Choquequirao, often called the “Sacred Sister” of Machu Picchu, is one of Peru’s most remote and impressive Inca sites. Built in the late 15th century, it served as a vital link between the Amazon jungle and the city of Cusco. During the Spanish conquest, it became a final stronghold for the Incas, acting as a refuge for the resistance due to its hidden location deep in the Vilcabamba mountain range.
The ruins are famous for their unique architecture and the famous “Flames of the Sun”—white stone mosaics of llamas built directly into the agricultural terraces. Unlike its famous sister site, Choquequirao remains largely unexcavated and is only accessible by foot. This preservation allows visitors to experience the structures in a quiet, mystical atmosphere, far from the massive crowds of other tourist destinations.
For travelers, this is considered one of the toughest treks in the Andes. The journey requires descending into the deep Apurímac Canyon and then climbing back up thousands of meters under intense sun. You must be in excellent physical shape and prepared for basic camping. However, the reward is incomparable: you often get to explore the massive plazas, temples, and fountains of an ancient empire entirely by yourself.