The Choquequirao Inca archaeological site has just earned a spot on Time Out’s prestigious magazine list of the most beautiful places to visit in 2025.
Featured in the article “The 44 Most Beautiful Places in the World, According to People Who’ve Seen Them All,” Choquequirao was ranked number eight globally and stands out as the only Latin American destination in the top ten.
Perched above Peru’s Apurímac Canyon, this ancient city offers an unforgettable journey for adventurous travelers. The trek to reach it is challenging, but the sweeping mountain and canyon views make every step worthwhile. As Time Out Travel Editor Jaspe Brezo describes it, “Reaching Choquequirao is as thrilling as the scenery that surrounds it.”
Adding to its mystique, nearly 80% of the site remains hidden beneath cloud forest, preserving its untamed beauty and air of mystery.
Editor Grace Beard emphasized that Time Out's selection highlights breathtaking yet responsible travel destinations; places that remain under the radar while offering immense natural and cultural value, and that help avoid the impact of mass tourism.
This isn’t the first time Choquequirao ruins have captured international attention. In 2022, National Geographic listed it among the world’s top five adventure destinations in their “Best of the World” travel picks, noting its demanding 28-kilometer trail through rugged terrain.
What was Choquequirao?
The Choquequirao area was a pre-Inca settlement occupied by the Antis and Pilcozones tribes. Around 1536, Inca Pachacutec occupied it and began construction of the current citadel, which was completed by his son Tupac Inca Yupanqui in 1450. It was built during the Inca's heyday with the same purpose as Machu Picchu: to serve as a religious and residential center for the Incas seeking to expand into the jungle.
Thus, nestled between the Andes and the jungle, Choquequirao impresses with its intricate stonework and seamless harmony with nature. It's a stunning example of Inca engineering and a true reward for those who dare to explore off the beaten path.
