Naupa Iglesia Choqella - pink and white concrete building
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Naupa Iglesia Choqella

4.7
·220 reviews·LaSalle, Peru

Discover the enigmatic carved doorway and ancient altar at Naupa Iglesia Choqella, a mystical site in Peru's Sacred Valley.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
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Naupa Iglesia Choqella - pink and white concrete building

Naupa Iglesia Choqella

Best Time

Morning

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the enigmatic carved doorway and ancient altar at Naupa Iglesia Choqella, a mystical site in Peru's Sacred Valley.

4.7
(220 reviews)

"A mysterious portal carved into living rock, aligned with the cosmos, hinting at dimensions beyond our own."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Carved Portal

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

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

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.

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Planning Your Visit

Mystical Portal or Ancient Shrine?

Naupa Iglesia Choqella is famed for its enigmatic carved doorway. While some believe it's an ancient portal, others see it as a sacred Inca shrine. Prepare for a moderate hike to reach this unique site.

Sacred Site Etiquette

This is a place of spiritual significance. Respect the silence, avoid touching the ancient stonework, and be mindful of any ceremonies or prayers happening. A guard is often present to ensure preservation.

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Fewer crowds, better light
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Warm sun on the stones
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

At Naupa Iglesia the Inca carved a mysterious portal into living rock… and aligned it with the cosmos ✨🔮 Was it just a shrine — or a gateway hinting at dimensions beyond our own? #NaupaIglesia #ancientmysteries #ancientcivilizations #peru #megaliths
anyextee
207 likes • 1.7K views

🚶‍♀️ Hike Smart

Choose the easier stairs on the left. The right side is slippery and eroded. Use the mountain for support if needed! Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring plenty of water, especially if hiking from Ollantaytambo. The sun can be intense. Reddit

Naupa Huaca, um lugar mágico e enigmático no coração do Vale Sagrado! ⛰️ #ñaupaiglesia #megalithic #perumegalitico #vallesagradodelosincas #enigmacusco #naupahuaca #megalithiclife
sussekindvictor
165 likes • 5K views
In the Sacred Valley there’s a cave called Ñaupa Iglesia. For centuries, shamans and mystics have come here to pray, to perform ceremonies, and to sit in its strange silence. The stonework doesn’t match Inca style, it’s older, sharper, like a doorway carved into the mountain. Some call it a portal, others just feel its weight.
sinamurai
95 likes • 0 views

🍺 Post-Hike Reward

After your visit, head to Cervecería del Valle Sagrado near the Pachar bridge for a well-deserved beer. Reddit

🚗 Easy Access

Grab a 'collectivo' for just 1 sol from Ollantaytambo for a quick ride to the site. Reddit

Ñaupa iglesia en el valle Sagrado… los Queros la consideran un lugar Sagrado y donde hay un portal energético, Benito el Shalan y su esposa hicieron un despacho para que nos fuera bien en el Camino Inca y para la salud, prosperidad de todos nosotros y todos nuestros amigos y familiares! @iteresaherrera @sanctuarytreksperu @sallochaparro
guadalupealvarezbrunel
47 likes • 0 views

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! Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring plenty of water, especially if hiking from Ollantaytambo. The sun can be intense. Reddit

🍺 Post-Hike Reward

After your visit, head to Cervecería del Valle Sagrado near the Pachar bridge for a well-deserved beer. Reddit

🚗 Easy Access

Grab a 'collectivo' for just 1 sol from Ollantaytambo for a quick ride to the site. Reddit

🤫 Respect the Silence

This is a sacred site. Embrace the quiet energy and avoid loud noises. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(220 reviews)

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

Mysterious carved doorway
Spiritual energy
Sacred Valley views

What People Dislike

Lack of information
Eroded stairs

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. Reddit

Yes, there is a parking area adjacent to the bridge on the road leading up to the site. Reddit

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. Reddit

While it's a significant distance, some travelers enjoy hiking from Ollantaytambo. The walk is mostly flat but long. Reddit

Collectivos are generally available from the main road near the bridge, especially during peak hours. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

The site is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit during the day to appreciate the views and carvings. Reddit

Yes, there is usually a guard posted at the cave to ensure visitors don't deface the ancient structures or go too deep inside. Reddit

Access to the deepest parts of the cave may be restricted by the guard to preserve the site. Reddit

While not always advertised, you might encounter local guides or archeologists filming documentaries who can share insights. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. Reddit

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. TikTokInstagram

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. Reddit

Wear comfortable hiking shoes with good grip, as the paths and stairs can be slippery. Bring layers as the weather can change. Reddit

Photography is generally allowed, but be respectful of the sacred nature of the site and any ongoing ceremonies. Instagram

📸 📸 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. TikTokInstagram

Mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, while afternoons can provide warm, golden light on the ancient stones. Reddit

While generally permitted, be mindful of the sacred atmosphere. Avoid intrusive photography during any ceremonies or prayers. Instagram

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. Instagram

Drone usage is likely restricted due to the sacred nature of the site and potential proximity to protected areas. Always check local regulations. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Naupa Iglesia Choqella can be an engaging stop for families, offering a touch of mystery and a moderate hike. The 'easy' stairs are manageable for older children, but younger ones might need assistance. Reddit The unique carved doorway and altar can spark imagination, and the panoramic views provide a great spot for a family picnic. Reddit Consider bringing snacks and plenty of water, as facilities are limited. The site's spiritual significance can also be a gentle introduction to the cultural heritage of the Sacred Valley. Instagram

🚶‍♂️ Budget Travelers

This site is excellent for budget-conscious travelers. The most cost-effective way to reach Naupa Iglesia from Ollantaytambo is by 'collectivo' for just 1 sol. Reddit The hike itself is free, and the main 'cost' is your time and effort. Reddit Pack your own food and water to save on expenses, and enjoy the incredible natural beauty and ancient history without a hefty price tag. Reddit

🧘‍♀️ Spiritual Seekers & Mystics

Naupa Iglesia is a pilgrimage site for those seeking spiritual connection. Many believe the cave's energy can enhance intuition and facilitate spiritual awakening. Instagram The carved doorway is often referred to as a 'portal' or a place to 'open the third eye,' making it a focal point for meditation and introspection. Instagram The quiet atmosphere and the ancient stonework create a profound sense of peace, allowing visitors to connect with the earth's energy and ancient wisdom. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Mystery of the Carved Doorway

Naupa Iglesia Choqella is most famous for its enigmatic doorway, carved directly into the living rock of a cave. The stonework here is described as older and sharper than typical Inca construction, leading to much speculation. Instagram Some believe it was a portal or a gateway to the afterlife, a concept explored by ancient cultures worldwide. TikTok Others interpret it as a sacred shrine used by shamans and mystics for prayer and ceremonies, a place where the earth is believed to listen and respond. Instagram The precise purpose and origin of this unique carving remain a captivating mystery, drawing visitors seeking spiritual connection and ancient wisdom. Instagram

This site is considered a place of energetic power by some, with the belief that leaning against its walls can help open the 'third eye' or enhance spiritual awareness. Instagram The presence of archeologists filming documentaries further underscores the site's historical and mystical significance, suggesting ongoing research into its secrets. Reddit The unique altar inside the cave, with its three distinct borders, also points to a rich ceremonial past. Reddit

Navigating the Hike and Site

Reaching Naupa Iglesia involves a moderate hike. Travelers often debate the 'easy' stairs on the left versus the 'slippery, eroded' stairs on the right. Reddit It's highly recommended to opt for the left path to avoid potential slips and falls. If you do find yourself on the right, using the mountain for support is advised. Reddit Once you reach the terraces above the cave, the walk to the entrance is short and offers beautiful views. Reddit

The cave itself is not very large and is typically overseen by a guard who ensures the preservation of the ancient site. Reddit Visitors are encouraged to be respectful, maintain a quiet demeanor, and avoid touching the delicate stonework. Instagram The reward for the climb includes not only the mystical cave but also stunning panoramic views of the Sacred Valley, making the effort well worthwhile for those with extra time in the region. Reddit

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