In the heart of Peru, amidst the rugged Andean terrain, lies a trek that promises not just physical exertion but also a journey of self-discovery and inspiration. As an interior designer seeking a fresh perspective, I embarked on the Choquequirao trek adventure, a trail less traveled but rich in cultural and natural wonders. Little did I know that the next four days would be a transformative experience, blending the awe of ancient Incan ruins with the breathtaking beauty of the Peruvian landscape.
Day 1 to 2: Cuzco-Chicquisqa, Peru - Capuliyoc's Vista of Dreams
The adventure begins in Cuzco as we set out at the crack of dawn, weaving through the Peruvian landscapes in a private car. The road to Chicquisqa is not just a commute; it’s a pilgrimage through time and nature’s wonders. En route, we detour to the archaeological site of Saywite, a glimpse into the architectural mastery of ancient civilizations.
By midday, we find ourselves in the mountain village of Cachora, perched at 2909m, where the air is crisp with a hint of anticipation. After a quick supply run and a hearty lunch, the real trek kicks off with a two-hour ascent to Capuliyoc (2915m). The payoff is immediate – panoramic views of the Apurimac valley and the snow-capped peaks of Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora. It’s a moment to catch your breath, both literally and metaphorically, as the grandeur of nature unfolds.
Day 2: Chicquisqa-Choquequirao - Scaling Heights and Revelations
As the sun paints the sky with hues of dawn, we descend to Playa Rosalinas, standing at the mercy of the mighty Apurimac River. The real challenge begins with a steep climb to Santa Rosa (2095m). The higher we ascend, the more profound the revelations. It’s not just a physical climb; it’s a metaphor for life’s challenges, each step revealing a new layer of strength and resilience.
Marampata (2913m) offers a well-deserved respite, where lunch is savored against the backdrop of Choquequirao’s silhouette. The afternoon unfolds with a two-hour trek to the archaeological marvel itself, nestled at 3110m. As the sun dips below the horizon, Choquequirao unveils its mystique, with condors gracefully soaring overhead, casting shadows on the ancient stones. It’s a moment of communion with the past, a reminder that time may weather, but the echoes of history linger.
Day 3: Choquequirao-Santa Rosa - Inca Whispers and Canyon Wanderings
The day is dedicated to delving deeper into Choquequirao’s secrets. The morning allows for unhurried exploration, absorbing the whispers of the Inca spirits that seem to linger in the stone structures. As the sun climbs, we begin our descent along the Apurimac canyon, guided by the symphony of nature.
Santa Rosa, our tropical haven, awaits after five hours of hiking. The evening is a blend of exhaustion and exhilaration, as we recount the day’s adventures under a canvas of stars. It’s a reminder that amidst ancient ruins and untamed landscapes, there is a sublime beauty that transcends time.
Day 4: Santa Rosa-Cuzco, Peru - The Descent and Homeward Bound
The final leg of the journey is a descent from Santa Rosa to Cuzco, a bittersweet farewell to the serenity of the canyon. The Apurimac River rushes below, mirroring the urgency of time as we climb for four hours. Capuliyoc, at 2915m, welcomes us for a last lunch, a symbolic feast celebrating our triumph over the trail.
The last two hours through Cachora village offer a leisurely stroll, a chance to reflect on the expedition’s impact. Amidst the farming countryside, where simplicity meets beauty, the private car awaits, promising comfort after days of rugged exploration. The drive back to Cuzco is a silent reflection, a transition from the wild back to the familiar, punctuated by the realization that the trek’s essence will linger long after the dust settles.
Final Word
As I sit back in the comfort of my studio, sketching the outlines of a new design, the memories of Choquequirao linger like an indelible mark on my creative canvas. The trek was not just a physical challenge; it was a journey of introspection and revelation. Nature’s grandeur, echoed through ancient stones, has seeped into my creative spirit, infusing my designs with a newfound depth.
In the world of interior design, where every curve and color has a story, Choquequirao has become a muse. The play of light on stone, the harmony of nature’s palette, and the resilience of ancient architecture now weave into the tapestry of my creations. The trek wasn’t just a walk through mountains; it was a stroll through the corridors of inspiration, where every step carved a new facet of design philosophy.
So, as I embark on my next project, I carry the essence of Choquequirao, the whispers of the Inca, and the majesty of the Peruvian landscape. Each stroke of the brush, each placement of furniture, becomes a homage to the rugged beauty that transformed not just the way I see design, but the way I perceive life itself. In the end, the trek was not just about reaching the destination; it was about discovering the design within.
Gazini Hennesy
With an insatiable love for travel, Gazini draws inspiration from diverse cultures and aesthetics around the globe.
