How to Get to Choquequirao: Trekking Routes Explained
So you wanna check out Choquequirao? It’s this awesome old Inca place tucked away high in the mountains near the Apurímac River, sitting at about meters ( feet). People call it Machu Picchu’s bigger sister cause they look kinda similar architecturally but Choquequirao is massive like three times bigger. Word is it was the last spot the Incas held out after the Spanish arrived. Then it got swallowed by the jungle for ages until folks found it again not too long ago.
Getting there isn’t easy like hopping on a bus it’s a real trek. There are basically three main ways people hike in. Whichever route you pick you’re gonna see some seriously killer mountain views maybe snowy peaks and lots of cool plants and animals native to the Andes. Just be ready it’s a tough hike no matter which way you go.
1. The Cachora Route to Choquequirao
This is the path most travelers know. The adventure starts getting yourself from Cusco towards Abancay. From near Abancay you need to get transport to the little town of Santiago de Cachora (around m / ft). Once you’re in Cachora grab a taxi or a local bus colectivo up to the Capuliyoc viewpoint (about m / ft). This is where your boots hit the trail.
Your Hike:
Day one is mostly downhill a long tough descent all the way down to Playa Rosalina right by the Apurímac River. You’ll set up camp there for the night.
Day two is payback time you’re climbing up up up until you reach a small settlement called Marampata. Take a breather here. From Marampata it’s not too much further to Choquequirao itself. You can start exploring the ruins maybe. Some people camp near Choquequirao others head back to Marampata to sleep.
Day three is your main Choquequirao exploration day. Soak it all in. Then you gotta start hiking back usually heading down towards a campsite called Chiquisca for your last night on the trail.
Day four is the final push climbing back up to the Capuliyoc viewpoint. From Capuliyoc you catch a ride back down to Cachora then arrange transport back towards Abancay and finally catch your bus back to Cusco.
Most people take 4 days for this. If you’re a really strong hiker you might do it in 3. If you want to take it slower or aren’t used to intense treks maybe plan for 5 days. It’s definitely a challenging hike locals sometimes call this route “rompe piernas” you know leg breaker for a reason.
2. The Huanipaca Route to Choquequirao
Looking for a faster maybe even tougher route? You can try going via Huanipaca (roughly m / ft). This usually takes about three days.
Your Hike:
Similar start get from Cusco towards Abancay but then find transport specifically to the town of Huanipaca. That’s where you start walking.
Day one from Huanipaca is hiking down down down to Playa San Ignacio which is also by the Apurímac River. Camp here.
Day two is the big one. It’s a seriously steep narrow trail climbing pretty much straight up to Choquequirao. It’s hard work. You’ll likely camp near the ruins that night.
Day three you explore Choquequirao in the morning. Then you gotta hike all the way back down that steep path to Huanipaca where you can find transport heading back out.
This route definitely saves a day compared to Cachora but that climb is intense. Seriously pack light for this one just bring “lo básico” the absolute essentials. Every extra bit of weight counts here.
3. The Santa Teresa (Yanama) Route to Choquequirao
This way is less common maybe more “caleta” or off the beaten path. It comes in from the Santa Teresa side which is also closer to Machu Picchu.
Your Hike:
First get a bus from Cusco heading towards Quillabamba but get off in the Santa Teresa district. From Santa Teresa town find transport probably a local truck or colectivo up to the village of Yanama (around m / ft). This is your trail head.
Day one you hike up over a mountain pass called San Juan then down to a spot called Maizal. You camp at Maizal and the cool thing is you can actually see Choquequirao across the valley from here.
Day two involves a bit more downhill then a steep climb up to the Choquequirao ruins. If you arrive early enough you can explore a bit before setting up camp nearby.
Day three finish seeing Choquequirao then hike back down the way you came to camp at Maizal again.
Day four hike the rest of the way from Maizal back to Yanama. From Yanama get transport back down to Santa Teresa. From Santa Teresa you can either head back to Cusco or here’s a cool option since you’re close you could arrange to visit Machu Picchu next.
What You Gotta Pack for Choquequirao
Packing right for Choquequirao is super important cause you’re relying on what you carry for several days. Don’t mess this up.
- Footwear: Good sturdy hiking boots already broken in. This is non-negotiable. Maybe sandals for camp.
- Clothes: Think layers. You’ll want hiking pants maybe shorts t-shirts (synthetics are better than cotton cause they dry fast) a fleece or warm jacket maybe thermal underwear for nights and solid rain gear (jacket and pants). It gets cold at altitude especially at night.
- Shelter: A reliable tent that can handle wind/rain and a warm sleeping bag suitable for potentially cold mountain nights. A sleeping pad too for comfort and insulation.
- Water: Water bottles or a hydration reservoir (like a Camelbak). Crucially bring water purification tablets or a filter. Don’t drink untreated water. Staying hydrated is key especially with the altitude and exertion.
- Food: You need lightweight high-energy food. Think pasta quinoa oats instant coffee tea. Lots of snacks like trail mix energy bars nuts dried fruit chocolate. Maybe some coca leaves locals chew them “para el soroche” (for altitude sickness). Canned stuff is usually too heavy unless you have mules. Don’t forget salt.
- Cooking: A small camping stove fuel cooking pot cup and utensils. Lighter/matches.
- Sun Protection: High SPF sunscreen a wide-brimmed hat sunglasses lip balm with SPF. The sun up there is intense even if it’s cloudy.
- Light: Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries. Essential for evenings mornings and inside your tent.
- Navigation: While trails are often clear a basic map or GPS/phone app could be useful especially if hiking independently.
- First Aid: A good kit with basics pain relievers antiseptic wipes bandages blister treatment (moleskin or Compeed is gold!) insect repellent personal meds.
- Other Stuff: Trekking poles (highly recommended save your knees!) toilet paper small trowel hand sanitizer basic toiletries camera maybe a portable charger/power bank.
- Cash: Bring Peruvian Soles in small bills. You might be able to buy water snacks or basic meals in villages like Marampata but don’t count on it and definitely no ATMs. Enough cash for transport too.
Remember everything you pack you gotta carry unless you hire mules and an arriero (mule driver) which is common especially on the Cachora route. Pack smart pack light but don’t skip essentials. This trek is amazing but it demands respect and preparation. ¡Buen viaje!
