Cusco is recognized as the 'Archaeological Capital of America'.
Cusco, Cuzco or Qosqo are the names by which the ancient capital of the Inca Empire is known. It is a center for archaeological scholars from all over the world who come to Peru to discover the wonders of Machu Picchu and the other ruins scattered throughout the valley.
It was an important administrative center for the Spanish Empire (Viceroyalty of Peru), and can be seen in the large number of manifestations of colonial art and architecture that can be found throughout the city and especially its Plaza de Armas. Today, Cusco is the largest tourist center in the country, receiving more than one million visitors a year.
Cusco is the oldest urban settlement in all of the Americas, more than 3,000 years old, but pre-ceramic samples have been found as old as 5,000 years. The origins of the first inhabitants of the city are lost in legend. Inca legends say that the founders of the city were Manko Qhapaq and Pachakuteq.
At the top of the mountain, large and impressive stone blocks joined together, the most important political and religious center of the Inca empire: Machu Picchu.
Located in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, the sacred Inca citadel built around 1450 and discovered in 1911, still hides enigmas and mysteries about its real purpose that remain hidden to this day and arouse the interest of both visitors and archaeologists from around the world.
Due to its strategic location on top of a high mountain, there are several theories about what it could have meant to the Incas. Some argue that it was built as a great mausoleum for the Inca Pachacutec, while others claim that it was an important administrative and agricultural center whose cultivated areas were used for the sustenance of its inhabitants. However, it is also considered that it was used as a necessary link between the Andes and the Peruvian Amazon or as a resting place for the Inca governor.
The truth is that Machu Picchu is one of the greatest symbols behind the impressive architecture and engineering of the Inca Empire. Although its origin is still under study, the value and transcendence it represented in its time, as well as its imposing design, have earned it to be considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world.
The tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Cusco, is one of the most classic and incredible tours, where you can explore small villages outside the city of Cusco and also its archaeological sites.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is located 15 km (9 miles) north of the Inca capital of Cusco at 2,800 meters (9,186 feet). The Sacred Valley was once the Inca empire’s main point for the extraction of natural wealth, and one of the most important areas for corn production in Peru.
We have to admire the advanced agricultural techniques of the Incas and their system of andenería (terraces): system of platforms composed of small groups of farmland, arranged in the form of tiers on the hills, where crops are planted. The valleys were also a place of worship to the Pachamama (mother earth).
The Sacred Valley is a must-see destination in Peru and has become one of the most important tourist centers in the country. There are numerous impressive Inca ruins, such as Ollantaytambo, Pisaq and Moray. The Sacred Valley also has two of the most important handicraft markets in the Cusco region: Pisaq and Chinchero.
The Inca Trail is not the only route to Machu Picchu. The city of Machu Picchu was connected by a network of roads known as Qhapaq Ñan.
The great adventure of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is for those who live passionately, always looking for a new experience!
The Inca Trail is a fascinating dream to fulfill and is the most famous trek in all of South America. The beauty of the views and the archaeological sites surrounding the Inca Trail are unsurpassed.
This tour is ideal for those who are full of energy to hike to Machu Picchu on the trip of a lifetime with the Classic Inca Trail 4 days 3 nights.
The Inca Trail Peru is a well established trek that takes travelers from km. 82 (the starting point 40 minutes from the town of Ollantaytambo) to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (also called Inti Punku).
Se trata de la montaña de los Siete Colores, también conocida como Vinicunca o Arcoíris.
Also known as the “Hill of 7 colors”, vinicunca, and colorful mountain, gift of nature for the enjoyment of our eyes. This unique mountain is located more than 100 km from the Imperial City of Cusco, belonging to the town of Pitumarca, is one of the main tourist attractions of Peru recently discovered and made known in 2016.
Vinicunca means “mountain of colors”. It is also known as Rainbow Mountain, Cerro Colorado or in English as Rainbow Mountain. It is located at 5200 meters above sea level and belongs to the Ausangate snow-capped mountain in the Vilcanota mountain range, it is the fifth highest mountain in Peru.
Its coloration is natural due to the large amount of sedimentary stones in erosion, what makes it so beautiful and impressive is how these stones are formed to give it the appearance of a rainbow (7 colors).
Although it is commonly called Rainbow Mountain (Cerro Colorado or Seven Colors Mountain), its real name is Vinicunca, which comes from Quechua.
If you are looking for a hike out of the ordinary, here are the hikes you are looking for
In Cusco you will find countless activities and tourist routes that you can explore; many of them include a visit to Machu Picchu, whether you are looking for a quiet and classic tour or adventure experiences with a touch of immersion with the coexistence with local people.
Live exciting moments in real contact with nature that remains untouched by the hand of man, all well preserved; walk in contact with nature, and the local fauna; if you are patient you will see many animals that come out to walk trusting; since each one is prohibited.
Enjoy hikes of 2 to more days; enjoy good food along the route; professional local guides and discover the magic of visiting this beautiful country that awaits you.
Exciting adventures, all over Peru, wide variety of experiences.
Peru has become in recent years the most fashionable destination in South America. There is no shortage of reasons: an impressive variety of ecosystems, breathtaking landscapes, beautiful cities full of history, culture, traditions, beaches, fauna, flora… and, of course, its delicious and famous gastronomy.
From the Amazon to the desert, from the high peaks of the Andes to the Pacific, passing through the valleys and high plateaus, the country enchants with its incredible contrasts. Although the reasons to visit the country are really endless, we want to show you some compelling arguments for you to embark on the exciting adventure of discovering it. Are you up for it?
Every place on Earth is fascinating and unique, but Peru is one of those countries that manages to be above average. This place has so many natural and cultural treasures that have fascinated people for hundreds of years, and still fascinate them today. There are thousands of reasons to go to this great destination, here are just some of the reasons why you should visit Peru.
4 Days from $ USD 100.00
Choquequirao Trek 4 Days / 3 Nights
The Choquequirao Trek 5 days is a package designed for tourists who wish to have more time to visit the beautiful Inca city of Choquequirao, and thus discover in more detail one of the last places of residence of the Incas.
The wonder of Choquequirao not only focuses on the Inca constructions but is complemented by natural beauty in perfect harmony.
Like Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incas or of other communities in the Andes, Choquequirao is organized into two halves or neighborhoods: the one above or Hanan, and the one below or Hurin.
The upper neighborhood brings together several buildings related to the cult: temples and fountains grouped around a square, large terraces irrigated by a whole set of canals, and warehouses or collcas to store the products used to supply the local population. The lower half houses large buildings, very well preserved, gathered around a wide esplanade.
Discover Lima City in just 1 day.
Departure at 4am from the city of Cusco we travel 4 hours by bus to Cachora, while the group is having breakfast our team will be preparing the horses and camping equipment. On this day you walk 22 km, the first part is flat and then you go down to Rosalina beach on the banks of the Apurímac river. Camp at 1550 masl.
1, Easy
After breakfast the climb starts for Choquequirao, we will start or zigzag way for approx. 5 hours arriving at Raqaypata which is next to the river Chun Chullmayo where we will have our lunch and a short rest. We will continue our journey and on the way you will see a great variety of orchids, wild flowers and many birds. From Raqaypata to Choquequirao we will walk approximately 2 hours until we arrive at the archaeological complex of Choquequirao, we will arrive, more or less that at 3:00 p.m., we will explore the complex, we have a spectacular view of the canyon and it is possible to observe condors flying, we will be able to observe the sunrise. Our camp will be near the complex at 3033 meters above sea level.
1, Easy
After breakfast, we will visit places of interest such as temples, agricultural terraces, military zones, astronomical center and the Sacred Temples, the guide will explain the history and the importance of the archaeological sites, after the guided tour you will have free time to visit the different sectors of the complex. After the visit we will start the return to Santa Rosa where we have lunch and then continue to Playa Rosalina. We can take a refreshing bath in the Apurímac river. Camp.
1, Easy
Passengers should personally carry the following: Cleaning supplies, small first aid kit with a couple of bandages, cream for muscle aches, pills for: altitude sickness, fever, upset stomach, water purification tablets, sun block, mosquito repellent, bottled water. Bring a flashlight, plastic rain poncho, sunglasses, binoculars, camera, walking stick, trekking shoes, thermal clothing for the night, light clothing for the day, money at your discretion, do not forget to bring your original passport.
Students must carry a valid student card.
The level of difficulty of the Choquequirao trek is medium. From the town of Cachora to the archaeological site there is a total of 31 kilometers in one direction and 31 kilometers in the other.
The total round trip distance from Cachora to the Choquequirao ruins is 60 kilometers.
Choquequirao is located at 3,033 meters above sea level. Due to its location, it is believed that this Inca site served as a checkpoint between major Inca sites such as Pisac, Cusco and Machu Picchu.
The hike to Choquequirao has a maximum elevation of 3,035 meters above sea level at Choquequirao’s main plaza and a minimum elevation of 1,500 meters above sea level at “Playa Rosalina”.
The Choquequirao archaeological site is located at 3,033 meters above sea level. The climate is temperate with cold nights. However, tourists will only visit the Inca site after sunset.
The best time to visit Choquequirao is between April and October. Choquequirao has two seasons:
Rainy season (November to March): it is characterized by frequent river rains. The sun is not as intense, but the rain can affect the hike.
Dry season (April to October): characterized by less frequent rainfall. Days are warmer and nights are cooler. However, the low probability of rain facilitates the trek.
In our opinion, the best time to visit Choquequirao is in April, May and September, with October generally being the best: less people, lower prices, less rain and warmer nights.
Although many tourists choose to travel to Choquequirao as part of an excursion, it is also possible to do it on your own. To do so, you will have to follow the usual route and pay the entrance fee at the Choquequirao gate.
There are designated campsites in Choquequirao and even some simple hotels. Choquequirao campsites are surprisingly well maintained and many have toilets, showers, tents and simple kitchens.
Choquequirao is an Inca town with similar characteristics to other cities of Cusco, especially Machu Picchu.
The resemblance with Machu Picchu is largely due to the similarity with the geographical situation of the place where it was built.
According to several studies, the ruins of Choquequirao were also a fortress and a ceremonial center. The truth is that, due to its hidden location in a high and remote mountain, it was a strategic point for several purposes.
Like Machu Picchu, the ruins of Choquequirao were abandoned over the years and covered by the jungle until they were rediscovered.
Choquequirao has many Inca buildings. However, only 30% of the total area has been excavated.
The main buildings are made of quartzite, carved with great detail. The rest of the walls are of rough stone.
These walls were covered with clay both inside and out.
It is believed that the walls of the Choquequirao ruins were painted bright orange. In reality, however, only a few buildings retain this paint.
The ancient city of Choquequirao consists of two main plazas, temples, fountains, canals, workshops, warehouses, elite residences and other more common buildings.
The ceremonial center of Choquequirao is a large platform that can only be accessed through a double pole.
The main buildings in this area are colcas (storehouses).
Like Machu Picchu, the ruins of Choquequirao have structures that mark the solstice and equinox.
We recommend the use of trekking poles, especially for those passengers with known knee problems. There are several occasions during the trek when trekking poles are useful, whether climbing a mountain or walking on difficult trails.
It is impossible to predict who will be affected by altitude. Your ability to adapt to high altitudes is determined by your genetic makeup and has little to do with fitness or health. Most people will have no problems as long as they take the time to acclimatize properly. A full 2-day trek in Cusco (3,399 masl) is very easy for some people, but it is easy enough to drink some water, but if you can arrange to have a minimum of 2-3 days in case of breaks in the trek, then this is what we recommend as there is plenty to do here as well. The highest point you will reach while hiking the Inca Trail reaches 4,280 meters above sea level on the second day.
We recommend that you buy a 1.5 to 2 liter bottle of water to carry on the first day. Every night during the trek, we will boil water so that you can refill the same bottle every morning before you leave. If you plan to drink from a stream or waterfall, we recommend that you bring water purification tablets or filters.
Some people like to go during the rainy season because there are fewer tourists, but we tell them to be prepared for wet weather and to have the proper clothing and equipment. Possibly snow, so be prepared for a possible reroute if the guide finds that a pass cannot be passed. We do not recommend this hike in the months of January, February and March.
It is essential as the natural hot springs in “Aguas Calientes” (10 soles) and / or the hot springs of Cocalmayo in the village of Santa Teresa and advice for the trekking staff, souvenirs, snacks in Machu Picchu, bottled water, drinks. etc. You should bring at least 300 soles as emergency money.
There is a simple and easy way to prepare for the high altitude around the Cusco area: Spend at least 3 nights at high altitude, such as Cusco city, Lake Titicaca or the Sacred Valley.
No pre-purchased permits are required. However, you must have an entrance ticket to the Choquequirao ruins, which we have included in our Choquequirao trekking cost.
In Cusco, I am your travel specialist, with more than 10 years of experience organizing adventure trips.
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru operated by South Winds Peru. Please take a moment to complete our short form so that one of our friendly adventure consultants can provide you with all the information for the best trip of your life in Peru.
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