Choquequirao

Choquequirao is a little-known Incan city in southern Peru that may have served as the civilization's final refuge. Choquequirao is similar in style and architecture to the far more well-known Machu Picchu, but because of its remote location, it is almost empty of people, making it far more atmospheric and worth the effort it takes to get there.

Choquequirao, built by the Incas in the late 15th century and enlarged over the next century, is said to have acted as a regional administrative headquarters as well as a local military center. It was a crucial link between Cusco and the Amazon jungle, and is thought to have served as a form of 'check point' or entrance to the Vilcabamba.

Civil conflict ravaged the Incan Empire in the 16th century, which the Conquistadors took advantage of when they arrived in the region in the early 1530s. Following the collapse of Cusco, the Inca used Choquequirao as a shelter. Following their defeat of Incan soldiers in 1572, the Spanish never discovered it — or at least never wrote about it.

The majority of visitors opt for a guided hike to Choquequirao; having someone describe the site to you is quite helpful, as there is no interpretation available. It's not for the faint of heart, but those who make it to the cloud forest will be rewarded handsomely.

Location: Santa Teresa, La Convención Province, Cusco Region, Perú