Choquequiraw Site - Sister of Machupicchu

Choquequirao (Southern Quechua: Chuqi K'iraw, Cradle of Gold) is a partly excavated ruined city of the Inca in the south of Peru. It bears a striking similarity in structure and architecture to Machu Picchu and is referred to as its 'sister'. Choquequirao receives far fewer tourists than its sister but the ruin is no less delightful and is a good alternative to the sometimes overcrowded Machu Picchu.

The ruins at Choquequirao are comprised of buildings and terraces at different levels from the lower level Sunch'u Pata to the truncated hill top. The hill top has been leveled and ringed with stones to form a platform of 30x50 meters wide.

Hiking/Trekking
National Parks
Choquequirao

Hiking Choquequiraw - Sister of Machupicchu
(5 days and 4 nights)
This is a tough trek hiking down into the canyon of the Apurimac river and up again. Here you reach the Inca ruins of Choquequirao, as extensive as Machu Picchu, but one that only recently has become known. It is a tough, off the beaten path destination. An average of 6 hours trek per day with one day rest to visit the site.

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Hiking/Trekking
Choquequiraw
Maizal Camping Site

Walking the two major archaeological sites in Cusco area Choquequirao to Machu picchu
(9 days and 8 nights)
This trek is a 9 days trip starting from Cachora and ending in Machu Picchu. The route takes us through Choquequirao and several remote villages. We decided to do this combo trip because we wanted to see both Choquequirao and Machu Picchu. Choquequirao sits in the saddle of a high Andean ridge, 3000m./10,000 ft. above sea level and 1,500m./5,000 ft. above the roaring waters of the Apurimac River . Ringed by spectacular snow-capped peaks and flanked by plunging, thickly forested slopes, the city is an inspiring example of an elite Inca ceremonial center, dedicated to the worship of the mountain gods, the river and the elements of nature.


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