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The Manco Inca dynasty resisted the Spanish conquerors during 40
years (1536 to 1572) from this fortress in the Vilcabamaba area.
The Spanish conquerors were never able to expel them from it.
The building of Chocquequirao is the work of Inca Pachacutec successors
Tupac Inca Yupanqui (1471-1 493) and Wayna Capac (1493-1527). Household
and ceremonial pottery has been found here that bears both the classic
Cusco style and also from other populations who came to live here
to build and permanently populate the area. Most likely, they were
experienced farmers who knew how to build and use farming terraces
in high Amazon forest areas. Located at 3 050 masl on the border
with department of Apurímac, the Choquequirao archeological
compound was not built to be a place of easy access. Reaching it
demands two days of disciplined march, largely compensated by the
beauty of the landscape that wayfarers cross from the beginning
of their expedition.
The road starts at Cachora (2300 masl), a small town in the Apurímac
department, after traveling four hours on the mostly paved road
from Cusco (145 km paved and 10 km of dirt road). Mule packers can
be contacted there who can also act as guides. A local family offers
accommodation and the only telephone in town. Approximately 40%
of the Choquequirao Inca ceremonial center has been cleared of vegetation.
The remaining area is formed by a complex terrace system built on
extremely steep slopes. A very impressive stairway of 180 terraces
has been recently spotted. It descends from one of the ceremonial
center flanks and reaches the river open to swimming.
Choquequirao was probably one of the entrance check point to the
Vilcabamba region, and also an administrative hub serving political,
social and economic functions. Its urban design has followed the
symbolic patterns of the imperial capital, with ritual places dedicated
to the Sun (Inti) and the ancestors, to the earth, water and other
divinities, with mansions for administrators and houses for artisans,
warehouses, large dormitories or kallankas and farming terraces
belonging to the Inca or the local people. Spreading over 700 meters,
the ceremonial area drops as much as 65 meters from the elevated
areas to the main square.
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Choquequirao
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