Are you tired of all the crowds and rush that are likely to precede you at the famous Machu Picchu? Then your choice destination ought to be the lesser herd of Choquequirao, a sister city of similar significance built along similar lines, difficult to get to, yet free of all the tourists.
Choquequirao, Image credit
What makes this trip even more interesting is the fact that the site has only been 30 percent uncovered. The Peruvian government is just beginning to plan for large-scale tourism there. Choquequirao’s builder, Topa Inca, chose his city’s site and design precisely because of the similarities to Machu Picchu, the city of his predecessor, Pachachuti. The two cities were about the same size and served the same religious, political and agricultural functions.
A house in the village of Maranpata, near the ruins, Image credit: Susana Raab
Journey to Choquequirao
Cachora, is the nearest town to this site and there ids no direct bus ride until there.
Cachora, the town nearest to Choquequirao, is a starting point for hikes, Image credit: Susana Raab
Be aware though that it takes a strenuous two-day hike from Cachora to reach the ruins. The site is approximately 30 KM from Cachora along a well-defined trail that plunges steeply into a gorge of the Rio Apurimac and then back up the far side. There are several primitive campsites along the way.
On a section of the trail that descends to the Apurimac River, Image credit: Susana Raab
A scenic trip
The journey is a scenic pleasure to the eyes. Fields and mudstone houses stitched together by lines of outsize aloe plants and shimmery blue eucalyptus trees.
Cloud forests form along the path to Choquequirao, Image credit: Susana Raab
Huge mountains, frightening cliffs, perfect snow mounts and the strong cannon of the Apurimac river, one of the world deepest. All form part of the trip through.
Reaching Choquequirao
The prize is a perfect 360-degree view of Choquequirao.
Choquequirao was built along the same lines as Machu Picchu but is more difficult to reach, Image credit: Susana Raab
Choquequirao is formed by 9 architectonical zones displayed as villages at the foot of the mount. It was essentially religious as it is showed in its ceremonial area located around the main square. There are two level temples and buildings as the Sunturwasi built for several purposes and collective services.
Buildings on the upper levels of the ruins could have been food storerooms, Image credit: Susana Raab
Spectacular and distant, lonely and forgotten, Choquequirao gave shelter to the last of the Inca. Getting to it is a visual treat of a green environment. Take time to visit this heritage of Peru that is still being uncovered!
Choquequirao, Image credit
Source: The New York Times
