The Route to Choquequirao: A Brief Overview
Choquequirao is an ancient Incan site that translates to “Cradle of Gold” from the native Quechua language. Although it’s been known as a tourist destination for several years now, it’s still one of the lesser-known Incan sites that lies within the beautiful Andes Mountains of Peru. When compared to Machu Picchu, the route to Choquequirao is considered more difficult and rugged, but it also promises solitude and unspoiled beauty. Visitors to Choquequirao often encounter magnificent Andean landscapes, crystal clear rivers, and unspoiled flora and fauna along the way.
The route to Choquequirao covers between 58 and 64 km, depending on which route you choose. While it’s possible to do it independently, most travelers opt for a guided tour, which includes meals, accommodations and entrance fees. Most tours start in Cusco and travel by bus to the town of Cachora, from where we start a three or four-day trek over steep trails. Looking to dive deeper into the subject matter? Explore this external source we’ve arranged for you, containing additional and relevant information to expand your understanding of the topic. https://luantravelperu.com/tour/choquequirao-trek-choquequirao-peru, keep learning!
The Best Time to Visit Choquequirao
The best time to trek in Choquequirao is during the dry season, from April to October, when the weather is generally sunny and dry. While the high season months of June to August tend to attract more tourists to the area with its cooler temperatures, the shoulder months of May and September offer great weather, fewer crowds, and an authentic trekking experience.
What to Expect on the Trail to Choquequirao
The trail to Choquequirao is challenging, with steep ascents and descents. The route goes through several ecosystems and altitude levels, ranging from 1,500 meters to 3,000 meters, and at times demanding a reasonable level of fitness. The trek involves hiking over unpaved, steep, rocky terrain, with few forested areas but with stunning mountain vistas all around.
Aside from the natural beauty, Choquequirao also offers a glimpse into the ancient Andean civilization with its stunning architecture, social and agrarian structures, all well-preserved because the city was abandoned and left to be overtaken by the Andean jungle as Machu Picchu was.
Best Viewpoints on the Trek to Choquequirao
One of the best things about trekking to Choquequirao is the many vantage points that sites like this offers to the visitors. There are three viewpoints that offer different perspectives of the ruined Incan city of Choquequirao.
The first viewpoint is Inca Hill, located near the entrance to the site. Visitors begin climbing at the trailhead and then hike up to the ruins. From the very top, there’s an incredible view of the entire site, with its huge terraces and houses, and the mountains nearby.
The second viewpoint is Choquequirao’s main platform, from where there’s an incredible view of the Apurimac River Canyon three times deeper and wider than the famous Colca Canyon near Arequipa city in Peru.
The third viewpoint, the craggy ‘Hanuman’ peak, allows visitors to get a wonderful panoramic view of the site, see nearby snow-covered mountains, and take in the Incan city from a distance. To further enhance your educational journey, we suggest exploring Choquequirao Peru https://luantravelperu.com/tour/choquequirao-trek-choquequirao-peru. Inside, you’ll discover supplementary and pertinent details about the topic covered.
Final Words: Things to Consider when Trekking to Choquequirao
While the trek to Choquequirao is challenging, the reward of the unspoiled Andean scenery and the ancient ruins make it a worthwhile venture. When embarking on this trek, ensure that you bring along sturdy hiking boots, plenty of layers for the changing weather conditions, and a rain jacket in case of rain. Don’t forget to pack enough food for snacks throughout the day, along with hydration options like a water bottle or hydration bladder. Most importantly, respect the site and its natural environment, taking all rubbish and waste away with you, as this ensures that it stays as pristine as it is now for generations to come.
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