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Choquequirao
Choquequirao, considered the second Machu Picchu, is one of Peru’s recently-discovered archaeological and cultural treasures currently being prepared to opened to tourists from all over the world. To date, only 30% of the complex has been cleared for visits by Peruvians and foreigners alike, due to the fact the site has yet to undergo a rigorous scientific investigation.
The archaeological complex of Choquequirao, a Quechua term meaning “golden crib”, is located in the province of Convencion, in the department of Cuzco, at an altitude of 1,500 meters. Archaeologists who have carried out a preliminary study of the site claim its importance rivals that of Machu Picchu.
Choquequirao was apparently a major trade link with the jungle region in ancient Peru, with roads leading to key citadels such as Machu Picchu and Pisac. The complex is divided into nine sectors, including the political and religious quarters, the system of waterfalls, canals and aqueducts and the group of gateways.
The area generally enjoys a balmy climate, but temperatures can plummet at times, something which has helped give rise to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Access routes are rough, as Choquequirao has yet to be developed as a tourist product. However, the more adventurous will be fascinated to discover this area of natural beauty, teeming with brightly-colored orchid varieties such as the Michi-Michi (Cypalla Herrerae), which grows on the walls of the complex, and the Wkanki (Masdevalia Veitchiana), amongst others.
The Manco Inca dynasty resisted the Spanish conquerors during 40 years (1 536 to 1 572) from this fortress in the Vilcabamaba area. The Spanish conquerors were never able to expel them from it.
The building of Choquequirao is the work of Inca Pachacutec successors Tupac Inca Yupanqui (1 471-1 493) and Wayna Capac (1 493-1 527). Household and ceremonial pottery has been found here that bears both the classic Cusco style and also from other populations who came to live here to build and permanently populate the area. Most likely, they were experienced farmers who knew how to build and use farming terraces in high Amazon forest areas. Located at 3 050 masl on the border with department of Apurímac, the Choquequirao archeological compound was not built to be a place of easy access. Reaching it demands two days of disciplined march, largely compensated by the beauty of the landscape that wayfarers cross from the beginning of their expedition.
The road starts at Cachora (2 300 masl), a small town in the Apurímac department, after traveling four hours on the mostly paved road from Cusco (145 km paved and 10 km of dirt road). Mule packers can be contacted there who can also act as guides. A local family offers accommodation and the only telephone in town. Approximately 40% of the Choquequirao Inca ceremonial center has been cleared of vegetation. The remaining area is formed by a complex terrace system built on extremely steep slopes. A very impressive stairway of 180 terraces has been recently spotted. It descends from one of the ceremonial center flanks and reaches the river open to swimming.
Choquequirao was probably one of the entrance check point to the Vilcabamba region, and also an administrative hub serving political, social and economic functions. Its urban design has followed the symbolic patterns of the imperial capital, with ritual places dedicated to the Sun (Inti) and the ancestors, to the earth, water and other divinities, with mansions for administrators and houses for artisans, warehouses, large dormitories or kallankas and farming terraces belonging to the Inca or the local people. Spreading over 700 meters, the ceremonial area drops as much as 65 meters from the elevated areas to the main square.
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