Choquequirao Peru

Location and access gates to Choquequirao

Choquequirao Archaeological Complex is located in the Cordillera de Vilcabamba, which is a portion of the South-east Andes of Peru.

Politically, it belongs to the jurisdiction of the District of Santa Teresa, Province of La Convención and Department of Cusco but, geographically, it is more comfortably accessible through the department of Apurímac.

Choquequirao can be reached through Huanipaca (in & out), being it the shortest route and the fastest way to reach Choquequirao. This means there is plenty of time to explore the site; 7 effective walking hours separate Villa Los Loros in Huanipaca from Choquequirao.

Topographic profile of the route:
Villa los Loros - Choquequirao - Villa los Loros

Also, travelers can reach Choquequirao through Cachora (in & out) being this the most demanding trail, it is certainly the longest. Hikers have to spend a night along the way and camp near the river. 12 to 13 effective walking hours separate Cachora from Choquequirao.

Topographic profile of the route:
Cachora - Choquequirao - Cachora

The loop that starts in Cachora and ends in Huanipaca is another form to visit Choquequirao. Starting in Huanipaca and finishing in Cachora is not as appealing because the way in would take one day and trekking out would take two.

Topographic profile of the route:
Cachora - Choquequirao - Villa los Loros

It is also possible to leave Choquequirao to continue the trip to Santa Teresa and Machu Picchu. In this case you have to take the trail to Pincha Unuyocc (a satellite archaeological complex of Choquequirao) and then reach Yanama (15 effective walking hours), from where you can continue by car to Santa Teresa.

Topographic profile of the route "From Choquequirao to Machu Picchu" (distance/height = kms/mts. a.s.l)