Exploring the Hidden Incan Treasure: Choquequirao Trek

Echoes of the Incas

Today was nothing short of extraordinary, a deep dive into the heart of Incan history and culture, punctuated by moments of breathtaking beauty and, of course, some truly delicious Peruvian food. Lena and I explored the magnificent CHOQUEQUIRAO EXPERIENCE and the lesser-known Pumamarca Ruins, each holding its own unique charm and secrets. As the sun sets over the Andes, I'm eager to share every detail of our adventure-filled day.

Our day began with an early breakfast at SUMAQCHA RESTAURANT. The cozy atmosphere and friendly faces made it a perfect start. I opted for a hearty traditional Peruvian breakfast of stuffed steaks and a warm broth, while Lena enjoyed the ají de gallina. The family who runs the restaurant were incredibly welcoming, making us feel right at home. It's these kinds of authentic experiences that make traveling so rewarding. Fuelled up and ready for the day, we set off to fully experience Choquequirao.

As we ascended, the views became increasingly stunning. Choquequirao, often called the sister city to Machu Picchu, sits high in the Apurímac River valley, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding Andes. The air was crisp and clean, with a slight chill that reminded me of autumn back in Berlin. October is a great time to visit, with warm days and cool nights. The trek itself was moderately challenging, a mix of rocky paths and steep inclines that definitely got our hearts pumping. But every step was worth it. As we explored the terraces, plazas, and buildings, I couldn't help but marvel at the Incas' ingenuity and architectural prowess.

The beauty of Choquequirao lies not only in its stones but in the journey it takes to reach them.

Lena, with her keen eye for detail, was in her element, snapping photos of every nook and cranny. I, on the other hand, was busy trying to imagine what life must have been like here centuries ago. It's incredible to think that this city, once a bustling center of activity, was nearly lost to time. The site blended perfectly with the environment, no matter the season. We learned that Choquequirao, meaning Cradle of Gold in Quechua, was likely built around the same time as Machu Picchu and served as a vital agricultural hub and possibly a refuge for the Incas after the Spanish conquest.
After hours of exploring, we made our way to the Pumamarca ruins. This site, though smaller than Choquequirao, offered equally impressive views and a sense of serene isolation. The hike to Pumamarca was roughly 6km in total. As we descended, our guide shared histories and pointed out the various flora and fauna. The ruins themselves were the gateway to the Sacred Valley. The trail to Pumamarca was absolutely breathtaking. We passed small trickling waterfalls, crossed wooden bridges, and hiked through towering, shaded forests.
By lunchtime, we were both ravenous. We headed to Inkazuela in Cusco for a cozy meal. This restaurant is known for its freshly made stews served in earthenware, keeping them nice and hot. Lena ordered the Caribbean Coconut Curry Chicken stew, while I decided on the traditional Peruvian classic, Cuy al Horno. Both dishes were incredible, bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection. The restaurant's rustic decor and warm ambiance made it a perfect spot to relax and refuel after a long day of hiking. I can still remember the aromatic flavors of the curry and ginger.
With our bellies full and spirits high, we took some time to explore TEXTILES POMATAYLLA. I was fascinated by the three-dimensional woven wall hangings with traditional symbols from the pre-Inca Wari culture. Diana stocks some of Ayacucho's finest and most well-known artists. Lena, always on the lookout for unique souvenirs, found a beautiful baby alpaca shawl to take back home to Berlin. It's a great place to get a feel for another part of Peru.

As evening approached, we found ourselves at Restaurant Bistro Bar Indio Feliz for dinner. This place is an experience in itself. The vibrant decor and over-the-top design create a fun and inviting atmosphere. The menu is a fusion of French and Peruvian cuisine, and we opted for the set three-course meal. I started with the French onion soup, followed by the mango chicken. Lena chose the avocado and papaya salad. For dessert, we shared the apple pie, served with ice cream and cream. The staff was friendly and attentive, making our dining experience truly memorable. Indio Feliz is located on a side street close to the main plaza.

Reflecting on the day, I'm struck by the incredible blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that Peru has to offer. From the majestic ruins of Choquequirao and Pumamarca to the delicious flavors of Peruvian cuisine, every moment was a feast for the senses. And sharing it all with Lena made it even more special. As we head into tomorrow, we're excited to see what new adventures await us as we explore the Temple of the Moon and Tierras Vivas [sic] [sic]. Good night from Cusco!

Tomorrow, we're planning on visiting the Temple of the Moon and Tierras Vivas. I can't wait to see what other adventures await us!