Choquequirao Archaeological Park — Attraction in Santa Teresa

The first thing that I have to say about Choquequirao is that it's very difficult to get there and to get back. I can't understate this. I did it in three days, which was insane. That consisted of an 18km hike on in the first day, an 8km hike on the second day, to see the ruins, and then another 18km hike on the third day to return. The distance isn't the real problem though... it's the change in altitude gain and the 30+° temperatures. You start at Capuliyoq at 2,892m, then descend to Playa Rosalinas at 1,472m, where you cross the Apurimac river and then ascend to Marampata at 2,900m, where you'd stay the night before hiking to the ruins the next day. So, you need to descend and then ascend approximately 1,500m each way and it's a killer to do in one day. I'd strongly recommend taking a 5 day trek, where this is split into smaller chunks. The 4 day hike still does this whole section on the first day, but splits the return into two pieces, which is why I'd recommend the 5 day trek. On the journey, you will be bitten by tiny mosquitos, that are somehow immune to mosquito repellent. And somehow, the bites are not soothed by normal antihistamine cream, that help with bites from more common mosquitos. It's worth knowing this so you can prepare yourself mentally for this additional discomfort. Another thing that is important to know is that the ruins are spread out over a vast area, unlike Machu Picchu. There is a lot of walking to do between the various sites. You need a full day to see the most important parts. One other essential thing to understand is that it is in an area that is high and prone to being covered in clouds. There is a high chance that you don't see anything in the morning, although there also another high chance that the clouds will clear at some point during the day. The wind is strong and blows the clouds away quickly, but it also blows others clouds into the way just as quickly. As for the ruins themselves, they are very well preserved, although there has been some maintenance done on them. Our guide said that 60% was original and 40% was repaired. Having said that, they maintenance has mostly been done well, although for some reason, they have used concrete in some places instead of using the same type of stone that was officially used. All the same, the structures are incredible to see. There are many different sectors, such as the main plaza, the storage buildings, the llama terraces, the flea houses and the priest's house. They are all spread out and take around half an hour to walk to each. There are also miradors, or viewpoints, that can be used to take the best photos of the various sites from. And it's worth adding that the surrounding landscapes are also breathtaking. The whole experience is added to by the emptiness of the sites. It's common to see fewer than a dozen people all day. The final thing that I want to add is that there is a cable car that has already been funded and is planned to be completed by 2030. At this time, this site will become just another Machu Picchu, do thousands of people over the whole area. If you want to see this place without thousands of tourists, you'll need to visit it before 2030. I'd have to say, that despite the difficulty in getting there and back, it's well...

The trail from the official start point is 31.5km. Most people take transport to the Mirador. The price for tourists...is 50sol for the whole vehicle from the town. The ride is 20 minutes (Google over estimates). The same price will attempt to be charged to tourists upon arrival at the main road above Cachora, where buses will drop you. These buses are between 25-30 sol from the main Cusco terminal, though I flagged down the same bus on my return for 20sol. Apparently tour minivans are 50sol to Cachora itself from Cusco, which is definitely the better option as a shared taxi from the road to Cachora is 10sol (don't let them charge you more!), thus, the difference is only 10sol and the bus is longer and without Aircon (it was baking hot on both journeys).

Choquequirao's ticket office is open from 10am-4pm and the price is 60sol or 30sol for students. After passing this office there is no time limit within the park, nor is there a checkpoint even at the archaeological site itself. Actually, you don't have to pay if you arrive outside this time frame...

Food and drinks throughout the trail get more expensive as you near the end as all supplies are brought by donkeys/mules/horses. The first refuge sells water for 8sol (2.5L) and the last for 15sol...this is relative to all other products bar WiFi which most places have for 5sol. Camping varies between 6-10 sol with your own tent. Most huts or private rooms are between 60-70sol. I rushed the site itself in 2 hours 30 mins which was not enough due to the distance between aspects of the compound. 6 hours is definitely recommended....you'll understand when you see the descent to the Inca terraces on either side. The trail itself is strenuous - and in the day the heat is sweltering and there is no shade in the valley. Sand flies are rampant too so bring protection. In the valley temperatures are high even at night whilst on the peaks it is very cold at night. The experience, however, was fantastic and I really recommend to all! The closer one gets to Choquequirao the more frequent free clean water supplies can be found from streams. Though the site itself is heavily restored which I personally find disappointing, it is nonetheless, an absolute must-visit destination, especially before it gets ruined (cable car construction is already planned and the surveyors are present as we speak!). 110%, You...

The best and the toughest experience ever. The best: Choquequirao is absolutely surreal and stunning! The silence, the nature, the site... it felt like I was discovering the site. The site is in great condition! Recommendation: arrive to Choquequirao at 6-7am. Spend the day. Return to Marampata at 3-330pm. Its a 2-2.5 hrs walk to get from and back to Marampata. The llamas (that picture of the llamas that you see online) are 35- 40mins from the main site. Choquequirao is a huge site, bigger than macu pichu. To see the whole site, I think that 2 days are needed. But in 5-8 hrs you'll the main plaza, the llamas and other structures near the main plaza. Do not rush...this may be your only chance to enjoy this magnificent site!

The worse: the terrain / topography. Rocks...big, painful rocks all the way. I recommend to get a horse. The tour guide recommended a horse, I said yes, thinking "why do I need a horse?". Thanks to the horse I made it! To go uphill I would say is a must. Unless you have 5 days to do the trek. I did the trek in 3 days... 4-5 days are needed: Day 1 - from the starting point to Marampata Day 2 - choquequirao and stay @ Marampata Day 3 - walk to the next capament Day 4 - walk to starting point

I think that a guide is a must. There's no internet connection, you will not know how far the capaments or choquequirao are. Also, if something would happen to you (example: twisted ankle) you'll be on your own until someone passes by, which may not be on the same day.

On the second day after visiting Choquequirao and having lunch at Marampata, we started walking downhill. Rocks...big painful rocks. First time in my life I had knee ache, back ache, my toes were in pain, it was brutal. I thought I was not gonna make it to the campament. We got to the river, then, I horseback to the campament. Remember you will horseback only to go uphill.

The next day, I horseback to the finish point.

I would do it again, 4 days minimum. The peace, the nature, the site are worth ...