National park · Peru
ChoquequiraoSitio arqueológico Choquequirao
Spend a full two‑day trek from Cachora (or a one‑day hike from Huanipaca) to see the ruins; entry costs S/60 per person (check), hire a guide or mule for the long route, and visit May‑Sep for drier conditions.
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- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
150 km² (58 sq mi)58 sq mi (150 km²)
approximate
Established
2000
Best months
Apr–Jun, Sep
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Peru ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Peru's migration authority (Migraciones) or a Peruvian consulate; keep the entry record you receive, as hotels may ask for it.
- Peru ↗Machu Picchu entry is by timed ticket for a named circuit, with daily caps; in high season tickets sell out weeks or months ahead. Buy tickets only from the official Ministry of Culture seller or a licensed agency.
- Peru ↗The classic Inca Trail needs a permit booked through a licensed operator, often months ahead; the trail closes every February for maintenance.
- Peru ↗Altitude sickness is common above 2,500 m: ascend gradually, rest on day one, and ask a doctor before travel if you have heart or lung conditions.
At a glance
- Country
- Peru
- Area
- 150 km² (58 sq mi)58 sq mi (150 km²)
- Approximate area of the archaeological zone is 150 km² (check).
- Established
- 2000
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep
- Permits
- Not needed
Choquequirao is a remote Inca citadel in the Sacred Valley, accessed by a multi‑day trek. It offers extensive ruins across several sectors, fewer visitors than Machu Picchu, and requires a guide for the longer route. The site is best visited in the dry season (May‑September) when trails are clear.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 2000.
Size and age
150 km² (58 sq mi)58 sq mi (150 km²) · national park since 2000
Approximate area of the archaeological zone is 150 km² (check).
Why go
- A large Inca citadel far less crowded than Machu Picchu.
- Two‑day trek offers varied high‑altitude scenery and remote campsites.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebCaution
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunBest
- JulGo
- AugGo
- SepBest
- OctGo
- NovCaution
- DecCaution
- JanCold nights, occasional rain.
- FebCold, wet.
- MarStart of dry season, cooler days.
- AprDry, mild temperatures.
- MayDry, comfortable trekking.
- JunDry, warm.
- JulWarm days, cold nights.
- AugWarm, occasional storms.
- SepDry, stable weather.
- OctTransition to wet, still trek‑able.
- NovIncreasing rain.
- DecCold, wet.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coral snakesAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| TarantulasAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Cusco
Bus to Abancay (≈S/15), then taxi or walk to Cachora (≈S/10).
4–5 h total (check)
From Cusco
Direct taxi to Huanipaca (≈S/30) or shared minibus.
≈3 h (check)
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Cachora trailhead | Start of the most serviced two‑day trek; water, shops, mule hire. | Open; hire guide or mule here. |
| Huanipaca trailhead | Shorter, steeper route; fewer services. | Open; self‑guided possible. |
| Choquequirao site | Inca ruins with multiple sectors; limited facilities. | Open with ticket. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
4 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates are from Wikidata and trail maps; trailhead positions are approximate.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entrance ticket | PEN 60 | person | Buy at the Huanipaca campsite (check); Cachora ticket arrangements check. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Entrance permit no permit
Park rules
- Guides
- Recommended for the full two‑day trek from Cachora, but not required by park rules (check).
- Camping
- Allowed only at designated campsites; no wild camping.
- Fire
- Open fires prohibited; use provided facilities.
Where to stay
Near the park
Cachora campsites (e.g., Colmena, Capuliyoc)
Basic shelters, toilets, showers; S/5–S/10 per tent.
Near the park
Marampata village
Guest‑houses with beds; S/100 per night.
In the park
Choquequirao campsite
Minimal facilities, cold at night; free for tenters.
Safety
Remote area medium
Shining Path robbery (historical) low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Trailheads reachable by road; steep sections not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Carry out all rubbish; use designated toilets.
- Hire local mule drivers directly to support community.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Choquequirao?
The entrance ticket is S/60 per person; buy it at the campsite or trailhead.
What are the best hikes in Choquequirao?
The popular two‑day trek from Cachora (hard) and the one‑day hike from Huanipaca (moderate) cover the main routes.
When is the best time to visit Choquequirao?
May to September offers the driest conditions and comfortable temperatures for trekking.
Do I need a guide or permit?
A guide is required for the full two‑day trek; no separate permit is needed beyond the ticket.
Where can I stay near the ruins?
Designated campsites along the trail (e.g., Colmena, Capuliyoc) and guest‑houses in Marampata village.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
Ask about Choquequirao
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