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Bryan Dougherty (bryand_nyc) from New York City, USA CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Choquequirao

Archaeological Site

High in Peru's Apurímac highlands, Choquequirao rewards multi-day trekkers with sprawling Inca terraces and remote stone architecture; it's a less-crowded alternative to Machu Picchu, reached by steep trails through cloud forest and puna grassland.

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In this guide

Choquequirao essentials

Country: Peru
Driest months: May-Jul
Pay in: Sol (S/.)
Language: Spanish, Quechua

Choquequirao at a Glance

About 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.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Choquequirao

Choquequirao is best visited in the dry season; access is difficult in the wetter months and routes can become dangerous.

Dry season
May-September · 5-20°C (41-68°F)
Trail conditions are at their best; fewer storms and clearer mountain views.
Shoulder season
April and October · 2-18°C (36-64°F)
Possibility of rain increases but fewer trekkers on the paths.

Weather & Climate near Choquequirao

Climate

Choquequirao's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 7°C to 25°C. Abundant rainfall (1261 mm/year), wettest in February with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 59 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JulyMayAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
26°
Warmest Month
1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good 9° - 23° 16° 226 mm overcast 80% 1.7 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.7h
February Good 9° - 23° 16° 239 mm overcast 83% 1.7 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.4h
March Good 9° - 23° 16° 207 mm overcast 84% 1.7 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.1h
April Very Good 9° - 23° 16° 83 mm partly cloudy 81% 1.7 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.7h
May Excellent 8° - 23° 16° 24 mm some cloud 77% 1.6 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.4h
June Excellent 7° - 23° 15° 15 mm some cloud 74% 1.6 m/s 1.9 very high 11.2h
July Ideal 7° - 23° 15° 17 mm mostly sunny 70% 1.7 m/s 1.9 very high 11.3h
August Excellent 8° - 24° 16° 27 mm some cloud 67% 1.9 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.6h
September Excellent 9° - 23° 16° 49 mm partly cloudy 68% 2.2 m/s 2.3 extreme 11.9h
October Very Good 10° - 25° 17° 86 mm partly cloudy 69% 2.2 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.3h
November Very Good 10° - 24° 17° 112 mm partly cloudy 72% 2.1 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.6h
December Good 9° - 23° 16° 176 mm overcast 78% 2.0 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.8h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Choquequirao

The most common base is the town of Cachora (accessible by road from Abancay or Cusco); from there the trek to Choquequirao is typically a two- to three-day hike each way. Transportation to Cachora is by private vehicle or local bus, and the trailheads are reached on foot with local guides and pack animals recommended.

Tips for Visiting Choquequirao

  • Allow at least two days for the standard trek; routes are steep and remote with limited facilities.
  • Hire an experienced local guide and porters-trail navigation is complex and weather can close passes.
  • Acclimatize in Cusco or lower-elevation towns before attempting the higher camp sites.
  • Bring cash: there are no ATMs on the trail and small villages sell essentials en route.