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Choquequirao means "cradle of
gold" in Quechua although this is probably not its original Inca
name. It is another "lost city of the Incas" located high on a
ridge spur almost 1750m above the raging glacier-fed Apurimac
River and surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks.
The archeological site were first
visited and described to the western world by a French explorer
during the 18th century. Hiram Bingham visited the site in 1910.
This was his first experience of "lost cities" prior to his
discovery of Machu Picchu in 1911. Even today the ruins are
still rarely visited although, with the enforcement of new
regulations on the Inca Trail, Choquequirao is destined to
replace the traditional hike as the serious trekker’s
alternative.
The Choquequiraw trek is a
spectacular hike that plunges down into the Apurimac canyon and
then up again to the fascinating archeological site of
Choquequirao. While this is a quite tough hike, you are rewarded
with spectacular views the whole way. The ruins of Choquequirao,
perched on a ledge high above the Apurimac are not as extensive
as Machu Picchu, but probably more fascinating and much more
remote. This is certainly a very unique trail in the high Andes.
The archaeological site is 47 km
away from the town of Cachora where the beauty of colorful
vegetation landscapes make the trek an incredible experience.
Also the Canyon of the Apurimac river can be appreciated while
it is descended, at any moment you will be able to contact with
local nature, Choqekiraw is located over 3008 msnm and had to be
an important religious, political and administrative center,
residence of inka nobles and astronomical observatory.
Due to geography of the zone it
presents a variety of microclimates appropriate for a wide
diversity of vegetation and fauna.
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