The ambitious Choquequirao Cableway project is underway and promises to revolutionize tourism in southern Peru. Connecting the Choquequirao Archaeological Park from Kiuñalla, this initiative will not only facilitate access to one of the country’s most impressive archaeological sites but will also open up new opportunities for economic and social development in the Cusco and Apurímac regions.
Currently, visiting Choquequirao involves a demanding multi-day hike, which limits access to a limited number of visitors. The new Cableway system, divided into two sections—one from Apurímac and the other from Cusco—aims to radically change this situation. With an estimated investment of 772 million soles, the project aims to democratize access to the site, allowing more people, both Peruvians and foreigners, to discover this hidden treasure among the mountains of the Apurímac River.
In addition to the Cableway, the project includes improving pedestrian paths, creating a comprehensive access network that, once completed, could attract up to one million tourists annually.
The Cableway’s impact goes beyond tourism. It is projected to be a catalyst for economic development in the regions involved. The increase in visitor arrivals will boost the local economy, generating employment, spurring entrepreneurship, and strengthening the service sector in Cusco and Apurímac.
The creation of new tourist circuits is also planned to help ease congestion at Machu Picchu. Two main routes are being designed: one from Cusco, which will include Vilcabamba, Santa Teresa, and Choquequirao; and another from Apurímac, forming a tourist corridor connecting points of interest such as Nazca, Pampas Galeras, and Abancay.
The idea of a Cableway to Choquequirao was born in 2013, promoted by ProInversión and the Ministry of Housing, Construction, and Sanitation, with the goal of economically integrating Cusco and Apurímac through tourism. Although the project’s viability was declared in 2014, it has faced various challenges, including territorial disputes and disagreements over the Cableway’s starting point.
Despite these obstacles, the project continues to move forward. The concession for its construction, operation, and maintenance is expected to be finalized in the coming years.
Beyond infrastructure, the project aims to promote sustainable tourism. By reducing the ecological impact of the current long hikes, the Cableway will contribute to preserving Choquequirao’s ecosystem and archaeological heritage. It will also improve the visitor experience by offering comfortable, safe, and modern access.
This initiative will make Choquequirao a key player in the southern part of the country’s tourism offering, integrating it with other iconic Peruvian destinations.
The Cableway to Choquequirao represents a historic opportunity to enhance the value of this archaeological site and place it on the world tourism map. In addition to promoting heritage conservation, it will generate employment, increase local income, and strengthen the cultural identity of nearby communities.
With this project, Peru takes a firm step toward a more inclusive, modern, and sustainable tourism development model. Choquequirao’s future is bright, and the Cableway will be the bridge connecting it to the world.
Save up to 20% on tours! Get exclusive access to member-only offers by email.
