HALF DAY TREK SUQANQA CHOQEKIRAW – SEQE & HUACA SYSTEM

ITINERARY

Day 1: Cuzco – Magisterio – Cuzco

We leave the district of Wanchaq early, towards the residential neighborhood of Magisterio (3244 masl / 10643 ft) in the city of Cusco.  Here we begin our walk, uphill, crossing some archaeological relics, such as terracing and some Callancas built by the Marcavalle ethnic group, inhabitants of the Cusco valley prior to the Inkas. We cross farmland with a wonderful view of the valley of the Watanay River, in the city of Cusco.

We arrive at the archaeological site of Choqekiraw Puquio (3500 masl / 11482 ft), a water spring which was used in a ritual way the same as at Tipon, in fact, we can see many similarities between the two places; one of the differences is the size of the place in itself. Terraces provide support on the side slopes, preventing erosion and the spring from becoming covered.  A water reservoir and stone channels are some of the attractions of this small site. A bit further along we find the Suqanqa, a platform supported by semicircular terraces, which served as a site for rituals and sacred ceremonies to worship their gods.

After a short rest, we continue our walk towards the Inka Prison, following a stone path which also connects with the archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman.  On the way we find some colonial ovens.  Once we arrive at the Inka Prison (3615 masl / 11860ft), we can see the latest discoveries made at this site; ceramic workshops.  We will also see its ritual site, with a small but beautiful and delicately carved chincana (Andean cross).
Vaulted niches and other architectural details are finely worked, demonstrating the artwork and importance of these ritual sites.

We return to the city of Cusco, to the residential neighborhood of Magisterio, where our transport is waiting to take us back to our respective hotels.

Meals: snacks

Maximum Altitude: 3615 masl / 11860 ft 
Minimum Altitude: 3244 masl / 10643 ft 
Distance Travelled: 8 km Approximate
Walking Time: 4 hour