The legendary Inca site of Choquequirao has long attracted adventurers seeking a remote and authentic trekking experience. Today, travelers can reach this magnificent archaeological complex through a new and shorter 30 km route starting from the community of Quinualla in the Apurímac region. The legendary Inca site of Choquequirao has long attracted adventurers seeking a remote and authentic trekking experience. Today, travelers can reach this magnificent archaeological complex through a new and shorter 30 km route starting from the community of Quiñualla in the Apurímac region. This alternative trail combines steep canyon landscapes, Andean culture, and a direct path to one of Peru’s most fascinating Inca cities.
For decades, the classic Choquequirao trek required around 60 km of hiking. However, the trail beginning in Quinualla, a peaceful Andean community tucked deep in the Apurímac Canyon, reduces the distance to only 30 kilometers, making it the shortest route currently available.
This path not only saves time but also provides hikers with an immersive cultural and natural experience surrounded by dramatic mountain views and remote wilderness rarely visited by tourists.
Starting from Quinualla allows trekkers to reach Choquequirao faster than traditional routes such as Capuliyoc.
This makes it ideal for:
Travelers with limited days
Hikers seeking a shorter but still challenging adventure
Those who prefer isolated, off-the-beaten-path experiences
Quinualla is a small, traditional village where locals still practice ancestral farming methods and maintain a serene way of life. Beginning the trek here gives visitors a genuine connection with rural Apurímac culture.
The trail traverses some of the most visually striking areas of the Apurímac Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. Expect rugged landscapes, dry forests, waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints that look straight across the mountains into the ancient Vilcabamba range.
Because this route is new and less known, it receives far fewer hikers. You will enjoy quiet trails, peaceful campsites, and long moments alone inside the archaeological complex.
The Quinualla route is moderate to challenging, with steep descents and demanding climbs. Good physical condition and acclimatization are recommended.
However, the short distance makes the trek achievable in a 2- or 3-day itinerary.
Starting point (Quinualla): 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
Choquequirao: 3,050 m / 10,006 ft
The climate varies from warm canyon temperatures to cool high-altitude conditions near the ruins.
The most favorable period is:
April to November – dry season with stable weather
The rainy season (December–March) is also beautiful but may bring muddy sections and fog.
Natural lookouts across the Apurímac Canyon offer unforgettable views of snow-capped mountains, rugged cliffs, and deep valleys shaped by the river.
The trail is home to condors, foxes, hummingbirds, orchids, cactus forests, and a variety of native plants adapted to the canyon’s microclimates.
Reaching the citadel is the ultimate reward. Choquequirao features:
Grand ceremonial plazas
Agricultural terraces
Llama-shaped stone designs
Ritual platforms (ushnu)
Water channels and stairways carved directly into the mountain
Because this route has few visitors, hikers often explore the ruins in total tranquility.
This trail combines short distance, cultural immersion, and striking natural beauty. It preserves the sense of adventure and mystery that defines Choquequirao while offering a more efficient and intimate alternative to traditional routes.
The Quinualla path is perfect for adventurers who want an authentic, less crowded, and spectacular journey to one of the most extraordinary Inca cities in Peru.
A curated list of the most popular travel packages based on different destinations.
A curated list of the most popular travel packages based on different destinations.
Choquequirao History High in the cloud forests of southern Peru lies Choquequirao, one of the last great Inca cities and a masterpiece of engineering carved into the Andean mountains. Often called the “sister city of Machu Picchu,” Choquequirao remains one of the most remote and least visited archaeological treasures of the Inca civilization. Its isolation, dramatic landscape, […]
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