Pinchiunuyoc, recently discovered in 1998 is an archaeological site where water sources are observed, and agricultural terraces, it is thought to have been an agricultural town, there are also buildings of a religious nature.
The Pinchiunuyoc archaeological site is inhabited by different species of birds, orchids, and local coca plantations; It is located at 2,750 masl / 8,120 feet.
The archaeological works have managed to recover the splendor of the Pinchiunuyoc platforms, with their irrigated canals, drums and facilities for agricultural use.
The Pinchiunuyoc platforms
'Pinchiunuyoc' means irrigation channel and is the best name for this wonder of Inca hydraulic engineering. The area is frequented by Peruvian and foreign backpackers who use it as a camp before the last section that goes to Choquequirao.
To get to Pinchiunuyoc the first thing is to get to Santa Teresa, located at a detour on the road that goes to Quillabamba and on the banks of the Urubama River.
In the town there are good lodgings (the average is 20 soles a night) and all kinds of services.
If you want security and guarantee, ask about the famous 'Doroteo', an experienced trekking guide who has toured the circuits that go to Choquequirao, Machu Picchu and Vilcabamba.
The journey to reach the platforms starts at five in the morning. The expeditionaries go into the mountains towards the Mariano Llamoja pass, at 4,660 meters above sea level.
"From the start, the route has a huge impact on the landscape. We have left an ecological flat typical of the Selva Alta and in less than three hours we passed through the Llamoja pass. From the windows of the truck we contemplate the imposing peak of the Apu Salcantay and the snowy neighboring Pumasillo, Tucarhuay, Verónica and Huacay Huill-ca, among others, "says James Posso. The route by car ends in Yanama, a town that seems frozen in time and located in the middle of a landscape of mountains and live platforms.
From Yanama the hike begins up to the San Juan pass (4,150 m above sea level), famous for being an obligatory passage for the old camelid caravans that linked the Apurímac river basins with the Urubamba basins.
From the abra, you depart to the banks of the Río Blanco, although it is recommended to spend the night in the area known as Pajonal. The next day you have to leave very early for the hard climb that reaches cloud forests. "It is in the middle of the forest - Posso describes - where the enormous platforms of Pinchaunuyoc arise. This masterpiece of Inca engineering has nothing to envy Machu Picchu and Choquequirao".
The national expeditionaries who arrive to this place always meet foreigners who trek and who are en route to Choquequirao. There is a kind of camaraderie between them because they know that they have discovered a place until now little frequented.
It is the complicity that exists between walkers and adventurers.
The route to Pinchiunuyoc
The most complete and challenging adventure in Cusco is the Cusco - Choquequirao - Machu Picchu hiking route. It is estimated that this little-known tourist hike covers a total of 115 kilometers through places of incredible scenic beauty. Also, you can hike the Choquequirao Trek 5 Days, or the Choquequirao Trek 4 Days to reach Pinchiunuyoc platforms.
Learn a little more about the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek through the most hidden refuges of the Incas.
What is Choquequirao?
Choquequirao is an Inca urban center with features common to others in Cusco, especially Machu Picchu.
According to various investigations, Choquequirao would also be a fortress and a ceremonial center. The truth is that due to its hidden location in a high and distant mountain. It was a strategic point for various purposes.
Where is Choquequirao located?
Choquequirao is located at 3,103 m.a.s.l. in a privileged location: it lies on the impressive canyon of the Urubamba river.
It is located in the foothills of the snowy Salkantay, in the Apurímac valley, in the Convention province in Cusco, Peru.
The Cusco - Choquequirao - Machu Picchu hiking route
The hiking route from the city of Cusco to Choquequirao and from this point to Machu Picchu is the most complete and challenging that exists in the ancient ‘Capital of the Incas’.
Travel ancient Inca roads surrounded by the most picturesque landscapes. On average, it covers 115 kilometers in 8 days and 7 nights of intense walking.
The main points are Choquequirao and Machu Picchu. It reaches heights of up to 5,085 meters above sea level (m.s.n.m.) to sites of only 2,000 m.s.n.m.
Here is a summary of this hiking route little known by tourists.
Day 1: Cusco - Cachora - Rosalina Beach
The adventure begins with a bus trip (3 hours) from the city of Cusco to the town of Cachora in the department of Abancay.
After lunch we proceed to a walk of 4 or 5 hours to the so-called ‘Playa Rosalina’ where we camp and have dinner.
Day 2: Rosalina Beach - Marampata - Choquequirao
Very early you leave on foot for the Marampata farmhouse (4 or 5 hours) where you have lunch.
Then continue with a short route (1 hour and 30 minutes) to the Choquequirao archaeological site.
That afternoon is intended to tour the Inca constructions on this site.
Day 3: Choquequirao - Río Blanco - Maizal
The day begins with a demanding climb to the Río Blanco sector (approximately 3 hours) where there is a break for lunch.
Then the walk continues to the Maizal sector, where you camp and have dinner.
Day 4: Maizal - Minas Victoria - Yanama
This day is not as arduous as the day before. You ascend for 3 hours to the Yanama pass (also known as the ‘Abra Victoria’).
Then the descent continues to the Victoria mines, a place where silver was mined and which is currently abandoned.
After lunch we descend to the Yanama camp where we spend the night.
Day 5: Yanama - Totora - Collpa
The difficulty is less that day. It descends by slopes where you can see the abundant flora and fauna characteristic of the place.
In the area called ‘Totora’ there is a lunch break.
Then continue with the walk to the Collpa camp, where there are products offered by the population.
Day 6: Clay Lick - The Beach
One of the most relaxing days. You ascend through an open slope and descend until you reach the ‘La Playa’ camp, named after the waterfall that refreshes visitors.
It is visited by coffee plantations and plantains.
Day 7: La Playa - Hydroelectric - Aguas Calientes
Very early you start with a regular walk to the Hydroelectric station very close to Machu Picchu (approximately 5 hours).
After lunch, it is traveled for 2 hours parallel to the Vilcanota river until arriving at the town of Aguas Calientes, at the foot of the Wonder of the World where you will spend the night.
Day 8: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
The last day is destined to know the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. You have breakfast very early (on foot or by bus) to the entrance door of the Wonder of the World.
After a guided tour of the archaeological site, the visitor will have free time to enjoy the site on their own.
That day, he returned to the city of Cuzo on a train trip and then by bus.
Recommendations to visit Choquequirao and Machu Picchu
- The Cusco - Choquequirao - Machu Picchu hiking route is one of the most extreme and adventurous experiences in Cusco.
- Tour the 2 most enigmatic sites that the Incas built more than 600 years ago: Choquequirao and Machu Picchu.
- Due to the physical effort required for the 8 days of trekking, it is necessary to take some precautions.
- Before starting the route, a previous acclimatization in the city of Cusco is important. Simply drinking plenty of water and adjusting the body to height are enough to avoid possible discomfort.
- The walk is of medium-high difficulty. While you don't need to be an expert mountaineer, it is important to be in proper physical shape to do so.
- The tours that offer this route generally include a specialized guide, food and camping. The visitor must provide sleeping bags, walking sticks and other accessories.
- The entrances to the archaeological sites of Choquequirao and Machu Picchu are also generally there. It is recommended to look for an authorized travel agency.
- The fortress of Machu Picchu is known worldwide, but what few know is that the Incas built another citadel, very similar, just as impressive, of which only 40% are discovered and that only receives the visit of about twenty adventurers to the day.
- And they are adventurers because to get to this citadel you have to travel 21 kilometers on foot and descend from 2,800 meters above sea level to 1,200, then go back up to 3,200.
- Although many of those who make this trip arrive in Choquequirao and return to the starting point, there are others who dare with more and continue the journey to continue discovering the secrets of the Incas and reach Machu Picchu.
Other Treks in Cusco
The Inca Trail is considered the best trek in South America. It is a 43-kilometer route through ancient Inca trails to Machu Picchu. The duration of the tour is 4 days and 3 nights. Tourists have the opportunity to appreciate the scenic beauty with Inca archaeological sites including the Wonder of the World.
However, Machu Picchu is not the only archaeological site that you will see on the Inca Trail. On the tour you will also appreciate the ruins of Llactapata, the archaeological site of Runkurakay, Saycamarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñaywayna.
Some incredible treks in the sacred valley include: 4 day Inca Trail Tour, 2 day Inca Trail, Machu Picchu 3 day hike, 2 day Inca Trail with camping, One day Inca Trail, Lares Trek to Machu Picchu.
