The Discovery Tale
How to Reach Choquequirao
Trekking to Choquequirao
Prepare to be enchanted by the captivating gem that is Choquequirao, the second "lost city of the Incas" after Machu Picchu! With its name translating to "Golden Cradle" in Quechua, the city is steeped in historical significance and rivals Machu Picchu in importance. It was a strategic location that served as a sanctuary for the heroic leader Manco Inca Yupanqui (also known as Manco Capac II), who led the Incan resistance against the Spanish conquistadors. What's truly fascinating is that Manco Inca found refuge in Choquequirao's intricate network of pathways, which were cleverly concealed from the intrusive eyes of the invaders. The city's well-guarded approaches thwarted the Spanish attempts to reach Manco Inca, adding an intriguing layer to the tale of Choquequirao. Prepare to be transported back in time as you discover the secrets and beauty of this incredible city!
Choquequirao's fame reaches its zenith not only due to its historical significance but also for the breathtaking panorama it unveils. From this vantage point, the mighty Apurimac River appears as nothing more than a silvery ribbon, meandering below through a vast expanse of stone, descending over a thousand meters. Gazing along the canyon, an endless sequence of cliffs, waterfalls, forest-clad mountain slopes, and dazzling snowy peaks unfolds, gradually fading into the distance.
Perched on the Salkantay Ridge at an elevation of 10,105 feet (3085 meters) above sea level and 5,741 feet (1750 meters) above the Apurimac River, the ruins of Choquequirao exhibit a structural and architectural resemblance to Machu Picchu. Although its existence has been known for quite some time (with the first mentions dating back to 1710), archaeological excavations only commenced in 1970. The expansive architectural complex spans approximately 4,448 acres (1800 hectares), yet as of today, only around 40% of the city has been unearthed, leaving a vast archaeological treasure awaiting further exploration.
This colossal eagle's nest captured the imagination of romantic historians for a century and a half. Historian Pablo Jose Oricain mentioned it in 1790, and in the early days of the Peruvian Republic, a certain Senor Tejada, a wealthy landowner, sought treasures here, owning these steep mountain slopes.
The allure of the lost city brought its first serious visitor in 1834, the French Count de Sartiges. Another Frenchman, Mr. Angran, became the next visitor to Choquequirao, making his way through the forests to these remote ruins in 1847. Angran was drawn to Choquequirao by the tale of "inestimable treasures hidden in the ruins, when the surviving representatives of the Sun people withdrew to this wild place, making it their sanctuary." Angran measured the structures in these ruins and noticed a series of intriguing stone rings embedded in the inner wall of a long house on the central square. These rings still exist today and resemble mooring points at some old stone dock. Evidently, they were used to tie something, and Angran reasonably concluded that the only animals needing such sturdy rings were pumas.
The early 20th century was a time of thrilling expeditions and remarkable discoveries at Choquequirao, an Incan site in southern Peru. The air was charged with anticipation as H.H. Nunez, the prefect of the Apurimac province, led a grand expedition in search of treasure, amassing thousands of dollars for the quest. Despite reaching Choquequirao, the expedition yielded no impressive discoveries, leaving the treasure hunters empty-handed.
Amidst this backdrop of adventure and ambition, a young American named Hiram Bingham arrived at the site in February 1909. His visit was nothing short of extraordinary. Bingham, an academic, explorer, soldier, and later a U.S. Senator, was captivated by the legendary ruins. He fearlessly descended to the Apurimac River, crossed a new bridge, and spent days sketching and photographing the awe-inspiring remnants of an ancient civilization.
Bingham's visit to Choquequirao was a pivotal moment in history. While he didn't find treasure at this site, his exploration laid the groundwork for his later discovery of the iconic Incan citadel, Machu Picchu. The spirit of adventure and the quest for discovery permeated the air, making this a truly exhilarating chapter in the annals of exploration.
Reaching Choquequirao is an exhilarating adventure, reserved for those willing to conquer the challenging trek, and offering a truly unique experience. Unlike the bustling crowds at Machu Picchu, Choquequirao's remote location means that only a fortunate few have the opportunity to appreciate its beauty and harmony in tranquil surroundings.
The trek to Choquequirao, typically starting in the village of Cachora, spans 18.6 miles (30 kilometers) and involves significant elevation changes, making it more challenging than the famed Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This arduous journey usually takes 4 to 5 days and is recommended only for physically prepared individuals. However, the path to Choquequirao is exceptionally picturesque, offering a diverse range of experiences. Trekkers will traverse a canyon formed by the Apurimac River, pass glaciers, and witness the transition from tropical flora to mountainous terrain. The region's unique climatic conditions support incredibly diverse animal and plant life, including condors, various types of wildlife (rabbits and foxes, pumas, bears, hummingbirds, and even the Andean cock-of-the-rock, Peru's symbolic bird) , and numerous orchid species and giant ferns, adding to the allure of this extraordinary adventure.
The Choquequirao trek is not just a physical challenge; it's a journey that immerses travelers in the breathtaking natural beauty and rich biodiversity of the region. For those seeking an authentic and uncrowded adventure, the Choquequirao trek is a must-visit, offering an experience that is as exhilarating as it is awe-inspiring.
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