New Road Reduces Travel Time Between Machu Picchu and Choquequirao
For decades, Machu Picchu and Choquequirao seemed like sisters separated by time and distance.
A new access road to Choquequirao, in the district of Santa Teresa, Cusco, is almost ready. Thanks to this project, traveling between Machu Picchu and Choquequirao will take much less time. The project improves the Abra San Juan–Paso Choquequirao pedestrian trail, which is already more than 70% complete.
What is this New Route Like?
The trail is 13 kilometers long and crosses the Cusco jungle, an area full of life and beautiful landscapes. From there you can see the Apurímac Canyon, one of the deepest in the country.
In addition, this route not only brings travelers closer to Choquequirao, it also connects the Amazonian route from Machu Picchu to the other great Inca site. This will create a new circuit for those who enjoy trekking and nature.
What does the Project Include?
The work includes several improvements:
- Retaining walls to protect the trail.
- Seven tourist stops where visitors can rest.
- Three panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Andean and Amazonian landscape.
- Twenty-three tourist and safety signs along the route.
- Reforestation with native plants over more than 2,500 square meters.
The highlights are Marcana, Oso Puerto, Pinchaynuyoc, Mina Victoria, and Ccorihuayrachina. In these places, viewpoints made of wood and ichu grass are being built in a rustic and environmentally friendly style.
A Major Change
According to Noel Barreto Dongo, a resident of the construction site, the project is now in its final phase.
“Today, tourists can reach Choquequirao in about eight hours of walking. Before, it took two days. We already have domestic and foreign visitors enjoying this safe experience and unique landscapes,” he explained.
Financial progress exceeds 83%, and access is expected to be ready in the coming months.
Benefits for Communities
In addition to the road, the project will bring new opportunities for nearby communities. Residents will be able to offer tourist services, food, and lodging, generating sustainable income through ecotourism.
When it opens, travelers will be able to take an unprecedented tour: going from Machu Picchu to Choquequirao via the Amazonian route Santa Teresa–Hidroeléctrica–Aguas Calientes. It will be a journey that connects two of the greatest treasures of the Inca legacy.
Source: Peru21.pe
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