Page 14 - ce_cusco_2019

The site certainly doesn’t get as much attention as Machu Picchu, and while it doesn’t yet have a famous “photo”

area as its sister does, nor does it have the famous Hiram Bingham luxury train to swoop rich tourists into the

mysterious wonders of the cloud forest, the remains sprawl out much further. Currently, the site only has

approximately 30-40% of remains restored, with more than half the site to be excavated in the future (Kane,

2015). The potential Choquequirao holds as the next up-coming “Machu Picchu”-like attraction is exponential.

Already, the vast majority of income for the restoration of sites in Peru comes from the ticket sales of Machu

Picchu. If another site was to open with its impressive history, architecture, and as another testimony to the extent

and power of the Incan empire, another level of tourism beyond the millions that come to Machu Picchu could hit

Peru in full-force.

1. CHOQUEQUIRAO: THE HISTORY

Many already know much about the history of Machu Picchu. The site is unique because it was constructed

during one specific time frame: the rule of Pachacuteq. Many believe it to have been completed around 1450, and

later abandoned around the time of the Spanish Conquest, which likely was a factor in its ability to remain hidden

and untouched from looting and destruction.

Unlike Machu Picchu, Choquequirao came in and out of history over several hundred years, even though in

current times, it remains far less famous and relatively unknown as is its sister city.

Choquequirao translates into the “Cradle of Gold.” There is little evidence, however, that Choquequirao was

specifically a city of gold (unlike evidence and written descriptions of sites like the Koricancha). The words itself

(quirao) also relates to everything that mimics gold, or alludes to it. In its time, it could have also meant “shining

city,” or anything relating to the sun or light as a whole (“History of Choquequirao,” 2016). This would not stop

future investigations over the years to try to find the famous Incan “city of gold” – which many believed to be

Choquequirao.

14