Although many travelers dream of hiking the Inca trail and ending in Machu Picchu, few realize that in fact there is another trek available from Cusco that also ends in awe-inspiring and far more rural ruins. The Incan ceremonial site of Choquequirao is a fabulous option for travelers who do not want to pay the increasing price of hiking the Inca trail, or prefer a less traveled option. The Inca Trail must be reserved months in advance which makes it unrealistic for impulsive hikers. Luckily, the trek to Choquequirao is just as rewarding and provides the same incredible views and feeling of accomplishment.
Requiring a 2 day hike after a long drive from Cusco, this challenging trek (the ruins are located 10,000 ft above sea level) offers a unique experience in the rural land once farmed and developed by the Incans. Here, tucked away in various small towns, still live native speakers of the Incan language who continue to keep the lifestyle traditions of their incan ancestors alive, from farming methods to cloth production.
machu picchu tours – Machu Picchu is the most visited site in Peru, and one of the top tourist destinations in all of South America. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Historic Sanctuary and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Contrary to Machu Picchu, however, the existence of Choquequirao was well documented by the invading Spanish and their followers, including the insatiable explorer Hiram Bingham, who mapped the site in 1909-only two years before his chance rediscovery of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
Many anthropologists believe that this site was the retreat of the Inca Tupac Yupanqui (1471-1493), the son of the great Ina Pachacuteq, who founded Cusco in 1438 and for whom Machu Picchu was rumored to be built. Believed to be a check point for those wishing to access the Vilcabamba region, this complex city that spans over 2100 ft squared is also said to have been an important administrative and political hub for the region.
Although the trains and helicopters to Machu Picchu are available for those in a hurry, it is undeniable that Choquequirao, in part due to its geographic isolation, is a memorable gem for archaeological buffs and nature fans alike seeking the path less chosen.
Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/exploring-cusco-beyond-machu-picchu-the-incan-ruins-of-choquequirao-3939969.html