Choquequirao Trek Day 3

Third stage: Choquequirao Archaeological Site - Maizal
Length: 15 km
Duration: 9 hours
Difference in elevation: approx. 2770 m (ascent: 1410m // descent: 1360m)

The third day we started our ascent to the peak of the Choquequirao mountain at 3272 masl

After a last glance at the magnificent village of the Incas...

...and a breath taking view on the valley with the sacred platform, we continued our descent.

We took a final look back at the mountain range to increase our motivation before continuing our journey.

On our way, we passed another archaeological site at 2419m.

Yet some more agricultural gardens of the Incas.

We were amazed by how the Incas built so elaborated gardens in such a remote area.

From this point, we could already see the steep ascent that was lying ahead of us.

But before ascending, we had to get down to the river across some magic old trees.

It seemed that there was a jinx on us, because the river appeared to be so near but we didn't get closer. The sun was burning and our water bottle was empty.

After a lot of cursing, we finally approached the river and could quench our thirst with fresh crystal clear water.

The descent started at 3272 meters above sea level and ended at 1912 m (Rio Blanco).

On this picture you can see the backside of the mountain that we descended in approx. 5 hours.

At the river we joined our two 'arrieros' and granted ourselves a little break before starting to climb the next mountain.

 

From the river bank, the path took us at 3000m to the camp site 'Maizal'.

After arriving at the peak, we were dirty and tired but also proud that we made it this far.

 

At the camp side we 'cooked dinner' in the dark and prepared our night's lodging.

We woke up half frozen but with an amazing view. In the night it was so cold, that we had to take the HORSE BLANKET to cover us up. If you've ever gotten in contact with the smell of a horse cover, you know how cold we were during the night.

Choquequirao Trek Day 2

Second stage: Santa Rosa Alta - Choquequirao Archaeological Site
Length: 8 km
Duration: 5 hours
Difference in elevation: approx. 930 m (ascent: 845m // descent: 85m)

From Santa Rosa Camp we had to climb 723m to reach Marampata (2913 masl)

On top of Marampata lays a very small cottage. People who live here have to carry everything they need up the steep mountain trail.

Our first glance at the sister-town of Machu Picchu: Choquequirao. Archaeologists believe that the whole mountain side was covered up by the ancient Inca village. At the moment only 30% of the whole infrastructure is excavated.

Parts of the ancient terraces for agricultural purpose.

Once a big empire, many structures of the Inca were destroyed by the Spaniards in the 16th century.

According to historians, Choquequirao was the last bastion of 'Manco Inca Yupanqui' who fled Cusco in 1535.

After a 4 hours walk, the view on those ancient ruins made up for the long journey we had to take into account.

People from the village Marampata can only rely on their mules for transportation.

At the moment, the only way to get here is a difficult 2 days hike. Peruvian government plans to build a cable car, which would make this extraordinary site accessible in less than 20 minutes.

From Marampata it was a 4 km walk up to Choquequirao (3035m).

First we entered through the beautiful terraces.

The view from above.

A clear blue sky made our experience even more special. The only annoying thing were the many flies, mosquitos and tiny bugs that constantly bit us throughout the whole trekking tour.

Enjoying the view on the 1500m lower Apurimac Canyon.

The main part of the Incan Site with a view on the hilltop platform.

We met less than 10 other tourists on the site and even fewer on our trek.

The structure continues on the other side of the mountain with an enormous amount of terraces ('Llama Terraces')

The Incas built an incredible water channel system throughout the whole village.

A little greeting from Peru :)

The best view on the valley from one of the 12 sectors. The whole complex can be compared to the sister-village Machu Picchu (same architecture, same economical importance, ...) but is less known among the tourists because it isn't easily accessible via train.

After visiting the ruins, we walked back to our camp site at the foot of the Archaeological Site (2950m)

Choquequirao Trek Day 1

First stage: Colmena - Santa Rosa Alta
Length: 25 km
Duration: 9 hours
Difference in elevation: approx. 2220 m (ascent: 855m // descent: 1365m)

Our starting point: The Colmena farm in Cachora.

Daime and his son during our breakfast in Colmena before departure. Daime (65) organized the trip and his brother Pedro (69) accompanied us during the 5 days trek.

The balcony in front of our room after a cold night.

Two of the three mules/horses that helped carrying our bags, material and food throughout the trek.

With the right equipment we are ready to start.

The first 8 km were quite flat which facilitated us to get into the mood.

After 2 hours of hiking we arrived at our first Mirador: 2915 meters above sea level (masl)

The view from Capuliyoc on the Apurimac Canyon.

Our way from 2915m down to the banks of the Apurimac river (Playa Rosalinda) at 1550m.

 

The way through the bushes and cactus forest was a torture for our knees.

A lonely tree surrounded by enormous mountain ranges.

Finally, after 4 hours downhill, the bridge to cross the river is in sight.

The view of our way down (approx. 1400m altitude difference) from the other side of the mountain.

After arriving at the banks of the Apurimac river (1550m) we had to climb again to 2190m to reach our first camp side (Santa Rosa Alta).

The first night we discovered what it means to sleep in the mountains without the right equipment (sleeping bags with comfort zone until 13°C while outside the temperature was less than 5 degrees, a tent with holes in the ground and no pickets to fix the fly sheet, ...). But what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger, right? :)