It seems incredible but there are still places in the world where we can feel like true explorers. They are hidden places where it is discovered that the true richness of the trip lies in living unforgettable experiences. One of these destinations is Peru, with an extraordinary cultural and natural diversity, cradle of the oldest civilization in America.
Under the pseudonym of the ‘sister of Machupicchu’, Choquequirao also has a striking stone citadel, as well as its own story to tell. Located between the collision of two very different worlds, such as the Andes and the Peruvian Amazon, it is completely surrounded by vegetation, which makes it a place that is not so easy to access.
Imposing for its location, since it is located at the top of a summit of the ramifications of the snowy Salcantay, this city was hidden from man for almost four centuries, which makes it still a mysterious place for both archaeologists and researchers as well as for the curious who decide to do tourism in their territory. The construction of this space dates from approximately 1536, made under the rule of the Inca Empire.
What is certain is that this destination has become the favorite destination for lovers of adventure -due to the challenge that reaching it represents- and history, due to the thousand-year-old secrets it keeps in every corner of its citadel. Therefore, if what you want is to live a completely different episode, it is best to schedule a visit to Choquequirao on your calendar.
The ‘sister of Machupicchu’ is not far from her family: it is also located in the Cusco region (exactly in the district of Santa Teresa, in the province of La Convención), in the southern Peruvian Andes. And many wonder why it is considered a challenge to get to Choquequirao? Well, the answer is quite simple: only those who are physically and mentally prepared can access this territory.
Transportation does not enter their domains. Any route taken to Choquequirao is done on foot, in excursions that take 2 to 3 days. You have to be physically prepared because they are long walks. And, in addition, you must be mentally prepared, because both the climate and the altitude of Cusco make this route, which is besieged by hiking lovers, a little more complicated than it would take to do it in not so rough terrain.
The jewel of the Andes
There is still no complete certainty of what Choquequirao’s function was, but it is presumed that this place was a sacred center, which also served to connect Pisac and Machupicchu with the Peruvian Amazon. Due to its complex access, there is also the hypothesis that this area served as a refuge for the Incas, after the attacks of the Spanish empire. The truth is that its historical legacy is invaluable, due to the amount of space that has not yet been investigated (it is estimated that only 30% of what was Choquequirao has been restored) and that it yields more and more evidence to be studied.
Its nine sectors, in which a political-religious center stands out, you can also see a main upper square, buildings, fountains, warehouses, giant stairs, sacred corrals, houses of the rulers, a temple of the triumphal wall, temple of priests and different types of monumental platforms, among others. With all this space that is eager for you to discover, are you going to think twice about going to Choquequirao?
In the current Choquequirao Archaeological Park, which includes the ancient Inca city, with its ceremonial centers and sensational buildings, two main squares, houses of the nobility, temples, workshops and warehouses, and even fountains and canals have been discovered. The most spectacular structure is probably the enormous staircase that during the summer solstice was completely illuminated by the sun’s rays. In addition, there were other places related to the solstices and equinoxes that show the knowledge that the Incas had of astronomy and the importance they gave it.
The remains of the ancient Inca citadel are really far away (at least for the moment), but the effort is worth it. Today, it is necessary to walk for three or four days (round trip), but this same difficulty makes it an unforgettable experience: finding yourself almost alone in a “small” Machu Picchu is something unique.
Walking to Choquequirao
In order to access Choquequirao, you usually leave Cusco on the road to Abancay until you take the detour to Cachora (2,800 meters above sea level), in the department of Apurímac, the journey lasts approximately 4 hours. There, in Cachora, the trekking begins, which many travelers do by hiring mules to carry their luggage and for the muleteers to serve as guides. It usually takes about 3-4 days to make the journey and you have to camp all the way.
First section: from Cusco to Abancay
The road that brings us closer to the fortress from Cusco will allow us to discover some less “touristy” sites, with the charm that this implies. The first stop on the stretch to Abancay may be the Tarawasi Archaeological Complex, also known as Limatambo, which shows us an ancient ceremonial center that was also a resting place for the chasquis (Inca runners who delivered messages between very distant). Just to see its exceptional polygonal wall with human-sized children is already worth the trip from Cusco. A little further on are the thermal baths of Cconoc and the Inca site of Saywite, with an exceptionally large rock carved with animal engravings, two interesting stops before reaching Abancay.
Second section: from Cachora to Choquequirao
Cachora is the usual detour point to start the walk to Choquequirao, with a few pensions and a campsite. This is where local guides and rental mules are usually hired, although many do so in Abancay or in Cusco itself. You don’t have to think about a walk: the walk to reach the Archaeological Park of Choquequirao from the town of Cachora, about 160 km from Cusco, is quite demanding. It is an ascending path that takes us through various places in the Apurímac valley, such as the Chiquisca camp (at 1,830 m), the Capuliyoc viewpoint (at 2,800 m) or Rosalina Beach (at 1,500 m).
The Choquequirao Archaeological Park is halfway between the departments of Cusco and Apurímac, which share the trail. The path can be done by hiring a tour or on your own and, today, it can be visited in peace, but it must be taken into account that some bridges can be washed away by the current, making the path impossible. It is best to inquire beforehand with the tour operators about the conditions of the land. In any case, you have to bring food, what is necessary for camping and money to pay the entrance fee (about 60 soles, 30 for students).
Another possibility for the most wandering is to continue the route from Choquequirao to the Inca Trail for nine days, thus culminating in Machu Picchu.
Natural wealth of Choquequirao
In addition to its archaeological value, Choquequirao is also worth going to discover its rich fauna and flora. We are in a Regional Conservation Area of more than 100,000 hectares, created in 2010, which is another example of the wealth of Peru, a country that stands out for its cultural diversity and authenticity, its varied nature and its renowned gastronomy. They say that Peru is “the richest country in the world” for a reason: its natural landscapes are home to 84 of the 117 life zones on earth.
The Regional Conservation Area includes altitudes ranging from 1,800 meters above sea level to 6,000 meters above sea level. in the snow-capped area, which is why we also find very diverse microclimates. The area is particularly important because it is a kind of water container, coming from the snow-capped mountains that surround it (Sacsarayoc, Qoriwayrachina, Abuela and Padreyoc or Salkantay).
The great variety of fauna and flora in the Area should be highlighted: there are 16 endemic species of birds and almost a hundred different types of plants that can only be found here. There is also a special policy for the protection of species under threat of extinction, such as the spectacled bear (Andean bear) or condors, toucans or pumas.
The best destinations in Perú
Once you decide to visit Palccoyo Mountain, you could add the best destinations to combine the history and experience for your trip to Peru. Peru offers the most beautiful destinations, culture and naturals. we recommend to extend your holidays and choose these best destinations and prepare your itinerary:
- Inca Trail
- Machu Picchu
- Amazon Rainforest Peru
- Cusco
- Lake Titicaca
- Colca Canyon – Arequipa
Best Peru Treks
- Inca Trail 4 days
- Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
- Short Inca Trail
- Short Inca Trail with Camping
