Choquequirao, a so far little known destination in Peru ranked first place in Lonely Planet´s “Best in Travel 2017”. This Inca settlement was built between the 15th and 16th century. It is same old and has similar structure as Machupicchu. Despite being same magnificent and surrounded by an extremely beautiful scenery, it is not as popular – yet – as Machupicchu. The only way to arrive is on foot and it is not that easy. This, because it is not possible to arrive by bus or train. If you aspire for real adventure this challenge is for you. Compared to the Inca Trail you will not encounter crowds of tourists. No need to book months in advance. The sooner you go the better for some day this hiddeen jewel will be as famous and crowded as Machupicchu. Private Lima Tours with Sara tells you here how to get to Choquequirao.
HOW TO ARRIVE
The adventure starts in Cusco where we suggest to stay at least for two days to get acclimatized.
Cusco – San Pedro de Cachora
A car from Cusco takes about 4 and half hours to reach Cachora. Along the road and close to the crystal waters of Huaypo Lake, there are multicolored quinoa plantings. This town is at 10,170 ft (3100 m) a.s.l.
Cachora – Capuliyoc
From Cachora you can take a car to Capuliyoc, about 5 miles (8 kms). Here you can rent a mule (S/ 20 per day) and a muleteer to accompany you (other S/ 20) Get here your Admission Ticket for the Choquequirao Archaeological Park (S/. 60). And the trek starts here.
Capuliyoc – Playa Rosalina
The next destination is Playa Rosalina situated at 5,085 ft (1,550 m). It is at 11 miles (18 kms) from Cachora. About 7 miles of this trek (12 kms) you do it hiking down. Here at Playa Rosalina a pedestrian bridge over the Apurimac River divides the regions of Cusco and Apurimac.
Playa Rosalina – Santa Rosa – Marampata – Choquequirao
Three hours after crossing the bridge you arrive to the town of Santa Rosa. These 8 miles (13 km) constitute the hardest part of the trekking. Now you go up a very steep climb to reach the village of Marampata at 9,350 ft. From Marampata the road changes and becoms flat. One hour bordering the mountain and you finally reach Choquequirao.
CHOQUEQUIRAO
Choquequirao is settled at 9,950 ft (3,033 m) a.s.l. It was first visited by the American explorer Hiram Bingham two years before he arrived to Machupicchu. With time it was covered by vegetation and forgotten, having been “discovered” again not so many years ago. Choquequirao is a quecha word meaning “golden cradle”.
Despite of its strategical position in a faraway mountain archaeologists consider that it was not only used as a fortress by the Incas but also as a ceremonial center. The area contains many Inca buildings from which only 30 % have been excavated.
The area is divided in 12 sectors. You can appreciate two main squares, a ceremonial center, storage areas and terraces. The stone walls of the buildings were covered with clay in and outside and seem to have been painted in orange color. Images of white stone lamas and women decorate the walls of the terraces.
As you can see, unlike Machupicchu the only way to arrive to Choquequirao is walking. You can hire a tour or you can go on your own. As already mentioned, is a very hard trekking. Depending on your fitness you can do in 5 days/4 nights or 4 days/3 nights.
There is a project to build a cable car which will cross 4,600 ft (1,400 m) over the Apurimac river. It will run 3 miles (5 km) in 15 minutes.
If you go on your own be sure that at least every three hours you will find a camping place. The cost of the admission ticket includes the use of these campings.
In case of interest in a tour to Choquequirao contact Private Lima Tours with Sara here. We will be pleased to make a suitable offer for you or your group.