Choquequirao is one of the tourist destinations in Cusco that is gaining importance every year. The place offers us the possibility of making an impressive excursion of several days, to later arrive at a huge archaeological complex.
In recent years, the name of Choquequirao sounds more and more like an unmissable destination for lovers of adventure, history and for those who are looking for new photos that nobody has on social networks.
It is a place less known than Machu Picchu but with enormous tourist potential, that is why today we will answer the most important questions about Choquequirao 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions from Choquequirao to Cusco 2023
Let’s start with the most common questions that thousands of tourists that we have accompanied over the years ask us about Choquequirao in Cusco, with information updated to 2022.
Where is Choquequirao?
Choquequirao is located in Cusco, precisely in the district of Santa Teresa, province of La Convencion, between the slopes of the Salkantay hill. Its strategic position satisfied the Incas’ need to build a fortress that would allow massive military and structural incursions into the Peruvian jungle. Today it is closer to Apurímac than to the city of Cusco, so tours that depart from Choquequirao must travel to Apurímac to start the route.
How many meters above sea level is Choquequirao?
The archaeological complex of Choquequirao is located at 3,033 meters above sea level to the north of the Apurímac River valley. During the walk we will have a swing from 500 to 700 meters above sea level with steeper slopes than others since we have to climb from the Apurímac River to the slopes of the Salkantay hill.
Who discovered Choquequirao?
Choquequirao was discovered by the famous Hiram Bingham during one of his trips to discover the golden fortress that is said to have existed in Peru.
However, the discovery of the Inca fortress itself does not go back to the American Hiram, before him the existence of Choquequirao was already known thanks to the surrounding communities.
Choquequirao when it was discovered
The date we have of the discovery of Choquequirao is based on the work of Hiram Bingham, dating back to 1909. A landmark for Peru and the Inca culture since the world first saw the fortress.
But since Machu Picchu was also discovered in those most famous years and we already know everything about its history, today there is a wonder of the modern world that every traveler dreams of . .
Why is Choquequirao important?
The importance behind Choquequirao is its historical value as a cultural heritage of the nation and a rich source of history about the Inca past, as well as one of the best adventures in Cusco.
It deserved the designation of National Heritage because along the way and in its structures we will have the opportunity to know innumerable unique data obtained by the Incas.
Choquequirao was the last fortress built by the Incas, it was their maximum expression in architecture, urbanism and design.
In its structures we will see a historical advance that the engineers had behind the works of the Incas, there is an evolution in each of the walls that we will find in Choquequirao.
Its importance lies in the journey that will lead us to discover that the Incas were the most important and advanced culture in the entire American continent, in each of their colonies we will find a reason to admire them.
In addition to being known as the «Holy Sister of Machu Picchu», the way to get there is a great adventure to do if you like treks.
What is Choquequirao?
Choquequirao was the last fortress built by the Incas to try to extend their territory, particularly in the jungle.
The Inca Empire already included six countries on the American continent when Choquequirao was built, but its domains did not extend into the jungle, but rather concentrated on dominating the mountains.
The mountains and all the mountain ranges of South America were already territory conquered by the Incas when the construction of Choquequirao began.
Today we only have theories about what Choquequirao was, the most recognized and accepted is its role in the conquest of the jungle.
Choquequirao and its importance
Choquequirao is a combination of two Quechua words taken from the word chuqui, gold, and kiraw, to eat; golden cradle
In its name you can see that the fortress is projected as a symbol of wealth for the empire.
This may be due to the results obtained when the jungle territory was finally conquered by the Incas, since the coca leaf was one of the reasons for the raid.
The engineering logic behind Choquequirao
It is said that one of the main reasons why the Incas built Choquequirao as a fortress to conquer the jungle was the coca leaf.
A leaf now only found in the jungles of Peru, it was a staple of daily life within the empire during the Inca period.
Thanks to the coca leaf, the Incas discovered a new way to increase productivity in the fields, which is still practiced today.
In addition to gaining territory in the food-rich jungle, Choquequirao represents a strategic advance in the Inca civilization.
The basic questions to get to Choquequirao
Other questions that we are asked about Choquequirao refer to the best way to get there and survive the trek adventure that awaits us for four days and three nights.
How to get to Choquequirao?
To get to Choquequirao you have to face a trek route that lasts at least three days and two nights, including the transfer times to Cusco, which are four days.
The best way to get to Choquequirao is to reach the town of Cachora, belonging to Apurímac, from where we will start the route.
How do I get from Cusco to Choquequirao?
To do the Choquequirao trek from Cusco, you have to take the western route exclusively by land, more precisely towards Apurímac.
It is three or four hours from the city of Cusco, towards Cachora, along the road with a small path. The best way to get to Choquequirao is with mobility that already knows the route.
How can I get from Lima to Choquequirao?
To get to Choquequirao from Lima, we have two options: we arrive in Cusco by plane and then we go to Cachora in Apurímac; Or we can fly to Ayacucho and drive to Abancay.
The best alternative, the most famous, the most popular and the one we recommend the most is the one from Cusco, since the trip from Ayacucho to Abancay by car takes many hours by car with only a few shifts.
If you plan to travel from Lima, it is best to arrive first in the city of Cusco and then have a professional guide accompany you to learn about the history and culture of the Incas.
A professional service like Kuskandes Trek, a team of tourism professionals with more than ten years of experience that accompanies thousands of travelers to discover one of the best routes in Cusco.
Choquequirao is an experience that begins at the moment we dream of it, a journey that promises us unique and unpublished photos for our social networks and our memories.
Do not miss the opportunity to get to know Choquequirao in 2023, it is towards the end of the year and we will be able to do the most extreme trek route in Peru.
