Exploring the Hidden Incan Treasure: Choquequirao Trek

City Above the Clouds and Terraces of the Sun

Today was a day of immersion into the ingenuity and spirit of the Inca civilization. As Lena and I continued our trek, each stone and vista whispered stories of a people deeply connected to their environment. The crisp mountain air and the stunning landscapes made every step a profound experience.

The morning began with a hearty breakfast at Ponchos Machupicchu Restaurant. Fuelled up, we set off to explore the wonders that awaited us. Our first stop was Puyupatamarca, often called 'The City Above the Clouds'. The name itself is incredibly fitting; the site sits at an altitude of roughly 3,600 meters, and as we approached, the mist swirled around the ruins, creating an ethereal atmosphere.

To walk through Puyupatamarca is to walk through a living testament to the Incas' architectural prowess and spiritual connection to the mountains.

Standing there, surrounded by the well-preserved stone structures, I couldn't help but marvel at the Incas' advanced engineering skills. The terraces, aqueducts, and ceremonial baths spoke volumes about their daily lives and spiritual practices. It was easy to imagine this place as a vital resting point along the Inca Trail, a sanctuary for weary travelers on their way to Machu Picchu. The five small stone baths were a particular highlight, with fresh running water even in the dry season, a testament to the sophisticated irrigation systems the Incas developed. As a software developer, I am always impressed by the ingenuity of ancient civilizations, especially when they find ways to innovate without the technology we have today. Lena, with her graphic designer's eye, was captivated by the way the structures blended seamlessly with the natural landscape. We spent a good hour exploring every nook and cranny, snapping photos and simply soaking in the atmosphere. It was a truly magical experience, feeling like we were walking through a town suspended between the earth and the sky.


Discover the breathtaking beauty and rich history of Puyupatamarca, an ancient Incan site high in the Andes, along the iconic Inca Trail.

After leaving Puyupatamarca, we continued our trek towards Intipata. The trail offered breathtaking panoramic views of the Urubamba River valley, with the Andes Mountains providing a stunning backdrop. As we hiked, we discussed the possibility of incorporating some of the Incan architectural principles into modern sustainable designs. It's fascinating how much we can learn from the past. Intipata, meaning 'Sun's Terrace' in Quechua, was our next destination. This site is believed to have been a terraced agricultural center, and as we approached, the scale and ingenuity of the Inca farming techniques became apparent. The terraces were ingeniously designed to maximize arable land on the steep Andean slopes, with irrigation channels and drainage systems ensuring the productivity of the crops. It is believed that Intipata had a strong connection to solar worship, which is a common theme throughout the Inca Empire. The terraces are believed to have been used for farming, likely growing crops like maize and coca. Given its strategic location, it is likely that it also served a religious and ceremonial role. Lena was particularly fascinated by the variety of plants and flowers growing on the terraces. She spotted over 200 types of orchids, some of which are unique to this cloud forest region. As someone who appreciates the beauty of nature, she was in her element, capturing the vibrant colors and intricate details of the flora with her camera. I was more interested in the engineering aspect, marveling at how the Incas managed to create such a productive agricultural site in such a challenging environment. The terraces not only provided a means of growing crops but also helped prevent soil erosion, showcasing the Incas' deep understanding of sustainable land management. We learned that the terraces were rediscovered in 1992, nestled between the ruins of Winay Wayna and the Intipunku Sungate near the Machu Picchu complex. It was amazing to think that this site had remained hidden for so long, only to be revealed again, offering us a glimpse into the past.


Explore Intipata, an archaeological wonder with breathtaking terraces and serene views, showcasing the rich agricultural heritage of the Incas.

After spending several hours exploring Intipata, we made our way back, our minds filled with the wonders we had witnessed. Before heading back to camp for the night, we stopped by Speedy Gonzalo Camping Equipment to pick up a portable power bank, since I realized I had forgotten mine. It was a small oversight, but one that could have been a major inconvenience given how much we rely on our devices for navigation and photography. For dinner, we decided to treat ourselves at Pachapapa, a restaurant in Cusco known for its traditional Peruvian cuisine. We started with some alpaca meat tartare, marinated in oriental sauce, followed by classic dishes like aji de gallina and seco de cordero. Lena, ever adventurous, even tried the cuy (guinea pig), a local delicacy. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting, making it the perfect end to a day filled with exploration and discovery. As we sat there, enjoying our meal, we reflected on the day's experiences. Puyupatamarca and Intipata had offered us a unique glimpse into the world of the Incas, their ingenuity, their spirituality, and their deep connection to the land. It was a day that enriched our understanding of this ancient civilization and deepened our appreciation for the beauty and wonder of Peru. Tomorrow, we are heading to Saqsaywaman and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. I am excited to see what new adventures await us as we continue our journey through this incredible country. October in the Choquequirao region is typically warm during the day, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. However, nights can be quite cold, dropping to around 5°C, so it's essential to pack warm clothing for camping. The dry season lasts from April to October, so rainfall is infrequent, making it an ideal time for trekking. The weather is generally stable, with clear skies and plenty of sunshine, perfect for enjoying the stunning landscapes.