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Some
of the impressive features of Choquequirao, are the
amazing stone walls protecting it, the greenness of their
fabulous land shelves, and the entire atmosphere charged with
energy probably coming from old ceremonies the Inkas used to
perform to please the Sun god.
Spectacular and distant, lonely and forgotten, Choquequirao
( 3,085 m.a.s.l.) is built at the top of a mountain almost
untouched in the province of La Convención, department of Cusco.
This fact explains why it was hidden for so long. The last
resistance point of the Sun's children who were looking for
shelter under its stone walls when Manco Inca, the rebel Inca,
was defeated.
Its palaces and temples are on two levels, there are systems of
waterworks, canals and aqueducts on top of all this are the
fantastic land shelves covered by thick vegetation, these were
presumably built during the Inca Pachacutec government ( XV
century) and it is the second most visited archaeological site
second only to Machu Picchu.
Choquequirao
is divided into two zones and its stone buildings form small
villages. The governor's houses and the main temple are located
around the main square. Researchers state, that the complex was
an important religious, politic and economic centre as well as a
commercial and cultural link to the Coast, Highlands and the
Jungle.
However, the real magnificence of Choquequirao ( in
Quechua chuquik'iraw: golden cradle) is still unveiled. Only
thirty percent of the 1,810 hectares of the complex has been
"rescued" by the thick vegetation which during the many
centuries covered this real Inca jewel.
Being "rediscovered" and then forgotten is an interesting story.
Choquequirao the last Inca shelter.
In 1768, Cosme Bueno, an historian, was the first person to
announce its existence. The French Eugen de Santiges and Leónce
Angrad did the same in XIX century. In 1911, Hiram Bingham, who
discovered Machu Picchu the same year, acknowledged the
importance of its buildings.
Besides the archaeological and historical value of Choquequirao,
the Inca "golden cradle", we can also find a beautiful
environment of geographic features and biodiversity adding a new
attraction for the visitors who are able to watch the
ostentatious condor flight as well as the heavy walk of the
spectacle beard.
Arriving at Choquequirao is a demanding adventure which
stars in a road trip from Cusco to the town of Cachora (Apurimac)
beginning in a zigzag 30 kilometers trail to arrive at the
historical building. The adventure to Choquequirao, from
Cachora is about 60 kilometers round trip, it lasts four endless
days of walking in which you can also ride a horse. But it is far
more interesting to do it on foot, just like the old Inkas.
During the long hours riding a horse or walking, you will
discover huge mountains, frightening cliffs, perfect snowy
mountain tops and the cannon to the Apurimac river
One of the world deepest. The flora and the ecological wealth of
this place will always delight visitors.
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