Choquequirao Cable Car
The Cusco archaeological park is considered one of the tourist attractions with the greatest projection — a key investment to help Peru recover its pre-pandemic tourism figures.
Regarding the Choquequirao archaeological park, the first developments have already been confirmed, one of the projects in which Peru plans to invest in the coming years, which will be essential for the country to recover the tourist levels prior to the pandemic.
After several months without news, President Dina Boluarte announced in her Message to the Nation on July 28 that the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for Choquequirao will be awarded soon, which includes the construction of a cable car.
Currently, according to tourism sites, reaching Choquequirao can take between 3 and 5 days, combining a hike and a visit to the archaeological site. Due to the lack of road access, those who wish to explore this place must be in good physical condition to complete the trek and must bring tents to camp along the way and at the site itself.
To improve access to this "new Peruvian wonder," as the president called it, an investment of USD 220 million is projected, according to the Private Investment Promotion Agency (Proinversión). The project, known as the Choquequirao Cable Car, will be the largest Public-Private Partnership in the tourism sector.
This development will boost demand for lodging, transportation, travel agencies, restaurants, and local commerce in the Cusco and Apurímac regions, where two cable cars will be built. The works will include the creation of tourist routes and stations in Cusco (Yanama) and Apurímac (Huanipaca), in addition to departure, arrival, and intermediate cable car stations.
The cable car will be awarded in 2025. Dina Boluarte announced that in 2024 the call for the awarding of the Choquequirao project will be launched, with the award scheduled for the first half of 2025. Proinversión has already approved the Project Promotion Plan, establishing the conditions to attract private investment.
This project is crucial for the government, which has set itself the goal of receiving 4.4 million foreign tourists in 2024, seeking to reach pre-pandemic figures. Although it is estimated that this year Peru will receive around 3.3 million international tourists, the long-term goal is to attract 10 million visitors by 2030, according to the Tourism Minister, Elizabeth Galdo.
We know that when the cable car begins to operate, tourists will start arriving en masse to this place, so while it has not yet become a reality, those of us who can enjoy this wonder are the walkers. If you like to walk and want to reach this beautiful place, we invite you to see the options we have.
Choquequirao, the hidden sanctuary of the Andes, where every step reveals the mystery of an immortal past, is a magical place that holds the history, legacy, and secrets of an ancestral civilization that left its mark on the stone and in the soul of those who visit it. Through its challenging trails and majestic landscapes, you will feel the pure energy of nature and the greatness that the Incas imprinted on every corner. This journey will not only take you to an impressive archaeological site, but also to a deep connection with the eternal spirit of the Andes.
As you walk through the ancient agricultural terraces and sacred temples, let the gentle breeze caress your face and the song of the birds accompany you on the journey. The towering snow-capped peaks and lush mountains will remind you of the beauty and strength of nature. Every dawn in Choquequirao is an opportunity to reflect, to connect with yourself and with the history of those who inhabited these lands.
Planning a trip to Choquequirao?
Our local team in Cusco organizes 3, 4, and 5-day treks to Choquequirao. We've been doing this since 2001.