15.08 Choquequirao Ruins—An experience of a lifetime
Dear Friends and Family, We returned from an adventure, the subject box is no exaggeration, that took us through a physical endurance test we don’t wish to repeat too soon, if ever. We read on our return that it is the toughest trek in the region. Briefly, the only way to get to the Choquequirao Ruins is by foot. To achieve this, we hiked 45 miles over 3 days return, acquired elevation of more than 12,000 feet with over a mile (6,000 feet) on the second day. The climb on that day was both a test of physical and mental endurance. There were times one wanted to sit and ‘cry for Mom’. However, we knew Mom was probably at work and besides, we’d only feel foolish. The solution was to put on the brave face, one foot ahead of the other and move upwards, especially over a two-mile stretch, rising 1,500 feet per mile. As an aside, there are so few people on the trail—a busy day at these amazing ruins is about 12 visitors. Machu Picchu has 5,000 per day. We thought we’d display a fe...