Discover the Mysteries of Choquequirao The Lost City of the Incas
If you have ever dreamed of exploring an ancient city that has remained largely hidden from the public eye, Choquequirao is the perfect place for you. This fascinating Inca city, known as the “sacred sister” of Machu Picchu, offers a breathtaking glimpse into the glorious past of the Incas and a unique experience for those willing to venture into its remote corners.
The History of Choquequirao
In the 15th century, when the Inca Empire was at its height, Choquequirao was built by the Manco dynasty. This site, whose name comes from Quechua and means “Cradle of Gold”, served as a crucial refuge during the resistance against the Spanish conquest. Starting in 1535, Choquequirao became the last Inca stronghold, keeping the resistance against the Spanish conquerors alive. The history of Choquequirao is, in many ways, a chronicle of resistance and resilience.
Choquequirao was abandoned at the end of the 15th century and, for centuries, its existence was virtually unknown to the outside world. The site was first rediscovered in 1710 by the explorer Juan Arias Díaz Topete. Later, during the 19th century, other explorers such as Antonio Raimondi and Eugène de Sartiges also contributed to its discovery. However, it was Hiram Bingham who, in 1908, carried out significant excavations. Despite his discovery, the site was initially underestimated, with only 30% of its extension excavated.
Choquequirao's Architecture and Structure
One of the most remarkable features of Choquequirao is its extensive agricultural terraces. These terraces, located on the steep mountain slopes, not only served for food production, but also helped prevent erosion and control water flow. The precision with which they were built, with integrated irrigation channels, demonstrates the advanced hydraulic knowledge of the Incas. The terraces are located in sector 11, known as the Pachay terraces, and their design reflects a remarkable technical sophistication.
The agricultural terraces were not only functional, but also aesthetically impressive. The engineering behind these terraces allowed for a perfect adaptation to the mountainous terrain, maximizing agricultural productivity and preserving the soil. The techniques employed in the design of these terraces not only responded to agricultural needs, but also to water management, a vital resource in the Andean regions.
The Main Plaza in sector one is another highlight of the site. This space was the nucleus of Choquequirao’s social and ceremonial life. Here are the Temple of the Sun and other important buildings, aligned with astronomical precision. The ceremonial structures are designed to reflect the Incas’ deep connection to cosmology and their advanced knowledge of astronomy. The ceremonial area is 700 meters long, and due to the enclave’s mountainous location, there is a drop of about 65 meters from one end to the other.
The Main Plaza not only served as a ceremonial center, but also as a meeting point for the community. Religious ceremonies and festivities were held in this space, where offerings and rituals were performed in honor of the Inca gods. The architects of Choquequirao designed this space with a deep understanding of astronomical alignment, demonstrating the importance of cosmology in Inca urban planning.
The city is divided into several sectors, each with its specific function. Sector two houses warehouses and storerooms, while sector three contains the Main Plaza and the residences of the rulers. Sector four includes the Triumphal Wall Temple and sacred pens, and sector five is dedicated to the Ushnu, elevated platforms used for religious ceremonies. In sector six is the Temple of the Priests, while sector seven houses the sacred platforms. Sector eight, known as the platforms of the flames of the sun, stands out for its walls decorated with figures of flames made with white stones. This is one of the most original discoveries in recent Inca archeology, and it is believed that it may have been influenced by Cachapa warriors displaced to Choquequirao.
The terraces of the llamas of the sun are a remarkable example of how the Incas integrated their art into the architecture. The walls decorated with llama figures not only had an aesthetic purpose, but also a symbolic one. Llamas were sacred animals for the Incas, and their presence on the walls of Choquequirao reflects the importance of these animals in the daily and ritual life of the city.
Cultural and Functional Importance
Choquequirao played multiple roles in Inca society. It was a religious, cultural and administrative center, and probably a strategic control point over the Apurimac River Valley. Its location on the border of several regions facilitated access to a greater diversity of crops, the exchange of goods and food with other localities, and control of access to the Vilcabamba territory, which connects with the Amazon jungle of Cuzco.
The city was also built following the design of the empire’s capital, including numerous places of worship, royal residences, dwellings and areas for handicraft and agricultural work. The agricultural terraces, in addition to their productive function, helped stabilize the slopes and prevent landslides, reflecting a profound knowledge of construction techniques in mountainous terrain.
One of the most surprising aspects of Choquequirao is its complex network of roads and routes. These roads not only connected the city with other regions of the empire, but also facilitated trade and the transport of goods. Choquequirao’s road infrastructure reflects the importance of trade and commerce in the Inca economy, as well as the Incas’ ability to build and maintain an efficient transportation network in a challenging terrain.
Accessibility and Tourism
One of the most challenging aspects of Choquequirao is its accessibility. There is no direct means of transportation to the archaeological site; the only way to reach it is through complicated mountain roads, either on foot or on horseback. The hikes can take between three and four days and require a good physical condition, as the site is located at an altitude of more than 3,000 meters above sea level. From Cachora, the nearest town, it is estimated that it is more than 30 kilometers to the Inca city.
Despite the difficulties of access, this lack of direct access has helped preserve the authenticity of the site. Unlike Machu Picchu, which has been invaded by mass tourism, Choquequirao remains relatively free of commercialization. Peruvian authorities are working to control the growth of tourism and protect the site from overexploitation. Limitations on access help maintain the integrity of the site and ensure a more authentic experience for visitors.
Similarities and Differences to Machu Picchu
Choquequirao and Machu Picchu present similarities in size and function. Both Inca cities served religious, administrative and agricultural purposes. However, Choquequirao was ignored for a long time, which has contributed to its better state of preservation. While Machu Picchu has been a popular tourist destination since its rediscovery in 1911, Choquequirao has remained more reserved, allowing visitors to experience a window into the Inca past with less influence from mass tourism.
Machu Picchu, often considered the jewel of the Inca empire, has been subject to intensive tourism that has led to the construction of nearby tourist infrastructure, such as hotels and restaurants. In contrast, Choquequirao has remained in a more natural state, with less tourism development in the surrounding area. This difference in tourism impact allows Choquequirao to better preserve its historic atmosphere and cultural integrity.
Choquequirao remains a hidden gem, offering a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the history and culture of the Incas. As excavations continue and more aspects of this lost city are explored, it is expected that even more mysteries and wonders of the Inca past will be revealed. The site provides a deep insight into the Inca legacy and allows visitors to appreciate the grandeur and mystery of this ancient civilization.
The experience of visiting Choquequirao is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding for lovers of history and archeology. The combination of stunning natural surroundings, rich history and impressive architecture makes Choquequirao a destination that deserves to be explored and appreciated. If you are up to the challenge of reaching this remote site, you will be rewarded with a unique experience and a deeper understanding of the greatness of the Inca empire.