This “lost city” fascinated 19th century explorers and Hiram Bingham
visited it two years before he discovered Machu Picchu.
The more famous ruins of Machu Picchu are situated on the eastern slope of the
Cordillera Vilcabamba, and Choquekirau, located on the western slope at about the
same parallel, forms what could almost be described as their mirror image. Both
cities are located half-way up steep, densely-forested mountain slopes, overlooking
major rivers.
The southern approach to Choquekirau from Cachora requires a steep descent from
almost 3200 metres down to the Apurímac river at 1200 metres, followed by
an even steeper ascent to the ruins. The site is perched a magnificent 1150 metres
above the Apurímac, surrounded by densely-forested mountain slopes in the
shadow of massive, snow covered peaks.
Complete Itinerary
Day 1:
Cusco - Cachora.
Day 2:
Cachora - Santa Rosa.
Day 3:
Santa Rosa - Choquekirau.
Day 4:
Choquekirau - Rosalina Beach.
Day 5:
Rosalina Beach - Cocamasana.
Day 6:
Cocamasana - Cachora - Cusco.
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