Half Day Trek Suqanqa Choqekiraw –
Seqe & Huaca System

Best half day trek for hiking in the southern area of Cusco city, to see the archeological sites of Choqekiraw Puqio and Inkilltambo, following a farmers trail which also connects with other interesting places in the Archeological Park of Sacsayhuaman.

According to the Inka Cosmo vision, the city of Cusco was the center of the universe; the balance point between the three “worlds”. In this way they established a system of “seq’e”; lines which radiate out from the Qoricancha.These lines were directed towards to the four areas of the Tawantinsuyu (Chinchaysuyo, Antisuyo, Collasuyo and Cuntisuyo), following the world axis established by the Andean Cosmovision, taking the direction South East to North West, connecting the sacred mountains of Apu Ausangate (SE), the city of Cusco in the center and the Apu Salkantay (NW). This system of “lines” divides the valley of Cusco in four areas and each area is sub divided by nine lines or Seqes, following the direction of a specific number of Huacas. Along these Seqes or lines, places of worship or huacas were built so that rituals and ceremonies could be carried out individually, making a holiday calendar of 328 days.

This Huaca, Choqekiraw Puqio, is represented by a group of platforms supported by semicircular terraces, making an Usnu (ceremonial platform) with a view of Cusco valley.

ITINERARY

Your adventure step by step

Day 1: Cusco – Yuncaypata – Choqekiraw Puqio – Inkilltambo – Cusco

At dawn, we leave in the direction of the Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuaman, Yunkaypata sector, passing the archeological complex of Tambomachay. We begin our walk towards the city of Cuzco, through a typical quechua landscape, in the community of Yunkaypata, at 3736 masl / 12257 feet. Leaving the community, we will walk along a flat path which offers us amazing views of the farmland, with crops as varied as corn, tarwi, barley etc. As we continue the snow-capped peak of the Apu (Sacred Mountain) Ausangate comes into view (the principal guardian mountain of the city of Cuzco).Around us we can see native flora, with the beautiful Qeuña bush standing out, as well as a variety of flowers.We continue our walk downhill to find ourselves at the Ccorococha lake, surrounded by a eucalyptus forest, a species that was introduced after the Spanish occupation. After a short break, we will walk to the Choqekiraw Puqio archeological site.

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

PRICES

Know our rates

PRICES AND SERVICES USD

Private Service – Price per person

4-10

240

140

100

Services included

Private transportation Cuzco – Magisterio
Guide service in Spanish/ English
Snack
Private transportation Magisterio – Cuzco

Services not included

Extra food
Optional tip for field staff
Extra costs

IMPORTANT

Further Details

We recommend that you bring

Water-resistant trekking shoes
Light cloth for trekking
Polar fleece (including gloves and hat)
Waterproof clothing (poncho)
Water (2 lts. as minimum)
Sunhat and sunglasses
Sun cream and insect repellent
Walking sticks
Personal snacks

Please note

For the group prices we apply the 4 – 10 range price when we open a group. We need 4 persons to open one group. In case you are less number of persons and there is no any group open we will apply the price according to the number of persons.

Important Environmental Note

Pachatusantrek is committed to following the principles of ecotourism in our operations, and request the understanding and cooperation of trekkers, especially by not contaminating the waters and in the adequate disposal of non-biodegradable waste. We must also respect the customs and traditions of the local people.

” Very well coordinated. Trip went very smoothly. Great communication with staff. I would definitely recommend Pachatusantrek to others”

Kevin

GALLERY