Peru's Cradle of Gold

Featured in the March 2009 issue of Conde Nast Traveler in an article titled, "Peru's Lost City of Gold", Choquequirao has been called "Machu Picchu's Sacred Sister", because of the striking similarities of design and ceremonial architecture to its famous counterpart above the Urubamba gorge. 

The building of Choquequirao is the work of Inca Pachacutec successors Tupac Inca Yupanqui and Wayna Capac.  Household and ceremonial pottery has been found here that bears both the classic Cuzco style and also from other populations who came to live here to build and permanently populate the area.  Reaching this magnificent compound demands two days of disciplined trekking, largely compensated by the beauty of the landscape that wayfarers cross from the beginning of their expedition. 

NOTE:  As you will see, this package can easily be combined with a trip to Cuzco and Machu Picchu or any other destination within Peru. 

DAY 01:  Departing from Cuzco in the early morning, we take a spectacular drive across the farmlands of the Anta Plateau, surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Andes.  The winding road plunges more than 6,000 feet to a bridge over the Apurimac Gorge, then climbs through lush fields and orchards before making the final descent to the village of Cachora, at 11,000 feet, where we encounter stunning close-up views of the Cordillera Vilcabamba.  Here we meet our crew and horse pack train and begin our hike, catching our first glimpse of the distant Choquequirao at the Capuliyoc lookout before dropping steeply through dry cactus and orchis country into the Apurimac River Canyon.  Overnight camp.

DAY 02:  We descend the last 1,500 feet of elevation to the Apurimac River and cross this might body of water on a suspension footbridge.  A broad trail makes a zig-zagging ascent, which takes us out of the dry canyon zone past small sugar cane plantations to upland meadows, where across a deep valley, we meet our first panoramic view of the buildings and terraces of Choquequirao.  The final leg of today's hike passes through the cool shadows of a native cloud forest as we approach the wooded ridegtop, 10,000 feet where the Incas built their remote ceremonial center.  We camp near the Inca ruins. 

DAY 03:  We have the entire day to explore this stunning Inca settlement.  As mysterious as Machu Picchu, its name means "Cradle of Gold".  Early Spaniards knew of this place, yet its remoteness protected it.  In 1909 Hiram Bingham was the first to scientifcally investigate the site.  Whoever built this place, it was undoubtedly an elite settlement, built for ceremonial purposes and occupied by Inca nobility.  As we approach the heart of the city, a sweep of the enormous curved terraces leads our eyes to an artificial hill and ceremonial platform overlooking the main plaza.  Here afternoon thermal currents bring Andean Condors soaring over the complex of temples, mausoleums, royal residences, ritual baths and water channels, great gathering halls, storehouses, hidden gardens, and a giant stairway, all still standing as testimony to careful planning of Inca engineers. 

DAY 04:  The sun rises over the snowy crags of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, and we make our way across the meadows of the Maranpata, where a row of Inca storehouses marks the limits of the Inca settlement.  We return to the depths of the canyon, gaining new perspectives as we face the immense, multi-hued cliffs on the south bank of the river.  At the crossing of the Apurimac River, we can take time to cool off in swimming holes among the huge boulders that line the river.  We return to the shade of the fruit and avocado trees at Chiquisca, where we make our final camp. 

DAY 05:  We hike up out of the Apurimac Canyon, with the river receding to a distant, white ribbon below us and the glaciers of the Vilcabamba Range filling the sky ahead.  After winding our way beneath spreading, smooth-barked trees, dripping with orchids and bromelaids, we regain the mountainous grasslands that stretch toward the Capuliyoc Pass and the pastoral valley of Cachora.  Our tranfer awaits us here and we begin the breathtaking drive back to Cuzco. 

For more information and pricing call us at 800-364-4359 or e-mail us at info@panam-tours.com an we will forward it to you. 

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