Choquequirao

Choquequirao is a large Inca archaeological complex in the Andes of southern Peru, notable for its terraces, plazas and mountain-top urban layout. It is an important ceremonial and administrative site from the Inca period and is often called a major highland Inca centre.

Constructed by the Inca during the late pre-Columbian period, Choquequirao served administrative, agricultural and ceremonial functions within the Inca state. It survived abandonment after the Spanish conquest and has been the subject of archaeological survey and conservation work from the 20th century onward.

The complex lies in the Department of Apurímac in southern Peru in the high Andes, positioned on a mountain ridge above deep river valleys. Access is from remote trailheads and small mountain towns rather than large urban centres.

• Access and logistics: The site sits at high altitude in the Vilcabamba mountain range and is reached only by multi-day hikes or limited mule/4x4 approaches, so plan for several days and basic facilities.
• Conservation status: The archaeological complex remains partly unexcavated and in active conservation, so some sectors are consolidated rather than fully restored.

What to See #

• Terraces and agricultural sector: A sequence of large agricultural terraces cut into steep hillsides that supported intensive Inca cultivation and settlement engineering.
• Urban core and plazas: The urban sector contains plazas, stairways and stone structures arranged across a mountain saddle, with ceremonial and domestic areas separated by topography.
• Access trails and campsites: Trailheads and campsites lie at the access points used by multi-day treks; the approach trails are steep and remote, so infrastructure is minimal.