CHOQUEQUIRAO

Location and Geography:
The complex is found in an area of low mountains, the eyebrow of the jungle, to the northeast of the Apurimac Canyon. The area is characterized by an abundance of vegetation. The warm climate of the area alternates, contributing to the diversity of the flora and fauna which is found there. The Incas made admirable use of these geographic conditions. It has an extraordinary view of the cascade of Rio Blanco, the Apurimac Canyon and the beautiful snowcapped Salkantay.

Altitude:
3050m

Access Ways:
Trekking to the area is very demanding. The trip starts with a ride from Cusco to the town of Cachora (Apurimac) where the switchbacking 30 km trail which takes you to Choquequirao starts.

History:
The area was visited by travelers and adventurers over many centuries. The first evidence of their existence dates to the Viceroy period, but it really began in the year 1999 when the financing was found for the restoration plan of 1993. The complex was constructed in a step form over the Andean foothills and is surrounded by astonishing snowcapped mountains.

Culture and Traditions:
According to investigations, Choquequirao is a citadel which served as a refuge for the last Incas following the arrival of the Spanish in 1536. Before this it was a strategic economic point which connected the jungle with important cities of the time such as Machu Picchu and Pisac, among others.


ATTRACTIONS - CHOQUEQUIRAO
During the journey from Cusco to Cachora, one can visit the following places:

Pampa de Anta:
According to legend, the pile of rocks which is found in this place converted itself into combatants which saved the Incas from defeat in the fight against the Chancas.

Cconoc Thermal Baths:
Its waters, recommended to alleviate fatigue, have medicinal properties.

Saywite Archaeological Complex:
On the outside, one finds engraved figures which represent animals, paths, water reservoirs and canals. The rest of the complex is comprised of temples and several carved granite blocks, similar to what one finds in the district of Curahuasi.

From Cachora to Choquequirao:
The town of Cachora is characterized by its rustic homes and for the stillness and silence which is found in its streets. There is also a small Plaza de Armas and a church.

To mention a few of the points of interest in they journey:

Pass of Capulilloc:
Found 9 km from the town (21 km from Choquequirao). Next to the pass (3010m) one can observe the beauty of the landscape, where the profiles of the mountains stand out and the path starts to descend towards the Apruimac River.

Cocamasama:
This is a type of lookout point situated at 2010m, from which it is possible to catch a glimpse of the summit of the mountain where Choquequirao is found; the Apurimac River can also be seen.

Rosalina Beach:
Found at 1550m and 19 km from the town (11 km from Choquequirao). It shores are bathed by the Apurimac River. There is also a suspension bridge which allows crossing to the other bank where the path again ascends.

Santa Rosa:
Place where some cottages are found, located at 2100m. The local people are friendly. It is found 21 km from Cachora (9 km from Choquequirao).

Choquequirao:
It is truly an extraordinary Incan architectural site, where one can appreciate hundreds of platforms, rooms and irrigation systems.

There are two sectors:

The Residential Sector and Platforms:
Found in the downhill part while the flanks of the mountains contain the cultivated platforms. Some of these have irrigation channels and were in constant uses while others appear to have been temporal.

The Commercial Sector:
Found in the area dominated by the main Plaza, while in the high part a series of sophisticated buildings is of note.


OTHER ATTRACTIONS:
Other important area attractions are the wild flora and fauna found in this complex which is caused by its geographic location.

Weather:
The site it is very hot for the area since it is found in the eyebrow of the jungle zone. It alternates with cold temperatures which are generally present at night. From November to April strong rains are frequent. The weather is subtropical, warm and humid during the day and cold at night.

When to Travel:
Choquequirao can be visited most of the year, except during the rainy season which is generally between the months of December and March.