Choquequirao, among the 52 best destinations in the world this 2024 for New York Times

Peru continues to attract attention from all over the world thanks to its variety of tourist landscapes. Although internationally the iconic Machu Picchu stands out, recognized as one of the seven wonders of the modern world, Peru is also home to other equally charming destinations, such as Choquequirao, highlighted this Friday by The New York Times.

The prestigious media included Choquequirao ranked 49th on its annual list of the ’52 recommended places to visit in 2024′. Nicknamed the “cradle of gold”, this archaeological wonder located in Cusco, for the moment, only has access on foot. The New York Times describes it as an ideal place for adventure and historical exploration, reports Infobae.

“In the least explored corners of Peru, Choquequirao appears as a hidden treasure, even without completely revealing it to the world. This spectacular Inca citadel, which receives less than 10,000 visitors a year, faces the challenge of its remote access: a three- to four-day hike through challenging terrain.”, describes the American media.

He adds that last year, the Peruvian government announced a significant investment of US$200 million in Choquequirao. Therefore it specifies that there is a “ambitious plan” which includes the construction of a cable car and the improvement of the trails that lead to this enigmatic archaeological site.

“The vision is clear: open the doors of this ancient complex to a greater flow of tourists, providing an infrastructure that facilitates access without sacrificing the essence of adventure.”, he points out.

Choquequirao, hidden among the mountains

Among the foothills of the snow-capped Salkantay, in the province of Anta, region of Cusco, is Choquequirao, an Inca city that has remained a known place but never “discovered” in the conventional sense. This archaeological corner, considered the “sacred sister” of Machu Picchu, shares structural and architectural similarities with its famous counterpart.

This archaeological site was present in various important passages in the country’s history, such as Manco Inca and the conquistadors, becoming a strategic point in controlling entry to Machu Picchu and the gateway to the mysterious Amazon.

Furthermore, after paying the entrance fee to this ancient Inca city, you acquire the privilege of exploring the entire complex. Also, visitors have access not only to the ruins, but also to the camp and its health services. But a clear and essential condition is imposed: those who visit are required to respect the environment and avoid contamination, thus collaborating with the hard-working park rangers dedicated to preserving this valuable heritage.

The 52 destinations to visit in 2024

The New York Times destination recommendation for South America, Central America, and the Caribbean area is as follows:

Villa O’Higgins (Chile)

Dominica (Caribbean)

Uyuni Salt Flats (Bolivia)

Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico)

Brasilia (Brazil)

The Savior

Montevideo, Uruguay)

Grenada (Caribbean)

The Costa Rica Trail

Choquequirao (Peru)

Quito, Ecuador)

Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (Mexico)

European destinations recommended by The New York Times:

Paris France)

Geneva, Switzerland)

Manchester, United Kingdom)

Massa-Carrara (Italy)

Bannau Brycheiniog (Wales, United Kingdom)

Valencia Spain)

Waterford (Ireland)

Vestmannaeyjar (Iceland)

Vienna (Austria)

Thessaloniki (Greece)

Normandy (France)

The Albanian Alps

Dresden (Germany)

For North America, the following destinations stand out in the United States and Canada:

The Path of Totality (North America)

Maui (Hawaii)

Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni (Arizona)

Craters of the Moon (Idaho)

Baltimore (Maryland)

Kansas City (Missouri)

Montgomery (Alabama)

Pasadena (California)

Boundary Waters (Minnesota)

Flamingo (Florida)

Mingan Archipelago (Quebec)

Whitehorse (Yukon)

In Asia, the highlights are:

Yamaguchi (Japan)

Singapore

Ladakh (India)

Negombo (Sri Lanka)

Lake Toba (Indonesia)

Almaty (Kazakhstan)

Koh Ker (Cambodia)

Mustang (Nepal)

In Oceania, The New York Times suggests visiting:

Tasmania and Brisbane (Australia)

New Zealand by train

For those traveling to Africa, the following destinations are recommended:

Morocco

Antananarivo (Madagascar)

Tsavo National Park (Kenya)

Hurghada (Egypt)