t is located at 13 ° 32 'south latitude and 72 ° 44' west longitude. It is located at 3035 m.a.s.l. in the foothills of the snowy Salcantay, north of the Apurimac river valley, in the province of La Convencion in the department of Cusco. It is approximately at a distance of 47 km. with reference to the town of Cachora (department of Apurimac).
We can mention that the Choquequirao environment is one of the richest in biodiversity. All these species have been conditioned despite temperature variations such as sun throughout the day and inclement frosts during the night. The fauna of the place is mainly composed of condors, tarucas, vizcachas, foxes, skunks, pumas, hummingbirds, spectacled bears and the popular rooster of the rocks, national bird of Peru. Giant ferns, ichu and a great variety of orchids stand out in its flora, where the wakanki variety stands out.
Weather
Because of its geographical position, Choquequirao trek has a warm climate alternated with cold temperatures at night. The average annual temperature is 17ºC.
History
During the Inca civilization it was a cultural as well as religious center for the region. Well, it is presumed that this citadel was used as a checkpoint to ensure access to the areas of Vilcabamba, which connected the jungle with other important centers such as Písac and Machu Picchu. It is also estimated that the citadel played an important role serving as a link between the Amazon rainforest and the capital of the Inca empire (Cusco).
At the time of transition that lasted approximately 40 years, Choquequirao is considered one of the last strongholds of resistance and refuge of the Incas, who by orders of Manco Inca, left the city of Cusco to protect themselves in the cities of the Vilcabamba region, when around 1535 Cusco was controlled by the Spanish. It was in this place (and in general throughout the Vilcabamba Valley) where Manco Inca and the last Inca descendants of Vilcabamba where they resisted the attack of the Spaniards, until the capture and execution of Túpac Amaru I that happened in the year 1572.
