Choq’ekirao – Mysterious Hidden Jewel of the Inca Empire
Choq’ekirao, known as the sacred sister of Machu Picchu, rises majestically between the Andes and the Cusco jungle as a major Inca religious and political center. Its architecture, divided into nine sectors with temples, agricultural terraces, and ceremonial plazas, reflects the perfect harmony between nature and Andean spirituality. Among its wonders stand out the “ Llamas of the Sun, ” a set of 22 figures carved into the terraces, oriented toward the imposing Qori Huayrachina snow peak, a symbol of the Inca solar cult.
Reaching Choq’ekirao is an unforgettable adventure: a challenging hike that rewards travelers with breathtaking landscapes, golden sunrises, and starry nights that envelop visitors in the magic and mystery of the Tahuantinsuyo.
Tabla de Contenidos
Meaning of Choq’ekirao
Choquequirao (from Quechua chuqi, meaning “gold,” and k’iraw, meaning “cradle” — thus “cradle of gold”) refers to the archaeological remains of an Inca city located between Mount Salkantay and the jungle of Santa Teresa.
Location and Extent
The Choq’ekirao Archaeological Park is located in the western area of Cusco, in the foothills of the Vilcabamba mountain range, oriented from southeast to northwest. It lies at 3,033 meters above sea level on Mount Salkantay, overlooking the Apurímac River valley. Its total territorial area covers 103,814.39 hectares.
Choq’ekirao belongs to the district of Santa Teresa, province of La Convención, department of Cusco.
History
During the Inca period, Choq’ekirao was an important cultural and religious center, as well as a strategic control point between the Vilcabamba jungle and other Inca centers such as Písac and Machu Picchu. During the transitional period, it became one of the last refuges of the Inca Empire, where Manco Inca and his followers resisted the Spanish invasion until the capture of Túpac Amaru I in 1572.
During the colonial era, the citadel was first mentioned in 1710 by Juan Arias Díaz Topete and later documented in 1768 by Cosme Bueno, though it remained forgotten for centuries. The rediscovery of Choq’ekirao took place in the 19th century, with the first explorations by José María Tejada in 1834 and Leonce Angrand in 1837, who created the first maps of the site. However, it was the archaeologist Hiram Bingham who, in 1909, built upon these findings and produced a detailed scientific description of the site, which sparked global interest in the Inca citadel.
Archaeological excavations began in the 1970s, and since 1986, intensive studies and a comprehensive restoration plan have been underway. To date, only about 30% of the complex—covering roughly 1,810 hectares—has been restored, a testament to the site’s vastness and the complexity of its recovery. Although completion was projected for 2011, restoration work continues, deepening understanding of its historical significance and cultural legacy.
Tourist Attractions
It is believed that Choq’ekirao was the most important religious center in the region, likely inhabited by priests and deities—an idea supported by the discovery of paintings and burial sites. Architecturally, the site is organized into nine zones built like small villages converging around a large main plaza, with key sectors identified as:
- Upper Plaza (Hanan)
- Main Plaza (Huaqaypata)
- Ceremonial Platform (Ushno)
- Storehouses (Qolqa)
- Terrace System
- Priests’ Residences
This complex layout suggests that Choq’ekirao was not only a religious enclave but also a major political and economic center that facilitated cultural and commercial exchange between the coast, highlands, and jungle.
The site is notable for its two-story buildings with niches, double-jamb doors, and irrigation channels. The construction material is finely cut stone joined with mud. A unique feature is the 22 “ Llamas of the Sun ” figures carved across 15 terraces, facing Mount Qori Huayrachina. The complex also includes an extensive system of agricultural terraces that visually carpet the mountainsides. Archaeologist Luis Guillermo Lumbreras proposed that Choq’ekirao gives the impression of being a growing urban center — part of a much larger unfinished project.
How to Get to Choq’ekirao
Land Access: The journey begins in Cusco, taking ground transportation toward Cachora (via the Abancay route). The trip takes approximately 6 hours. From there, the final access to the citadel is a demanding uphill hike of about 27 kilometers, usually completed in 4 days. While there are alternative routes through nearby villages, these are often much steeper and more challenging.
Recommendation for an Enjoyable Route
The trek passes through cold areas and requires significant physical effort, so it is recommended to travel with an experienced guide familiar with the route, the stunning landscapes, and the secrets of this magical Inca destination. In this way, the journey becomes a safe, enriching, and adventurous experience. Essential Items for the Trip:
- Comfortable and durable trekking clothes and shoes
- Lightweight tent and sleeping bag
- Sunscreen and hat
- Flashlight and rechargeable batteries
- Sufficient water, light or instant food, energy cookies, and a small portable stove
Conclusion
Choq’ekirao, the “cradle of gold” of the Inca Empire, stands as a hidden jewel between the Andes and the Cusco jungle — a symbol of the greatness, spirituality, and resilience of the Tahuantinsuyo. Its architecture, with temples, terraces, and carved stone llama figures, reveals the wisdom and harmony with nature that characterized the Incas. Reaching this sanctuary requires a challenging yet unforgettable hike, where every step unveils breathtaking landscapes, golden sunrises, and star-filled nights. More than a tourist destination, Choq’ekirao is a transformative experience — a meeting with the living history of Peru and the mystical spirit of a civilization that continues to inspire the world.
Contact us:
With Life Expeditions, your dream trip to Peru becomes a reality. Specialists in the Inca Trail and tailor-made packages, we take you to unique places such as:
Ready for a personalized adventure? Your adventure begins now!
