What does Choquequirao mean?
Choquequirao is a Quechua word that means 'Cradle of Gold'. The name comes from the nomination of a hill near the archaeological site.
Where it is located? Choquequirao is located in one of the fringes of the snowy Salkantay, north of the Apurímac River. It is currently located in the Santa Teresa district, La Convencion province, Cusco department, Peru.
How high is it?
Choquequirao is located 3,033 meters above sea level (m.s.n.m.). Due to its location, it is presumed that this Inca enclosure served as a checkpoint between the main Inca sites such as Pisac, Cusco and Machu Picchu.
What's in Choquequirao? Choquequirao has only been excavated by 30%. Despite this, it already has several very important Inca buildings:
Main square - The main square or Huaqaypata divided the enclosure into two. It is a two-story stone construction. Along with this, there are other buildings connected to each other. Colcas - Typical constructions of the main Inca centers. In Choquequirao, these platforms have internal subdivisions. The purpose of these warehouses was to store products for food, clothing and others. Platforms - Choquequirao has a significant number of platforms for cultivation. In the western sector there are 22 engravings in the form of a flame arranged on 15 platforms. These figures are known as the 'Flames of the Sun'. Housing - In the highest part of Choquequirao, there are up to 5 buildings whose purpose was probably housing for the priests of the compound. This Inca site is believed to have been an important ceremonial center. Inca Cemetery - Also known as the 'Triumphal Wall'. There were found 17 funeral bundles and a water trough called "The House of the Fall of Water". Kallankas - These rectangular buildings had multiple functions such as workshop, administrative center, meeting space, etc. In Choquequirao there are 2 Kallankas on whose walls there were gutters that supplied water. Ushnu - This oval platform construction sits on top of a hill. Due to the wall that surrounds it and the privileged view of the snow-capped mountains, the river and the entire enclosure; it is believed to have had a religious purpose. How to get to Choquequirao? The only way to get to Choquequirao is by land. Currently, the main route is going to the town of Cachora (2,903 masl), 3 or 4 hours by road from the city of Cusco (2 hours from the city of Abancay).
There, the walk begins to the Inca archaeological site. The route through various important points such as Capuliyoc, Maranpata and Sunchupata. It is calculated that from Cachora, after 32 kilometers on foot, you reach Choquequirao.
The walking time from Cachora to Choquequirao on average is 10 to 12 hours. A cable car is currently being built that would significantly reduce this time.
How's the weather? The Choquequirao archaeological site is located at 3,033 meters above sea level. The climate is temperate with cold at night. However, the tourist will not stay in the Inca complex until after sunset.
However, the path leading to the top of Choquequirao is hot due to the proximity of the Apurímac canyon. The temperature at the archaeological site is calculated to vary between 5º C and 25º C.
What is the flora and fauna like in Choquequirao? Choquequirao is home to a diversity of animals and birds such as the condor, foxes, vizcachas, cougars, hummingbirds, spectacled bears and the cock of the rocks.In addition, like Machu Picchu, a great variety of orchids are concentrated there.
Choquequirao trekking route Choquequirao 4-day tour The most usual way to get to Choquequirao is through the trekking route of 4 days and 3 nights. You can hire this tour online or directly from an agency in the city of Cusco. Choquequirao Trek Information
The snowy Salkantay (Wild Mountain), is one of the highest mountains in the Cusco region, along with the snowy Ausangate in the Vilcanota mountain range which is located further south, this snowy has two types of peaks, which years ago they had some differences between them, but today after the collapse of the Serac to the WEST of the snowy mountain, it shows that both tops are really identical. SALKANTAY TREK INFORMATION
The summit to the WEST is slimmer While the summit located to the EAST, it is slightly higher when it is crowned by a SERAC (large block of ice fragmented by important cracks in a glacier). During the way towards the snowy Salkantay, you will be able to witness the excellent flora, among it you will find the famous Orchids that are very beautiful and colorful adorning the landscape. Location: The snowy Salkantay or Salkantay is a snowy mountain in Peru, located in the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, in the Santa Teresa district, La Convencion province, Cusco Department. This beautiful snow-capped mountain rises to 6264 m. n. m.
Mountain of the Seven Colors of Palccoyo: weather, hours and tips What is the weather like in the Mountain of the Seven Colors in Palccoyo? Palccoyo Mountain has a cold climate due to its proximity to the snowy Ausangate. The temperature can drop below 0ºC. That is why, at some times of the year, the slopes are covered in snow.
What to see in the Palccoyo mountain? In addition to being a natural attraction of incomparable beauty, the Mountain of the Seven Colors is the natural habitat of various types of animals such as llamas, alpacas, vizcachas, condors and more.
On the route that connects Cerro Colorado there is a forest of stones formed naturally millions of years ago. From there you can closely appreciate the beauty of the snowy Ausangate, the largest in Cusco.
What is the entry time? Due to the cold weather, visits to the Seven Colors Mountain in Palccoyo are only in the morning and part of the afternoon. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. at 3 p.m.
When is the best time to visit the mountain? The best time to visit the Mountain of the Seven Colors in Palccoyo is during the dry season (April to October). In those months, rains occur much less frequently, making the excursion easy.
Tips for traveling to the Mountain of the Seven Colors of Palccoyo It is recommended to acclimatize to the climate of Cusco before visiting the Palccoyo Mountain. Otherwise, the visitor may suffer from the so-called altitude sickness. This mountain is a tourist attraction that receives few visitors every day. It is recommended to follow the indicated route and avoid looking for a different path. It is advisable to find out how the weather is in Palccoyo before booking a tour to the Mountain of the 7 Colors. The cold can cause the entire venue to be covered in snow and ruin the tour. The trekking route up to this mountain is not as challenging as Vinicunca. That is why the Palccoyo is a great option for people who do not feel capable of doing the difficult trek to the 7 Colors Mountain. Enviar comentarios Historial Guardadas Comunidad
7 Colors Mountain Tour - This picturesque summit used to be an attractive 4 day trek to the snowy Ausangate. Over the years, this mountain gained popularity on its own. Today, the most widespread way to visit this summit is through a tour. There are 1-day and 2-day services. Most include transportation, food, entrance fees and professional guide. In the city of Cuzco there are many tourism agencies offering these services. Traveling on your own? - It is also possible to visit the ‘Cerro Colorado’ on your own. For this, the visitor must take a bus to Sicuani from the city of Cuzco (2 hours and 40 minutes away). Once there, a bus is taken to the town of Quesiuno. Then a walk begins (you can also hire a horse ride) to the Mountain of the 7 Colors. The price of the entrance ticket is 10 soles. Difficulty of the mountain - The 3 or 4 hour walk (depending on the tourist's physical condition) is not dangerous and requires moderate-high physical effort. There are considerable sections of slopes up and down. However, one of the biggest difficulties is cold weather and icy wind. The altitude of the area can cause altitude sickness or soroche. A previous acclimatization of 1 or 2 days in the city of Cusco is recommended. Recommendations - Spend a day or two acclimatizing in the city of Cusco. Take warm clothes to do the walk. If you do not consider yourself in good physical condition for the trek, rent a horse to one of the locals. On that day, don't forget a hat or cap, sunscreen, jacket, pants, ideal shoes for trekking and a rain poncho. MORE INFORMATION OF RAINBOW MOUNTAIN
The Trek to the Humantay lagoon
Can I go to the lagoon on my own?
- Yes. To go to the lagoon on your own you must take public transportation from the city of Cusco to the town of Soraypampa. The buses leave from the ‘Arcopata’ terminal and cost approximately 15 Peruvian soles (5 USD).
Once in Soraypampa you must get a collective taxi service to the Soraypampa community. There are times when you will not find this transport so you must get a taxi. This service could cost 50 Peruvian soles (15 USD).
Finally, in Soraypampa you must make the walk to the Humantay lagoon. Due to the complexity of the trip by public transport, it is recommended to choose a tourist package with transport included. It can be cheaper and safer than going on your own. How much does the entrance to the lagoon cost? - In the town of Mollepata you must pay to enter the Soraypampa camp where the lagoon is. The cost for foreign tourists is 10 Peruvian soles (3 USD). The cost for Peruvian tourists is 5 Peruvian soles (2 USD). Some tour packages include this entry while others do not. How long does the walk last? - The final section of the trip is the walk from Soraypampa to the Humantay lagoon. This section is approximately 2 kilometers long and can take from 1 to 2 hours, depending on the physical condition of the visitor. Tourists who are not used to this type of hiking can rent a horse as transportation to the lagoon. It is common for tourists to feel the symptoms of altitude sickness, whether in Cusco, Machu Picchu or Humantay. How to rent a horse? How much? - The residents of the Soraypampa community offer horse rental at the starting point of the trek to the Humantay lagoon. The service is only for the upstream section and has an approximate cost of 90 Peruvian soles negotiable (30 USD). What kind of clothes to wear? - Due to the cold climate of the Humantay lagoon, it is recommended to wear a warm jacket as well as gloves and chullo. Of course, during the walk wear light clothing since the visitor will inevitably perspire. A rain poncho is also important since it can rain at any time. With which tourism agency to travel? - In Cusco there are several tourism agencies that offer the 1-day tour to the Humantay lagoon. All services must include: full transportation, breakfast, lunch and tour guide service. Choose the tourism agency that meets your expectations. Remember that you can also contract the service through the website of the tourist agency. Can I get a tour once in Cusco? - Yes. Unlike the Inca Trail tours or the entrances to Machu Picchu, there is always availability for the tour to the Humantay lagoon. Therefore, you can get a tour to the lagoon once in Cusco, without any problem. MORE INFORMATION OF HUMANTAY LAKE
Waqrapukara is a new tourist attraction that remains almost unknown until today. The tour is suitable for those seeking a spirituality that is drowned in the sea of commercial tours. Waqrapukara is a pre-Inca archaeological complex located in the Acomayo province within the Cusco region, near the Apurímac River. The main construction is located on platforms, squares and a so-called «Bosque de Piedras». From its height of 4,140 meters above sea level, it offers spectacular views of the Apurímac River and the Andes.
WAQRAPUKARA TOUR ITINERARY
Its name comes from Quechua, "waqra" means horn, while "pukara" means fortress. Therefore, the meaning of the name translates as a "horned fortress" given by its typical form. However, the locals also called it "Llamapukara", as they claim that the shape does not represent horns, but ears of a lama.
It was built by the pre-Inca Qanchis culture in the period called "Auqaruna" (1,500 BC - 1,000 BC). During this period, the complex was a city called "Llaqta Pukara" and home to a leader of the Yankees. It also served as an astronomical observatory and sanctuary for the god "Teqci Pachakamaq Wiraqocha" (a creator of all created things). Subsequently, it was conquered by the Incas, who have molded the buildings to geography during the reign of Wayna Qhapaq. Then it became a first-class Inca sanctuary that symbolizes an immense political and religious power that has not yet been confused. In 2017, the complex was declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation by the Ministry of Culture of Peru.
Waqrapukara Archaeological Complex. Cultural Heritage of the Nation of 2017.
It was built by the Qinchas and later conquered by the Incas. The building is located on platforms, squares and a stone forest, it would be an Inca sanctuary. Waqrapukara has a privileged view of the Apurímac River.
Waqrapucara details
Maximum Altitude: 4,140 meters / 13,580 feet
Minimum Altitude: 3,096 meters / 10,157 feet
Duration of the walk: 6 hours
Trekking distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Weather: Cold
Waqrapukara is the archaeological monument located in Acos, Acomayo province in Cuzco, which has been declared a National Cultural Heritage by the Vice Minister of Cultural Property. This Inca monument is located on the slopes of Mount Kenter, has a privileged view of the Apurímac River and has two groups of buildings.
The first group is located at the top, in the middle of a rocky dam, where you can see two enclosures separated by a wide central space. The enclosures have halls, ornamental niches and doors with double jambs; its architecture seems to be similar to that of other ceremonial buildings.
The second enclosure is located at the bottom, and has 8 platforms 153 meters long and 1.80 meters high, which correspond to the topography of the terrain.
Some inhabitants of Acos also call it Llamapukara; and although its origins go back to pre-Inca times, its foundations were built by the Q’anchi, and the Inca construction was built during the sovereign period of the Tahuantinsuyo Wayna Qhapaq. MORE CUSCO TOURS.
One of the most precious gifts that the Inca has given us is this suspension bridge that lies over the Apurímac River. Made from straw brava or ichu icho, this wonder is renewed year after year through a rite performed by the communities of Winch'iri, Chaupibanda, Ccollana Quehue and Perccaro. Therefore, do not miss the opportunity to cross its 28 meters long which will make you experience adrenaline to the fullest in this beautiful Inca construction.
QUESHUACHACA
TOUR INFORMATION:
Four Lagoons
The circuit of the four lagoons is located in the province of Acomayo, 107 km from the city of Cusco. It is made up of Pomacanchi, Acopia, Asnaqocha and Pampamarca. Among its attractions are the abundance of natural grass and fish.
Small volcano in Pabellones, Yanaoca
This small volcano, approximately 4 meters in diameter, is located in the pavilion area of the Tungasuca district, which attracts attention to visitors and locals due to its unique size as it is considered the smallest in the world.
A tradition that for the peasant communities of Huinchiri, Chaupibanda, Choccayhua and Qollana Quehue has subsisted for more than five centuries thanks to the intercession of the divinity. "If we do not build a new bridge every year, we risk provoking the wrath of the Pachamama (Mother Earth in Quechua) and the Apus (tutelary forces of nature)", "Whether we use it or not, we are exposed to natural catastrophes that they can ruin our crops of potatoes, beans, wheat or barley, and even misfortunes such as illness or death, ”says María Quispe, a 60-year-old woman who has participated in such a mission since childhood.
Before making the weaving of the bridge, a payment is made to the land, where the Paqo or Priest, makes a cloth altar with indigenous motifs in which he deposits coca leaves, llama fetuses and food that are offered to the Pachamama, since, like any human being, they are hungry and it is the obligation of their "children" (inhabitants) to satisfy them. The Paqo says that before the renovation of the bridge, the Apus indicate to him each year what his appetite is, since his tastes evolve and we should not always pay him with the same “delicacy”, to which the Apus are also invited to implore their protection and avoid accidents during renovation.
The women stay away from the work of rebuilding the bridge, a task reserved for men. The inhabitants of the place say that the woman attracts the q’encha, Quechua voice to designate bad luck, which can lead to divine "mishaps" during certain rituals.
Ausangate is the representative mountain of the Andes of Cusco and Peru. It is located in the Vilcanota mountain range and is one of the most difficult areas to enter and that is very rare in Peru. Its main climate is 6,372 meters above sea level with large lagoons with a bright green / blue color. In addition there are rocks that make the area like a paradise and very modern. The Trek Ausangate is an indescribable adventure, and it is impossible not to be impressed by the enormous beauty of eternal snow. Often you will find stones at a height of more than 5000 meters and also rocks covered with ice tongues that when thawing, extending in magnificent ways forming ice lagoons. The Ausangate trek is one of the tourist destinations in Cusco.
AUSANGATE LAGOONS ITINERARIO.
In the Inca mythology of this mountain and the nearby lakes - among which Sibinacocha stands out - the male energy is born that fertilizes the mother earth Pachamama, after a long flow, the waters are lost in the unknown lands of the Amazon to return, to fill the lakes and glaciers every night turned into the river of stars or Willkamayu known in the west as the Milky Way The Community of Chillca made up of shepherds of llamas and alpacas is known as the guardian of these pristine places, from where it can be done mountain walks spending the night in comfortable hostels or tambos, among which Machuracay Tambo stand out, in a trek called "Camino del Apu Ausangate".
Every year on the north side of Ausangate the feast of Quyllur Rit'i (Quechua: "star snow") is celebrated before the feast of Corpus Christi, during which thousands of Quechua pilgrims to the Lord of Quyllur Rit'i in the church from Sinakara. Snowy Ausangate normally takes a 7-day tour, it is an adventure that no one should miss.
The mountain of the seven colors (VINICUNCA) is one of the most majestic attractions present on the way to the apu AUSANGATE, it is said to be a place that demonstrates a new opportunity for everyone who visits, this belief has its beginning in the saying "if you want to see the rainbow you have to face the storm" which teaches us that there is always a reward for our efforts as well as a new opportunity.
It is listed by NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC magazine as one of the 100 places that you must visit before you die, do not miss the opportunity to be part of this wonderful place because in the end life is a wonderful adventure that begins when one really wants.
The Mountain of Colors, is also known as Rainbow Mountain, Cerro Colorado, or famously in English as Rainbow Mountain has become in recent years one of the main tourist attractions of Cusco and Peru.
This is a geographical accident belonging to the snowy Ausangate in the Vilcanota mountain range, it is the fifth mountain in Peru, it is more than 100km away from the imperial city of Cusco and it has its highest point at about 6300 masl. approx.
Its coloration is natural and this due to the large amount of sedimentary stones in erosion, what makes it so beautiful and impressive is how these stones are formed to give it the appearance of a rainbow (7 colors). The red, purple, pink, green yellow colors stand out among others.
Vinicunca (winicunca) means "mountain of colors" in Quechua (simi rune).
How to get to Rainbow Mountain
The 7 Colors Mountain is located in a small town called Pitumarca, Quipicanchis Quispicanchi province, Cusco.
To get there you must first board a car from the city of Cusco, bound for Pitumarca (approx 02 km), after 03 hrs of travel you have to take a gauge route you must reach the rural community of pampa Chiri. Then you must walk 5km towards the mountain (you can also use horses). It is recommended to bring snacks, water and energizers.
Already in this part of the road you will be able to appreciate the beauties of the valley as small lagoons, streams among others, with the passing of a short time, you will be able to appreciate how everything is changing, the colors of the Rainbow Mountain appear, thus generating a very surreal area.
Finally they will reach approx. 5033 masl which is the top of the Mountain of Seven Colors from where you can take photos and videos.
Without a doubt this is a question that many would like to clarify, thanks to the great consultation of our travelers we decided to carry out an investigation to keep them much more informed:
In order to understand how the colorful mountain was formed we must first understand how mountains are formed, for this we resort to geology and orogeny and thus have a much clearer and of course scientific idea.
MORE INFORMATION OF RAINBOW MOUNTAIN HIKE
The mountain ranges of the hand of their mountains are formed by collisions or collisions of different tectonic plates as these cannot advance horizontally when impacting they do it vertically forming mountain ranges and mountains and other geographic features, but this formation not only involves agents Endogenous like these collisions, but also exogenous like the vast majority of meteorological phenomena (rain, hail, snow, winds) these make the mountains maintain over time and have their particular pyramidal shape.
But Vinicunca's formation is much older than we think.
For this we go back in time and go back approximately 24 million years ago, back then, different layers of rock sediments such as sandstones, halites, gravels, limestone ranging from ocher, green, yellow and white along with others minerals, were compacted one on top of the other to form different layers as plasticine masses, one on top of another according to the weight of each layer; the heaviest at the bottom and the others above them.
As time passed with the movement and collision of the tectonic plates, new mountains were born, as we explained previously, these pressed colored masses rose while maintaining these typical colors.
However, the meteorological factors were in charge of preserving them and above all of keeping it in total splendor and of course respecting its typical colors equally.
And not only that, it also influences the altitude since this place is located at approximately 5000 meters above sea level. it makes the vegetation scarce to the point that almost nothing grows, if there were vegetation this great colorful wonder could not be visible.
So we add to this that not only endogenous and exogenous factors but also geographic factors such as altitude intervene.
All this is a set of curious mixtures typical of our nature because only it could give us curious landscapes that often escape from our own imagination.
The Humantay Lagoon is the most beautiful lake in Cusco, and it certainly surprises us every day, it is a turquoise lake and is in the middle of the Andes mountains.
The Humantay lagoon is formed as a result of the snow thaw of Humantay, part of the Salkantay mountain.
What differentiates the Humantay Lagoon from other lagoons, is the natural color that it has because not having much marine flora in its waters it has an indescribable color in words, but understandable to the eye.
It forms a unique landscape, where travelers seek to capture the ideal moment with their cameras capturing a wonderful and magical landscape at the same time.
All this and more makes Humantay a place visited by all the tourists who visit Cusco.
Location
Lake Humantay is 2 hours walk from the community of Soraypampa, in the district of Mollepata, province of Anta, department of Cusco, about 2 hours by car from the city of Cusco.
How to get to Humantay Lagoon?
To get to this natural wonder you will have to take a car from Cusco to Mollepata, at the Arcopata bus terminal for about 2 hours.
After breakfast you have to hire the services of a taxi driver to take you to Soraypampa, the taxi will charge you an approximate rate of S / 20.00 and if by chance there are more people who want to go it will be less.
Then you must pay the entrance to Lake Humantay (S / 10.00).
After arriving in Soraypampa you will have to walk at least 2 hours to reach the Laguna (if you do not want to walk you can rent a horse), the first 30 minutes of walking are half flat and the rest is already uphill.
You have to keep in mind that you will probably not find mobility to return, so I recommend that you agree with the taxi driver to wait for you or come to pick you up, there you will enter into your abilities to negotiate prices.
If you cannot find mobility, there are accommodations that range from 20 to 40 soles, there are also camping areas (take your tent) where you can stay. If you plan to camp, make sure you are well wrapped, since it is very cold at night.
Waqrapukara is a new tourist attraction that remains almost unknown until today. The tour is suitable for those seeking a spirituality that drowns in the sea of commercial tours. Waqrapukara is a pre-Inca archaeological complex located in the province of Acomayo within the region of Cusco, near the Apurimac River. The main building is located on platforms, squares and a so-called "Stone Forest". From its height of 4,140 m.a.s.l., it offers spectacular views of the Apurimac River and the Andes.
Its name comes from Quechua, "waqra" means horn, while "pukara" means strength. Therefore, the meaning of the name is translated as a "fortress with horns" given by its typical form. However, the locals also called it "Llamapukara", since they claim that the shape does not represent horns, but ears of a lama.
It was built by the pre-Inca Qanchis culture in the period called "Auqaruna" (1,500 BC - 1,000 BC). During this period, the complex was a city called “Llaqta Pukara” and headquarters of a leader of the qanquis. It also served as an astronomical observatory and sanctuary of the god "Teqci Pachakamaq Wiraqocha" (a creator of all created things). Later, it was conquered by the Incas, who have molded the constructions to geography during the reign of Wayna Qhapaq. Then it became a first-class Inca sanctuary that symbolizes an immense political and religious power that has not yet been baffled. In 2017, the complex was declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation by the Ministry of Culture of Peru.
Waqrapukara Archaeological Complex. Cultural Heritage of the Nation of 2017.
It was built by the Qinchas and then conquered by the Incas. The building is located on platforms, squares and a stone forest, it would be an Inca sanctuary. Waqrapukara has a privileged view of the Apurimac River.
Queswachaca is a rope bridge made with Inca techniques and knowledge which has been transmitted from generation to generation until today for approximately 600 years. The Queswachaca bridge is over the waters of the Apurimac River and belongs to the Qapaqñan road network.
The Queswachaca suspension bridge is known as the last Inca bridge and is located in the region of Cusco, Canas province and Qhuehue district.
If you want to know more, keep reading that on our website you will find the most complete information about Queswachaca
Why the Queswachaca Inca Bridge is important
The Inca bridge of Queswachaca is important as it maintains the ancestral customs of our Inca ancestors and is the last Inca bridge today, every second Sunday of June the Queswachaca Inca bridge is renewed by carrying out 3 days of celebrations which we will detail more in depth paragraphs below.
The bridge is 28 meters long and 1.20 meters wide, the inhabitants of the communities of Chaupibanda, Huinchiri, Choccayhua and Qollana Qehue and its annexes Ccomayo, Perccaro, Chirupampa among others. They build the bridge following the tradition of the Inca Pachacutec, about 800 community members from the aforementioned communities are responsible for the construction of the bridge.
Process for the construction of the Queswachaca bridge
1st day: The first day begins with the celebration of “apu Quinsallallawi”, this ceremony takes place during the dawn, during the celebration of the gathering or gathering of ichu which is braided by the women of the communities and the Work that is being done is supervised by the “chakaruwak” or tissue specialist.
2nd day: The Inca bridge is dismantled via Queswachaca, thus removing the nails of stones that support the bridge, then put the four ropes that is the main support of the bridge.
3rd day: On the third day the laying and braiding is done with the culmination of the traffic zone (Bridge floors) and the handrails of both left and right sides.
4th: day: After the hard work, the culmination of the Queswachaca bridge is celebrated with food and typical dances.
This mountain range is the cousin of the already famous Vinicunca but with better accessibility. Its more than nine thousand natural hectares have a rainbow-like color, which gives it a cheerful and mystical atmosphere. In addition, on your tour you will appreciate a forest of stones, ideal for nature lovers.
This attraction is relatively new and many people in the region did not know it, since it was previously covered by snow, which did not allow to see its coloration; However, due to global warming, the snow has disappeared and it is now possible to appreciate the range of colors in Palcoyo.
An hour and a half south east of Cusco, this natural beauty offers the possibility to see the evolutionary process of the road system in time through three bridges located at the same point, such as the Inca, Colonial and Republican. It also offers a colonial Temple with fine works of wood carving, gold leaf and houses paintings of the Cusco school.
Rainbow Mountain hike Full Day is new route which includes a part of the Ausangate route, it is an adventure that will take your breath away constantly. With a combination of wild mountain landscapes, glaciated peaks, rushing rivers and challenging mountain passes, everything seeming untouched and undiscovered. - Shared Service: S / 70 per person - Private Service: $ 80 p / p (DOLLARS) - With IGV: S / 82.00
Schedule I pick up in Lodgings:
• Private Transportation: 03:00 A.M.
• Shared Transportation: 04:30 A.M - 05:00 A.M
Our adventure begins around 04:30 AM - 05:00 AM (Depending on the service you hired there), picking it up at your respective lodging, to go from Cusco to the town of "Hanchillpacha" (2 hrs. And 30 min. Approx.), Where our restaurant is located, in which you can enjoy our nutritious and energizing breakfast before starting the tour, after this we will get on the car to enter about 25 min. Approximately, and start preparing for the adventure.
We will arrive at the control point and begin our walk, it will be approximately 6 kilometers approximately (2 hrs and 30 min.) To visit the wonderful "Mountain of colors", we will be there approximately 30 minutes, for a brief explanation and to take photographs, to Then return by the same route and get on our transport, which will take us back to our restaurant to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch, which consists of typical Peruvian food.We will be returning to cusco (Private and Shared Service), between 17:30 hrs. at 7:00 p.m., leaving them in the case of private service at your hotel and if it is a shared service in the Plaza Regocijos.
In runasimi "waqra" is horn and "pukara" is the equivalent of strength. Seeing the picture the name is more than eloquent. But the shepherds of the communities of Acos, to the south of the city of Cusco, also know him as Llamapukara: “they are not horns - they assure - they are the ears of a flame that is alert to the presence of foreigners”.
Despite its almost impregnable location - at the top of a peak over the chasms that overlook the Apurimac River canyon and over 4 thousand meters above sea level - at least four old roads lead to this fortress.
Undoubtedly, both "ears" or "horns" found in the fortress were cause for sacralization among its builders. The best preserved are its walls, stairs, terraces and finely carved stone rooms in the best classic Inca style.
For archaeologist Miguel Cornejo, Waqrapukara represents the “architecture of power. It is a first-class Inca sanctuary, which denotes immense political and religious power not yet deciphered, ”says Cornejo. “Before entering Waqrapukara, you reach a space formed by river and wind erosion. The whole natural environment warns from afar that a special place, out of the ordinary, of incomparable beauty is being reached, ”adds the PUCP archaeologist.
Waqrapukara is a good adventure and experiential tourism destination. The truth is that this route does not ask for tourists, it requires expeditionaries.
Unlike other destinations with many visitors, you can camp in the surrounding area in Waqrapukara. I recommend enjoying the night sky. You may find the reason why your former builders chose this magical and mysterious place.
How to get?
One of the routes to reach the Waqrapukara fortress is to go to the Pomacanchi district, province of Acomayo, which is approximately 115 km from the city of Cusco.
Arriving at the Chuquicahuana bridge, which is 92 km away, we head down the road to Acomayo. Arriving at the place called Cebadapata, we find the Pomacanchi Lagoon, which is the first tourist attraction, in this lagoon we can observe fishermen in small boats doing their daily work and the natural landscape with all the fauna and flora of the place.
In front of Cebadapata we can find the archaeological remains of K’ero, bastions, pre-Hispanic andenería, colcas and other constructions. In this way we arrive at Pomacanchi, the Ecotourism Capital of the Cusco Region, in this town we will find the house of Carmen Rosa Noguera, mother of the Caudillo José Gabriel Condorcanqui “Tupac Amaru”, who as we know started the Latin American Independence Revolution.
Why do some promote traveling to Waqrapukara through Pomacanchi?
Because we find attractive places, not only for the archeological remains of K'ero, the pre-Inca constructions in Conchacalla, the Pomacanchi Lagoon, the Huaca de K'ullupata, the vicuna reserve of Pumawasi but also for the fauna and flora, we will find species native such as achanqaray, qantu, chillka, t'ankar, ich'u, qeto qeto, panti, totora and other species. In the fauna we will find: Falcon, kestrel, eagle, condors, vicuñas, puma, deer, fox, skunk. The other advantage is that Pomacanchi is a colonial-style villa, as evidenced by its colonial bridges distributed throughout the district, its church also has accommodations for the traveler, such as the Municipal Lodging that has a dining room. On the way to the fortress we can enjoy the abundant wild vegetation of the area, spectacular view of the Apurimac Canyon and many other beauties.
Undoubtedly, both "ears" or "horns" found in the fortress were cause for sacralization among its builders. The best preserved are its walls, stairs, terraces and finely carved stone rooms in the best classic Inca style.
For archaeologist Miguel Cornejo, Waqrapukara represents the “architecture of power. It is a first-class Inca sanctuary, which denotes immense political and religious power not yet deciphered, ”says Cornejo. “Before entering Waqrapukara, you reach a space formed by river and wind erosion. The whole natural environment warns from afar that a special place, out of the ordinary, of incomparable beauty is being reached, ”adds the PUCP archaeologist.
Waqrapukara is a good adventure and experiential tourism destination. The truth is that this route does not ask for tourists, it requires expeditionaries.
Unlike other destinations with many visitors, you can camp in the surrounding area in Waqrapukara. I recommend enjoying the night sky. You may find the reason why your former builders chose this magical and mysterious place.
Why is it called Mountain of the 7 Colors? - According to various investigations done on site, the multicolored shades are due to the different minerals that the area covers in capable. These natural substances began to form 65 million years ago when water and rain covered their slopes and peaks. With the passing of time, the extreme weather was thawing the snow that formed there revealing to the world what is today one of the most important tourist attractions of Cusco.
Location and height - This amazing place is located in the Andes of Peru, in the department of Cusco and Canchis province, at 5,200 m.a.s.l., an area of considerable elevation. It belongs to the people of Pitumarca who call it the ‘Cerro Colorado’. Because it is located on the way to the imposing snowy Ausangate, this site was known long before by the adventurers who dared to do the trek. The photos they posted on Facebook and Instagram, made him gain popularity. Since 2016 it is a popular tourist attraction. How to get? - Due to its location, just over 100 kilometers from the city of Cuzco, this place is reached by car in the first instance. After a trip of approximately 2 hours along the Longitudinal Highway of the Peruvian Southern Sierra, you will arrive in Pitumarca. The journey continues along a path to the community of Pampa Chiri. From there, a route is followed by mountain slopes. This journey is 5 kilometers and can be done on foot or on horseback to finally arrive at Vinicunca. There are tours that offer this service.
Climate - The climate, typical of the highest areas of Cusco, is cold. Rain, wind and altitude sickness (or soroche) can be the biggest obstacles for travelers. Temperatures can lower zero degrees Celsius. The best time to do this adventure is during the dry season (from April to October) when river rainfall is less likely. If you plan to visit during the rainy season (from November to March), carry a rain poncho with you. Flora and fauna - The incredible geography of the place is the scene of typical animals from high Andean areas such as llamas, alpacas and vicuñas. The inhabitants of the area raise horses to offer them as transportation to visitors. Due to the height of this region, the ichu or natural boil of the Andes abounds.
Once again the region of Cusco surprises us with a new wonder in its territory, the wonders that this region possesses are incalculable since it was the cradle of the vast and majestic Inca Empire, what we have left is to delight our view, to be amazed at the great architectural ingenuity of the Incas and of course take care of these wonders, the great legacy left to us by these fascinating men, now it's time to admire the mysterious wonder of Waqrapucara.
The name Waqrapukara comes from the Quechua voices: Waqra which means "horn" and Pukara which means "Fortress", we can deduce then that Waqrapukara means "Fortress of the horns", but there is an observation of this interpretation by the locals that indicate that the fortress has no horns, but that they are “the ears of a flame” adducing that it is always alert to what happens around it, therefore, they call it “Llamapukara”
The curves on the carved stone terraces seem to hold the Waqra, which resembles a double-billed crown. In the middle of it, there is a natural cave with Inca intervention and a small window that overlooks the abyss, which also allows a magnificent view of the night sky, populated with constellations, planets and stars of enormous value in the Inca worldview. It is at the top of a huge forest-covered ravine that crowns the chasms that overlook the Apurimac river canyon, the archaeological monument is surrounded by impressive platforms, squares and a forest of stones that resemble thrones, with mythological giants contemplating the mountain landscape.
You can do the tour to Wacrapukara through a walk that lasts about 1 hour and a half, whose difficulty is medium, it is not difficult and the effort will always be worth it when you get to observe the incredible architectural beauty, you can also do mountain biking since the nature of the place lends itself to this activity.
It was considered Cultural Patrimony of the Nation in 2017, we can affirm that Waqrapukara has nothing to envy to the best cultural tourism, adventure and high mountain destinations as well as an archaeological monument is a wonder, but we must add the landscape impact of its surroundings and the spectacular stone formations, when you arrive, the first thing is the astonishment, the landscape that surrounds Waqrapukara is one of the most spectacular in the Andean world. The high plateau wasteland is interrupted by the edges of an immense canyon. Fierce gusts of wind rise through the chasms forming capricious figures on the tops of the ravine. The Inca architects sought to dominate the landscape without transforming its spectacularity.
Every first half of June, a bridge disappears to be raised again. It is that of Queshuachaca, in Quehue, the only one in the world made with fibers of the ichu plant, following the most ancestral Inca tradition.
Every time they talk to us about Cuzco, it is usual for our mind to travel to the wonderful Inca city of Macchu Pichu. However, this region of the Peruvian Andes not only stands out, as far as archeology is concerned, for this lost city, considered one of the wonders of Humanity. There are other places that are well worth a visit and, above all, the pleasure of marveling at their beauty.
This is the case of the Queshuachaca bridge, also known as Q’eswachaka. It is not a construction at the time of circumventing the canyon that forms the Apurimac River, in the district of Quehue, one of the main rivers of Peru. On the contrary, it is an attraction, while it is the last standing Inca bridge built with the ancestral technique of tracing rope of vegetable fibers. Specifically, it is made of ichu and q'oya (straw straw) sojillas, materials strong enough to allow it to be crossed over it without precipitating from the 50-meter drop on which it is suspended, between two boulders of one of the deep canyons of the region.
With a length of approximately 30 meters, for just over a meter wide, its stability is responsible for thick irons stuck to huge rocks at each end, where the ropes that make up the structure meet. These are braided every year, a tradition that perpetuates the bridge and also ensures that there are no dangers of breakage or falls. Four Quechua peasant communities join annually to restore it, always with the same techniques and materials as their ancestors, a work that earned it recognition by Unesco as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (the fifth Peruvian element in the list to date) .
The history of the bridge is lost in the Inca oral tradition. It is linked to the road that connected with the Qhapaq Ñan, the great road that linked the four His of the Inca Tahuantinsuyo, in a region where 3,700 meters above sea level are widely exceeded. There, its culmination every year is celebrated with a great party, in what is considered a great work of the Quechua people, united to perpetuate what is now admiration of the entire planet (in fact, the first towns that created the bridge worked together without sharing the same language, a feat).
The material with which it is created is ichu, a natural grass that abounds in the Andean highlands and that, in addition to the manufacture of textile fibers, is used as feed for cattle. Of a raw color, its handmade braids remind that of the ropes that are used in the world of fishermen, and its hardness and worth has been proven for centuries.
The usual thing to visit is through a scheduled excursion that starts from the city of Cusco. It is not too close, so it will take us all day between the trip (round trip) and the visit itself. Of course, in return, in addition to admiring the wonder of Inca engineering, it will be possible to learn about the diversity of the flora and fauna of the Apurimac canyon, as well as the town of Yanaoca, from where we will return to Cusco with, sure, the chamber full of photos and, why not, a few braids of ichu souvenir, which the inhabitants of the same villages who, for centuries, weave a bridge every year, during the month of June, will have woven for us.
Our pick-up will be from 6:50 am in the main square of Cusco, then travel for a period of 3 hours to the station or road tip of the Palccoyoc mountain range, then we will begin the walk of 1 hour maximum to our goal the mountain range and thus to appreciate this beautiful place, we will also visit the forest of stones and the other mountains of colors. Along the route we can appreciate llamas and alpacas as well as local people.
After our visit we will return for a period of 1 hour to our restaurant to have lunch (buffet), the food consists of typical dishes of the area and tourist dishes that will be to your liking and satisfaction, then we will have to return to Cusco in the afternoon Between 6pm we will be in the city of Cusco.
The Ausangate 7 lagoons tour allows you to visit the mountain of the same name that is the highest in the Vilcanota mountain range and which was also considered “sacred mountain” by the ancient civilizations that inhabited the region. This 2-day hike takes place above 4600 m.a.s.l. and allows to appreciate up to 7 lagoons during its entire journey The tour of the Ausangate Valley is recognized for having the best views of snowfall in Peru, it is also surrounded by the colorful valley, and also presents a fauna and flora typical of the Andean heights.
