Choquequirao, The Other Machu Picchu

Choquequirao, The Other Machu Picchu, Aracari Travel

Choquequirao is a rarely-visited Incan site, accessible only on foot some 3,085m up in the Salkantay Mountain Range. A ‘lost city of the Incas’ and ‘sister’ city to Machu Picchu, Choquequirao was ignored completely by the chroniclers of the age, because – as independent archaeologist Gary Ziegler said to the New York Times earlier this year-  “the Spanish never found it.”

Trekking to Choquequirao

At Aracari we offer a five day trek through the Choquequirao area. This is a tough trek hiking down into the canyon of the Apurimac river and up again. Here you reach the Inca ruins of Choquequirao, as extensive as Machu Picchu, but one that only recently has become known. It is a tough, off the beaten path destination. An average of 6 hours trek per day with one day rest to visit the site. See the trek itinerary.

ABOUT CHOQUEQUIRAO

Meaning ¨Cradle of Gold¨ in Quechua, Choquequirao is believed to be where the last Inca rulers fled following the loss of the city of Cusco to the Spanish during the conquest. Read more about the history and discovery of Choquequirao.

The ruins were first visited and described to the western world by a French explorer during the 18th century. Hiram Bingham also visited the site in 1910, prior to his rediscovery of Machu Picchu in 1911.

Read more about Peru Luxury trekking options with Aracari.

Related Post
A Must Taste Guide to Fruit in Peru Fruit in Peru guide Blessed with extreme biodiversity and the three vastly different climate zones of the coast, highlands, and jungle, Peru is home ...
Lake Titicaca’s Hidden Gem: A Visit to Suasi Island A Visit to Suasi Island Following our adventure to Taquile Island  in Lake Titicaca, James and I had the wonderful opportunity to spend a relaxing tw...
A Breed Without Equals: The Peruvian Paso Horse The Spanish Conquistadors did more than defeat the Incas in the 16th Century. They sowed the seeds for the evolution of a unique breed of horse,  the ...
The Real Sacred Valley: Cultural Peru Hike During a trip to the Sacred Valley of Peru, I had the chance to participate in an unforgettable day hiking through remote mountains, visiting little-k...
A Special Invite to Hacienda Huayoccari in the Sacred Valley Are you pining for exclusive travel experiences? Do you want to connect with culture, community and craft from the comfort of your own home? Don’t mis...
New Beachfront Resort KiChic Offers Zen Escape in Mancora Luxury hotel in Peru Beach bliss in Peru is an increasingly tempting prospect with a number of new properties opening on the country’s northern shore...