The opening of the new Santa Teresa – Choquequirao route marks a turning point in the access to one of Peru’s most spectacular and enigmatic archaeological destinations. For decades, reaching Choquequirao meant traveling long and demanding trails from Cachora or Capuliyoc, with intense ascents and descents. However, this new route connecting the district of Santa Teresa (Cusco) directly with the “Sacred Sister of Machu Picchu” offers a shorter, more diverse alternative filled with unique natural landscapes.
A more direct and adventure-filled access
The route from Santa Teresa arises as a response to the growing demand of travelers who want to explore Choquequirao without taking the traditional paths. With improved trails, newly opened sections, and better local infrastructure, this route shortens access time and enhances the experience for those wishing to combine archaeology, nature, and living culture.
The journey begins near Santa Teresa, a warm area surrounded by coffee, cacao, and fruit plantations. From here, the trail climbs gradually toward the mountains overlooking the Vilcanota River valley, offering panoramic views, varied climates, and a surprising transition between cloud forest and Andean highlands. It is an ideal trek for travelers who appreciate experiencing multiple ecosystems in a single itinerary.
Landscapes that transform with every step
One of the greatest advantages of the new route is the visual richness that accompanies the hike. The first kilometers wind through subtropical forests, natural waterfalls, and small rural communities. As the trail advances, the landscape opens into deep ravines, towering mountains, and natural viewpoints that reveal the vastness of the Vilcabamba biological corridor.
In addition, this area is known for its biodiversity: birds such as the Andean cock-of-the-rock, several species of hummingbirds, colorful butterflies, and—with a bit of luck—even spectacled bears that inhabit these humid forests.
A cultural connection with local communities
One of the most valuable aspects of the Santa Teresa – Choquequirao route is its strong connection with the surrounding communities. Local families have set up campsites, food services, and mule support, offering visitors an opportunity for responsible community-based tourism.
Travelers can learn more about local agricultural traditions, enjoy homemade dishes prepared with fresh regional ingredients, and hear stories about the history of the area, ancient Inca routes, and life in the mountains. This human exchange has become one of the pillars of the route’s appeal.
Entering Choquequirao from a completely new perspective
Unlike the classic entrance through the Apurímac Canyon, the route from Santa Teresa provides a different arrival, with unique panoramic views of the archaeological complex. As hikers approach the upper part of the site, a monumental scene unfolds: wide terraces, ceremonial platforms, and residential sectors that make up one of the most ambitious Inca settlements in the mountains.
This alternative entrance offers the chance to observe Choquequirao from angles that were previously difficult to access. The sunrise illuminating the agricultural terraces, the llama-shaped designs carved into the mountainside, and the main plazas create a breathtaking experience for photographers, archaeology enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a truly authentic moment of contemplation.
Choquequirao: more than a lost city
Often referred to as the “Sacred City” twin of Machu Picchu, Choquequirao is a ceremonial and administrative center that stands out for its agricultural engineering, urban planning, and strategic location. Perched on a mountain more than 3,000 meters above sea level, it overlooks valleys and ancient routes that in Inca times connected the Amazon with the high Andes and Cusco.
Exploring Choquequirao means walking through wide plazas, temples, elite residences, lookout points, and kilometers of terraces. The site is larger than Machu Picchu, though much of it remains covered by vegetation, giving it a mysterious and adventurous character unmatched elsewhere.
A route ideal for those seeking something new
The Santa Teresa – Choquequirao trail is quickly becoming the perfect alternative for:
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Travelers seeking a less crowded route
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Adventurers looking for a new perspective of the sanctuary
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Nature lovers who want a trek rich in flora and fauna
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Tourists wishing to combine Choquequirao with Santa Teresa, Machu Picchu, or the Salkantay route
Additionally, this route allows hybrid itineraries such as Choquequirao – Salkantay – Aguas Calientes, or Choquequirao with later connection to Machu Picchu, creating an epic circuit of mountains and archaeology.
A new way to experience the Inca legacy
The new Santa Teresa – Choquequirao route does more than shorten distances: it opens a more human, diverse, and complete experience for those wishing to witness the majesty of Inca engineering in a virtually untouched natural setting. It is a journey where every section surprises, every view impresses, and every step brings travelers closer to the essence of the Andean world.
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