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viii. Sector ix

The ninth sector is primarily made up of the common living quarters of the residence in Choquequirao, consisting

of remains of smaller houses, alleyways, as well as artificial circular and rectangular platforms.

ix. Sector x

The tenth sector consists simply of almost twenty terraced platforms that include irrigation canals that run

alongside stairs.

x. Sector xi

The eleventh sector, similar to the eighth, has another eighty terraces for agriculture, but are the most extensive

throughout the site. There are also smaller houses for living and ceremonial purposes. Water is the highlight of

this sector, waterfalls, fountains, drinking areas, and irrigation for canals are throughout.

xi. Sector xii

Lastly, the twelfth sector sits three hours away by foot. There’s an impressive nearly sixty platforms with

irrigation systems that continue to function. There are additional waterways and circular enclosures. More

recently, human remains have been found. (Burga, 2008).

b. CEREMONIAL PURPOSES

The site as a whole was self-sufficient as it was filled with religious ceremonial places, workshops for artisans,

agricultural terraces, dwellings for both the elite and the common people, and efficient water-systems. The entire

area tends to be dense clusters of buildings and seems to be a site that was relatively complete. A common theme

in Choquequirao is the importance it gives to water. While it also includes emphasis on astronomical aspects, two

temples are specifically devoted to water, important terraces are highlighted by their waterways, waterfalls, and

fountains. Priest dwellings were normally also in these areas. Any area with water frequently included the

decorating of the stones as well, details and effort that the Incans tended to only do with the presence of water.

In addition to water, Choquequirao unsurprisingly is designed around the movements of the sun. what is called

“The Giant Stairway” is placed to where it aligns with the December solstice, and leads nowhere. Around areas of

fountains and baths, another area opens to be aligned with the June solstice sunrise (Ziegler, 2011).

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