You can visit the architectural complex Choquequirao is situated in Vilcabamba at 3100 meters, considered the last Inka refuge and place of resistance from the invaders, when doing ....
Our Inca Jungle Trail classic To Machu Picchu combines adventure sports such as mountain biking, rafting, zip line, hot spring and trekking for 4 days until you reach Machu Picchu....
In the upper area close to the Skies, the Incas built one of their best-preserved cities, now recognized as one of the 7 wonders of the modern world. Many travelers and adventurers come....
According to the research, the coloration of the rainbow mountain is due to the composition of minerals that it has: the pink color is for the red clay, fangolitas and arilitas. The whitish, for the quartzose ...
Showing posts with label cusco destination. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cusco destination. Show all posts
Machu Picchu is one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, Heritage of Humanity, Historical Sanctuary of Peru and probably the most important archaeological site in Latin America. Machu Picchu es majestic architecture comprises 140 structures throughout the citadel. Machu Picchu was built by the Inca Pachacutec around the year 1460. After being forgotten, it was only in 1911 that the American Hiram Bingham reached Machu Picchu on an expedition and spread the site worldwide. Its main buildings of Machu Picchu are the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Three Windows.
In 1913 it received worldwide attention when the National Geographic Society dedicated its entire print run in April to the newly rediscovered city.
Huchuy Qosqo is located in the peasant community of the same name, just under 5 km from the city of Calca in the department of Cusco, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas; exactly at a summit at 570 m. over the Urubamba river basin (Vilcanota). The Huchuy Qosqo route is very beautiful; walking its trails will allow you to visit some Andean communities, archaeological centers and enjoy beautiful landscapes. Many people take advantage of visiting Huchuy Qosqo on their trip to Machu Picchu. HUCHUY QOSQO TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
What does Huchuy Qosqo mean?
Huchuy Qosqo means "Little Cusco", but it also has other names; one would be Qaqyaxaqixawana and the other Qaqyaqhawana, this means "from where the rays are observed"; and without a doubt it is a good name since being 800 meters above the Sacred Valley of the Incas, gives you the opportunity to see the dramatic light and sound show, at the moment when lightning and thunder descend from the sky to crash into the ground. Others say that the site was probably known in Inca times as "Caquia Jaquijahuana".
Huchuy Qosqo Archaeological Complex (Qaqyaqawana)
The compound located in Huchuy Qosqo, is called Qaqyaqawana; Quechua name that refers to the place where the lightning is seen. This archaeological site is located in the upper third of the mountain called Qaqya (thunder), and exhibits one of the most impressive topographical modification works through the use of andenería, modulating the edges of precipices and vertical ravines over the Vilcanota Valley, culminating on platforms that were used as ceremonial esplanades, around which several architectural structures made of stone and adobe can still be found standing. Materials used and worked with great judgment, achieving a fine finish.
In addition, the structures of the enclosure are distributed in such a way that they architecturally resemble the city of Cusco; it is for this reason that at the beginning of the 20th century it receives the name of Huchuy Qosqo (small Cusco). One of the most outstanding characteristics of this archaeological site is the use of lithic material combined with adobe and clay. This shows the knowledge and mastery of the different construction materials, used with high technology, especially adobe; The centuries-old walls built of this material still defy the strong inclement weather of the area, seismic movements and of course the passage of time.
INFORMATION OF HUCHUY QOSQO TREK
This complex is the most important archaeological center in the Urubamba valley, after Ollantaytambo and Pisac. The ruins are impressive, although the conservation of the site is inferior to that of Ollantaytambo or Pisac, because they are older.
But unlike the aforementioned places, Huchuy Qosqo has a peculiar architecture: the buildings have been built on polished stone bases with a fine finish, with clay plaster (they are the best preserved parts) and the highest floors are made of adobe. INFORMATION OF HUCHUY QOSQO TREK
A kallanka (rectangular enclosure that could measure up to 70 meters long and that were important state centers where Inca officials stayed) is observed, at least 40 to 50 meters long. Also a remarkable building with two stone floors and an upper one of adobe. There are also large terraces, a very large plaza and a large Inca gate through which a well-preserved path leads from Tambomachay.
The Hispanic chronicles refer that Huchuy Qosqo (probably a site known in Inca times as Caquia Jaquijahuana) was the work and preferred place of the Inca Wiracocha. To this, Maria Rostworoski adds, in her work "History of the Tahuantinsuyo", that this sovereign established the conquest over the towns of the Urubamba valley and that he chose as his successor his Inca son Urco who, dizzy with power and vices, proved to be totally incapable of ruling. Inca royalty was very confused by this choice and they tried to conspire to impose on another Wiracocha son, Prince Cusi Yupanqui. Social unrest and tension increased every day and to make matters worse, the darkest night fell on Cuzco: the Chancas reached the gates of the capital and were ready to destroy it. It is the year of 1438. Wiracocha abandons the city to his fate and, accompanied by his son Inca Urco, takes refuge in his palaces in the Urubamba Valley, among which was Huchuy Qosqo.
After the Spanish conquest, Gonzalo Pizarro found the mummy that supposedly belonged to the Inca Wiracocha here and ordered to burn it. The descendants of the Inca kept the ashes in a jar that many years later the chronicler Polo de Ondegardo would discover.
Characteristics of the visit
It is possible to visit Huchuy Qosqo in two ways, the first walking from Cusco and Tambomachay along the Inca trail. The other way is going up from the Sacred Valley after crossing the Wilcamayo river (today Vilcanota).
Our Inca Jungle Short is a quick way to combines adventure sports such as mountain biking, river rafting, zip line and trek for 3 days until you reach Machu Picchu.
The Inca Jungle Trail Short combines adventure sports such as mountain biking, rafting, zip line and trekking for 3 days until you reach Machu Picchu and one of the additional mountains "Machu Picchu Mountain" or "Huaynapicchu". The Inka Jungle Trail is the favorite tour for young people from all over the world who come to Cusco in search of adventure and extreme sports. As a Tourism Agency located in Cusco we offer a differentiated service; with an exclusive route, trained guides (real command of English and local history), bicycles equipped for downhill, the safest rafting and zipline services. We recommend our passengers book in advance to have everything insured and avoid unnecessary risks such as loss of equipment, lack of access to Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, Huayna Picchu or even worse, being stranded in Aguas Calientes (no return train).
The Abra Malaga is a mountain pass that lies between the town of Ollantaytambo and Quillabamba, through unique Andean ecosystems. This path contains two types of well-defined areas: The Abra (4,297 m) and the lower part (Carrizales 3,245 m). The birds that you’ll observe are rare and highly sought after.
In Santa Teresa there are thermal baths: Cocalmayo, composed of 3 pools of different sizes, temperatures and depth. You can also do adventure sports like rafting, kayaking and zip line
Machu Picchu is one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, Heritage of Humanity, Historical Sanctuary of Peru and probably the most important archaeological site in Latin America.
Machu Picchu is majestic architecture comprises 140 structures throughout the citadel.
Machu Picchu is was built by the Inca Pachacutec around the year 1460
After being forgotten, it was only in 1911 that the American Hiram Bingham reached Machu Picchu on an expedition and spread the site worldwide. Brief Itinerary - DAY 1: CUSCO – SANTA MARIA – SANTA TERESA (BIKING) - DAY 2: SANTA TERESA – AGUAS CALIENTES (TREKKING) - DAY 3: MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
DAY 1: CUSCO – SANTA MARIA – SANTA TERESA (BIKING)
we will pick you up between 6:00 to 6.30 am, then we will leave the city seeing beautiful natural surroundings of Sacred Valley at about 2700 m.a.s.l. Arriving at the town of ollantaytambo we start the 46 km. uphill to the abra malaga (Mountain Pass at 4350 m.a.s.l.) approx. Here, we will change the biking kit provided (gloves and helmet) and receive a 20-minute briefing by our tour guide. After, start our descent by bicycle, passing by little rustic villages, fruit groves and streams arriving at the small village of Santa Maria, we’ll traverse the pass by bike toward wamanmarca (3 hours. After the bike ride, we’ll take a mini-bus to of Santa Maria – Santa Teresa. In Santa Teresa, you can enjoy the hot springs (Lunch, Dinner, Hostal). Optional activity: rafting that will take two hours to do it (level of rapids depends of the season) $35 extra dollars.
- Shuttle to Abra Malaga: 3.5 hour by bus from Cusco - Biking distance: 65km 40mi - Biking time: 3.5 to 4 hour approximately. - Climate: cold at the beginning of the biking and very hot in the night. - Optional Rafting Tour in Santa Maria, US$35 Pay Directly To The Operator - Maximum Altitude: 4350 meters / 14271 ft. - Minimum Altitude: 1250 meters / 4691 ft.
DAY 2: SANTA TERESA – AGUAS CALIENTES (TREKKING)
After breakfast we will continue our Adventure to the Hydroelectric (power plant), This part of the trek is called the waterfall day where we’ll pass many cascades. In Hydroelectric we will enjoy of a great lunch. And after a break we will continue walking along this great inca jungle tour for 3 hrs., enjoying beautiful waterfalls, going through coca and coffee farms along the railway until arriving at the town of Aguas Calientes around4 pm. Here the group will spend the night in a hostel. Optional activity: ZipLine before you get to the Hydroelectric US $ 30 extra dollars.
- Hiking distance: 19 Kilometers / 12.3 mile
- Climate: hot in the day and warm in the night. - Optional Zipline Tour in Santa Teresa, US$30 - Hiking time: 6 hour approximately. - Maximum Altitude: 2050 meters / 6725 ft. - Minimum Altitude: 1430 meters / 4691 ft. DAY 3: MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
After an early breakfast at the hotel, we walk uphill to Machu Picchu at 5:00 am. or take the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (Optional bus $16 each way), upon arrival at the Citadel we can appreciate the enigmatic beauty and the incomparable example of architectural perfection and hydraulics of one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, we will have a guided tour of about 2 hours, where we can appreciate the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, Intihuatana, The Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and the Cemetery, you are then given free time to stroll around the citadel . You will have all morning in Machu Picchu to take pictures, maybe to climb the Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, enjoy this mystical place. Then we´ll descend by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then calmly return by train to Ollantaytambo where our tourist transport to the city of Cusco will be expecting us, and will later transfer you to your hotel. OTHER ACTIVITIES: Climb up Huayna Picchu and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there (We recommend that you book in advance) Not Included Climb Machu Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there (We recommend that you book in advance) Not Included Visit the new local museum or the hot springs in Aguas Calientes later in the day. Not Included
- Meals: Breakfast - Tour: 2 hour guided tour of Machu Picchu INCA JUNGLE TRAIL INFORMATION.
MORE TOURS IN CUSCO TO MACHU PICCHUOne of the most incredible ways to visit Machu Picchu is through the Salkantay trek. This 5-day and 4-night hiking route crosses the imposing snow-capped Salkantay and then reaches the Wonder of the World. Would you like to know Machu Picchu with this adventure surrounded by amazing landscapes? Know everything you need to know about the Salkantay trek.
What does Salkantay mean? The Salkantay is a snowy mountain whose name translated from Quechua would mean ‘Wild Mountain’. This summit is known as ‘Apu’ (‘Lord’) for its majesty and elevation. Where is it located? The pu Apu ’Salkantay is located in the Vilcanota Mountain Range in the Andes of southern Peru. This snow-capped mountain is the second largest in Cusco, after Ausangate (Mountain of the 7 Colors). How high is the snowy Salkantay? The snowy Salkantay reaches 6,271 meters above sea level (m.s.n.m.). The trek route that leads to Machu Picchu has its highest point in the ‘Abra Salcantay’, at 4,650 m.a.s.l. From there you can see the peak of the snowy peak. How's the weather? The snowy in itself presents an extremely cold climate (several degrees Celsius below 0º).
The climate during the Salkantay trek, on the other hand, is varied. The intense sun and the nightly cold in the early days are changed by the tropical environment in the latter. What is the flora and fauna like? The 5 days and 4 nights of the Salkantay trek cover landscapes with a great variety of flora and fauna. Among the species of flowers and plants, the orchid and the ichu (Andean grass) stand out. Among the species of birds and animals, it is worth mentioning the llama, alpaca, vizcacha, condor, spectacled bear and the cock of the rock (national bird of Peru)
Salkantay trek: everything you need to know
What is the Salkantay trek? The Salkantay trek is a hiking route that takes the visitor to the Inca City of Machu Picchu. The total walking distance is approximately 70 kilometers (5 days of route).
The Salkantay trek is considered among the 25 best excursions in the world by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine.
Classic Salkantay trek 5 days is considered by most to be the best alternative route, This walk allows you to enjoy the options that there is in the salkantay route, you will go up to humantay lake, you will pass for the highets point of the salkantay route to be to see salkantay mountain up close, you hike through the santa teresa valley that is full of vegetation is the begining of the peruvian amazon, you have the chance to see, plantations of coffe, coca, avocados, bananas and much more, this valley is full of fresh wáter with many waterfalls and also if your choisce this hike, you will have enouth time do the relaxing hot springs of colcalmayo in santa teresa. and also you can do Llactapata hike on 4th day of the our advedventure, if you are an adventures person you got the chance to do the biggest and longest zipline of southamerica. choose this one and get a perfect adventures vacation to Machu Picchu.
Useful Information
- Starting Altitude - 3350 meters / 10990 feet . - Highest Altitude - 4600 meters / 15091 ft - Walking Distance - 12km / 7.45 miles - Campsite Elevation - 3920 meters / 12861 ft - Meals - 4 breakfast, 4 lunch, 4 dinner, 3 tea times, 3 wake up tea - Overall Difficulty - Moderate - Changing - STARTING POINT: - Cusco at your hotel
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
The snow-capped Salkantay is one of the highest mountains in Cusco, along with the Ausangate mountain in the Vilcanota mountain range which is located further south. The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is listed as one of the 25 best treks in the world by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine. The Salkantay Trek is definitely one of the very best trekking adventures that you will find in Cusco and in Peru. After the Inca Trail classic or Inca Trail short, the Salkantay route is the 2nd most popular to Machu Picchu (and a lot less crowded). Machu Picchu is one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, Heritage of Humanity, Historical Sanctuary of Peru and probably the most important archaeological site in Latin America. Machu Picchu is majestic architecture comprises 140 structures throughout the citadel. Machu Picchu is was built by the Inca Pachacutec around the year 1460 After being forgotten, it was only in 1911 that the American Hiram Bingham reached Machu Picchu on an expedition and spread the site worldwide.
Brief Itinerary - DAY 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa - DAY 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass- Huayracmachay - Chaullay - DAY 3: Chaullay - La Playa - Santa Teresa (2nd option camp in Lucmabamba) - DAY 4: Santa Teresa – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes (Llactapata - Aguas Calientes) - DAY 5: MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
MORE TOURS IN CUSCO TO MACHU PICCHU
The Incas covered much of the South American continent. To maintain communication in such a vast territory, it was necessary to build a network of roads. Thus, the Inca ordered to build a network of roads called Qhapac Ñan (Inca Trail).
The Qhapac Ñan managed to cover up to 30 thousand kilometers from the current countries of Peru, Ecuador and part of Bolivia, Chile, Argentina and Colombia. The trekking route from the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is only a small part of the extensive network of roads of the Qhapac Ñan.
The Inca Trail was revealed to the world in 1915 when it was being excavated in the Inca City. Three decades later, the route was traced by the Viking expedition in 1942. Today, thousands of visitors decide to travel the 43 kilometers to the ‘Puerta del Sol’ in Machu Picchu.
However, Machu Picchu is not the only archaeological site that you will see on the Inca Trail. On the tour you will also appreciate the ruins of Llactapata, the archaeological site of Runkurakay, Saycamarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñaywayna.
There are trains and buses that can take you directly to Machu Picchu. However, the experience of arriving as the Incas did for centuries is unmatched.
Versions of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Not all people have the days necessary to travel the Inca Trail (4 days and 3 nights). That is why there are 3 versions depending on the time you have:
Classic Inca Trail: 4 days and 3 nights (43 kilometers of walking).
Imperial Inca Trail: 5 days and 4 nights (43 kilometers of walking).
Short Inca Trail: 2 days and 1 night (12 kilometer walk).
About tickets to enter the Inca Trail
Due to the high demand for tickets, you must get the entrance tickets to the Inca Trail well in advance (6 months). The purchase is made only online through the website of an authorized tourism agency.
In total 500 people enter the trails of the Inca Trail every day. Of these, only 200 are tourists. The rest are support staff such as cooks, porters, guides. The ticket to enter the Inca Trail includes support staff.
Did not find availability to do the Inca Trail?
The only way to enter the Wonder of the World is by train through the Sacred Valley of the Incas or by the alternative route from Santa María to Machu Picchu. Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu must also be reserved in advance.
Do you want to enter the Huayna Picchu after the Inca Trail? Request entry into the agency paying an extra price. You can also request a more luxurious train service.
INFORMATION OF INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
Many people ask the question of why the Colors of the Rainbow Mountain, in this article we will answer all your questions and you will find some other things. The Vinincunca mountain of colors has come to fame very quickly, becoming one of the most visited tourist places in Peru by tourists from all over the world, for the great attraction of its colors and its beautiful landscape view of its snow-capped mountains that has captivated More than one visitor, if we look up at the horizon we will be able to see the rocky mountains, the red valley, that if they could speak for sure they would tell us a lot of stories from past times and tourists who visit it day by day. RAINBOW MOUNTAIN INFORMATION:
The concern to know the reason for its colors leads us to ask ourselves many questions and to obtain the answers we go back to approximately 24 million years ago. Rainbow Mountain Formation Processes
The formation of the 7-color mountain according to studies dates from the Campanian era, which is part of the geological era belonging to the Cretaceous; where the continents were already separated and many of them covered with seas, so the seven-colored mountain was also covered with shallow sea. Geological era of the Cretaceous and Paleocene
After many millions of years the Cretaceous geological era goes down in history with the extinction of the dinosaurs, as a result of the fall of a meteorite, so the climatic conditions begin to change and some seas dry up, that is where the geological era of the paleócene many mountains covered with sea are discovered and among them the mountain of seven colors appears, the mountains that appeared in the light were massive rocks that with the climatic conditions of many millions of years these have been eroding and becoming different colors according to its composition elements.
If we visit the Vinincuca mountain and approach the safety rope that protects the mountain, we will be able to observe that it is not really fine colored sand as we might think, but rather it is particles of rocks in the process of erosion.
If we do not have the opportunity to get closer to the mountain, we can be very observant along the way, we will surely find some eroded colored rocks, there we can better observe and feel them.
Among its colors we can find the following composition:
Pink color: Composition of red clay, mud and sand.
Off-white color: White quartz sandstones
Brown, brown and purple color: Composed of limonites and marls, rich in calcium carbonate.
Red color: Composed of clays and clays rich in iron
Green color: Composed of phyllites and clays rich in magnesium iron.
Brown color: They are earthy is a product of rock fanglomerate with magnesium.
Mustard yellow color: Composed of calcareous sandstones rich in sulfur minerals.
Sectors of Choquequirao
In sector I, the sector of the plaza and temple, hanan area, located to the north and which is the highest part, there are five floor buildings, located on terraces of different levels. It is possible that they served as the residence of the priests. Higher up, there is another smaller plaza where two warehouse buildings (qolqas) and three other long residential buildings are located.
(kallankas). A wall with a main channel of water collected from the Ch’unchumayo stream also enters here, supplying the archaeological site and descending, like a spinal column, organizing the arrangement of the buildings.
In sector II, hanan zone, there are the deposits or qolqampatas divided into warehouses with internal subdivisions with quincha partitions; in another space, within this subsector, there are small ceremonial platforms (16 platforms), crossed by an alternate channel that takes advantage of the waters of the main channel. CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK INFORMATION.
Sector III, which appears to be the main square or Hauqaypata, is located between the upper (hanan) and lower (hurin) sectors, on the filling of a platform. On the extreme sides of this square there are buildings with one and two levels. In the north there is a kallanka (building) for ceremonial use — Sunturwasi — with low niches (kind of chapels); To the east are two-story buildings with walls that support gabled roofs. They have two facades, one for entering the main plaza and the other that leads to a patio with side accesses. Access to these buildings is through double jamb covers (a double frame). These buildings are separated by a corridor, which highlights the largest building (kallanka) in the city that goes to the side of the backyard and that leaves through a wall to the south side, which is where the platforms in the north sector are located. of the city or llacta.
Sector IV, located in the Hurin or south zone, is a main construction made up of five covers called by Sartiges "triumphal wall" and by Samanez and Zapata "wall of offerings to the ancestors". The other four, probably, were for ceremonial use and would correspond to an open temple. Behind these covers is a field, where you enter a second level, which is above the covers.
Sector V is the ushnu: a hill cut at its top that forms a ceremonial oval platform and surrounded by a small wall as a fence, which is entered by an entrance that first rises by steps and from where you can see the main square and hanan site. From this place the snow-capped mountains and the Apurímac river are visible.
Sector VI is the Wasi Cancha, located south of the ushnu in the lower part; It is also known as a temple and home of priests. A space of four platforms with zigzag walls is observed, which was used as a ceremonial space. In the first wall it is finished off with a source for water, and the other platforms are accessed with stairs. Below this area of worship you can see a field or space with two enclosures of one and a half floors enclosed by a perimeter wall; from here you can see a good part of the Apurímac river canyon.
Sector VII belongs to the cultivation platforms on the east side. It stands out from the rest, for being wide and wide platforms. It can be entered through walkways from the main square.
The discovery was made in September 2004 within the framework of the «Cadastre and Delimitation (...) Sector VIII is an area of cultivation platforms, located on the west side, with eighty platforms, divided into plots and water channels that descend from the main square. Here were the famous "Llamas del Sol"
The ceramic remains show a multi-ethnic presence of the llacta (even though there has been int (...) Sector IX is made up of popular houses, also called Pikiwasi, and is where one of the water channels ends. The houses seem to have been for collective and family use, built on artificial platforms, rectangular, square and circular in design, communicating by means of stairs and narrow passageways.
Sector X is made up of the cultivation platforms, the Paraqtepata, made up of 18 platforms and irrigation channels parallel to the stairs. Sector XI also has cultivation platforms, the Phaqchayoq, made up of 80 wide platforms, the largest of the entire complex and located on the right bank of the Ch’unchumayo stream. There are also small quadrilateral enclosures in the middle of the plots with two-level enclosures, both for ceremonial use and for housing, with three sources for water and irrigation channels. Sector XII presents cultivation platforms three hours away from Hanan Square, and is made up of 57 platforms with permanent irrigation. In the upper part there are buildings for ceremonial use that occupy the entire width of the platform, a spring pool, a semicircular enclosure where ceramic remains, stone tools and bone remains were found.
MORE INFORMATION OF CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK
It is an Inca urban construction, which archaeological studies may be better specifying in the future, as its architectural structure and functions are analyzed. Only archaeologists will determine if there is material evidence with greater antiquity in the same location.56 In a general sense, the Andean populated centers especially Inca also called liadas, are characterized by being fixed according to a distribution pattern: square; a number of large, elongated and rectangular buildings called kallankas; deposits or collqas; platforms or ushnu cradle in their squares for the cult of the Sun and probably to carry the agricultural calendar with more precision (Thompson 1972: 78; cf. also Ayme Carrasco 2003: 237-38, 250-53). According to ethnohistorians, these populated centers followed the model of the city of Cusco, where the ritual and ceremonial spaces had the solar temple, royal apartments and, what we could call, a civil administrative part: prisons, acllahuasis, warehouses (Espinoza 1997b : 362; cf. also Rostworowski 2004: 173). However, it cannot be asserted that there was a general and constant pattern for all urban settlements, Choquequirao is also a good example of the adaptation in a steep and high terrain of a llacta that conserves the fundamental elements, but adequate to a certain area of construction. INFORMATION OF CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK
The urban layout, as seen by archaeologists, follows the dual Andean pattern. There is a high sector: hanan, and another low part, hurin. In this regard, archaeologists Roberto Samanez and Julinho Zapata point out:
When studying the distribution of functions in Choquequirao, a dual organization is perceived, very widespread, which creates a high sector and another low part or Hurin. It has been established that the High Sector is the one occupied by the buildings in the extreme North, and the Low sector is the one next to the main square where ceremonial buildings are located, the three two-level buildings and the two Kallankas. (Samanez and Zapata 1999: 90)
Choquequirao is built following a north-south axis with a drop of 65 meters in height between the first and second planes. Each plan has three groups of constructions that are distributed following the topographic disposition of the terrain. The central area of the complex, probably ceremonial, is 700 meters long.
MORE INFORMATION OF CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK
The Abra Malaga is a route that starts in the town of Ollantaytambo, Cusco and runs along the 28B Ollantaytambo - Quillabamba road through unique Andean ecosystems. This route contains two types of well-defined areas: El Abra (4,297 meters above sea level) and the lower zone (Carrizales 3,245 meters above sea level). The birds you can see are rare and highly sought after. The predominant ecosystem is the rain forest Montano Tropical or cloud forest in the Carrizales area, with low-rise tree forests covered by epiphytic plants and also some bamboo areas. In the Abra Málaga, at 4,200 meters high, we are in a tropical rainforest-Montano moor, with small Polylepis forests at the basin births.
History
The birdlife in this area of Peru
was studied since 1869 by Sclater and Salvin, Berlepsch and Stolzmann (1906).
In 1915 an expedition of the Geographical Society Machu Picchu is made, directed by Frank M. Chapman and George K. Cherrie (July 1-24, 1916), and by Harry L. Watkins (April 3-25, 1917).
From September 1974, June 1976, 1977 and 1978, October 1978 and August 1979, personnel from the Zoological Museum of Louisiana State University (LSU) visited the valley to conduct an inventory and increase knowledge of birds and small mammals. Three main camps were made along the Ollantaytambo-Quillabamba road through the Abra Málaga (3900 m), and a fourth was in Kiteni (450 m), after Quillabamba.
Starting from Ollantaytambo, the first place to visit is Las Peñas, located 15 Kms from the town. Named for having remains of Inca stone constructions in place. In the surroundings, between the bushes and at the edge of the road you can see: Cuzco Brush-finch, Chestnut-breasted Mountain-finch, Tyrian Metaltail, Shining Sunbeam, White-tufted Sunbeam, Puna Tapaculo, White-browed Conebill.
Another place of interest is the descent of the Abra, on the way to Quillabamba, where the good places are the Vegetation patches around the track, there you can see the Puna Thistletail, Unstreaked Tit-tyrant, Creamy-crested Spinetail, Diademed Tapaculo, Thrush- like Wren, Rufous-chested Tanager, Buff-breasted Mountain-tanager, Chestnut-bellied Mountain-tanager, Scarlet-bellied Mountain-tanager, White-bellied Hummingbird.
The Abra Málaga Thastayoc is the highest point of the route and is the safest and most accessible area to see the Royal Cinclodes. To do this you must follow the path that starts at the checkpoint, located at the highest point of the Abra. From there follow the path until you reach a Polylepis forest located at 4,150 meters high. You can also see the Stripe-headed Antpitta, Blue-mantled Thornbill, Shining Sunbeam, Puna Tapaculo, White-browed Tit-spinetail, Tawny Tit-Spinetail. The route for this forest is very rugged and long. It takes 2-3 hours to travel.
Weather
The weather is rainy between the months of November to April, and temperate with infrequent rains between the months of May to October. The temperature varies from -5 degrees in the Abra Málaga to 20 degrees in the Carrizales area.
Policies
Along the road it is not necessary to make any payment. To enter the Cinclodes route, it is necessary to pay an entrance fee, differentiated for Nationals and Foreigners. This payment is made at the checkpoint. Here you have bathrooms.
INFORMATION OF INCA JUNGLE
The people of Lima who live in Cusco have a typical crisis due to lack of the sea. Luckily we have the hot springs of Lares, which although it is neither beach nor sea, has enough water to kill the withdrawal syndrome or at least, shuffle it a few more weeks.
INFORMATION OF LARES TREK Lares is in the Valley of the same name, and it is reached by means of a road that departs from Calca in the Sacred Valley (located after Pisac). It is literally on the other side of the mountain range. I already went a couple of times: the first by car and the second on foot from Huarán as I told you in the post Stairway to Heaven.
What is special about Lares? WATER as a court, and best of all, warm to fight the cold of Cusco and calate a little like in San Bartolo or La Herradura. In the technical words of our Mincetur friends: “the temperature ranges between 36º and 44ºC, the medicinal mineral water outcrops have Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Chlorides, Sulphates, Bicarbonates, Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Boron, Copper and dissolved solids. The waters have a yellowish coloration, here we find the presence of stalactites and stalacmites at the entrance of these baths ”.
We may not fully understand what a stalacmite is, but it turns out that these waters are good for treating rheumatic, traumatic (arthritis) fracture treatment, osteo joint pain, muscle aches, stomach diseases and more. For my part I assure you that a bath in Lares encourages your soul and leaves you ready for your return to the sea.
The entrance to Lares is 10 soles, general admission, only the people of Cusco pay 4 soles. If you want you can camp. It costs five soles per tent. I recommend it: so you can enjoy the baths all night and relax until you are tired of being happy. There are also lodgings, both in the town of Lares (2 kilometers) or near the bathrooms. Average, 25 soles per person. The buses from Calca to Lares cost 10 soles and take two hours to arrive.
In general, I suggest having two full days for Lares, staying one night. The first way, you need at least five hours to get to the bathrooms from Cusco (Cusco - Calca is like two hours more the trip to Lares). All that day you can spend floating, with intervals of walk, walk (there are interesting roads) and return to any of the four pools. You sleep well. The next day you finish off with a few more hours to cut it and you return to Cusco. You were not in the sea, but in the water, which is the mother of all things.
Medical tourism is a type of tourism that is gradually acquiring a greater number of followers, and that has in the Peruvian territory an impressive range of resources to choose from, since if there is something that abounds in all regions of the country These are the sources that, in addition to relaxing and relieving the visitor from stress, are capable of relieving any suffering they may have.
The Thermal Baths of Lares, are one of these thermomedical resources that the traveler will be able to enjoy when he goes to a region like Cusco. These thermal baths, as the name suggests, are located in the district of Lares, which is located in the province of Calca.
Lares Thermal Baths are made up of a group of four swimming pools. These are fed by waters that are tempered to different degrees. The temperature of the thermal pools of Lares fluctuate between 36 ° C and 44 ° C and the pools have dimensions between 17 m2 and 120 m2, with depths that do not exceed one and a half meters, making it suitable for a greater number of visitors.
These thermal baths are visited by the properties that present their waters, which in addition to offering comfort and stress relief are able to relieve certain conditions. This is achieved thanks to the fact that the waters of these Thermal Baths of Lares are fed by minerals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, among many others, which together allow us to fight diseases such as arthritis , osteoporosis, in addition to contributing to the rehabilitation of broken bones, combating muscle, stomach problems, among many others.
To get to the Lares Thermal Baths, the visitor has to travel from the city of Cusco to Calca, this tour can take approximately an hour and a half, and can be done on a public bus, this usually charges approximately S / 4.00 per passenger. Already in Calca a combi is taken that in two hours leaves it in the district of Lares, the cost of this vehicle does not usually exceed S / 10.00. From Lares you should only continue on foot for approximately 1 km to the thermal baths. This last tour can be completed in just fifteen minutes, depending on the physical conditions of the visitor, if you want you can also rent a taxi.
Those who visit the Thermal Baths of Lares should keep in mind that the only tourist infrastructure that exists in the place is the hot springs, and that the closest services can only be found in the city of Calca and Lares, despite these inconveniences, the environment The Lares Thermal Baths are more than suitable for camping, so the traveler will have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of these waters for a longer time.
In order to access the Lares Thermal Baths, the visitor has to make a payment whose cost ranges between S / 3.00 and S / 5.00. Visits to these thermal baths can be made at any time of the day. LARES TREK INFORMATION
This complex is the most important archaeological center in the Urubamba Valley, after Ollantaytambo and Pisac. The ruins are impressive, although the conservation of the site is inferior to that of Ollantaytambo or Pisac, because they are older.
But unlike the places mentioned above Huchuy Qosqo has a peculiar architecture: the buildings have been built on polished stone bases of fine finish, with clay plaster (they are the best preserved parts) and the highest floors are made of adobe.
There is a kallanka (rectangular enclosure that could measure up to 70 meters long and that were important state centers where Inca officials were staying) of at least 40 to 50 meters long. Also a remarkable building with two stone floors and an adobe upper one. There are also large terraces, a very large square and a large Inca gate through which a very well preserved road leads from Tambomachay.
INFORMATION OF HUCHUY QOSQO TREK
The Hispanic chronicles indicate that Huchuy Qosqo (probably a site known in Inca times as Caquia Jaquijahuana) was the work and favorite place of the Inca Wiracocha. To this, Maria Rostworoski adds, in her work "History of Tahuantinsuyo", that this sovereign strengthened the conquest over the villages of the Urubamba Valley and that he chose as his successor his son Inca Urco who, dizzy from power and vice, He proved to be totally unable to govern. The Inca royalty was very obfuscated with this election and tried to conspire to impose another son of Wiracocha, Prince Cusi Yupanqui. Social unrest and tension increased every day and to make everything worse, the darkest night fell over Cuzco: the Chancas reached the gates of the capital and were willing to destroy it. It is the year of 1438. Wiracocha leaves the city to his fate and, accompanied by his son Inca Urco, takes refuge in its palaces in the Urubamba Valley, among which was Huchuy Qosqo.
After the Hispanic conquest, Gonzalo Pizarro found here the mummy that supposedly belonged to the Inca Wiracocha and ordered it burned. The descendants of the Inca kept the ashes in a jar that many years later the chronicler Polo de Ondegardo would discover.
The Choquequirao fortress is located in the Vilcabamba area, where the Incas of the Manco dynasty resisted the Spanish conquerors for 36 years (1536 - 1572), who never managed to expel them from it.
The construction of Choquequirao is the work of the successors of the Inca Pachacútec, Túpac Inca Yupanqui (1471 - 1493) and Huayna Cápac (1493 - 1527). In the place, domestic and ceremonial ceramics of the classic Cuzco style were used, as well as others, typical of the population that moved to build and populate the site permanently, probably farmers experienced in building and exploiting agricultural platforms in eyebrow areas jungle.
Approximately 40% of the Inca ceremonial center of Choquequirao is free of vegetation and restoration and enhancement work is currently being carried out. The remaining area is formed by a complex system of platforms built on very steep slopes. A short time ago, an impressive 180-platform staircase has been located that descending from one of the flanks of the ceremonial center reaches the river, where it is possible to swim.
Choquequirao was possibly one of the entry control points to the Vilcabamba region, and as such an administrative nucleus with political, social and economic functions. In its urban conception it followed the symbolic patterns of the imperial capital with places of worship dedicated to the Sun, ancestors, land, water and other divinities, royal residences, houses of administrators and artisans, warehouses, large dormitory buildings or Kallancas and agricultural platforms of the Inca and the town. The ceremonial area extends over 700 meters, with a level difference of up to 65 meters between the main square and the highest parts. The complex consists of nine stone architectural groups and a system of 180 platforms, apart from the areas of residential, administrative, craftsman, irrigation system, among other buildings built on a stone base.
The sectors that are defined by the topography of the place had different functions and communicated through pedestrian access to the main square. You can see a complex hydraulic system probably designed for domestic, ceremonial and agricultural use.
Given the geographical location of Choquequirao, compared to other complexes of the same period, it seems that it had the function of being an Inca enclave towards the hot valleys of the Apurimac River. Its inhabitants dedicated to intensive agriculture and performed ceremonies where water was an important element of worship. In addition, it was a storage place for various products from other areas, as well as a connection between the valleys of Apurimac, Vilcabamba and Vilcanota.
Choquequirao is located on the border of the department of Apurímac and Cuzco, the archaeological site of Choquequirao was not built to be a place that is accessed as if in passing, and now reaching it demands two days of disciplined march, largely offset by beauty of the landscape that accompanies the walker from his first steps.
The journey begins in Cachora (2,800 m.a.s.l.), a small town in the department of Apurimac which is reached, having departed from Cuzco, after four hours of good road (145 km asphalted and 10 km affirmed). It is there where the mule muleteers are contacted, who also act as guides. A local family offers lodging and the only phone in the town.
Walk to Choquequirao Currently the trek to Choquequirao (trekking) has become one of the best alternatives to the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, with which it competes in scenic beauty and adventure. The traditional route is Cachora, Coca Masana, Rosalina Beach, Choquequirao, Raqaypata, Chikisca, Cachora. There are also walks that link Machu Picchu with Choquequirao. Normally the adventure begins in the city of Cuzco, on a road trip of 93 km (3h 30 'by car) to the town of Cachora at 2,300 meters above sea level, and from there a 30-kilometer walk starts in 4 or 5 days, with a total of 60 kilometers, crossing areas of abundant and varied vegetation and fauna from the high Andean zone to the jungle, crossing the Apurimac river canyon.
Tour operators offer the service of guides and porters and all the logistics required for the walk. More information of Choquequirao Trek
Choquequirao has only been excavated 30%. Despite this, it already has several very important Inca constructions:
Main square: the main square or Huaqaypata divided the site in two. It is a two-story stone construction. Next to him, there are other buildings connected to each other.
Colcas - Typical buildings of the main Inca centers. In Choquequirao, these platforms have internal subdivisions. The purpose of these deposits was to store products for food, clothing and others.
Platforms: Choquequirao has a significant number of platforms for cultivation. In the western sector there are 22 flame-shaped engravings arranged on 15 platforms. These figures are known as the ‘Flames of the Sun’.
Housing: in the highest part of Choquequirao, there are up to 5 buildings whose purpose was probably housing for the priests of the enclosure. It is believed that this Inca site was an important ceremonial center.
Inca Cemetery - Also known as the ‘Triunfal Wall’. 17 funeral bullets and a water gutter called "The House of the Water Fall" were found.
Kallankas: these rectangular buildings had multiple functions, such as workshop, administrative center, meeting space, etc. In Choquequirao there are 2 Kallankas on whose walls there were canals that supplied water.
Ushnu: This oval platform construction is located on top of a hill. Due to the surrounding wall and the privileged view of the snow-capped mountains, the river and the whole enclosure; It is believed that it had a religious purpose.
The lost city of the Incas of Choquequirao was probably built in the fifteenth century, along with the city of Machu Picchu, during the administration of the Inca Pachacútec. However, this statement is contradicted by other historians who claim that its construction was later than Pachacútec, during the governments of Túpac Yupanqui or Huayna Cápac. Choquequirao Trek Information
In the Inca era, Choquequirao was a very important cultural and religious center that served as a commercial enclave and waypoint to Vilcabamba and Machu Picchu.
During the Inca resistance to the Spanish invasion, Choquequirao was one of the last bastions of resistance and Inca refuge. But, at the fall of the great Inca culture, the Inca people of Choquequirao passed to the forgotten one, and the immeasurable jungle was responsible for hiding it for many centuries.
Just in the early 1800s, the first explorers began to explore the lost city of Choquequirao.
But, it was not until the end of the 1990s that intensive studies began and the restoration plan began.
Currently, of the 1810 hectares comprising the Inca Llaque of Choquequirao, only 30% have been unearthed and put into operation as a tourist area. While 70% of the ruins still lie under the frond of the jungle eyebrow.
Structure
Unlike Machu Picchu, the Archaeological Ensemble of Choquequirao is a dispersed and varied settlement.
Its architectural structure was built with edged stones and mud mortar, and is composed of:
A ceremonial platform (Ushno).
An upper square (Hanan) and a lower square (Hurin).
Temples
Niches
Housing of the priests.
Deposits and barns (Qolqas).
Ditch network.
And a platform system.
Choquequirao sectors
Choquequirao is organized in 12 separate sectors (zones), whose paths converge to a large main square.
Sector I. Located in the highest part, in the Hanan area. It includes an upper main square, buildings and an aqueduct that descends through successive stone fountains (phacchas).
Sector II Located in the Hanan area, below sector I. It includes the Warehouses and warehouses (qolqas) and the “Giant Stairs” stairs of Bingham.
Sector III It is the central nucleus of the citadel. It is located in the upper (hanan) and lower (hurin) sectors. It is made up of the main square or Hauqaypata, some annexed buildings of one and two levels (houses of the rulers and Kallankas).
Sector IV Located in the Hurin or South zone, it is a main building composed of five covers that were probably used for ceremonial uses. In this place is the Temple of the triumphal wall and the sacred pens.
Sector V (Ushnu). Located on top of a hill. It presents a ceremonial oval platform that is surrounded by a small wall. From this place you can see much of the archaeological park of Choquequirao, the mountain range of the Vilcanota Range and the great Apurimac canyon.
Sector VI (Wasi Cancha). It is located south of the ushnu, in the lower part. Also known as temple and housing of priests.
Sector VII. Formed by cultivation platforms on the east side (monumental platforms or sacred platforms), which stand out for hosting wide and wide platforms.
Sector VIII. Made up of 80 platforms, divided into plots and water channels that descend from the main square. Here are the famous "platforms of the Flames of the Sun"
Sector IX. Constituted by popular or family homes. It is better known as Pikiwasi.
Sector X (Paraqtepata). Formed by 18 cultivation platforms and irrigation canals parallel to the stairs.
Sector XI. Located in the area called Phaqchayoq, on the right bank of the Ch’unchumayo stream. It is composed of 80 wide platforms.
Sector XII In this sector are the cultivation platforms. It is made up of 57 platforms with permanent irrigation.
Spectacular and distant, lonely and forgotten, Choquequirao (3,085 masl) is ruled on the top of an almost impregnable mountain in the province of La Convencion, department of Cusco, reason that made it for more than 40 years the last bastion of resistance of The children of the Sun, who sought refuge in their stone walls, after the defeat of Manco Inca, the rebel Inca, will visit palaces, two-level temples, fountain systems, canals, aqueducts, and their admirable "upholstered" profuse platform Vegetation, a place worth the effort. The fatigue yields to the magnificence of Choquequirao.
More Information of Choquequirao Trek
The geographical location is northeast of Cusco between the rivers of Apurimac, Urubamba and the majestic Salkantay with a maximum height of 6,271msnm and a minimum of 2,575 meters above sea level. The Vilcabamba range offers the unique opportunity of a fascinating hike between an environment of glaciers, green mountains, bears, condors, tarantulas, etc. This cloud forest region served as a refuge and natural fortress for the 16th Inca resistance movement of the 16th century, which sought to regain control of the Tahuantinsuyo from Spanish invaders. The customs and clothes typical of local people reflect a mixture of cultures. Its tongue and textiles with Inca and Pre-Inca ornaments, give clear evidence of the influence of the Quechuas. Vilcabamba is also the region where there is a concentration of Pre-Columbian archaeological treasures, including Choquequirao and the famous citadel of Machu Picchu. There is a network of operation of the Inca roads that connects the pampas of Vitcos, Rosas pata and Espiritu Pampa.
This place was dedicated to the carving and extraction of the stones that were used for the construction of Ollantaytambo and many surrounding precincts. This place is nine kilometers from the Inca town of Ollantaytambo and has three groups of quarries:
Molle Pucro, Sirkusirkuyoc (it was the largest of the three), shows evidence of having been in full operation when the Spanish entered this area. And finally Kantirayoq or Cacchicata, where another type of extraction of minerals and precious stones was practiced. The visitor will be able to observe the great work done when moving the gigantic stones to build the Ollantaytambo enclosures. We can find the so-called "Tired Stones" that stayed during the trip to Ollantaytambo and in some parts of the town.
The Walk to the Cachicata Quarries is located in the Ollantaytambo district, the living Inca city, this wonderful walk will take you to know one of the little known places where the stones were extracted for the construction of the cultivation terraces, temples and The entire archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo. We venture into a route full of beautiful and spectacular views of the sacred valley and the mystical city of Ollantaytambo.
We will take you to know the beauties that the sacred valley hides in all its splendor. We will visit the slopes of Cachiccata, the Paqariqtampu pyramid and the imposing snowfall. It will be an unforgettable experience with the best service provided by our professionals, you will be delighted with such beauty that nature offers us. Those who decide to undertake this cultural journey will return full of the ancestral spirit of the Incas and with a little piece of the Andes in their hearts.
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