You’re planning your next adventure in Peru and you know the Inca legacy awaits you. But now comes the big question: will you climb the famous Machu Picchu, or will you dare to explore the mystical Choquequirao? Both destinations have so much to offer, but each holds its own unique essence. Here’s a comparison to help you choose the experience that best matches your travel spirit.
1. Accessibility: The First Big Filter
Machu Picchu is undoubtedly more accessible. You can take a train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes and then a bus (or hike if you prefer to break a sweat). Choquequirao, on the other hand, demands greater commitment: at least a four-day trek round trip, with steep trails and no trains or buses—just you, your boots, and the mountains.
If you seek convenience and time efficiency, Machu Picchu makes it easy. But if you want to earn every stone with your effort, Choquequirao will reward you with solitude and an intense connection to nature.
2. Tourist Crowds: Between the Crowd and Peace
At Machu Picchu, you’ll share the site with hundreds of travelers, especially during the high season (June–August). There are strict visitor limits and schedules. In contrast, at Choquequirao, you could walk for hours without seeing another soul. It’s perfect if you value silence and exclusivity.
Do you enjoy the energy of a popular place or prefer the feeling of discovering something all to yourself?
3. Archaeological Dimension and Mystery
Both sites were Incan administrative and ceremonial centers. Choquequirao, although less excavated, is larger than Machu Picchu (some archaeologists say up to twice the size). It has terraces, temples, plazas, and an impressive hydraulic system, but it’s still under restoration. Its location—literally among clouds and cliffs—adds an extra layer of mystery.
Machu Picchu, on the other hand, is fully restored, orderly, and well-documented. It strikes you with its perfection and harmony with the landscape. But Choquequirao captivates you with its wild character, its silence, and the feeling that you’re discovering something few have seen.
4. Costs and Logistics
Visiting Machu Picchu can be more expensive: entrance ticket, train, bus, guide… it all adds up. Choquequirao has cheaper entrance fees, but the logistics of trekking (porters, food, equipment) can balance out the difference.
- Entrance to Machu Picchu: starting at S/ 152 for foreigners
- Entrance to Choquequirao: S/ 60 general admission
5. Overall Experience: What You Take Away
If you’re looking for “the photo spot,” Machu Picchu never disappoints. But if you want to experience a journey where you are the protagonist—facing the trail, sleeping under the stars, and feeling like you merge with the Andes—then Choquequirao is your place.