Choquequirao: The Alternative to Machu Picchu for Those After Adventure Not Just Selfies

Choquequirao is known as the ‘sacred sister’ of Machu Picchu, as it is similar to this site both in structure and architecture. With demand ever high to trek the now well-worn Inca trail to Macchu Picchu, but places limited to 500 per day and prices high, Choquequirao is now being offered as the alternative trail to follow.

Many who had the dream of walking in the footsteps of the Incas have been disappointed due to the limited places available,and so have had to settle for getting the train to the iconic site and at least obtaining the “I was here” photo. For some that’s enough. For others – those who were relishing the grueling several day trek – there is now an alternative path open leading to an arguably more thrilling site. The only access to Choquequirao is by foot, meaning far less visitors and the expansive site is still being uncovered. For those who prefer to get off the standard ‘bucket list’ destinations or even entertain having a slightly more original selfie to post than a miriad of their gap-year peers, Choquequirao is a good bet. So what is the reward for bucking the trend?

Experience the Uncovering of Choquequirao

Peru was once ruled by the mighty Inca Empire, a civilization that achieved many impressive architectural feats. The famous Machu Picchu, which was built by the Inca above a much older megalithic site, is one of the prime examples of their skill and ingenuity. Nevertheless, Machu Picchu is not the only monumental site built by the Incas, as there were other less-known, but equally impressive places that they built. One of these is Choquequirao (‘Cradle of Gold’), which still holds many hidden secrets as archaeologists have barely scratched the surface of what lays beneath the earth.