Family Adventure on the Choquequirao Trek

Whispers of the Past

Today, the tenth day of our Peruvian adventure, felt like stepping directly into a history book. The crisp mountain air carried whispers of the Inca civilization as we explored the fascinating sites of Machu Andén and Huacra Pukara. It’s a privilege to share these moments with Hans and Sophie, watching their faces light up with wonder as we uncover the stories etched into these ancient stones.


Explore the captivating beauty and rich history of Machu Andén, a serene tourist attraction in the heart of Cusco, Peru.

Our day began, as many do on this trek, with a hearty breakfast at LA TERRAZA DE CHOQUEQUIRAO. The simple, nourishing meal fortified us for the day's explorations. I savored the local flavors, thinking of how food connects us to a place and its people. Fuelled up, we set off to discover the ingenuity and resilience of the Incas at Machu Andén.
Machu Andén, with its remarkable agricultural terraces, truly showcased the Incas' mastery of engineering and sustainable farming. Sophie, with her keen interest in environmental science, was particularly fascinated by the sophisticated irrigation systems and the way the terraces were designed to prevent erosion. I tried to imagine the countless hours of labor and the deep understanding of the land that went into creating these fertile slopes. It's humbling to witness such a harmonious relationship between humans and nature, a stark contrast to some of the environmental challenges we face today. Hans, ever the pragmatist, admired the sheer structural integrity of the andenes, commenting on how they've withstood the test of time and the elements.

To truly understand a culture, one must walk in the footsteps of its ancestors.

After immersing ourselves in the agricultural wonders of Machu Andén, we continued our journey to Huacra Pukara. The trek itself was invigorating, the landscape unfolding in layers of breathtaking beauty. The air was thin, but the views were expansive, stretching across valleys and towards distant, snow-capped peaks. The colors of the Andes in November are particularly striking, with the dry season painting the hills in hues of gold and brown.

Explore Huacra Pukara, a hidden archaeological gem in Cusco, Peru, showcasing Inca history and stunning Andean landscapes.

As we approached Huacra Pukara, its imposing silhouette against the skyline was awe-inspiring. The name Huacra Pukara comes from the Quechua words 'waqra,' meaning horn, and 'pukara,' meaning fortress, describing the horn-shaped rock formations that crown this ancient site. Local legend suggests the shape is inspired by the upright ears of the llama. Perched at over 4,140 meters above sea level, it felt like we were standing on top of the world.
Exploring Huacra Pukara was an unforgettable experience. The site is a fascinating blend of pre-Inca and Inca architecture, showcasing the evolution of cultures in this region. We wandered through the stone structures, imagining the lives of the people who once inhabited this sacred place. It is believed that Huacra Pukara was initially populated by the Chelqes and Maskas ethnic groups. Later, during the Inca era, Wayna Qhapaq transformed it into an astronomical observation center. The panoramic views from the fortress were simply stunning, offering a unique perspective on the surrounding landscape. We could see why this location was chosen for both strategic and spiritual purposes.
The wind howled around us as we stood there, taking in the grandeur of Huacra Pukara. It was easy to imagine the ancient priests making offerings to the sun and moon, connecting with the divine in this powerful setting. Sophie found a quiet spot to sketch the landscape, capturing the essence of the place in her artwork. Hans and I simply sat in silence, absorbing the energy of this ancient site.
After a fulfilling day of exploration, we descended from Huacra Pukara, our minds filled with the wonders we had witnessed. We stopped for a late lunch at Chull's - Peruvian Cuisine & Craft Beer, savoring the flavors of Peru while reminiscing about our day's adventures. It's these shared meals and conversations that make traveling with family so special.

Experience authentic Peruvian cuisine and craft beer at Chull's in Cusco - where tradition meets flavor.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the valley, we made our way back towards Cusco. We decided to treat ourselves to a fun evening at Best View Restobar Karaoke. It was a chance to unwind, laugh, and perhaps embarrass ourselves with our attempts at singing. The karaoke was a blast, even if my rendition of Edith Piaf wasn't exactly pitch-perfect. Hans surprised us all with his surprisingly good Elvis impression!


Experience vibrant nightlife with stunning views at Best View Restobar Karaoke in Cusco, where delicious cuisine meets energetic entertainment.

For dinner, we headed to Inka Wasi Restaurant Cusco, drawn in by the promise of authentic Peruvian cuisine. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, filled with the aroma of traditional spices. We enjoyed a delicious meal, savoring every bite and reflecting on the incredible day we had experienced.

Experience authentic Peruvian cuisine at Inka Wasi Restaurant in Cusco's vibrant Plaza Regocijo.

Tomorrow, we continue our trek, venturing towards Chincana Chica and KERNEL TAMBO. I am eager to see what other secrets and stories await us in this land of ancient wonders. I've heard that Chincana Chica offers a fascinating glimpse into Inca rituals and beliefs, and I'm particularly excited to explore KERNEL TAMBO, known for its well-preserved Inca architecture. Before we head out, we'll enjoy breakfast at Mapacho Craft Beer Restaurant, which sounds like a delightful way to start the day. Then, we will visit Artesanias Maki to buy souvenirs.

Tonight, as I sit here writing, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to experience this journey with my family. Peru is a land of magic and mystery, and I am excited to see what tomorrow brings. I am also grateful for the portable charger I remembered to pack, as it ensured I could capture all these memories without running out of battery! Though I did forget my travel pillow, I think I will manage without it. It is all part of the adventure!
I hope you'll join us tomorrow as we continue our exploration of this fascinating country. Until then, à bientôt!