Unlike Machu Picchu, Choquequirao has no direct road access or train service. Reaching this Inca citadel requires a combination of overland transportation and hiking, which makes it a more demanding destination — but also a much more authentic experience. If you’re wondering how to get to Choquequirao, in this guide you’ll find the available routes, the approximate time for each stretch, and the transportation options you can choose based on your budget and comfort level.

From Cusco to the trailhead

The first step to reaching Choquequirao is traveling from How to Get to Choquequirao to Cachora, the village where the classic route begins. This stretch is covered by road and takes between 3 and 4 hours, depending on the type of transportation and road conditions.

There are two main ways to make this trip:

• Public transportation: buses or vans that leave from Cusco to Cachora, with set but less flexible schedules.
• Private transportation or transfer: booked directly or as part of a tour, with departure times adjusted to your itinerary.

Classic route: Cachora – Choquequirao

This is the most widely used route to Choquequirao and the one with the best-established trail infrastructure. The route consists of a descent into the Apurímac River canyon, crossing the river, and a subsequent climb up to the citadel.

In general terms, hiking to Choquequirao via this route takes:

• Cachora – Playa Rosalinas (river crossing): approximately 5 to 6 hours
• Playa Rosalinas – Choquequirao: approximately 4 to 5 hours of ascent

The steep elevation change makes this a route considered medium-to-high difficulty, so it’s best to arrive with some physical preparation.

Alternative route: Huanipaca

In addition to the classic Cachora route, there is an alternative route through Huanipaca. This option has variations in the terrain and travel times, and in some cases can be an interesting alternative to the traditional route.

Available transportation options

To get to Choquequirao from Cusco to the trailhead, you have several alternatives:

• Public bus to Cachora: the most economical option, though with fixed schedules and less comfort.
• Private transportation or transfer: greater schedule flexibility and comfort, ideal for small groups or travelers who prefer to avoid wait times.
• Organized tours with transportation included: the most practical option, since it includes transfer, guide, and trip logistics in a single service.

Each alternative has its advantages: public transportation is more economical, private transportation offers greater comfort and flexibility, and organized tours simplify the entire trip planning process.

How long the whole trip takes (Cusco – Choquequirao – Cusco)

The total time to get to Choquequirao, visit it, and return to Cusco depends on the pace you choose:

• Fast pace: 3 days total, with little rest time at the site.
• Moderate pace: 4 days, the most recommended option to enjoy the visit without exhausting yourself.
• Relaxed pace: 5 days or more, ideal if you want to explore calmly and have room for the unexpected.

Recommendations before you leave

Before setting out on the trip, keep these points in mind:

• Book your transportation in advance, especially during high season, when demand toward Cachora increases.
• Check the condition of the Cusco–Cachora road before you leave, since it can be affected by rain or roadwork.
• Bring enough cash, since you won’t find ATMs along the route or in nearby villages.

While Machu Picchu attracts over 1.5 million visitors annually, its sister city Choquequirao remains one of South America’s best-kept secrets, receiving fewer than 30 visitors per day. But what exactly makes these two Inca cities different, and why should Choquequirao be on your bucket list?

Location and Accessibility

Machu Picchu is accessible by train from Cusco, making it a relatively easy day trip. Choquequirao, on the other hand, requires a challenging 2-day trek through the spectacular Apurímac Canyon — one of the deepest canyons in the world, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon.

This remoteness is precisely what makes Choquequirao special. Without the crowds and commercial infrastructure, you experience the ruins in near solitude, exactly as the early explorers did over a century ago.

Size and Archaeological Significance

Choquequirao is actually larger than Machu Picchu. The complex covers 1,800 hectares compared to Machu Picchu’s 530 hectares. However, only about 30% of Choquequirao has been excavated, meaning there are still enormous discoveries waiting beneath the jungle canopy.

The site features unique llama terraces — decorative stone mosaics of llamas built into the agricultural terraces — that exist nowhere else in the Inca world.

The Future

The Peruvian government is currently building a cable car system that will make Choquequirao accessible in just 15 minutes, compared to the current 2-day trek. Expected to open in 2027, this will transform Choquequirao into a world-class destination. The question is: do you want to see it before or after the world discovers it?

Planning a trek to Choquequirao? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know before hitting the trail, from physical preparation to what to pack.

1. Fitness Level Required

The Choquequirao trek is considered moderate to challenging. You’ll be hiking 6-8 hours per day with significant altitude changes — descending over 1,500 meters into the Apurímac Canyon and then climbing back up to the ruins at 3,085 meters. We recommend at least 2-3 months of cardiovascular training before your trip.

2. Altitude Acclimatization is Essential

Cusco sits at 3,400 meters above sea level. We strongly recommend spending at least 2-3 days acclimatizing in Cusco before starting any trek. Symptoms of altitude sickness include headaches, nausea, and shortness of breath. Coca tea, staying hydrated, and taking it slow are your best friends.

3. Best Time to Visit

The dry season runs from April to November, with June through August offering the most stable weather. However, these months are also the coldest, with temperatures dropping below freezing at night. The shoulder months of April-May and September-October offer a nice balance of good weather and warmer temperatures.

4. What to Pack

Essential items include: layered clothing (temperatures range from 5°C to 25°C), sturdy hiking boots with ankle support, a quality sleeping bag rated to -10°C, rain gear, sunscreen (UV is intense at altitude), and plenty of water purification tablets.

5. Permits and Regulations

Unlike Machu Picchu, Choquequirao currently does not require advance permits — another advantage of visiting now. However, entrance fees apply and must be paid at the checkpoint. Always trek with a licensed guide for safety and to support local employment.