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Introduction

Important:  Due to the closing of the Inca trail during february and March, many travellers are taking into consideration the route of Choquequirao as an exellent alternative compared to the popular Inca Trail a new choise which comprises the same number of trekking days, but with a highuest level of intensification in the adventure. Choquequirao is Known as the sister of Machu picchu, and this is why it is regarded equally wonderfull.

  Undoubtly, it is worthwhile to chose this route in March.

The archeological site of choquequirao is part of the complex system of Andean town in Vilcabamba Valley. In the time of the Incas, it was united and in communication with MachuPicchu by a complex network of trails.

CHOQUEQUIRAO : Is situated in the spurs of the mountain range of SalKantay, at 3,035m.a.s.l. Surrounded by the snowcapped Apus of Yanama, Ampay, Choquetacarpo, Pumasillo, and Panta on the right site of Apurimac river in the Santa Teresa district, the convention province of the department of Cusco.

Is an Inca town formed by small sites apread out in rubblework that in its adjoining constructs a complex metropolis similar to those of the other regions placed on the crest of the hill by the same name - Choquequirao.

ITINERARY
Day 1. To Cachora/Chiquisca
Departing from Cusco in the early morning, we take a spectacular drive across the farmlands of the Anta Plateau, surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Andes. The winding road plunges more than 1,800 m./6,000 ft. to a bridge over the Apurimac Gorge, then climbs through lush fields and orchards before making a final descent to the village of Cachora, at 3,400 m./11,100 ft., where we encounter stunning close-up views of the Cordillera Vilcabamba. Here we meet our crew and horse pack train and begin our hike, catching our first glimpse of distant Choquequirau at the Capuliyoc lookout before dropping steeply through dry cactus and orchid country into the Apurimac River Canyon. We camp at the small oasis of Chiquisca, 2000 m./6,550 ft.

Day 2. To Chiquisca/Choquequirao
We descend the last fifteen hundred feet of elevation to the Apurimac River –“Great Spirit Speaker” in the Quechua language of the Incas – and cross the mighty river on a suspension footbridge, at 1550 m./5,100 ft. A broad trail makes a zig-zagging ascent, which takes us out of the dry canyon zone past small sugar cane plantations to upland meadows where, across a deep valley, we meet our first panoramic vista of the buildings and terraces of Choquequirau. The final leg of today’s hike passes through the cool shadows of a native cloud forest as we approach the wooded ridgetop (3000 m./10,000 ft.) where the Incas built their remote ceremonial center. We camp near the Inca ruins.

Day 3. All Day in Choquequirao
We have the entire day to explore this stunning Inca settlement. As mysterious as Machu Picchu, its name means “Cradle of Gold”. Early Spaniards knew of this place, yet its remoteness protected it. French explorers visited it in the 19th century, and in 1909 Hiram Bingham was first to scientifically investigate the site. Some speculate that the emperor Topa Inca had it built as a personal spiritual retreat, to rival his father Pachacuti’s magnificent estate at Machu Picchu. Whoever built this place, it was undoubtedly an elite settlement, built for ceremonial purposes and occupied by Inca nobility.

The Apurimac River roars distantly 1,450 m./4,800 ft. below, visible on either side of a steep ridge to which clings the Inca city. As we approach the heart of the city, a sweep of enormous curved terraces leads our eye to an artificial hill and ceremonial platform overlooking the main plaza. Here afternoon thermal currents bring Andean Condors soaring over the complex of temples, mausoleums, royal residences, ritual baths and water channels, great gathering halls, storehouses, hidden gardens and a giant stairway, all still standing as testimony to the careful planning of Inca engineers. Excavation work at the site is very recent, and archaeologists are continually uncovering hitherto unknown areas and structures. The steep mountainside below the main plaza features several clusters of newly-discovered buildings, including the so-called Ridge Group, and the Waterfall Temple, an intriguing ceremonial complex facing the cascades of a steep ravine.

Day 4. To Choquequirao/Chiquisca
The sun rises over the snowy crags of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, and we make our way across the meadows of Maranpata, where a row of Inca storehouses marks the limits of the Inca settlement. We return to the depths of the canyon, gaining new perspectives as we face the immense, multi-hued cliffs on the south bank of the river. At the crossing of the Apurimac River, we can take time to cool off in a swimming hole among the huge boulders that line the river. We return to the shade of the fruit and avocado trees at Chiquisca, where we make our final camp.

Day 5. To Chiquisca/Cachora/Cusco
We hike up out of the Apurimac Canyon, with the river receding to a distant, white ribbon below us and the glaciers of the Vilcabamba Range filling the sky ahead. After winding our way beneath spreading, smooth-barked trees, dripping with orchids and bromeliads, we regain the mountainous grasslands that stretch toward the Capuliyoc Pass and the pastoral valley of Cachora. Our transport awaits us here. Bidding farewell to our trail crew, we begin the breathtaking drive back to Cusco.

ATTRACTIONS
Choquequirao is a symbol of the Inca resistance with its unique stone walls located up to the mountain. Discovering its beauty is an exciting, exhausting and unforgettable adventure in which we go trough a road passing by a sight with far snow mountains and endless greenness.

The excursions to Choquequirao, this distant archaeological complex called the other Machu Picchu due to its historical importance and archaeological style, generally start by bus or van from Cusco to the town of Cachora (Abancay) where the dusty 30 kilometres trail begins before arriving at this mysterious citadel situated at the top of a green and powerful mountain at 3085 m.a.s.l.

The whole journey has several stages in which we will visit different sites as following:

From Cusco to Cachora on the way to Choquequirao

Before starting our adventure at Choquequirao, we will have a great start while visiting these attractions:

Pampas of Anta: It is known by its stone masses which according to a legend became, as God ordered, into strong soldiers formed to save the Incas if they would lose against the Chancas.

Archaeological complex of Saywite: Overstanding a monolith of 11 meters wide and 2.30 meters high. It is known as the "layout of Tawantinsuyo". In its surface, there are more than 200 carved figures representing animals, Andean gods, canals, trails and water storages.
The rest of the complex, situated in the district of Curahuasi, is composed by temples and masses of carved granite.

Thermal Baths of Cconoc:(Optional you can visit in the return of the trek) With medicinal properties and able to avoid tiredness and relax the muscles. They are found on the left side of Apurimac river ( before called the king of the rivers or prince of deepness) in the district of Curahuasi the city of anise in Apurimac.

CACHORA TO CHOQUEQUIRAO
The silent town of Cachora appeals by its quiet streets and rustic houses. In this typical Andean community, with a simple main square and church, we start our trip leading to Choquequirao characterized by long ups, though descends, the remote Ampay and Salcantay snow mountains, and the deep cannon of Apurimac, one of the deepest in the world. Some of the important sites to visit are:

Creek of Capulilloc: 9 kilometers far from the town (21 from Choquequirao). From the creek ( 3010 m.a.s.l.) one may observe the astonishing beauty of the landscape as the mountains and the zigzag tunnel to the river Apurimac ( Quechua word which means "god who talks".

Cocamasama: A kind of belvedere situated at 2010 m.a.s.l. from where it is possible to see the top of the mountain where Choquequirao lies and the Apurimac river goes among the mounts

. Chiquisca: The peaceful and ideal area to rest or camp. There is an outlet of a water reservoir. It is 16 kilometers far from Cachora and 14 from Choquequirao.

Rosalina beach: Located at 1550 m.a.s.l. and 19 kilometers far from the town, 11 kilometers from Choquequirao. The Apurimac river irrigates its banks so swimming into its water is delightful. There is a hanging bridge in order to cross the river where there will be always a hard rise.

Santa Rosa: This group of cottages enliven this remote site situated at 2100 m.a.s.l. People are quite kind and friendly. Here we can fill in our water containers and enjoy resting under the shadow of the cottages' eaves to try refreshing us with sweet cane juice. It is found 21 kilometers far from Cachora and 9 kilometers from Choquequirao.

Frecuently Asked Questions (choquequirao trek)

What is the weather like in Choquequirao