Hiking the Choquequirao Trek in Peru – Everything You Need to Know
Last Updated on February 20, 2020
Adventurers are ultra-enthusiastic beings, which includes hikers as well. They always tend to search for new challenges and earn a glorified triumph over them. Hikers are always in search of trails that are close to impossible trekking.
However, our world is much bigger and mysterious enough to quench the never-ending thirst of adventurous minds. Moreover, popular trails are loaded with visitors in the peak seasons and need to book way in advance, which is practically not convenient at all for many.
Rather than waiting for your turn, the best thing to do is to start the journey with the ones which are available then and there. If you are among the thousands who are waiting for their turn to trek on Machu Picchu or Inca Trail, or you have already explored both the trails and want something more complicated and challenging, then help yourself by trying the Choquequirao Trek.
Choquequirao At A Glance
Choquequirao trek is the perfect combination of authentic exploration of a trail and the right amount of difficulty for the most skilled. It is less explored and infamous, and the reason is the difficulty level of getting there and 60% of unexplored areas.
Only the most patient and experienced are capable of trekking the Choquequirao. Choquequirao is an Inca city ruin and a 58km return hike to the ruins. It is situated near Cusco, Peru. Structurally and architecturally, it resembles Machu Picchu, thus known as Machu Picchu’s sister.
In terms of the total area also, it is as big if not more as Machu Picchu. Though the resemblance is striking, yet it gets near to no visitors compared to the former trail. While the former attracts more than three thousand visitors a day, the latter hardly gets a double-digit.
That in no way implies it is any lesser in beauty or background history; it is rather complicated and tranquil, has a unique atmosphere where you can keep it all for yourself with no crowd around.
Hiking On Choquequirao Trek
The best thing about Choquequirao Trek is, hiking here doesn’t require any permit or guide. You can visit without any permission, whenever you think of hiking and can hike it all alone. It is complicated, and you need to be the most skilled, but it is very well maintained, and getting lost there is highly unlikely.
Calling Choquequirao pristine will not be wrong as only 40% of it is being excavated. It has possession of some incredible masterpieces in the form of temples, plazas, roofs, terraces, massive walls, and canals, and the only way to explore the masterpieces are by foot. So, hiking the most tricky trail and all the struggles become worth experiencing.
All You Need To Know About Choquequirao Trek
- So, what more you need to know about Choquequirao Trek. Let’s share it briefly.
- You do not need to book in advance. Booking at the entrance is what the trek permits.
- The full view at sunset is incomparable.
- To camp at night, you will need tents.
- The atmosphere is too quiet and incredibly dark at night. If loneliness and darkness is not your cup of tea, you better skip it.
- The government is planning to start a cable car, which will eventually lessen the difficulty level of hiking and attract more visitors.
- You can explore it alone even though it is known as one of the toughest trails.
- How About Trekking Machu Picchu
Choquequirao Trek can be hiked as a standalone trail, and it can also be explored by extending and ending the hiking at Machu Picchu. It in a way is unique, as you cannot do the same if you are visiting Machu Picchu, you cannot end your hiking at Choquequirao if started from Machu Picchu. You will need a total of 9 days to begin your journey from Choquequirao Trek and finish it in Machu Picchu.
Best Time to Visit
It is a trek that is explorable all around the year. It will take a full day to explore all the whole Choquequirao. So, hiking, it will need at least 4 -days and a maximum of 5 days. However, the best time to explore it will be from May to November, and if you want to explore Machu Picchu as well, then start hiking in the month of April till October.
Final Words
Do not think of exploring this trek if you are not skilled enough or physically fit to endure the extreme. It will be risky. If you are a beginner, go hiking on the spots which are beginner-friendly. Once you have gathered much experience and efficiency, go for the complicated ones. The more complicated, accessible only by foot types of trails might attract you the most, but nothing is more significant than being safe while hiking. So, be safe and have happy hiking.
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