Choquequirao (3.103m/10178ft), “The Other Machu Picchu”, as a 2007 article in the New York Times called it), is an iconic destination in its own right. Considered to be a sister city of similar significance to that of Machupicchu and built along similar lines, although harder to reach, it was also presumed to have had about the same size and to have served the same religious, political and agricultural functions. However, because archaeologists long underestimated the importance of Choquequirao, the city’s existence was known for almost 300 years before the first restoration was begun in 1993 and it has only recently been accessible to non-academics, since then quickly joining the ranks of the world’s great Lost Cities.

The archaeological complex is 1,800 hectares, of which only 30–40% is excavated. It is considered to be one of the last bastions of resistance and refuge of the Inca Manco Inca Yupanqui from the Spanish as he fled Cusco after his siege of the city failed in 1535.

Our suggested routes to one of the world’s great Lost Cities, are popular for its astonishing location, surrounding mountain scenery and the chance to spot condors in their natural habitat. (*) These treks do not end in Machupicchu. If interested in visiting the Inca citadel, please make sure to allow for additional days.