Choquequirao vs Machu Picchu: Why the Sister City is Worth the Trek

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?