Spending the days of quarantine can be a starting point to discover a little more about Peru and virtually explore its multiple cultural and historical wealth. Citadels, archaeological complexes, nature reserves, museums; all within reach of a click to fill with knowledge and pleasure this season of isolation.
In this opportunity, we travel from our computer, tablet, or mobile phone to Choquequirao, one of the most important political and religious centers of the Inca and known as “the sacred sister” of Machu Picchu. This complex, located in Cusco between summits of difficult access and covered by vast vegetation, remained for almost four centuries wrapped in silence. Today, it is one of the Inca marks with the greatest tourist potential in Peru and you can know it from home.
In this virtual guide, you will be able to watch from different 360 ° panoramic views all the sectors where the main temples and residences lie, as well as the Vilcabamba valley and all the mountains that surround this complex embed on the top of a mountain.
A stronghold of resistance or an important religious center
The oldest references of Choquequirao date back to the 19th century, when Count De Sartiges, a French adventurer, visited the citadel in 1983. However, it was until 1909 that this historic gem was made known to the world by the American explorer Hiram Bingham who, accompanied by a group of Apurímac researchers, arrived at the site and spread its great historical value.
One of the theories about its origin indicates that, along with other places in the Vilcabamba valley, this place served as a refuge for Inca rulers. According to archaeologists, here the last Tahuantinsuyo rebels, released by Manco Inca, son of Huáscar, founded the State of Vilcabamba and revolted against the Spanish presence. Other investigations maintain that it was a religious site and that priests and people with theistic beliefs lived there.
Inca vestige that you should visit
If you plan to visit Choquequirao after the COVID-19 crisis, you should know that there are only two alternatives to get there: by air –in a helicopter-; and on foot, from the small town of Cachora, in Abancay. The walk usually takes two days.
Source: peru.travel / PromPerú