Best Areas to Stay in Choquequirao
Choosing the right neighbourhood makes a huge difference to your experience. Here's an honest breakdown of where to base yourself.
The small village where all Choquequirao treks begin. Basic guesthouses and hostels, a couple of restaurants, and tour agencies that can arrange mule hire and guides. Arrive the evening before to prepare.
Most trekkers base themselves in Cusco and arrange day transport to Cachora (4h). The wide range of Cusco accommodation and restaurants makes it the best place to recover after the trek.
The standard first-night camping spot partway down the canyon. Basic facilities. A cold river for washing. Extraordinary stargazing at 2,900m with zero light pollution. Bring all your own equipment.
The campsite immediately adjacent to the ruins — the closest thing to sleeping at the site. Basic (outhouse toilet, no shower), but the experience of being at Choquequirao at dawn before any other visitors is extraordinary.
Best Hotels in Choquequirao
Capuliyoc Lodge, Cachora
The most comfortable lodge at the Choquequirao trailhead — a small, family-run property in Cachora village with 12 rooms, a terrace overlooking the ...
Tierra Viva Cusco Saphi
The best mid-range hotel in Cusco for trekkers heading to Choquequirao — a beautifully converted colonial house in the San Blas neighbourhood with g...
How to Get the Best Deal
- Book 2–3 months in advance for peak season (especially Patagonia lodges and Galápagos boats which sell out months ahead)
- Shoulder season (April–May or September–October for most destinations) offers 20–30% lower rates with comparable weather
- Always compare the hotel's own website against third-party booking platforms — direct booking often includes perks
- Check cancellation policies carefully; many South American lodges have strict non-refundable deposits