Many people call Choquequirao “the other Machu Picchu”. It was built for political and military purposes and one of the most demanding and unforgettable of treks. To get there you start from Cachora (2903 m.a.s.l.), a village in Apurimac, on the road from Cusco to Abancay. Choquequirao (“golden cradle”) is the name of the hill on which this citadel was discovered, at 3033 m.a.s.l. The route starts with a walk and descent to Cocamasama (2100 m.a.s.l.) to the first camp site at Playa Rosalina (1750 m.a.s.l.) The following day takes you to the hamlet of Santa Rosa (2100 m.a.s.l.), Marampata and finally Choquequirao. This archaeological site was also one of the secret places of the last Incas as they were threatened by the Spanish Conquistadors.
This trek is perfect for those who like to combine walking and archeology with mountains. You’ll be engrossed to in the diversity of ecosystems you will see along the way will amazing rock formations, flutes of ice created by glaciers and cloud forestround the enigmatic city of Cusco.