Snowcaped Andean mountains

The Choquequirao trek in Peru is a great alternative for Inca Trail. This trek goes through some spectacular landscapes and scenery’s and every day there is something new to see. If you are lucky you can see Andean condors, but the trek is more about the nature than wildlife. I did Choquequirao to Vilcabamba trek which is 8 days and continued from Vilcabamba to Machu Picchu.

First sight of Choquequirao

Choquequirao is a ruined Inca city, similar to Machu Picchu. Choquequirao was never found by the Spanish conquistadors. Word Choquequirao is Quechua and it means cradle of gold. The city was important for the Incas because of the situation and also it was a refuge for Manco Inca Yupanqui, the leader of the Incas.

Choquequirao

Llama terrace at Choquequirao

Unlike Machu Picchu, Choquequirao isn’t touristic, reason for that is you have to come here by hiking through the mountains. If you are lucky you can have the whole place just for yourself, I actually met only two other trekkers during the whole time! It’s possible to do this trek by yourself or you can hire a guide, as I did. The altitude of Choquequirao is 3085 m or 10121 ft.

Choquequirao terrace fields

Not too bad place for a rest!

The Choquequirao trek is full of beautiful scenery’s!

The path

Wild lupines

The Choquequirao trek is quite hard so take few things into consideration before going.

• Acclimatize. Before the trek stay few days in high altitude so your body have time to adjust. I stayed some days in Cusco before going. The altitude was a bit too much on the trek and I did suffer some altitude sickness symptoms like dizziness and headache. The trek has significant elevation changes.
• Good OLD shoes. I bought new shoes for the trek, a huge mistake which I regraded as the skin started to peel from my toes…  Also I should of bought at least one size bigger shoes.
• Physical condition. Trekking in the Andes is not a Sunday walk in the park. This trek is recommended for physically fit people. The better condition you have, the more you enjoy!
• Trekking Pole, helps a lot because this trek is mostly going up or coming down.

Horses passing by

I would recommend this trek. It’s great option for Inca Trail, not touristic with some breathtaking landscapes. If you enjoy nature, peace and quiet this trek is for you. It was my first trek in the high altitudes, and I found it quite hard sometimes, but anyway I don’t regret taking this trip.

Scenery from the Choquecatarpo Pass at 4600m. This place was one of my favorites during the trek, Unbelievable beautiful, the picture don’t make any justice for this place.