Choquequirao Trail│Discover the adventure on the Andean Amazon!

Choquequirao trail or Choquequirao trek is one of the most famous treks in Peru whose final destination is usually the archaeological park of Choquequirao. A very popular place, well known and recommended by the whole world. It has incredible Inca constructions very similar to Machu Picchu, Choquequirao is therefore considered the “sister of Machu Picchu“. The area of the Choquequirao archaeological site, however, is much larger than the wonder of the modern world and has unexplored areas.

It is presumed from its structure that this Inca enclosure served as a checkpoint and connection between the jungle and the main Inca sites of the Sacred Valley such as Pisac, Cusco and Machu Picchu. Undoubtedly, Choquequirao is a place you must visit in Cusco.

WHERE IS CHOQUEQUIRAO TRAIL LOCATED?

Choquequirao is located in Peru, politically in the Cusco region and geographically in the Vilcabamba mountain range. It is situated on a ridge above the Apurimac River, at an altitude of 10,006 feets above sea level.

Currently, there is some dispute as to the location of Choquequirao; however, geographically and administratively, the archaeological site of Choquequirao is located in the Cusco region. The archaeological park extends through the provinces of La Convención, Anta and even in the region of Apurímac, exactly in the province of Abancay, as shown in the map.

LIMITS OF CHOQUEQUIRAO ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK CUSCO

NORTH: It borders with the districts of Quimbiri, Echarate, Santa Ana and Maranura in the province of La Convención.
SOUTH: It borders with the districts of Huanipaca, San Pedro de Cachora, Curahuasi (Apurímac), Mollepata and Limatambo (Anta).
EAST: It borders with the districts of Huayopata, Machupicchu and Ollantaytambo.
WEST: The districts of Chungui and Pacobamba in the department of Apurímac.

WHAT IS THE ALTITUDE OF CHOQUEQUIRAO?

The Archaeological Park of Choquequirao Cusco, is located at 10,000 feet above sea level. Ideal altitude to take seriously the main recommendation of Inkayni, acclimatize in the city before making a trip to high altitude, only if you do not want to present symptoms of the famous altitude sickness.

WHAT DOES CHOQUEQUIRAO MEAN?

Choquequirao is a word of Quechua origin, whose meaning is “Cradle of Gold”, it is said that the name of the archaeological park comes from a hill near the current Choquequirao Cusco.

HISTORY OF CHOQUEQUIRAO CUSCO

According to chroniclers, the Choquequirao Archaeological Park is known for 2 important episodes that occurred before and after the Spanish conquest. It is said that this magical place may have been inhabited by various ethnic groups even before the Incas.

During the Inca period, the sovereigns Pachakuteq and Tupaq Yupanqui took control and dominion of the place with constructions assumed to be made for cultivation, as seen in other archaeological sites such as Moray, Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, and even Machu Picchu.

Due to the structure of its walls, terraces, rooms, and more, it is believed that the current Choquequirao Archaeological Park in Cusco was one of the first centers built by the Incas, and its main function was to be a space of royal domination. After the Spanish conquest, Vilcabamba remained as the last territory of the Tawantinsuyo for about 35 years.

Likewise, according to these studies, similarities were found in various aspects such as: the structure of constructions, social and symbolic meanings, as well as the possible connection to a cosmological site; all based on its constructions and symbols such as the snake and llamas, animals that had great significance in the Inca period for belonging to the Andean trilogy or even mentioning Andean constellations.

Some data remains uncertain, but the reality is that Choquequirao Cusco is a space with great and important constructions, and it deserves to be known by many people in the world.

HISTORICAL EVOLUTION OF THE CHOQUEQUIRAO ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK CUSCO

Choquequirao, being a construction with a significant history, has undergone an evolution up to the present day.

PRE-INCA CHOQUEQUIRAO

Archaeological excavations in Choquequirao have revealed the discovery of cultural material (ceramics) from the Killke regional state corresponding to the Late Intermediate Period (1000-1200 AD). This state simultaneously expanded throughout the Cusco, Anta, Urubamba valleys (Ancasmarca archaeological site), and Vilcabamba (Qoriwayrachina archaeological site).

As the Incas gained control over these areas, they established a new economic, social, political, and administrative system, and the natives adapted to these new patterns imposed by Pachakuteq, the conqueror of the Antis peoples. Accompanied by a large contingent of warriors and three field masters, Pachakuteq exerted control and supremacy over the territory.

INCA CHOQUEQUIRAO

It is known through studies that during the Inca period, Pachakuteq occupied Vilcabamba. Thus, during the Tawantinsuyo’s rule, Cusco rulers launched “reconquest” campaigns in many territories to obtain the largest possible number of people who could belong to the Inca state. Strategies such as rituals and ceremonial acts were used for this purpose.

During the reign of Inca Manco, some Antisuyo populations provided products, and in return, the Incas delivered other valuable products that they used to accumulate, such as salt and textiles. This is still known as ayni today. After fulfilling their objective and thanks to the settlements, constructions, and sacred places that we know today in various parts of Cusco and other departments of Peru were built.

The adoration and ceremonial set of the sector called Chuquipalpa, also known as Yuraq Rumi and more recently as Ñusta Hispana, located a few kilometers south of Vitcos. These archaeological groups are on the same mountainous formation, limited by the Vilcabamba-Huadquiña rivers and terraces, which, when joined, form a triangle consisting of the Rosaspata hill, which gives the site its name. These places occupied by the Inca civilization are part of a much broader complex. Places like Puncuyoq or Incawasi, near the town of Yupanca, Incahuarcana, which is reached by ascending a gorge behind the town of Lucma, and Pincollonca, on the steep summit between Yupanca and Lucma, are also emphasized.

CHOQUEQUIRAO DURING THE TRANSITION AND COLONIAL PERIOD

This era spans from 1532 to 1572. As mentioned earlier, Choquequirao is considered one of the last strongholds of resistance and refuge for the Incas. By orders of Manco Inca, they abandoned the city of Cusco and sought refuge in the cities of the Vilcabamba region when Cusco was besieged by the Spanish around 1535. It was in this place (and in general in the entire Vilcabamba valley) where Manco and other Incas of Vilcabamba resisted the attack of the Spanish until the capture and execution of Túpac Amaru I in 1572.

CHOQUEQUIRAO DURING THE COLONIAL PERIOD

In 1710, the Spanish explorer Juan Arias Díaz was the first to announce the existence of the Choquequirao Archaeological Park. In 1768, Cosme Bueno issued the first written reference regarding the existence of this beautiful tourist attraction in Peru. However, the studies and documents were not validated and were forgotten by the responsible authorities during this time. In 1790, Pablo José Origaín mentioned in his “Compendio de Noticias Geográficas del Cuzco” a depopulated city from antiquity named Choqequirao.

CHOQUEQUIRAO IN CONTEMPORARY TIMES

This is the period when the district of San Pedro de Cachora and communities dedicated to agricultural and tourism activities emerged, benefiting the neighboring towns around the Choquequirao Archaeological Park. The revaluation and enhancement of the archaeological sites, zones, and sites of the Vilcabamba Valley represent a valuable contribution to the recovery of our cultural heritage that directly affects the strengthening of our cultural identity.

CHOQUEQUIRAO TODAY

Currently, the Choquequirao Archaeological Park is considered a cultural heritage site. Geographically located in the Andes mountain range in the district of Santa Teresa, province of La Convención, in the department of Cusco, Peru. It is an attraction that deserves to be known and valued by more travelers from around the world, in addition to implementing appropriate treatment for its conservation. It is worth mentioning that there are still parts of the attraction that have not been explored. Tour agencies offer 3, 4, and 5-day tours through a varied landscape full of adventure. In our case, we offer a 5-day experience through the best panoramas of Cusco to Choquequirao.

ACCESSIBILITY TO CHOQUEQUIRAO TRAIL

For the general public, the Choquequirao Archaeological Park has 4 accessible routes; however, for tourism purposes, there is a route that varies in camping points, but we will tell you later how to get to Choquequirao with an authorized agency.

1st route to Choquequirao Trail

Asphalt road from Cusco – Quillabamba via a branch that enters through the town of Chaullay and reaches the town of Vilcabamba.

2nd route to Choquequirao Trek

Asphalt road from Cusco – Abancay, through the district of Cachora and Huanipaca, a mule track descends to the canyon of the Apurimac River and continues to the Choquequirao archaeological complex.

3rd Route to the Choquequirao Archaeological Park

Asphalt road from Cusco – Abancay, through the district of Mollepata, province of Anta, a mule track enters the snowy mountains of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range (Salkantay Mountain)

4th Route to Choquequirao Cusco

Railway line Cusco – Machupicchu and road passing the Carrilluchayoc bridge that reaches the district of Santa Teresa.

TOURISTIC ROUTE FROM CUSCO TO CHOQUEQUIRAO TRAIL

In Inkayni Peru Tours, we offer a 5 day trip to Choquequirao. The departure point is in Cusco with direction to the village of San Pedro, Cachora – Abancay. The travel time is 4 hours. For this, it is recommended to be punctual at the time of pick up at your hotel or at the place and time of meeting.

WHAT IS THE BEST SEASON TO VISIT CHOQUEQUIRAO CUSCO?

As we already know that the Choquequirao Archaeological Park is located in the department of Cusco, it is necessary to mention that during the year in Cusco there are two seasons, the rainy season and the dry season.

Rainy season in Choquequirao

Between the months of November to March, in these months it is not recommended to make treks for several days, since the presence of rains could cause emergencies. However, you can make short circuits around the city.

Dry season in Choquequirao Cusco

Between the months of April to October, this time is more suitable for tourism in Cusco, the presence of rain is minimal. So, it can be considered that the rains in Cusco are unpredictable so it is always suggested to bring a rain poncho. If you are wondering why it rains during this season, the answer is that it usually rains in Cusco due to the presence of mountains and snow-capped mountains. However, unlike the rainy season, this rain is minimal, sometimes imperceptible.

WHAT PLACES WILL I SEE ON THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK?

• Cachora
• Capulilloy
• Cocamasana
• Chikisqa
• Rosalina Beach
• Santa Rosa
• Marampata
• Choquequirao
• Cocalmayo (will depend a lot on the coordination with your agency)
• Piedra de Saywite (will depend on coordination with your agency)

WHAT IS THE HIGHEST POINT IN CHOQUEQUIRAO CUSCO?

The highest point you will find when doing the Choquequirao Trek is precisely in the Choquequirao Archaeological Park at 3,500 metres above sea level.

CAN I DO THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK ON MY OWN?

Yes, you can do the trek on your own; however, the best and most practical option is to do it with an authorised tourist agency. The advantage of hiring the service of an agency is that you forget to make prior arrangements with muleteers, carry your tent and food all the time, because the agency takes care of all the necessary arrangements and you just have to be willing to enjoy the trip to the fullest.

WHAT TO BRING TO CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK?

If you go on your own or with a tourist agency, take into account the following list of things you should bring to Choquequirao Cusco:

• Sunscreen.
• Mosquito repellent.
• Hat or cap.
• Sunglasses.
• Walking sticks.
• Rain poncho (in case of rain).
• Sleeping bags (not included in the tours).
• Trekking shoes.Trekking backpack.
• Food.

Would you like to know more about the Choquequirao 5 days tour with Inkayni Peru Tours? We invite you to visit our website, you can also check our discounts and why not contact our consultants, who will gladly assist you and answer all your questions.