Choquequirao Regional Conservation Area

Choquequirao Regional Conservation Area spans about 103,814 hectares across a range of elevations, starting at 1,800 meters and rising to the snow-covered Nevado Salkantay peak above 6,000 meters. The territory includes steep mountain slopes, deep river valleys, and diverse forest types that shift with elevation.

The area was designated as a regional conservation zone in 2017 and contains ancient Inca settlements with ruins dating from the 15th century. These archaeological remains show that the region has long been important to human communities.

The local communities practice traditional ways of life that have been passed down through generations in the surrounding villages. Visitors can observe these customs along the trekking routes, where people still use natural resources in time-honored ways.

Most visitors begin their trip from the nearby town of Cachora, where accommodations and trekking guides are available. The best trekking season runs from May through September during the dry months, when trails are in good condition.

The area is home to sixteen bird species found nowhere else in the world, making it a rare hotspot for endemic wildlife. Andean bears, among the region's rarest mammals, also inhabit the mountain forests here.

Location: Cusco Department

Operator: Gobierno Regional de Cusco

GPS coordinates: -13.39501,-72.87223

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:41