Choquequirao is one of the world’s most beautiful places to visit in 2025 | Travel News

The awe-inspiring architecture and secluded location of Choquequirao, an ancient Inca archaeological site, continue to draw the admiration of international travel experts. Most recently, the British travel magazine Time Out named Choquequirao one of the most beautiful places in the world to visit in 2025, referring to it as “Machu Picchu’s sister site.”

In its article titled “The 44 Most Beautiful Places in the World, According to Travelers Who’ve Seen Them All,” Time Out ranked Choquequirao eighth, making it the only Latin American destination to break into the top ten.

“Reaching Choquequirao, a once-thriving Inca city high above Peru’s Apurímac River, is both physically demanding and visually rewarding. The trail is tough, but the panoramic views of canyons and mountains at the summit made every step worthwhile,” wrote contributor and local expert Heather Jasper.

“Known as Machu Picchu’s sister — but with far fewer tourists — Choquequirao is a vast mountaintop site, much of which is still cloaked in cloud forest. Its name, meaning ‘Cradle of Gold’ in Quechua, is a nod to its historic importance, even though no gold remains. As I walked among its intricate stone structures, I was awestruck by the skill and vision of a civilization that built in such a spectacular and isolated setting,” she concluded.

Editor Grace Beard noted that the list is a curated — though not definitive — roundup of the planet’s most remarkable places. “We refresh this selection regularly, balancing well-known landmarks with hidden gems and considering the impact of overtourism,” she explained.

Continued Global Recognition

 

This isn’t the first time Choquequirao has earned international praise. The archaeological site has long captivated experts for its advanced Inca engineering and architecture — characterized by its strategic layout, elegant design, use of local materials, and seamless integration into the rugged landscape.

In 2022, National Geographic included Choquequirao in its “Five Heart-Pounding Adventures for 2023” and named it one of the Best of the World: 25 Breathtaking Places and Experiences for 2023. These destinations were selected by Nat Geo editors from around the world for offering exhilarating and meaningful travel.

According to the British publication, “Those who brave the journey must do so entirely on foot, hiking nearly 18 miles of steep and twisting paths before arriving at this massive complex suspended at 10,000 feet between the Andes and the rainforest below.”

National Geographic also highlighted destinations that use tourism as a force for good — strengthening local communities and preserving natural and cultural heritage. “These are places filled with awe, suitable for all ages, and rooted in supporting local ecosystems and traditions,” the article stated.

Exploring Choquequirao

 

Situated in the Santa Teresa district of La Convención province in Cusco, Choquequirao lies at an altitude of 3,048 meters (10,000 feet), tucked into the Salcantay mountain range above the Apurímac River. Often called the second most significant Inca site after Machu Picchu, Choquequirao is revered for its architectural brilliance.

The site spans three mountain ridges and features 12 known sectors, although only about 30% has been uncovered so far. Notable highlights include:

• A ceremonial complex entered through a double-jamb doorway

• Two grand plazas, sacred temples, fountains, irrigation canals, workshops, storage facilities, and elite residences

• A monumental stone staircase perfectly aligned with the sunrise during the summer solstice

• Stone structures finished with an earthen coating that glows orange in the sunlight

• Agricultural terraces decorated with 22 symbolic stone figures, called the “Llamas of the Sun,” all pointing toward the snowcapped Quory Hauyrachina peak

These farming terraces, a signature achievement of Inca ingenuity, resemble green steps carved into the cliffs, blending seamlessly into the dramatic scenery.

Getting There

 

Most visitors begin their trip in Cusco, driving along the Cusco–Abancay highway to kilometer 154 before heading to the town of Cachora. From there, a 28-kilometer uphill hike leads to Choquequirao. Another route starts in Abancay and connects to Cachora from kilometer 42 of the same highway. For a more manageable trek, visitors can hire porters or rent mules to carry equipment.

Because of the trail’s intensity and the region’s elevation, hiring a certified guide is strongly recommended for a safe and enriching journey.
 

Best Time to Visit

 

The optimal time to visit Choquequirao is during the dry season, from April through October. Clear skies, warmer days, and fewer risks from landslides or slippery trails make this period ideal for trekking and sightseeing.

With its remote beauty, archaeological richness, and increasing recognition on the world stage, Choquequirao is a must-visit destination for thrill-seeking travelers in 2025 — a lesser-known gem that offers a profound connection to Peru’s Inca heritage.