Past the canyon's edge, the terraces wait in silence.
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120 hr
Trek 5 days through the Apurímac Canyon to reach the remote, crowd-free Inca citadel of Choquequirao.
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96 hr
Four days of raw Andean adventure to a crowd-free Inca citadel deep in the Apurímac Canyon.
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72 hr
Hike into the Andes to reach Choquequirao, a vast Inca citadel fewer than 1% of Peru's visitors ever see.
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120 hr
A challenging 5-day Andean trek to Choquequirao, the remote Inca citadel few travellers ever reach.
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120 hr
A 5-day Andean adventure to the remote 'Cradle of Gold' — Machu Picchu's lesser-known twin.
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Only an estimated thirty percent of Choquequirao has been cleared from the cloud forest — the rest still sleeps beneath roots and vine. Carved into a ridge above the Apurimac canyon, the city was a royal Inca estate, its name meaning "cradle of gold" in Quechua.
Spanish chroniclers passed it by; archaeologists reached its llama-shaped terraces only in earnest during the twentieth century.
Today the site matters precisely because it resists the crowds. With no road and no railway, access comes on foot, which keeps the ruins quiet where Machu Picchu hums. Travelers compare the two constantly — many choquequirao tours now thread a choquequirao machu picchu route, while a longer choquequirao machu picchu trek links both citadels. The choquequirao machu picchu combo rewards the patient, and choquequirao endures as the Andes once were: unhurried, ungated, half-hidden.
"The city matters precisely because it resists the crowds."
A step-by-step walkthrough of Choquequirao tickets — what you'll see, how long each stage takes, and the details that matter.
You start before dawn at the Capuliyoc checkpoint, paying the 60 PEN entrance fee in person, then drop into the canyon as first light spills across the gorge. The trail switchbacks down to the Apurimac river, then climbs — relentlessly — toward the ridge.
Aim to reach the ruins between 06:00 and 09:00, when the light is soft and the terraces stand empty.
You pause at the Lower Plaza, trace the white-stone llama mosaics, and climb to the ceremonial usnu where the canyon opens beneath your boots. Guides on a choquequirao private tour explain the irrigation channels still carrying water. By afternoon you descend, legs burning, the site fading behind you. The gates close at 17:00, so you time your last climb carefully.
Drive from Cusco along the Abancay highway to km 148, then transfer to Cachora village (2,900 m) where mule hire and final supplies are available.
From Cachora, trek to the Capuliyoc pass (3,000 m) for first panoramic views of the Apurímac Canyon, then descend steeply to Chiquisca camp.
Cross the Apurímac River at Playa Rosalina (1,500 m) and begin the demanding 1,550 m climb through cloud forest to Marampata camp.
Explore the Main Plaza, Llamayoq terraces, Ushnu platform, Capilla Hill sector, and the ceremonial water channels at the Inca citadel.
The landmarks, rooms, and views travelers on Choquequirao tours remember — all visible on a single visit.
Every Choquequirao tour side-by-side — duration, what's included, how you redeem.
| Experience | From | Duration | Transfers | Pickup | Lunch | Tax inc. | Free cancel. | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Skip-the-line Most popular
Choquequirao Lost Inca City – 5-Day Trekking Adventure
|
— | 120 hr | — | — | — | — | ✓ | €373 | Book → |
|
Guided Experience
Choquequirao 4-Day Private Trek: The Lost Inca Citadel
|
— | 96 hr | — | — | — | — | ✓ | €472 | Book → |
|
Premium Combo
Choquequirao Trek: 3-Day Expedition to the Lost Inca City
|
— | 72 hr | — | — | — | — | ✓ | €476 | Book → |
|
Luxury / Private
Choquequirao Trek: The Lost Inca City – 5 Days / 4 Nights
|
— | 120 hr | — | — | — | — | ✓ | €485 | Book → |
|
Standard Entry
Choquequirao 5-Day Trek: Lost City of the Incas
|
— | 120 hr | — | — | — | — | ✓ | €691 | Book → |
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Practical details for Choquequirao tickets straight from our verified partners — hours, access, rules, and how to get there.
Cachora, Abancay Province, Apurimac Region, Peru
Standard departure and mule-hire point for all choquequirao tours; most agencies meet groups here at 06:00.
Open in Google MapsTake a bus from Cusco Terminal Terrestre toward Abancay (Cruz del Sur or Oltursa); ask to stop at Ramal de Cachora at km 148, then a shared minivan to Cachora village.
Private taxi or van from Cusco directly to Cachora offers door-to-door comfort and flexibility for early morning starts.
From Cachora village to the Choquequirao ruins is approximately 31 km on foot, involving a full canyon descent and ascent.
From Abancay city, a taxi to Cachora costs approximately 60–80 PEN and takes around 1.5–2 hours.
Layered clothing is essential at Choquequirao: daytime temperatures at 3,050 m can reach 22°C while nights drop close to freezing. Wear moisture-wicking base layers, a warm fleece or down jacket, and waterproof outer shell. Sturdy ankle-support trekking boots with good grip are required on the steep schist-stone paths.
There are no bag-storage facilities or lockers at the remote site. Trekkers carry all personal belongings throughout the visit; mule hire is available from Cachora to transport heavy loads. Keep valuables on your person at all times, as the archaeological park has no staffed cloakroom.
Personal photography is permitted throughout the archaeological park without a fee. Drone operation requires prior authorization from Peru's Ministry of Culture and is not permitted without written approval. Tripods are allowed on the open terraces; flash photography inside any enclosed stone structure should be avoided to protect pigments.
The trek to the Inca citadel requires crossing a canyon descending to roughly 1,500 m and ascending steeply to 3,050 m over approximately 31 km from Cachora. The site itself features uneven stone paths, steep terraces, and no handrails. It is not accessible for wheelchairs or visitors with significant mobility limitations. Mule hire can assist with baggage but not with the walk itself.
Mobile phone coverage is absent for most of the trekking route and at the ruins themselves. Download offline maps (e.g. Maps.me or Gaia GPS) before departing Cusco. A satellite communicator is recommended for independent trekkers venturing without a guide on the Cachora route.
Families with older children (12+) with solid hiking experience can undertake choquequirao tours, though the multi-day trek demands serious physical fitness. The route involves up to 10 hours of trekking per day. Children under 3 do not pay the site entrance fee. Pack high-energy snacks, electrolyte supplements, and sun protection for younger trekkers.
There are no restaurants inside the archaeological park itself. Simple kiosks and campsites along the Cachora trail offer basic meals and water. Trekkers should carry at least 3 litres of water per day and purification tablets, as natural water sources require treatment. Bring sufficient high-calorie trail food for the duration of your trek.
Pets are not permitted within the Choquequirao Archaeological Park. The surrounding area is protected habitat for Andean condors, spectacled bears, and cloud-forest bird species, and domestic animals pose a disturbance risk.
Altitude sickness (soroche) is a real concern: the trail climbs to 3,050 m after descending to canyon floor at roughly 1,500 m. Spend at least two nights acclimatising in Cusco before beginning the trek. Coca leaves or acetazolamide (consult a physician) are widely used preventive measures among trekkers on the Cachora route.
Cachora, Abancay Province, Apurimac Region, Peru
Standard departure and mule-hire point for all choquequirao tours; most agencies meet groups here at 06:00.
Get directionsCapuliyoc pass on Cachora–Choquequirao trail
Entrance fee of 60 PEN collected here; bring exact cash. Last point with reliable phone signal.
Get directionsBest time to go, insider tips, nearby landmarks, and the cancellation fine print — flip through to skim what matters to you.
How crowds, weather, and events shift across the year.
Dry season onset with lush post-rain greenery; minimal rainfall and clear views; June is peak condor-watching month.
Small details that turn a good visit into a great one.
Temperatures on the canyon descent can reach 35°C by midday; leaving Cachora by 05:00–06:00 keeps you in shade for the steepest sections and gets you to camp before the worst heat.
The Capuliyoc checkpoint collects 60 PEN per foreign adult in cash only; change is rarely available on-trail, and the nearest ATM is in Abancay city.
Muleteers in Cachora charge approximately 40 PEN per mule per day; carrying a 15 kg pack on the canyon ascent significantly increases the risk of knee injury and altitude fatigue.
Andean condors catch the first thermal columns rising from the Apurímac Canyon in the early morning; the area below the Ushnu platform is one of the most reliable viewing spots in June and July.
The ascent to 3,050 m after canyon descent at 1,500 m is a rapid gain; trekkers who skip acclimatisation in Cusco report significantly higher rates of altitude headache at camp.
Mobile coverage disappears before Capuliyoc; apps such as Maps.me with the Apurimac region downloaded allow accurate trail navigation without a guide.
Non-bookable sights within a short walk — free to visit, easy to pair.
First panoramic overlook of the Apurímac Canyon and Nevado Salkantay, used as a rest and orientation point.
One of Peru's top spots for watching Andean condors riding morning thermals above the deepest canyon sections.
Small farming community with basic accommodation and local food; a staging camp for early morning ruin access.
Highest peak of the Vilcabamba range at 6,271 m; visible on clear dry-season mornings from the upper trail sections.
Flexible, no hidden fees.
Choquequirao entrance fees of 60 PEN are paid in cash in person at the Capuliyoc checkpoint and are non-refundable once collected. Tour operators offering guided choquequirao tours typically apply a 72-hour cancellation window for a full refund; cancellations within 24 hours are generally non-refundable — confirm exact terms with your operator before booking.
Hand-picked options within walking distance — pick a district for vibe, or a specific hotel for convenience.
Basic rooms and camping pitches; the standard first-night stay for all trekkers, with mule-hire services arranged on-site.
Community-run tented camp with basic meals; ideal base for early morning access to the site at 06:00.
Abancay city offers the nearest mid-range hotels with en-suite bathrooms and reliable hot water for pre- or post-trek recovery.
Wide choice of boutique and mid-range hotels in Cusco's historic centre; ideal base for acclimatisation and tour logistics.
The entrance fee for choquequirao is 60 PEN per foreign adult, paid in cash at the Capuliyoc checkpoint at the start of the trail. There is no online booking platform; payment is strictly in person. Children under 3 enter free.
The choquequirao archaeological park is open daily from 06:00 to 17:00, including weekends and public holidays. Arriving between 06:00 and 09:00 is recommended for cooler temperatures and fewer trekkers at the ruins.
From Cusco, take a bus toward Abancay from Terminal Terrestre and ask to stop at Ramal de Cachora (km 148), approximately 3–4 hours away. From there, a shared minivan covers the final 16 km to Cachora village, the trailhead for the 31 km trek to the ruins.
The dry season from May to September offers the most reliable trail conditions. June and July are peak months with clear skies, optimal condor-watching, and stable paths, though visitor numbers are at their highest. May and September are excellent shoulder months with fewer trekkers.
Independent trekking to this remote Inca citadel is possible if you speak some Spanish and carry sufficient supplies. Hiring a licensed local guide enriches the experience considerably, as the site spans 12 sectors and less than 40% has been excavated. Most choquequirao tour operators include guide, mule support, meals, and camping gear.
A standard out-and-back choquequirao trek from Cachora takes 4 to 5 days, covering approximately 62 km round-trip with a significant canyon descent to 1,500 m and ascent to 3,050 m. Extended itineraries continuing to Machu Picchu take 8 to 9 days.
Essential items include 60 PEN in cash for the entrance fee, trekking poles, a sleeping bag rated to −5°C, 3-litre water capacity with purification tablets, high-SPF sunscreen, a headlamp, and high-calorie trail snacks. Layers for both 22°C days and near-freezing nights are critical.
No, choquequirao tickets cannot be purchased online. The 60 PEN entrance fee is collected face-to-face at the Capuliyoc checkpoint on the trail. Bring exact cash as change is rarely available at the remote checkpoint.
The five key areas are the Main Plaza (Plaza Principal) with its finely fitted Inca masonry, the Llamayoq Terraces decorated with 24 white-stone llama figures, the Ushnu ceremonial platform overlooking the Apurímac Canyon, the Capilla Hill (Pikiwasi) elite residential sector, and the Paqchayoq waterfall sector.
Families with physically fit children aged 12 and above can complete a choquequirao trek with preparation. The multi-day route demands up to 10 hours of hiking per day on steep terrain. Children under 3 do not pay the entrance fee. Hiring mules for baggage is strongly advised with younger trekkers.
Yes. The Apurímac Canyon below the ruins is one of Peru's top locations for Andean condors, which ride morning thermals between roughly 08:00 and 10:00. June through August provides the most reliable sightings due to dry, windy conditions.
The Capuliyoc viewpoint offers the first panoramic view of the canyon and Nevado Salkantay on the approach trail. For a longer expedition, the 8- to 9-day route connects the Inca citadel with Machu Picchu, passing through remote Andean passes and cloud forest.
