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TRAVEL GUIDE TO CHOQUEQUIRAO
CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK
Explore one of the most challenging yet spectacular treks to Choquequirao, If you want to visit this great Inca site, it may even be more impressive than Machu Picchu, ¡then you have to hike Choquequirao!.
WHY IS CHOQUEQUIRAO VERY SPECIAL?
An enigmatic and not often overlooked Inca site, Choquequirao sits high in the Apurímac Valley at an elevation of 3,033 meters above sea level, in total isolation. In this place we can appreciate the majestic condors that soar through the skies, you will be amazed to contemplate the beautiful natural environment and marvel at the architecture of the Incas to build such impressive buildings.
Choquequirao comes from the Quechua words Choque – (gold) k’iraw (cradle), Choquequirao – Choquekiraw is generally translated as the “cradle of gold”, an appropriately grandiose name for this impressive Inca site.
HOW TO GET TO CHOQUEQUIRAO?
The only way to get to Choquequirao is by land. Going to the town of Cachora (2,903 meters above sea level), 4 hours by road from the city of Cusco (2 hours from the city of Abancay).
Then we continue for 30 min to the starting point Capuliyoq. There, start the walk to the Inca archaeological site. The route crosses important points such as Chiquiska, Playa Rosalinas, Santa Rosa Baja and Alta, Maranpata and Sunchupata. It is estimated that from the Capuliyoq checkpoint it is 21 kilometers on foot to reach Choquequirao.
HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU WALK TO CHOQUEQUIRAO?
The most usual way is doing the Trekking route of 4days – 3 nights or the Choquequirao route to Machu Picchu 9 days – 8 nights, this tour can be done by hiring a travel agency.
WHY VISIT CHOQUEQUIRAO?
It is considered the sacred sister of Machu Picchu; Choquequirao is one of the most spectacular adventure hikes in Peru and highly recommended by Lonly Planet and National Geographic, with panoramic views of the Andes and even the possibility of spotting condors.
HOW DIFFICULT IS THE TREK TO CHOQUEQUIRAO?
Although the trail is at a lower altitude than most treks in the Andes (the archaeological center itself is at 3033m, and lower even than the city of Cusco!), don’t be fooled: Choquequirao is a tough hike. , with steep zigzag trails that will take you to the Apurímac River and an endless climb.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT CHOQUEQUIRAO?
You can make the trip during the months of April to October and we recommend you do the walk with a tour operator agency.
Choquequirao is not suitable for walking during the months of November to March, as it coincides with the rainy season in the Peruvian Andes. Heavy rains make the steep sides of the Apurímac canyon unstable and can lead to landslides or rocks falling from above. Also, for the longer trekking routes, such as the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu 9D/8N treks, you must cross the Blanco River which has no bridge. This means that the route is impassable after heavy rain.
