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The less-traveled Machu Picchu
So I'm in the midst of planning a backpacking trip through Peru. As I was flipping through some reading material, I couldn't help but be bombarded by endless mentions of Machu Picchu. Yet there's a little known alternative to one of the seven modern wonders of the world.It's Choquequirao, another lost Inca city, modeled after Machu Picchu in fact. And it's only 100 miles away. I'm still considering whether I can make it to both in a week. To hike the Inca trail to Machu Picchu takes 3-4 days. To hike to Choquequirao (after that 100 mile cab ride from Cusco) takes a little less.
Apparently Choquequirao gets only 1% of the tourists that Machu Picchu has to endure. It's just as big, but more sprawled out so things don't look as photogenic. If you're looking for a true lost city experience, though, I think Choquequirao might just be your best bet.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jason Rothe Dec 23rd 2007 6:37PM
Hi Jerry,
There is an amazing, albeit grueling, 7-8 day trek you can do to Choquequrao and from there through to Machu Picchu. You won't encounter any tourists on many parts of the trail and I highly recommend it as an alternative to the over-crowded Inca trail...plus yuo you get to see both sets of ruins, visit 3 different hot springs, one of which is quite remote, and a dozen different types of scenery/climate in between. It's an incredible trek and if you're willing to put up with a bit more of an "adventure", you can do it for $400/person. With a more expensive (and more oranized) guide service, like SAS, it's around $900 I believe.
JR