Exploring the Hidden Incan Treasure: Choquequirao Trek

Reaching New Heights

Today was nothing short of spectacular! After days of anticipation, Lena and I finally explored the magnificent ruins of Choquequirao. The sheer scale of the place, combined with the breathtaking views, made all the hard trekking worthwhile. But it wasn't just the ruins themselves; it was also the delicious food and the vibrant local culture that made this day truly special.

The morning started early, as usual, with a hearty breakfast at Inka Wasi Restaurant. Fueling up is essential for a day of exploring ancient ruins! I had some eggs and some bread and coffee, and Lena enjoyed some fruit with yogurt. It was a simple meal, but the flavors were great. The dry season is definitely the best time to visit Choquequirao with clear skies, which made for a great start to the day.

After breakfast, we headed straight for the Choquequirao ruins. The hike up was challenging, but the views along the way were incredible. The Apurímac Canyon is truly breathtaking, and we even spotted a few condors soaring overhead. It's moments like these that remind me why I love traveling – the chance to witness such raw, natural beauty is simply unparalleled. The trek itself is moderately challenging, but the stunning scenery makes it worthwhile.

Reaching the ruins was an emotional experience. Standing in the heart of Choquequirao, surrounded by the remnants of Inca civilization, was awe-inspiring. The stonework is incredible, and the layout of the city is fascinating. It's easy to see why Choquequirao is often referred to as Machu Picchu's 'sister city'. Though, I must say, it felt much more tranquil and less touristy, which was a welcome change. We spent hours exploring the different terraces, plazas, and temples, trying to imagine what life must have been like here centuries ago. The site sits high in the mountains, offering panoramic views.

Sometimes, the greatest adventures are found not in reaching a destination, but in the experiences we gather along the way.

After a morning of exploring, we were both starving. Luckily, we had planned to have lunch at SUMAQCHA RESTAURANT. The restaurant is family owned and has reasonable prices and delicious traditional Peruvian cuisine. Lena and I shared a variety of dishes, including stuffed steaks, broth, and ají de gallina. The food was incredible, and the service was excellent. The cozy atmosphere made us feel right at home, and we enjoyed chatting with the owners about the local culture. Lena was particularly impressed with the lovely decor, a testament to the family's care and attention to detail.

In the late afternoon, we made our way back down from the ruins, feeling tired but incredibly fulfilled. We decided to treat ourselves to a few craft beers at Cervecería Del Valle Sagrado - Taproom Quispicanchis. After a long day of hiking and exploring, nothing sounded better than a cold beer. The taproom offered a range of craft beers, and we sampled a few different varieties. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, and we enjoyed chatting with some of the other patrons.

As the sun began to set, we headed to Mapacho Craft Beer Restaurant for dinner. I had heard great things about their food, and I was eager to try it for myself. The restaurant has some great reviews and is known for its beer. The restaurant was founded in 1996 and is the go-to beer resource. We ordered a couple of their signature dishes, and we were not disappointed. The flavors were bold and delicious, and the portions were generous.

To cap off the evening, we enjoyed a few more drinks at the bar, soaking in the lively atmosphere and reflecting on the incredible day we had. The restaurant provides a unique taste that allows you to immerse yourself in the rich culture of Machu Picchu. The staff was friendly and attentive, and we felt right at home. It was the perfect way to end a perfect day.

As I sit here writing this, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences we've had today. Exploring the ruins of Choquequirao was a dream come true, and the delicious food and vibrant local culture made it even more special. I'm also grateful to be sharing this adventure with Lena. Her enthusiasm and curiosity make every moment even more enjoyable. Traveling with her makes this experience even more special as we share a deep appreciation for exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Tomorrow, we will head towards Juchuy Coscco and the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. I am excited to see what new adventures await us. I have heard it is even more breathtaking than Choquequirao. I'm eager to explore another ancient site and immerse myself in the rich history of the Inca civilization. And, of course, I'm looking forward to trying more of the local cuisine. Until then, goodnight from the Andes!

P.S. I almost forgot to mention that I realized I had forgotten my portable power bank! It would have been great to have that today. I will need to remember to buy one tomorrow.