Discovering the Lost City: Choquequirao Trek Adventure

Whispers of the Lost City

Today was a day of exploration and wonder as Liam and I delved deeper into the heart of Choquequirao. The air was crisp, the sun was shining, and the ancient stones seemed to hum with stories waiting to be told. It's days like these that remind me why I fell in love with adventure photography in the first place – capturing the essence of history and nature intertwined.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Inka Wasi Restaurant. While not the fanciest place, it was full of character, and the food was simple and satisfying, fueling us up for the day's trek. I had some coca tea, which seems to be the local cure-all for altitude sickness, and Liam had a strong coffee to get him going. I made a mental note to try and recreate the coca tea back in Canmore – though I suspect it won’t be quite the same without the Andean air. The dry season in Choquequirao, which lasts from April to October, means that there is minimal rain. The temperature during the day is warm, while the temperature at night is cool.

We set off early, eager to explore the Choquequirao Trek Peru. The site itself is perched high, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. It’s easy to see why it’s called the sister city of Machu Picchu. Though less crowded, it possesses a similar majesty, a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of the Inca civilization. As we hiked, I couldn't help but marvel at the Incas' ability to construct such impressive structures in such a remote and challenging environment. The precision of the stonework, the layout of the terraces, everything spoke of a sophisticated understanding of engineering and agriculture. Liam, ever the pragmatist, was fascinated by the logistics of it all – how did they transport the materials? How did they manage to build such a city without modern tools? These are the questions that keep us both engaged and endlessly curious.


Explore the stunning landscapes and rich history of the Andes with Choquequirao Trek Peru, your gateway to the ancient ruins of Choquequirao.

To walk through Choquequirao is to step back in time, to feel the pulse of an ancient civilization still beating strong in the heart of the Andes.

Around midday, we stopped for lunch at Mistura Grill & Restaurant. The views from the rooftop were incredible, overlooking the Plaza Mayor. The food was delicious, offering a taste of local cuisine with a modern twist. I had some Alpaca skewers with quinoa, while Liam opted for a hearty Lomo Saltado. It was a welcome break, and we lingered over our meal, soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying the warmth of the sun. Before leaving, I bought a couple of woven bracelets from a local artisan – a small memento of our time here.


Discover authentic Peruvian flavors at Mistura Grill & Restaurant in Cusco – where every dish tells a story.

After lunch, we ventured towards the Ruinas de Choquechurco. The name Choquechurco comes from the Aymara word 'CHOQUE', which means gold, and the Quechua word 'CHURCO', which means to place or deposit. So, Choquechurco means the place where gold was deposited. The trek to Choquechurco was particularly fascinating. The ruins are located in the buffer zone of the Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex, in the Markahuaylla sector. The area is covered in vegetation. The ruins are located about 10 km from the town of Mollepata. As we hiked, the landscape transformed, becoming wilder and more untamed. It felt as though we were the first to set foot there in centuries. The remoteness of the site only added to its allure, creating a sense of mystery and intrigue. I tried to imagine what life must have been like for the people who once inhabited this place, what ceremonies they performed, what challenges they faced. It was a humbling experience, a reminder of the impermanence of human endeavors.


Discover the ancient Incan heritage at the breathtaking Ruinas de Choquechurco, a must-visit historical landmark in Peru's stunning Andes mountains.

The ruins of Choquechurco were largely affected by the passage of time. There are two terraces, which may have been used for ceremonies. There are also Inca walls that are almost covered by native trees. There is a ceremonial usnu affected by the passage of time. The archaeological zone is practically in ruins and abandoned due to a lack of maintenance and conservation policies. From this location, you can see the landscape of the Ampay, Socllaccassa, Salkantay, and Umantay mountains.

Later in the afternoon, we took some time to visit TEXTILES POMATAYLLA, a local shop known for its traditional weavings. I am always drawn to local crafts, and this place did not disappoint. The shop had a wide array of textiles, from colorful blankets and scarves to intricate wall hangings. I learned that the owner, Diana Pomataylla, was inspired to open the store to share the crafts of Ayacucho with travelers from around the world. Her father, Marcelino, is an accomplished Ayacuchan weaver who works with local women to create traditional weavings with a modern twist. I ended up buying a beautiful table runner with embroidered birds and flowers – a perfect addition to our home in Canmore. I have always admired Scandinavian design for its simplicity and functionality, but there’s something about the vibrant colors and intricate patterns of these Andean textiles that speaks to my soul.


Explore the colorful world of authentic Peruvian textiles at Textiles Pomataylla in the heart of Cusco.

For dinner, we decided to try Toto's House. It wasn't the best experience. The service was bad, and the servers were not friendly. The food was okay, but the risotto was not fully cooked. The steak was rare instead of medium. However, the views of the river were nice.


Experience authentic Peruvian cuisine at Toto's House in Aguas Calientes – where every meal is a celebration of local flavors.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the mountains, we made our way back to our campsite. The air was cool and still, and the only sound was the gentle murmur of the wind. Sitting there, watching the stars begin to emerge, I felt a profound sense of peace. It was a moment of pure connection – with nature, with history, and with each other. These are the moments I live for, the moments that make all the challenges and sacrifices worthwhile. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of modern life, to lose sight of what truly matters. But out here, in the heart of the Andes, everything is stripped down to its essence. All that remains is the beauty of the natural world and the bonds of human connection.

Tomorrow, we continue our trek, heading towards Puerta Del Sol and Machu Andén [i]. I’m excited to see what new wonders await us, what new stories the ancient stones will tell. I have a feeling that the best is yet to come. As I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this incredible journey. It's more than just a trek; it's a pilgrimage, a quest for meaning and connection in a world that often feels disconnected and chaotic. And I wouldn't trade it for anything.

There are several events in Peru in October. In Ica, the Señor de Luren Festival is celebrated during the third week of October. In Lima, the Lord of Miracles is celebrated from October 1-30. In Cusco, the Bajada de los Reyes festival features local dances and traditional processions.