According to British Travel magazine “Time Out”
The breathtaking architectural beauty and remote location of the Inca archaeological site Choquequirao captivates international tourism experts attention. This time, the British travel magazine and guide Time Out considered it as the “Machupicchu’s sister site,” among the most beautiful places in the world to visit in 2025.
In the article titled: “The 44 most beautiful places in the world, according to travellers who’ve seen them all,” Time Out placed Choquequirao eighth on its list, making it the only Latin American destination among the top ten.
“Arriving at Choquequirao, an ancient Inca city perched high above Peru’s Apurímac River, is both visually and physically exhilarating. The Choquequirao Trail is challenging, but it made the moment I reached those sweeping canyon and mountain views more rewarding,” wrote Heather Jasper, a contributor to the publication and Local Expert.
“Known as Machupicchu’s sister site – but with markedly less visitors – Choquequirao is a sprawling archaeological site high on the canyon rim with about 80% still covered by dense cloud forest. The name means ‘Cradle of Gold’ in Quechua, though the gold is long gone. Walking through the ruins, I was in awe of a civilization that built with such intricate stonework and chose such a remote and spectacular location,” she concludes.
The article’s editor, Grace Beard, points out that this resulting list is a definitive, though not exhaustive, guide to the most impressive places our planet offers.
“We update this list regularly, ensuring we’re including the big-hitters while considering the impact of overtourism and spotlighting lesser-known beauty spots,” he emphasized.
Praise for Choquequirao
This is not the first time Choquequirao has received praise from international publications specialized in travel and tourism, recommending a visit to this astonishing structure that demonstrates the advanced knowledge in architecture and engineering achieved by the Inca civilization.
These buildings express sophisticated designs, materials used, construction methods, strategic location, and masterful adaptation to the natural environment.
In 2022, the international publication National Geographic selected Choquequirao as one of the five adrenaline-pumping adventures in 2023.
In another article titled “Best of the World: 25 breathtaking places and experiences for 2023,” National Geographic highlighted that the 25 global destinations chosen, among which Choquequirao is included, were selected for being the most inspiring places for an exciting 2023. Editorial teams from Nat Geo Travel worldwide participated in the selection.
“Those who make the trek can do so only on foot, zigzagging up and down vertiginous paths for 18 miles before accessing the sprawling complex suspended at 10,000 feet between the high Andes and the jungles below,” affirms the British publication.
Destinations and travel experiences were chosen for harnessing the benefits of tourism to strengthen their local communities and environments, both natural and cultural/ethnographic.
“Places filled with wonder, rewarding to travelers of all ages, and supportive of local communities and ecosystems,” it emphasized.
Discovering Choquequirao
Located in the district of Santa Teresa in the province of La Convención, Cusco, Choquequirao sits at 3,048 meters above sea level, nestled in the foothills of the Salcantay mountain range north of the Apurímac River.
Meaning “Cradle of Gold” in Quechua, Choquequirao is considered the second most significant Inca monument in Cusco after Machupicchu, renowned for its impressive design and construction.
The archaeological complex sprawls across three mountain ridges and comprises 12 identified sectors, although only about 30% of the site has been excavated to date. Highlights include:
• A ceremonial center accessed through a double-framed door.
• Two main plazas, temples, water fountains, irrigation canals, workshops, storage rooms, and elite residences.
• A massive stone staircase perfectly aligned with the sunrise during the summer solstice.
• Buildings constructed from stone, some finished with a clay coating that gives a warm orange hue.
• Terraces adorned with 22 stone figures known as the “Llamas of the Sun,” directed towards the snowy Quory Hauyrachina peak.
Choquequirao’s extensive agricultural terraces —a hallmark of Inca ingenuity— appear today as lush green steps carved into the mountainside.
How to get there
Travelers typically begin their journey in Cusco, traveling by road to kilometer 154 on the Cusco-Abancay highway before diverting to the town of Cachora. From there, a 28-kilometer uphill trek leads to Choquequirao.
An alternative route starts from the city of Abancay, following the highway toward Cusco up to kilometer 42 before turning toward Cachora. For those seeking to ease the demanding hike, local porter services and mule rentals are available.
Given the challenging terrain and high altitude, hiring an experienced guide is highly recommended to ensure a safe and rewarding trek.
Best time to visit
The ideal time to visit Choquequirao is during the dry season, from April to October, when rainfall is minimal. This reduces the risks of landslides and rockfalls and offers sunnier days and milder nights, perfect conditions for hiking and exploring.
With its awe-inspiring scenery, archaeological significance, and growing global acclaim, Choquequirao remains one of Peru’s hidden treasures, a must-see destination for adventurous travelers in 2025.