Naupa Iglesia Choqella
Discover the enigmatic carved doorway and ancient altar at Naupa Iglesia Choqella, a mystical site in Peru's Sacred Valley.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Naupa Iglesia Choqella
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the enigmatic carved doorway and ancient altar at Naupa Iglesia Choqella, a mystical site in Peru's Sacred Valley.
"A mysterious portal carved into living rock, aligned with the cosmos, hinting at dimensions beyond our own."
🚶♀️ Hike Smart
Choose the easier stairs on the left. The right side is slippery and eroded. Use the mountain for support if needed!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially if hiking from Ollantaytambo. The sun can be intense.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.7 · 220 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Carved Portal
Main cave
An enigmatic doorway carved into living rock, rumored to be a gateway to other dimensions or the afterlife.
Ancient Stone Altar
Inside the cave
Discover a unique altar with three distinct borders, believed to have been used for ancient ceremonies.
Panoramic Sacred Valley Views
Terraces above the cave
Ascend to the terraces for breathtaking vistas of the Sacred Valley, offering a peaceful and awe-inspiring panorama.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Mystical Portal or Ancient Shrine?
Sacred Site Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Hike Smart
Choose the easier stairs on the left. The right side is slippery and eroded. Use the mountain for support if needed!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially if hiking from Ollantaytambo. The sun can be intense.
🍺 Post-Hike Reward
After your visit, head to Cervecería del Valle Sagrado near the Pachar bridge for a well-deserved beer.
🚗 Easy Access
Grab a 'collectivo' for just 1 sol from Ollantaytambo for a quick ride to the site.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Hike Smart
Choose the easier stairs on the left. The right side is slippery and eroded. Use the mountain for support if needed!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially if hiking from Ollantaytambo. The sun can be intense.
🍺 Post-Hike Reward
After your visit, head to Cervecería del Valle Sagrado near the Pachar bridge for a well-deserved beer.
🚗 Easy Access
Grab a 'collectivo' for just 1 sol from Ollantaytambo for a quick ride to the site.
🤫 Respect the Silence
This is a sacred site. Embrace the quiet energy and avoid loud noises.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the mystical carved doorway and the ancient stone altar at Naupa Iglesia Choqella, often describing it as a unique and spiritually charged site. The moderate hike offers rewarding views of the Sacred Valley, though some find the lack of detailed information about the ruins a drawback. It's considered a worthwhile detour for those with extra time in the region.
"It’s a moderate hike but depends if you take the “easy” stairs (on the left) or the slippery, now eroded stairs on the right lol, on the way up we didn’t know so we went right and had to use the mountain on the right to get up. Once up, the view is beautiful. There are a few things to see up there, unfortunately there are no plaques or anything there that explains what you’re looking at but we looked out and had actual archeologists that were filming some sort of documentary that day and we learned about the door that supposedly was a gateway to the afterlife and the alter with the 3 different borders. Overall, it’s something to see if you have extra days in the area and looking for a decent hike. After the hike, walk back towards the Pachar bridge and turn right, go to the Cervecería del Valle Sagrado and get a beer because you earned it!"
Tatiana M. Gallego
"It’s a short hike from the parking area adjacent to the bridge on the road up to this ancient Incan cave and worship site.
It’s a bit of a steep climb, but you can reach it via a trail or by going up a stone staircase to the terraces, then just take a right turn to walk over to the cave.
There is a small ruins at the top adjacent to the cave and a very interesting stone altar inside the cave.
The cave is not very large, and there’s usually a guard posted in the cave to keep you from defacing anything or going too deep inside."
Mark Pitts
"A place of peaceful and great views. We just walk by Ollantaytambo and was everything nice and calm with a amazing way to there. In the naupa Iglesia have a long stairs that you can arrive until the up and admire all the views and ruins."
Cristina Marin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Ollantaytambo, you can take a 'collectivo' for about 1 sol, which is a quick and affordable option. Alternatively, it's a long but scenic hike of about 16km round trip if you're up for it.
Yes, there is a parking area adjacent to the bridge on the road leading up to the site.
You can take a trail or ascend via stone staircases to the terraces, then turn right to reach the cave. Be mindful of the 'easy' stairs on the left versus the slippery ones on the right.
While it's a significant distance, some travelers enjoy hiking from Ollantaytambo. The walk is mostly flat but long.
Collectivos are generally available from the main road near the bridge, especially during peak hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While specific ticket information isn't always widely publicized, there might be a small entrance fee or a donation requested, often managed by a local guard.
The site is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit during the day to appreciate the views and carvings.
Yes, there is usually a guard posted at the cave to ensure visitors don't deface the ancient structures or go too deep inside.
Access to the deepest parts of the cave may be restricted by the guard to preserve the site.
While not always advertised, you might encounter local guides or archeologists filming documentaries who can share insights.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attractions are the enigmatic carved doorway, an ancient stone altar with three borders inside the cave, and stunning panoramic views of the Sacred Valley from the terraces above.
This doorway is a major point of fascination. Some believe it's a portal to other dimensions or the afterlife, while others see it as a sacred Inca shrine.
It's considered a moderate hike. There are steep sections, especially if you choose the eroded stairs. The climb to the terraces is manageable, and the walk to the cave from there is short.
Wear comfortable hiking shoes with good grip, as the paths and stairs can be slippery. Bring layers as the weather can change.
Photography is generally allowed, but be respectful of the sacred nature of the site and any ongoing ceremonies.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the mysterious carved doorway from different angles, the intricate stone altar, and the sweeping vistas of the Sacred Valley from the upper terraces.
Mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, while afternoons can provide warm, golden light on the ancient stones.
While generally permitted, be mindful of the sacred atmosphere. Avoid intrusive photography during any ceremonies or prayers.
Focus on the unique stonework, the scale of the landscape, and the mystical aura of the site. Wide-angle lenses are great for the views, while detail shots can capture the carvings.
Drone usage is likely restricted due to the sacred nature of the site and potential proximity to protected areas. Always check local regulations.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit