There exists an Inca city with the same architectural and geographical style as the wonder of Machu Picchu. Both archaeological centers, despite their similarities, also offer different landscapes, have their own stories, and are filled with traditions with ancestral customs inherited by their families.
Both feature unique landscapes, presenting abundant natural areas with diversity in flora and fauna due to their geographical location.
It is situated 3,033 meters above sea level and strategically located by the Inca empire, as it is situated on the banks of the Apurímac River, on the edge of the jungle, and belongs to the district of Santa Teresa, La Convención province in Cusco.
The Machu Picchu Sanctuary is over 2,400 meters above sea level, located in the Urubamba Province, Cusco region, next to the Andes mountain range.
It's never a bad time to visit both majesties for all they offer in adventure and experience, regardless of seasonal changes. However, if you wish to avoid discomfort due to rain and preserve the best memories, it is preferable to visit during the dry season.
As it is located in an area with no direct access by transportation, it is suggested to undertake the trekking adventure from April to October to avoid constant rain and mud on the way to Choquequirao.
Recognized as one of the best tourist destinations in the world, it is visited throughout the year due to high demand. However, the best months to ensure the best view of the sanctuary are from April to October.
There is a significant difference in getting to these magnificent places, as while Machu Picchu has more than one access route by direct transportation, for Choquequirao, this possibility does not exist, and it is only reachable by long walks.
You need to take a car to Curahuasi or Abancay and then another to Cachora, then to Capuliyoc, to undertake the extensive trek and complete the visit, which lasts four days.
Access is more accessible as there are three access routes, each providing the best experience.
One of the easiest routes is to travel by car from Cusco to Ollantaytambo (1.30 hours) to catch the train that will take you to Aguas Calientes, and from there, take a bus to the Machu Picchu citadel.
Take a train from Cusco, specifically in Poroy, which will go directly to Aguas Calientes (3 hours), and then take a bus to the wonder.
From Cusco, take a car to Santa María (4 hours), then another to the Hidroeléctrica, then walk for 2 hours enjoying the splendid view to reach Aguas Calientes, and finally, take the bus to the Machu Picchu sanctuary.
The climate will vary depending on the season.
Throughout the year, the average annual temperature is 16°C. In the dry season, the weather during the day is hot, reaching a maximum of 25°C, and nights can be cold, around 4°C. In the rainy season, the temperature ranges from 23°C to 6°C.
Generally, the weather is warm and humid during the day and cool at night, ranging between 12°C and 24°C.
In the dry season, from April to October, humidity levels are low, reaching up to 25°C, and during the early mornings, the temperature drops.
In the rainy season, from November to March, it tends to rain constantly, with maximum temperatures of 22°C and minimums of 8°C.
Machu Picchu, having the highest number of daily visitors, has an ordered entry time according to the entrance ticket reservation to maintain order, unlike Choquequirao.
Choquequirao allows entry from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm every day, with ticket purchase at the archaeological center entrance.
The gates are open every day, from Monday to Sunday, but to purchase the entrance ticket, it is important to make the reservation one or two months in advance due to the high demand to visit the Machu Picchu world wonder.
Entry is made at the ticket time, which is set in three periods, and each visitor can stay up to three hours within the sanctuary.
You instantly feel the spiritual energy; these are perfect places for reflection on life, filled with mystery, with legends intertwined in the history of the Incas. This and much more you can experience firsthand, as your own feet guide you towards the sacred citadels of Cusco.
You can take all the time you need to explore Choquequirao. It is a citadel much larger than Machu Picchu, and you can enjoy the experience with plenty of adrenaline throughout the entire journey, while each of its constructions captivates your adventurous heart.
So majestic is this archaeological center that photos or videos cannot compare to the breathtaking view and experience you will have when visiting one of the wonders of the world. Ranked among the best tourist destinations on the planet, you cannot miss the opportunity to visit the most important citadel of the Inca Empire.
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