Choquequirao Trek 4 Days

DOCUMENTS TO CARRY WITH YOU

Who discovered Choquequirao?

There isn’t a single “discoverer” in the classic sense, as its existence was never fully lost to history. However, the key figures in bringing it to the world’s attention were:

• Local Knowledge: The site was likely always known to local indigenous farmers and possibly some explorers.

• First Written Record (1710): The first known written mention was by the Spanish explorer Juan Arias Díaz in 1710.

• “Rediscovery” and Mapping: The first detailed exploration and mapping of the ruins were conducted by the French explorer Eugène de Sartiges in 1834.

• Hiram Bingham’s Visit: The famous explorer Hiram Bingham, who brought Machu Picchu to international fame in 1911, visited Choquequirao in 1909. His visit helped spark broader archaeological interest, though he incorrectly believed it to be the last capital of the Incas.

Where is Choquequirao located?

Choquequirao is located in southern Peru, in the Cusco Region, specifically within the Vilcabamba mountain range.

Its precise and dramatic setting is perched on a high ridge at approximately 3,050 meters (10,010 feet) above sea level, overlooking the deep canyon of the Apurímac River. It’s often called the “sister city” of Machu Picchu due to its similar spectacular and remote mountainous location.

What is Choquequirao known for?

Choquequirao is renowned for several key reasons:

1. The “Other Machu Picchu”: It is a vast, spectacular Inca citadel with architecture and terracing that rivals Machu Picchu in scale and grandeur, but sees only a fraction of the visitors.

2. The Last Inca Refuge: It is believed to have been one of the final strongholds and refuge for the Incas who resisted Spanish conquest after the fall of the empire in Vilcabamba.

3. The Challenging Trek: It’s famous for the demanding and rewarding multi-day trek required to reach it, involving a steep descent and ascent of the Apurímac Canyon. This has preserved its secluded and pristine atmosphere.

4. The Llama Terraces: It is home to the famous “Llamas del Sol” – unique, white quartzite stone inlays on the terraces that form figures of llamas, a testament to Inca artistry and cosmology.

How to get to Choquequirao?

Reaching Choquequirao is an adventure in itself. There are no roads or trains that go directly to the ruins. The only way is on foot.

The standard and most popular route is the 4-Day Trek, which follows these steps:

1. Drive to the Trailhead: Take a car from Cusco (approx. 4-hour drive) to the small village of Capuliyoc, which marks the start of the trek.

2. Trek In: The journey involves a steep descent to the Apurímac River, crossing a bridge, and then a long, strenuous ascent up the other side of the canyon to the ruins.

3. Explore: You typically spend a full day exploring the vast archaeological site.

4. Trek Out: The return journey retraces the path, ascending and descending the canyon once more to return to Capuliyoc and drive back to Cusco.

Important Note: While a challenging independent trek, the vast majority of travelers visit with an organized tour that provides guides, porters, camping equipment, and meals for a safer and more supported experience.