What is Choquequirao?
Choquequirao is an Inca archaeological site with characteristics similar to Machu Picchu. Its name means ‘Cradle of Gold’. Because of its similarity to the ‘Inca City’ it is known as the ‘Sacred Sister of Machu Picchu’. What is Choquequirao
Tour to Choquequirao private Tour
Where is Choquequirao in Peru?
The citadel of Choquequirao is located in the Andes Mountains of Cusco, Peru. In the district of Santa Teresa.
How to get to Choquequirao?
Choquequirao can be reached through Cusco or Abancay. The first destination is the town of Cachora. From there, you will ascend on foot to Choquequirao. The walk is 1 day long. The return is the same way.
How high is Choquequirao?
Choquequirao is located at 3033 masl.
What to see in Choquequirao?
The citadel of Choquequirao has Inca constructions like Machu Picchu, as its main square, the kallankas, the terraces and many more.
The citadel is in discovery since only 30% of Choquequirao is shown, you can find more and beautiful palaces inside it is a mystery.
Who built Choquequirao?
Researchers at Choquequirao estimate that the construction of the Inca archaeological site was around 1536 A.D.
It is similar to the Machu Picchu Citadel that was built by the Inca emperor Pachacutec, Choquequirao’s construction was built by his son, the Inca Tupac Yupanqui.
How is the climate in Choquequirao?
Choquequirao has a temperate climate, the walk to the archaeological center has a warm climate, it is located near the Apurimac Canyon.
Choquequirao: tour to the ‘Other Machu Picchu 8 Days
How to do the walk to Choquequirao?
To visit Choquequirao you can choose to hire a tourist operations agency or you can also go on your own, the start of the tour is from Cachora.
How to buy tickets to Choquequirao?
Tours to Choquequirao can be purchased online or in the Historic Center of Cusco. If you are doing the tour on your own, you must purchase entrance tickets upon arrival at the archaeological site.
How much does the tour to Choquequirao cost?
If you hire a tour agency to tour Choquequirao their costs are different according to the service they provide, they can vary from 500 to 350 US dollars per person.
What does a tour to Choquequirao include?
In the Choquequirao tour, tourism agencies include the following:
- Sleeping tents.
- Food during the trip.
- Trip from the city of Cusco to Cachora where the tour begins.
- Entrance to the archaeological center of Choquequirao.
- Professional tour guide.
- Loading of equipment for the horseback riding tour.
- 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 route indicated and take the necessary luggage (food and shelter). Once at the door of the archaeological site, you only need to buy the ticket.
The route to follow is as follows:
- Cusco (or Abancay) – Cachora.
- Cachora – Marampata.
- Marampata – Choquequirao.
Choquequirao – Machu Picchu Tour
How is the Choquequirao – Machu Picchu tour?
The Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek is one of the most popular treks in travel. It is a trek that unites two magnificent archaeological centers such as Machu Picchu and Choquequirao in an 8 day tour with 115 kilometers of distance.
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 travel agency.
The costs vary from 1300 dollars to 1000 dollars per person.
Can I do the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu hike without a guide?
Yes, it is possible to do the route Cusco – Choquequirao – Machu Picchu by yourself. However, for this you need to have trekking experience.
You must organize the adequate luggage, buy in advance the tickets to Machu Picchu and follow the next route:
- Cusco – Cachora.
- Cachora – Marampata.
- Marampata – Choquequirao.
- Choquequirao – Abra Yanama.
- Abra Yanama – Collpa.
- Collpa – The Beach.
- La Playa – Hydroelectric.
- Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes.
- Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
- Choquequirao: Tips and more information
How to go cheap to Choquequirao?
If you want to make your cheap trip to the citadel of Choquequirao is necessary a hike with the following expenses.
Transportation from the city of Cusco to the town of Cachora (round trip).
- Food for 2 days.
- Tents and sleeping bags.
- Mules or pack horses (optional).
When is the best time to go to Choquequirao?
You have to visit Choquequirao in the following months because it is a very high season, where the archaeological center is not rainy and the weather is not rainy, the months of April to October.
How to hire a muleteer and horse for Choquequirao?
The most comfortable way to ascend to Choquequirao is to hire a muleteer and a horse to carry the luggage. The inhabitants of the town of Cachora offer this service before starting the hike.
Is Choquequirao dangerous?
Choquequirao is a difficult and demanding hike but not dangerous. The trails that lead to the archaeological site are well marked. During the rainy season (November to March), there may be landslides or river flooding so it is not recommended to do the walk at this time of year.
What to take to Choquequirao?
During the hike to Choquequirao it is advisable to take the following:
- A hat or cap.
- Comfortable and light clothing.
- Sun block.
- Hiking shoes.
- Walking sticks.
- Mosquito repellent.
- Water or rehydrant.
- Poncho in case of rain.
- Sunglasses.
- Snacks.
Can I do the Lares to Machu Picchu walk with a single guide?
No, first of all, because the ministry forbids to take any mechanical means, generally the way is unique, most people do it on foot and it would be a nuisance to interrupt the passage of these.
It would mainly expose you to a bumpy and uncomfortable road for yourself, so we recommend that you do it on foot.
Can I take the Lares 4 Day Snack Tour?
Yes, you can do the tour without a guide, but you will be exposed to greater challenges.
As you already know, the hike to the archaeological site of Choquequirao is a complete adventure. You will be hypnotized by this route full of valleys, winding roads, exotic flora and fauna, nights in the Andean prairies, and unparalleled sunrises.
The audacity to go to Choquequirao will be worth it. Similar in structure and architecture to Machu Picchu, Choquequirao is filled with ruined buildings and terraces that sit under a flattened hill that was leveled several hundred years ago and surrounded by stones to create a platform. Built during the rule of the Inca Pachacutec Inca Yupanqui, Choquequirao is believed to have been the last city where the Children of the Sun took refuge when they fled Cusco in the 16th century.
Don’t wait any longer and live this experience in your own flesh.