Peru is very well known for so many things. Everybody knows about Machu Picchu, but this incredible country has really much more. There are lots of mentions all around the world that mention the places starting for Lima and they travel all over the country telling stories of different types and styles
As a sample the Huffington Post said about Peru: “This South American country is a perfect destination for those who enjoy natural riches accompanied by a multitude of traditions that speak of the unique personality of the country, not to mention the extremely valuable historic ruins.”
In Peru there are archaeology sites such in the north of the country as in Trujillo, Chan-Chan a pre-Columbian adobe city world famous. But in the south, you will find also incredibly cultural and historical sites, especially in Cusco
Talking a little about Cusco
City of Cuzco – Unesco World Heritage Centre. Situated in the Peruvian Andes, Cuzco developed, under the Inca ruler Pachacutec, into a complex urban Centre with distinct religious and administrative functions. It was surrounded by clearly delineated areas for agricultural, artisan and industrial production
More sayings from Cusco: The city is famous for its spectacular main square, cobbled streets, and houses with terracotta tile roofs that will remind you of some ancient European villages. One of the most outstanding facts is its unique architecture in the world. The architecture could be considered a mixture of Inca and Spanish influences
But let’s go first to talk a little of Machu Picchu
More than 7,000 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is the most visited tourist destination in Peru. A symbol of the Incan Empire and built around 1450AD, Machu Picchu was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
Often referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas”, it is the most familiar icon of the Inca Empire. It’s incredible to witness the extraordinary architectural works of the Inca Empire, covering an area of 32,592 hectares, with a large number of ancient ruins still standing today. The Inca masons used a technique of fitting granite stones perfectly together without mortar, called Ashlar.
Let’s talk about Choquequirao citadel
“The last refuge of the Incas”
Choquequirao is an archaeological site that is found in the Vilcabamba mountain range in Southern Peru. It is roughly two days’ walk from Cusco and is generally considered to be better preserved, more remote, and bigger than the ruins of Machu Picchu. It is considerably harder to get to than Machu Picchu, which means that it is much less visited. The abandoned citadel of Choquequirao is hidden deep in the Andes Mountains and is only accessible through a multi-day trek.
The name Choquequirao is thought to come from the Quechua language. Quechua was the native language of Peru before the arrival of the Spanish colonizers. It is thought that it is a combination of two words- Chuqi, which means metal, and k’iraw, which means crib, giving the citadel the name metal crib
The Incas of the Vilcabamba valley sought refuge at Choquequirao following the arrival of the Spanish, in a final effort to regain power. Its name means “Cradle of Gold”, and its beauty and grandeur have drawn comparisons with Machu Picchu.
Part of Peru’s National Heritage, in 2017 this imposing complex of stone was declared Best in Travel by the Lonely Planet travel guide.
Some technical facts
The nicest
Well, the worldwide known Inca Trail is amazing and without doubt is the nicest; but, the Choquequirao trek has impressive views
The hardest
Choquequirao is the hardest due to the effort involved and because it takes more
The altitudes
– The Inca Trail goes up to 4,215m (13,828 ft)
– Choquequirao goes up to 4660m (15,290 feet)
Distances hiking
– The Inca Trail covers a total of 42km/ 26 miles over four days
– Choquequirao trek is a 58km
The disadvantages
– The Inca rail has a limit in the in entrances, there are 500 people per day including auxiliary staff
– The Choquequirao trek does not has a limit of persons per day
And why is it such an experience to arrive at this amazing citadel trekking?
Trekking is one of the most incredible experiences to arrive to anywhere, but, specially to the archaeological sites hiking through routes that que Incas has used in their time their way of life and the roads they used daily to get around
