If you want to know more about Peru besides Machu Picchu, the ancient ruins of Choquequirao may be the best adventure for you. Although the so-called Cuna de Oro has been overshadowed by the historical sanctuary, it is undoubtedly another wonder of the Inca era.
For those looking to add a special touch to their experience in Peru, the Choquequirao Trek could be another alternative to reach Machu Picchu, but due to its challenging route, we recommend doing it as a self-guided trek.
Choquequirao has an impressive natural environment surrounded by imposing mountains and exuberant vegetation. Additionally, this ancient citadel is often compared to the Peruvian Wonder of the World for the architectural and spatial similarities they share.
Fortunately, like Machu Picchu, Choquequirao was never discovered by Spanish settlers, making it one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the rainforest. Therefore, it is believed that it could have been the last Inca refuge during the colonization process.
If you are adventurous and want to experience another side of Inca history, this is the way to go. Note that this tour is not for the faint of heart, but there is nothing a seasoned traveler can’t beat.
A view of Choquequirao
Located in the La Convencion region, just north of the Apurimac River, Choquequirao sits in an isolated spot where the only way in or out is through steep hills and lush forests.
Although not much is known about this magnificent Inca masterpiece, it is believed that it was the Inca Pachacutec who ordered its construction around the same time as Machu Picchu.
However, it was his son Tupac Yupanqui who expanded the complex and continued this legacy. Apparently, Choquequirao served the Incas as a cultural, religious and residential center, also giving them access to the Amazon jungle and the imperial city of Cusco.
When the Spanish settlers arrived in Peru and took control of the territory, Choquequirao may have been one of the last refuges and points of resistance of the Incas. A long kept and forgotten secret deep in the high altitude Peruvian jungle.
Many years later, it was the Spanish explorer Juan Arias Díaz Topete who rediscovered this ancient structure in 1710, although Cosme Bueno did not officially document the site until 1768, although he was not considered at the time.
Hiram Bingham later stumbled across this wonderful place on his way to Machu Picchu, though it was long forgotten and almost disappeared into the dense jungle. When Bingham introduced Machu Picchu to the world, the two archaeological complexes became popular with historians, archaeologists, and tourists.
Currently, only 30% of Choquequirao’s 1,810 hectares have been completely excavated, while the remaining 70% is buried underground or in the region’s dense vegetation. However, as far as we know, the site continues to display an exceptional architectural style, as impressive as the famous Inca citadel.
Speaking of excursions to Choquequirao
As mentioned at the beginning of this blog, the trek to Choquequirao is definitely difficult, although it goes through places at a lower altitude than the Classic Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek.
The trail, in fact, is very difficult with steep ups and downs on the way to the ruins and on the way back. The 4-day trek takes you 1,500 meters into the Apurimac Valley, followed by an ascent of 1,800 meters.
Therefore, completing this trek is a matter of mental and physical preparation. So if you’re itching to visit this wonder of the ancient world, consider upgrading your current exercise routine. Although the route is not as difficult as the Inca Trail, we have prepared a preparation guide that could help you on this trek.
Choquequirao: 4-Day Itinerary
Most tours to Choquequirao leave from Cachora or the Mirador de Capuliyoc, although we think it would be better to leave from the Mirador, as it would save driving, time and give you more rest.
Another point to note is that unlike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you do not need a special permit to explore this route and no guide is required. However, given the difficulty of the tour, it is strongly recommended to contact a specialized tour operator to avoid inconvenience.
Get ready for an incredible adventure through the Andes and the tropical jungle, here you can explore different ecosystems and other beautiful landscapes of Peru. In summary, here is the itinerary of the 4 days trek to Choquequirao
