Alternative Treks
This trek is perfect for anyone looking to experience something new – that most people will never see in their lives. This less touristic lost Incan city is off the beaten path for most of Peru’s visitors – which means more pristine views and private exploration for you! On this trek, you will also see many other amazing ruins and scared places of the Inca – including the Tarawasi in Limatambo, the great rock of Saywiti before Cachora village, and the majestic Padreyoc glacier peaks (5482m). These great places hold special meaning to all those inhabitants of the region and those who visit it. You will experience nature like never before – ancient ruins, mountain ranges, glaciers, and rare wild orchids will be on our path.
Choquequirao, the sister city of Machu Picchu, is known as the “Cradle of Gold” in Quechuan, although this is probably not its’ original name. It is another “Lost City of the Incas” rediscovered late in 20th century. It is located high on a ridge spur almost 1750m above the raging glacier-fed Apurimac River and surrounded by towering Salkantay and Humantay snow-capped peaks.
Choquequirao was built during the last days of the Incan empire under the government of the Inca Pachacutec. Mostly likely, it’s construction was led by Tupac Inca Yapanqui, probably after the Spanish invasion in 1532. The Incans held strong against the Spanish conquerors for forty years (between 1536 – 1572). The construction of the different levels of temples, palaces, canals and aqueducts is really quite fantastic. Choquequirao is a city which demonstrates the fascinating example of an elite Incan ceremonial center. A city dedicated to worship “Pachamama” (Andean Mother Earth) “the Apus” (Mountain Gods and Divinities), the river and the elements of nature. Choquequirao finally was burned down and left deserted. This happened probably after the execution of the last Inca, Tupac Amaru I in 1572. Although similar in structure and architecture to Machu Picchu, the ruins are buildings and terraces at levels above and below Sunch’u Pata, the truncated hill top. The hilltop was anciently leveled and ringed with stones to create a 30 by 50 m platform. The entire complex is 1800 hectares, of which 30–40% is excavated. You will be able to explore all of this with our guide, as well as on your own with the ample time we have scheduled for you.
