-shaped terraces — thought to be similar in scale to Machu Picchu, but only partially excavated. Because there’s no railway and no road to the door, visitor numbers are a tiny fraction of Machu Picchu’s. You can genuinely have terraces to yourself.

That remoteness is the whole appeal — and the whole challenge.

The Route

The classic trek starts in Cachora, about a 3-hour drive from Cusco. From there:

• You hike to the Capuliyoc viewpoint on the canyon rim,
• descend steeply — often around 1,500 m of descent on the first day — to the Apurímac River far below,
• then climb back up the far side to reach Choquequirao,
• explore the ruins, and return the way you came (a 4–5 day out-and-back).

Daily distances are moderate (12–15 km), but the constant up-and-down is what makes it tough.

How Hard Is It?

Moderate to difficult. The difficulty isn’t altitude (Choquequirao is lower than Cusco) — it’s the canyon profile: big descents into the heat of the gorge followed by long, steep ascents. You need good fitness and to be comfortable with sustained climbing in warm conditions.

As with any Cusco-region trek, acclimatize first — spend 2–3 days in Cusco and the Sacred Valley before you start, and read our altitude sickness in Cusco guide.

The Epic Option: Choquequirao to Machu Picchu

For serious trekkers, there’s a longer 7–8 day traverse that continues from Choquequirao all the way to Machu Picchu — a continuous journey linking two great Inca cities across remote high country. It’s one of the most rewarding (and demanding) long treks in Peru, for experienced hikers with the time.

Best Time to Go

The dry season (roughly May to September) is best: more stable trails and safer canyon conditions. The wet season brings landslide and river risks in the gorge, so most operators avoid the peak rainy months. For the regional weather picture, see best time to visit Machu Picchu.

What to Bring

It’s a camping trek through varied terrain and temperatures — cool on the rim, hot in the canyon. The gear is essentially the same as any Cusco multi-day trek: layers, a warm sleeping bag, sun protection, plenty of water capacity, and broken-in boots. Our Salkantay Trek packing list applies directly.

Choquequirao vs the Other Treks

• Choquequirao — the most remote and uncrowded, big canyon descents, ruins with almost no one there.
• Salkantay Trek — high mountain scenery, ends at Machu Picchu, permit-free.
• Inca Jungle Trek — biking, rafting and ziplining, budget-friendly.
• Classic Inca Trail — the historic stone path with the Sun Gate finish (needs a permit).

If your priority is solitude and a “lost city” feel over reaching Machu Picchu itself, Choquequirao wins.

How to Book

At Viajes Peru Tour we run the Choquequirao trek with guides, porters/mules, camping and meals handled, plus the acclimatization days that make the canyon manageable. Whether you want the 4–5 day out-and-back or the epic traverse to Machu Picchu, tell us your dates and fitness and we’ll set it up.

Check Choquequirao trek availability →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Choquequirao trek? A 4–5 day round-trip hike to Choquequirao, a large Inca city above the Apurímac Canyon often called the “other Machu Picchu.” It’s reachable only on foot, so it sees very few visitors.

How difficult is the Choquequirao trek? Moderate to hard. The challenge is the steep canyon descents and ascents — often around 1,500 m of descent on day one — rather than extreme altitude. Good fitness is needed.

How many days does it take? Typically 4–5 days out and back (about 50–60 km). There’s also a longer 7–8 day traverse that continues to Machu Picchu.

How high is Choquequirao? The ruins sit around 3,050 m — actually lower than Cusco (3,400 m). You still start high and drop into the canyon, so acclimatize in Cusco first.

Do you need a permit for Choquequirao? Unlike the Classic Inca Trail, Choquequirao doesn’t have the same 500/day permit cap — there’s a site entrance fee, but no permit lottery. Booking a guided trek is still strongly recommended.

When is the best time to hike Choquequirao? The dry season (May–September) for safer, more stable canyon conditions. The rainy months bring landslide and river risks in the gorge.