Cachora is the starting point for a hiking route of approximately 31.5 kilometers to the archaeological complex of Choquequirao. The San Pedro de Cachora District also has viewpoints, trails, and archaeological sites. You can focus your stay on the landscape, include local culture, or make the route to Choquequirao the main focus.

Viewpoints and Trails in the District

From Mirador de Capuliyoc, you can see the Cañón del Apurímac, the Vilcabamba mountain range, and Nevado Padreyoc. Activities there include landscape and condor watching, hiking, and observing flora and fauna. The Cañón extends across the districts of Curahuasi, San Pedro de Cachora, and Huanipaca; Capuliyoc is one of the viewpoints where condors can be observed.

Mirador de Huayhuacalle also offers views of the Cañón del Apurímac and Nevado Padreyoc, as well as the area around Choquequirao. The access road leads there from the town of Cachora; condors can be observed at the viewpoint. The dry season, from May to November, is considered a more pleasant time for outdoor activities.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

From the main square of San Pedro de Cachora, you can reach Mirador de Capuliyoc by taxi via an approximately 12-kilometer unpaved road in around 30 minutes. On foot, an approximately 12-kilometer mule trail leads there; the walk takes about two hours, depending on trail conditions and pace. From the same main square, Mirador de Huayhuacalle is about 12 kilometers away by taxi, along a road, and takes around 40 minutes. For planning your time, the two taxi rides therefore differ by approximately ten minutes; only the route to Capuliyoc is also described here as a walk with an approximate walking time.

The facilities at the viewpoints differ: Mirador de Capuliyoc has visitor parking and toilets. There is also a tourist rest stop at the foot of the viewpoint, serving as a junction and connection point on the access route to Choquequirao. Huayhuacalle has parking, a checkpoint and information point, toilets, internal paths, and rest areas.

Archaeology and Local History

Incaraccay is a destination for those interested in archaeology and history, with good opportunities for photography. The site includes three enclosures made of dressed stone from the Inca period, a temple-like room, and a trapezoidal niche. From the Plaza de Armas in Cachora, take a taxi for about 15 kilometers to the end of the drivable track; from there, continue on foot for about one kilometer along a mule trail. Road conditions can change; check them locally before setting out.

In Cachora, the Capilla de San Pedro de Cachora stands on the Plaza de Armas; it has been considered cultural heritage since 1980. A Pisonay tree, estimated to be more than 200 years old, also stands in the Plaza de Armas of San Pedro de Cachora. Its condition should be checked locally.

The Route to Choquequirao

Mirador de Capuliyoc is considered the traditional starting point for the route to Choquequirao. A mule trail descends through the district into the Cañón del Apurímac and continues to the archaeological complex. The site is divided into nine zones, with small settlements arranged around a main square. Its features include terraces, ceremonial platforms, and priests’ dwellings. On 15 terraces, 22 figures engraved in stone are arranged; they are known as “Llamas del Sol.”

Accessibility is also important when planning: access to the monumental area of Choquequirao Archaeological Park is not accessible to people with disabilities due to the distance and trail conditions. Take this limitation into account if accessibility is important for your trip.

Nature Near Cachora

The Cuevas Naturales are about 1.5 kilometers from the Plaza de Armas in Cachora and provide a refuge for bats. Conditions and accessibility can change; check them locally before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Chalhuanca District, Pampahuasi, Abancay, Pampachiri, Santo Tomás

Return to the main travel overview: Apurímac.