Local Communities Along the Choquequirao Route: Culture, Food & Interaction

The Choquequirao Route is more than a trek through the Andes — it’s a living cultural corridor. As you descend into the Apurímac Canyon and climb toward the “Cradle of Gold,” you’re walking through the daily lives of Quechua-speaking families who have lived here for centuries.

This is where Andean culture thrives beyond the tourist trails. Farmers greet you with warm smiles, children wave from adobe homes, and the scent of freshly roasted corn fills the mountain air. For many travelers, these encounters with local communities are as memorable as reaching the ruins of Choquequirao itself.

In this guide, we’ll explore the people, food, and traditions that shape the Choquequirao Route — and how you can engage with them in a respectful and meaningful way.

What Makes the Choquequirao Route Unique

Unlike the Inca Trail, where commercial tourism dominates, the Choquequirao Route remains largely untouched. The families along the path still farm, herd animals, and maintain ancient agricultural terraces. When trekkers pass, they open their homes, share meals, and sell local produce — not as a show, but as a genuine part of their lives.

Here, you don’t just observe culture; you become part of it for a few days. This balance between adventure and human connection makes the Choquequirao Route one of Peru’s most authentic experiences.

Key Communities Along the Route

Each community along the Choquequirao Route has its own rhythm, traditions, and specialties. Let’s walk through them one by one, as you would experience them on the trail.

1. Cachora – The Gateway to Choquequirao

Cachora is where most treks begin. Perched at around 2,900 meters, this small town is known for its traditional adobe houses, colorful markets, and views of the snow-capped Padreyoc Mountain.

Locals here are proud farmers, cultivating corn, potatoes, and fava beans using techniques passed down for generations. Early mornings echo with the sound of donkeys and roosters, while evenings bring together neighbors for stories and chicha corn beer.

Cultural Insight:
Before starting the trek, many guides introduce travelers to families in Cachora who prepare homemade lunches or sell local textiles. Buying from them directly helps sustain the local economy.

2. Capuliyoc – The Mirador of the Canyon

About two hours from Cachora lies Capuliyoc, a high ridge offering breathtaking views of the Apurímac Canyon. Here, you’ll often meet arrieros (muleteers) who load mules for the journey.

Families at Capuliyoc run small snack stalls serving fresh fruit juice, coca tea, and local cheese. This is also a spiritual place; locals perform small offerings of coca leaves to the Apus (mountain spirits) before every descent.

Cultural Tip:
If you’re invited to participate in a “k’intu” (coca leaf offering), accept respectfully with both hands and express gratitude — it’s a sacred gesture of harmony with nature.

3. Chiquisca – Oasis in the Canyon

After a steep descent, you’ll reach Chiquisca, a warm micro-valley filled with mango, banana, and citrus trees. The families here live in small clusters, offering simple campsites and meals to trekkers.

Their hospitality is legendary — you might enjoy a dinner of lentejas (lentils), fried plantains, and herbal tea under a star-filled sky.

Cultural Note:
Many Chiquisca families rely on trekking tourism to support their children’s education. Buying snacks or paying for camping here directly supports the local school fund.

4. Santa Rosa – The Pisco Stop

Halfway up the opposite side of the canyon lies Santa Rosa, famous for its homemade cane liquor (aguardiente). Travelers can sample it (in moderation!) and learn how sugarcane is crushed by hand using traditional wooden presses.

The people here are descendants of old Apurímac families who have lived off the land for centuries. They farm sugarcane, coffee, and small plots of fruit trees.

Cultural Tip:
When offered local pisco or chicha, it’s polite to take a small sip — refusing outright can be seen as disrespectful. A simple smile and a toast of “Salud – to Pachamama!” will make you many friends.

5. Marampata – The Balcony of the Clouds

Perched high above the canyon, Marampata is the last inhabited village before Choquequirao. Its terraces overlook the ruins, and mornings here are often wrapped in mist.

This is a place of incredible tranquility. Families raise chickens, pigs, and cows, and serve hot meals to trekkers — usually quinua soup, rice, eggs, and vegetables. Some houses offer basic lodging with breathtaking views.

Cultural Note:
Marampata is an excellent place to learn about Andean agriculture. Locals use lunar cycles to decide when to plant or harvest — a tradition that dates back to the Inca Empire.

6. The Choquequirao Base Camp

A few kilometers below the ruins lies the main Choquequirao Campsite, often run by local cooperatives. Here, travelers and muleteers share stories by the fire, blending Quechua, Spanish, and English into one universal language of the mountains.

Local Culture and Traditions

The communities along the Choquequirao Route preserve many ancient Andean traditions that define their identity.

Spiritual Connection with Nature

Everything begins with Pachamama, the Earth Mother. Before every planting season or major journey, locals offer coca leaves, corn, and chicha to honor the spirits of the land. These ceremonies reflect gratitude and balance — values deeply rooted in Andean cosmology.

Language and Communication

Most villagers speak Quechua as their first language and Spanish as their second. Simple Quechua words like “Allin p’unchay” (Good morning) or “Sulpayki” (Thank you) are greatly appreciated and often rewarded with smiles.

Festivities

If you pass through Cachora or Marampata during a local feast — such as the Fiesta de San Isidro, the patron of farmers — you might witness traditional dances, Andean music, and the sharing of pachamanca, a meal cooked underground with hot stones.

Food and Agricultural Life

Food is the heartbeat of the Choquequirao Route. Agriculture is still the main livelihood, with terraced farming sustaining families throughout the year.

Common Local Foods

Corn (maíz): Used for toasting, soups, and chicha beer.
Potatoes and quinoa: Staples of Andean diets, high in nutrients for high-altitude life.
Fresh fruit: From mangoes in the canyon to avocados in the mid-valleys.
Coffee and sugarcane: Santa Rosa’s pride and economic base.

Travelers are often invited to share a simple but delicious meal cooked on a clay stove (fogón) — a warm reminder that food is both nourishment and connection.

Responsible Interaction with Local People

Interacting respectfully ensures that tourism strengthens, rather than disrupts, community life.

Do’s

Ask permission before taking photos.
Support local businesses directly (buy food, crafts, or camping).
Learn a few Quechua greetings.
Offer small, thoughtful gifts like school supplies for children.

Don’ts

Don’t give money to children directly — support family-run stalls instead.
Avoid single-use plastics.
Don’t enter homes or fields without invitation.

Golden Rule: Always treat locals as hosts, not attractions.

How Tourism Supports the Choquequirao Communities

Sustainable tourism brings significant benefits here. Each trekker who hires a local guide, rents a mule, or eats at a family kitchen contributes directly to the micro-economies of the Andes.

Projects in Cachora and Marampata have funded school supplies, solar panels, and water systems through trekking revenue. Many young people who once migrated to cities are returning to help develop responsible tourism in their hometowns.

When you choose a locally operated company like Choquequirao Trek Operator, your visit has a positive impact — empowering these families to preserve their culture while improving their quality of life.

Practical Tips for Cultural Travelers

Bring small change in soles for local purchases.
Carry a Spanish or Quechua phrasebook.
Bring reusable containers and utensils.
Always pack out trash and avoid plastic bottles.
Be patient — Andean time flows slower and more peacefully.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I stay overnight in local homes?

Yes, in some villages like Marampata and Chiquisca, families offer basic homestays. It’s a rewarding cultural experience.

Do locals along the route speak English?

Most speak only Spanish or Quechua, but they communicate with gestures, smiles, and warmth. Guides often help translate.

Is it appropriate to tip locals for services?

Yes — small tips (5–10 soles) for meals or mule services are appreciated.

Can I participate in traditional activities?

Absolutely. Many families are happy to show you how they farm, cook, or prepare chicha, as long as you show genuine respect.

Key Takeaways

The Choquequirao Route offers a rare chance to experience living Andean culture.
Local communities like Cachora, Santa Rosa, and Marampata preserve ancient traditions and farming methods.
Responsible travel ensures tourism benefits the people directly.
Food, rituals, and hospitality are central to understanding the Andean spirit.
A respectful traveler leaves behind not just footprints, but friendships.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

The Choquequirao Route is more than a path to lost Inca ruins — it’s a journey through the living heart of the Andes. Every smile, shared meal, and offering to Pachamama connects you more deeply with this sacred landscape.

If you want to experience Choquequirao not only as a trek but as a cultural immersion, travel with local experts who know these communities personally.