Choquequirao

Choquequirao Information | Choquequirao Tours

Choquequirao is also known as “the other” Machu Picchu. This archaelogical site has recently increased its importance and curiousness as a cultural and touristic site. It is located at the edge of the jungle where the transition between the Andean valleys and the jungle begins. 

Life in this area is idyllic due to subtropical and dry forests. The meeting of these environmental variations attract visitors who can observe different fauna and flora species such as spectacled bear, condor, beautiful butterflies and amazing birds like “el trogon”. From the Andean perspective Choquequirao’s location is undoubtedly strategic, it allowed its inhabitants to have dominion over the most extraordinary paths of the country. Choquequirao comes from the word in quechua “chuqui k´iraw”, which means Golden cradle or “Cuna de Oro”, its area extends to 2000 hectares, where structures above 3100 MAMSL take part of a series of archaeological sites at Vilcabamba valley. Its geographical position and history makes Choquequirao a pleasant and tempting place for cultural tourism. 

Where is it located?

Choquequirao is located on one of the slopes of Salkantay Mountain, north of the Apurímac River. It's currently in the district of Santa Teresa, La Convención province, Cusco department, Peru. This historic site played a strategic and fundamental role for the Incas, serving as a connection point between Pisac, Machu Picchu, and the vast Peruvian Amazon.

Quick summary:

• Location: La Convención - Santa Teresa | Cusco
• Distance from Cusco: 205 km
• Altitude: 3,033 meters above sea level
• Climate: Cold at high altitudes, warm and humid (5°C to 25°C)

What does Choquequirao mean?

Choquequirao, whose name in Quechua means "Cradle of Gold", is named after a nearby hill. This name refers to the golden glow emitted by the metamorphic rocks used in its construction, which, thanks to their minerals, reflect a special shine under the sunlight.

Brief history of Choquequirao

The Choquequirao ruins were probably constructed during the reign of Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui and is thought to be the final bastion of opposition and also a shelter for the Sons of the Sun, who ran away from the city of Cusco when it was under attack in 1535. The Incas along with their leader Manco Inca Yupanqui took refuge in Choquequirao. It was likely used both as a checkpoint approaching the Vilcabamba area and as a cultural and religious center.

The city had a significant position, as it was a link between the Amazon Jungle and the city of Cusco. This area has many microclimates and an expanse of scenery brimming with glacial-topped peaks of about 6000m (19,685 f). For its geographical location this amazing citadel has warm weather during the day and cold temperature at nights.

Even with only a 30% of 1,810 hectares of the archaeological site found we can asume that Choquequirao was more than a fortress but a ceremonial center. It is thought that this was the most important ceremonial center which was inhabited by priests and other religious men.

In the early 20th century, explorer Hiram Bingham visited the site attracted by its Quechua name, which means "cradle of gold", hoping to find Inca treasures. However, he concluded that it was a border fortress instead of the mythical lost treasure. Today, Choquequirao is recognized worldwide for its historical value and its privileged location near Machu Picchu.

Choquequirao: Main Attractions

Despite its relative isolation, Choquequirao boasts a series of impressive attractions that captivate visitors:

• Main Plaza: Known as Huaqaypata, it divided the complex into two sectors. It's a two-level stone structure surrounded by interconnected buildings that were part of the Inca compound.
• Storehouses: These were characteristic storage facilities of the great Inca centers. In Choquequirao, these platforms have internal divisions and were used to store food, textiles, and other essential goods.
• Terraces: Designed for agriculture, they stand out for their design and agricultural function. In the western sector, 22 llama figures are engraved on 15 terraces, known as the 'Llamas of the Sun', an icon of this archaeological site.
• Residential areas: In the highest area of Choquequirao, there are five constructions that, according to studies, were used as residences for priests, evidencing the ceremonial importance of the place.
• Inca Cemetery: Also called the 'Triumphant Wall', it is a space where 17 funerary bundles and a water channel known as "The House of the Falling Water" were discovered.
• Kallankas: These rectangular buildings had various functions, from workshops to administrative centers and meeting spaces. In Choquequirao, there are two kallankas with walls that included water channels.
• Ushnu: Located at the top of a hill, this oval platform is surrounded by a wall and offers panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains, the river, and the archaeological complex, suggesting a ceremonial or religious use.

How to Get to Choquequirao

Getting to Choquequirao isn't easy, but the adventure is definitely worth it. If you want to know how to get to Choquequirao, your starting point is Cusco. From there, you can book a guided tour or rent a car and drive to the town of Cachora. From Cachora, continue to Capuliyoc, the starting point of the trek.

Before your visit - If you’re planning to visit Choquequirao, here are some helpful tips:

• Quick summary: Before your trip, make sure to plan in detail, including booking transportation and accommodation if necessary. Also, familiarize yourself with the route and the weather to prepare adequately.
• Be in Good Shape: The trek to Choquequirao is demanding, so it's recommended to be in good physical condition.
• Pack Properly: Make sure to pack warm clothes, hiking boots, a sleeping bag, a tent, trekking poles, and all the necessary camping gear.
• Hire a Guide: While not mandatory, hiring a local guide can make your visit more enriching and safe.
• Respect the Regulations: Choquequirao is a protected archaeological site, so it's important to respect the rules and regulations established for its conservation.

Key Information about Choquequirao

Choquequirao Entrance Fee

If you are traveling independently, you will need to pay the entrance fee at the entrance to the archaeological site:

Visiting Hours

Choquequirao is open every day from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The entrance ticket allows you to camp overnight near the Inca complex.

Difficulty Level of the Trek

The trek to Choquequirao is considered moderately difficult. From Cachora to the archaeological site, there is a 31 km round trip, with a fairly steep ascent and descent.

Flora and Fauna in Choquequirao

This incredible place is home to a great diversity of wildlife, including condors, foxes, vizcachas, pumas, hummingbirds, spectacled bears, and the Andean cock-of-the-rock. Also, like Machu Picchu, it is home to numerous species of orchids.

On the Choquequirao Trek you will discover the remarkable citadel of the last Inca kings and enjoy beautiful scenery.

The site is comparatively detached, though recently there was a footway built over the Apurimac river to make it more reachable to the ruins. The following tours include a hike to Choquequirao: 

• Choquequirao Hike (5 Days)
• Machu Picchu & Choquequirao Trek (9 Days)
• Choquequirao Trek (4 Days)