Plan exploreInca Trail to Machu Picchu
Trek to intriguing choquequirao, machu picchu’s sister city
trek to intriguing choquequirao, machu picchu’s sister cityMachu Picchu’s sister city is a site called Choquequirao. Perched on a ridge overlooking the Apurimac Canyon, this ancient and often overlooked Inca ruin rivals Machu Picchu in both scope and awe factor, save for one appealing detail: Choquequirao is far less crowded! In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how you can include a tour to Machu Picchu’s sister city in your greater Peru adventure.
What was Choquequirao to the Incas?
With much of the ruins still buried in the jungle, archeologists have yet to reach a final verdict on what Choquequirao was to the Incas. Some say it was an administrative hub and ceremonial center that connected Cusco to the Amazon, while others theorize that it was a royal Incan estate that belonged to the 10th ruler of the Inca Empire, Túpac Yupanqui. However this vast complex, three times the size of Machu Picchu, was used, archaeologists do agree that it was built to align geo-cosmically with its sister, Machu Picchu.
Two Choquequirao Tour Options
1. Opt for an Under-the-Radar Trek Over a Machu Picchu Trek
The classic Choquequirao Trek will consume five days and four nights of your Peru vacation, the same length of time as the more popular Machu Picchu trek. If you have to pick and choose between the two treks, consider opting for this road-less-traveled journey for a much more private experience at an equally intriguing Incan ruin. The trek is there-and-back style, but on different trails in each direction, with the entire third day reserved for enjoying Machu Picchu’s sister city, Choqueqirao.
2. Combine Your Choquequirao Tour with a Machu Picchu Hike
If you can’ t choose between a Machu Picchu Trek and the Choquequrao Trek, combine the two for an eight-day continuous trek through the canyons and mountain ranges of Peru’s southern Andes. This route takes you to Machu Picchu’s sister city of Choquequirao first, gives you a full day to explore its temples, shrines, and terraces, and then continues through the cloud forests and mountain passes to Machu Picchu. This is a great option if you have the time on your Peru tour, as you’ll get to experience two monumental Inca sites.
Book Your Choquequirao Tour With Explorandes
Nestled on a hilltop on the other side of a vast canyon, Choquequirao, Machu PIcchu’s sister city, can only be reached by trekking to it. Who better than the leading adventure tour operators in Peru to guide you there? For more information about our Choquequirao tour options, with or without a Machu Picchu hike, get in touch with us today!
Plan exploreDestino Cusco
this season featured experiences
HIKING&TREKKING
huayhuash trekThe Huayhuash Trek is an amazing journey to the very heart of the Cordillera Huayhuash, the second highest tropical mountain range in the world. A trekker's paradise, this terrain is remote, wild, and stunningly beautiful. The film Touching the Void, the tale of climbers Joe Simpson and Simon Yates, was made about their harrowing experience as the first mountaineers to scale Siula Grande, which is part of this mountain range. This version of the Huayhuash trek crosses six high passes over 4500 m (14,763 ft) and two that are higher than 5000 m (16,404 ft)! Throughout the 12 days of the trek, we camp next to stunningly beautiful alpine lakes and in broad, grassy valleys replete with wildflowers and rushing alpine creeks, while basking in the imposing presence of the White Mountains looming over us, with peaks at elevations above 5000 m (16,404 ft) and 6000 m (19,685 ft). At least three days of acclimatization hikes in the area are strongly recommended to be able to enjoy the trek.
April - October
12 days / 11 nights
From
$ 1750
/ Per PersonHIKING&TREKKING
ancascocha trek & the short inca trailNational Geographic Magazine has rated this Inca Trail alternative trek as one of the top hikes in the world! This Ancascocha Trek & the Short Inca Trail is truly the road less traveled by, for those who crave time away from crowds, amidst the beauty of nature. The journey begins at the Parpishu Footbridge and ascends amidst the dramatic backdrop of Mts. Salkantay and Verónica. Crossing through rugged terrain, remote mountain communities, ancient ruins, and diverse ecosystems for around 37 km (23 mi), the trek culminates at the village of Camicancha, near Km 77 on the railroad tracks to Machu Picchu. On day 4, we will board the train to Km 104 to walk along the pathway that covers the final stretch of the Inca Trail, where you will have a taste of the famous longer Inca Trail hike, and the thrill of entering Machu Picchu through Inti Punku, the Gate of the Sun. On our last day of the Ancascocha Trek & the Short Inca Trail, we will spend time exploring Machu Picchu, one of the ancient wonders of the world.
March - December
5 days / 4 nights
From
$ 1290
/ Per PersonHIKING&TREKKING
running the inca trails - choquequirao to machu picchuOn this run, we will traverse an incredible Inca highway consisting of over 125 km (77.7 mi) of ancient roads. The activities include trail running, enjoying the tranquility of nature, and exploring two amazing and enigmatic archaeological sites. We will cross through highly varied terrain of diverse ecosystems: from majestic rivers at 1500 masl (4921 fasl) to high mountain passes at 4650 masl (15,256 fasl); from tropical rainforests to imposing glaciers; from the territory of the endangered spectacled bear to the skyways of majestic condors in flight; all combining to make this a unique and memorable experience. The route begins in the town of Capuliyoc and passes through the famous archaeological complex of Choquequirao. We’ll visit small villages along the route, running lightly over intact Inca paths winding through the mountains, and ending at the mystical ancient citadel of Machu Picchu.
April - November
8 days / 7 nights
From
$ 2310
/ Per PersonCULTURALCLASSICS
journey to the heart of titicacaEmbark on a unique journey through one of the most mystical and culturally rich regions of the Andes. Our 4-day/3-night program takes you on a deep dive into the heart of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, known for its breathtaking landscapes, ancient traditions, and spiritual significance.
This immersive experience blends adventure with cultural exploration, guiding you through the iconic Uros Floating Islands, the historical Isla Taquile, and the serene community of Luquina Chico. Along the way, you’ll engage in traditional activities, connect with local communities, and hike ancient Inca paths that lead you through the stunning altiplano.
Whether you’re hiking the sacred trails of the Inca, meditating on the shores of the lake, or sharing stories by the fireside, this program offers an unparalleled chance to experience the timeless spirit of the Andean world.
April - October
4 days / 3 nights
From
$ 810
/ Per Person