5 Reasons Why Choquequirao Is The Best Alternative To The Inca Trail (And Machu Picchu)

Let’s get something out of the way first. We love Machu Picchu. It’s iconic. It’s breathtaking. It’s on more postcards than llamas themselves.

But if you’re the kind of traveler who quietly winces at the words “sold out,” “crowded,” or “please form an orderly queue for your ancient wonder,” then allow us to introduce a seriously underrated legend: Choquequirao.

Often called “the other Machu Picchu” or “Machu Picchu’s sister city” (which it honestly deserves), Choquequirao is the wild, rugged, adventurous alternative to the Inca Trail and the ever-famous Machu Picchu.

So let us give you a little insight into why Choquequirao is an excellent alternative. In fact, you might even start to think it could be better.

1. You’ll Have The Ruins (Almost) To Yourself

Imagine standing among expansive Inca terraces, ceremonial plazas, and stone temples and hearing absolutely nothing but the wind and the occasional condor overhead.

That’s Choquequirao.

While Machu Picchu welcomes thousands of visitors per day, Choquequirao sees only a tiny fraction of that. No one’s tapping you on the shoulder and asking you to move out of the way of their photo. No tour groups waving flags. Just you, the ruins, and a deep sense of “wow, this is special.”

This isn’t sightseeing. It’s a discovery.

2. It’s A Proper Adventure (Not A Conveyor Belt Of Visitors)

The Choquequirao trek is tougher, longer, and far more remote than the Inca Trail, and that’s exactly the point.

This is real trekking, and you can expect:

• Deep canyon descents
• Big altitude gains
• Wild, ever-changing landscapes
• Zero snack stalls halfway up

You earn every single view, every ruin, every jaw-dropping moment. And when you finally arrive at Choquequirao? The sense of achievement is next-level. This isn’t a stroll. It’s a story you’ll be telling for years.

3. The Ruins Are Vast, Impressive, And Still Being Discovered

Here’s a fun fact: only about 30–40% of Choquequirao has been excavated. No joke.

Let that sink in.

The site is huge (arguably even larger than Machu Picchu), with sprawling terraces, ceremonial centers, and one of the most fascinating details in all of Inca archaeology. We’re talking about the llama terraces, where white stone llamas are set directly into the mountainside.

Choquequirao doesn’t feel curated. It feels alive. Raw. Like you’ve stumbled into something the jungle hasn’t quite finished holding onto yet.

4. No Permits, No Panic, No Stress

If you’ve ever tried to book the Inca Trail, you know the struggle is real. Believe us when we tell you that:

• Permits sell out months in advance
• Dates are non-negotiable
• One missed step and… nope, try next year

Choquequirao? Blissfully flexible.

There are no permit lotteries. No countdown timers. No panic over refreshing booking pages at 2am. Just pick your dates, lace up your boots, and go. It’s an adventure without the admin headache, which, frankly, deserves a whole lot of appreciation.

5. It’s Perfect For Travelers Who Want Something Different

Choquequirao isn’t for everyone, and that’s exactly why it’s perfect for some.

This trek is ideal for travelers who:

• Have already seen Machu Picchu
• Want fewer crowds and more of a challenge
• Love wild landscapes and achieving big physical goals
• Care more about the experience than ticking boxes

If Machu Picchu is the headline act, Choquequirao is the cult classic everyone wishes they’d discovered sooner.

But Let’s Be Honest: Choquequirao Isn’t “Easy”

This trek is demanding. You can expect long days, steep climbs, and basic campsites as part of the deal. But for the right kind of traveller, that’s not a downside. It’s the whole appeal.

The reward? Enjoying one of the most spectacular, least-visited Inca sites in the Andes that you reached by foot, through sheer effort and determination.

Is Choquequirao Right For You?

Let’s do a quick check to see if you’d actually enjoy the experience.

Choquequirao is amazing, but it’s not a casual wander with a cappuccino in a café at the end. This trek suits travellers who get excited by the idea of earning their views the hard way.

Choquequirao is probably right for you if:

• You enjoy challenging hikes and long days on the trail
• You’re happy swapping crowds for solitude
• You don’t mind basic campsites and limited comforts
• You value adventure over convenience

It might not be your best match if:

• You’re short on time
• You prefer hotels to tents
• You’re looking for an easier, more accessible trek
• You want guaranteed sunshine and smooth paths

And that’s totally fine. Not every trek has to be epic, but if you want epic, Choquequirao delivers.

Fitness Expectations: Be Honest With Yourself (Your Legs Will Thank You)

Choquequirao is considered one of the most physically demanding treks in Peru. Not because it’s technical, but because it’s long, steep, and relentless in the best possible way.

Here’s what to expect:

• Long trekking days (often 6-8 hours)
• Serious elevation changes, especially the descent into, and climb out of, the canyon
• Rough, uneven trails with plenty of ups and downs
• Consecutive tough days, not just one big effort

You don’t need to be an ultra-runner, but a good base level of fitness is essential. Regular hiking, stair climbing, cardio workouts, and leg strength training at home beforehand will make a huge difference and turn the trek from “survival mode” into “this is actually incredible.”

The fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy:

• The scenery
• The ruins
• The sense of achievement
• And the smug feeling when it’s all over

Choquequirao Vs Machu Picchu: Which One Wins?

Here’s the thing. It’s not really a competition.

Machu Picchu is iconic for a reason. But Choquequirao offers something rare. Think solitude, adventure, and the feeling of genuine exploration. It’s not polished, it’s not crowded, and it doesn’t try to impress. It just does.

For travellers who want to go beyond the obvious and popular choice and experience Peru at its wildest, Choquequirao is an incredible alternative.

So… Is Choquequirao Really The Best Alternative To The Inca Trail?

If you’re looking for an exact replacement for the Inca Trail, complete with stone steps, signposts, and a steady stream of fellow trekkers, Choquequirao isn’t it.

But if what you really want is adventure, discovery, challenge, and that spine-tingling feeling of arriving somewhere truly special, then Choquequirao might just win outright.

It offers the grandeur of Machu Picchu without the crowds, the scale of a world-class Inca site without the permit stress, and the satisfaction of a trek that’s earned, not handed to you. It’s tougher, quieter, and far more immersive. It’s the kind of journey that asks more of you and gives more back in return.

So yes, Choquequirao is the best alternative to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. Not because it’s easier or more famous, but because it stays true to what trekking in the Andes is really about.

For travellers who want more than a box ticked, Choquequirao isn’t just an alternative. It’s the upgrade.