Overview:

: Choquequirao is an impressive Inca archaeological site, similar to Machu Picchu, unrivaled in beauty, located in the south of the country in the Sacred Valley of Peru. It was built in the fifteenth century to glorify the Inca empire. With an elevation of 3,099 meters the site is located within the Vilcabamba mountain range. It is protected by the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary. Choquequirao is famous for its three-tiered terraces of agricultural and residential areas, its sacred plazas, its sweeping panoramas, its elaborate religious shrines, its surrounding cloud forests, and its trails—which connect this UNESCO World Heritage Site to the nearby archaeological site of Machu Picchu. Most tourists hike to Choquequirao from Cachora, located in the province of Apurímac, in an 8-10 hour journey. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Peru
Prominent Features:

1. Natural Beauty: Sitting high in the Andes Mountains, Choquequirao offers breathtaking views of the Apurimac River valley below. 2. Inca Ruins: One of the last strongholds of the Inca people, Choquequirao is home to numerous archaeological ruins, including palaces, terraces, and walled complexes. 3. Adventure: Adventurous visitors can take on the multi-day trek that leads to the ruins or explore the area via zip line or in a 4x4 terrain vehicle. 4. Mountain Passes: The Choquequirao trek is considered to be one of the most difficult treks in the Peruvian Andes due to the high mountain passes it crosses. 5. Hiking Trails: From multi-day treks to day hikes, Choquequirao offers you various trails to explore the breathtaking landscapes. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Peru.

History:

Choquequirao (“cradle of gold”) is an Incan city located in the Peruvian Andes, perched high above the Apurímac River. The site was discovered in the late 1800s but remained largely unexplored until the 1980s. Choquequirao's prominent role in the Incan culture is evidenced by its impressive architecture including terraces, plazas, water features, and numerous buildings. Today, only about 30% of the site has been uncovered, leaving much of its history to be discovered. The origins of Choquequirao are uncertain, but it has been suggested that it may have been the birthplace of Manco Inca Yupanqui, founder of the Inca dynasty. During the reign of the Inca, the site was a stronghold located on a strategic mountain pass, and was used as a base for military operations. It also served as an important trading post, connecting the Cusco region to what is now Ecuador. In the late 1520's, the Spanish invaded Peru and destroyed many of the Incan sites; reports indicate that Choquequirao was among the sites sacked. Afterwards, the site was abandoned and largely forgotten until it was rediscovered in the 1800s. In the early 20th century, a small archaeological team conducted some initial explorations of Choquequirao. However, it remained largely untouched until the 1980s when the Peruvian government launched an ambitious project to uncover and preserve the site. In the years that followed, excavations revealed a wealth of Incan artifacts and architecture, including works of terrace farming, well-preserved plazas and pathways, and several temples. Despite ongoing excavations, much of Choquequirao remains unexplored. As such, it continues to be an important source of archaeological information, offering a unique insight into the history and culture of the Inca. Visit one of the famous monuments of Peru with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. One of the great Inca Cities of the Classic Period, Choquequirao is the only known archaeological site that has not yet been fully explored. 2. Choquequirao is sometimes referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas” due to its location high in the Peruvian Andes, which makes it difficult to access. 3. According to some researchers, Choquequirao might have served as an optical relay point in the Inca Empire’s vast network of communications. 4. Built on such a difficult terrain that many researchers still haven’t been able to accurately study it in its entirety. 5. In 2010, the Peruvian government opened the Choquequirao Trek, a 60-mile (97 km) walk from the village of Cachora to Choquequirao, to anthro-tourism. 6. Although it is commonly believed to be the sister site of Machu Picchu, Choquequirao is believed by some to pre-date it by a few decades. 7. Other researchers have hypothesized that Choquequirao may have served a religious purpose, since it is located on a mount with very important mountains around it. One of the historical monuments of Peru, it tells the story of a bygone era