If you’re staying in Cusco’s Historic Centre (3,400 m a.s.l.), we’ll pick you up at 06:00 hours, and take you in a private vehicle to the community of Socma (3,250 m a.s.l.), located in the district of Ollantaytambo (Urubamba).

The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, along a scenic road that passes through the district of Huarocondo (in the province of Anta), famous for its delicious roasted pork.

If you’re not staying in the Historic Centre, we’ll arrange a safe and convenient meeting point so you can join our tour to the Perolniyoc waterfall.

For more details, check the “Details and Notes” tab.

This charming spot in the Sacred Valley was once home to the Cugmas – a pre-Inca people who built the ceremonial site of Raqaypata.

You’ll arrive in Socma around 07:30 in the morning. If you haven’t had breakfast in Cusco, this is a great time to grab something to eat. Just check in with your guide – they’ll happily recommend a good place.

An hour later, you’ll begin your uphill walk towards Raqaypata, which takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The route to this ancient stronghold isn’t exactly easy. You’ll need to hike up a challenging path to the top of a mountain at 3,560 metres above sea level. But don’t let that put you off – your effort will be well rewarded once you reach your first destination.

By around 10:00 hours, your steady steps will lead you to discover the “storehouse on top of the mountain”. That’s the meaning of Raqaypata, a name formed from the Quechua words raqay (granary) and pata (high or flat place).

Originally built by the Cugmas, Raqaypata was later taken over and inhabited by the Incas. During the rule of the “Children of the Sun”, it served as an administrative centre – a role it maintained until the Spanish arrived in 1534.

At the archaeological site, you’ll see ceremonial enclosures, houses, food storage buildings (qolqas), long halls (kallankas) and water channels – a clear sign of the Andean people’s advanced knowledge of hydraulic engineering.

After exploring Raqaypata, you’ll continue your journey towards your next stop: the Perolniyoc waterfalls. This time, there won’t be any steep climbs – quite the opposite. You’ll enjoy a gentle downhill walk that takes about an hour.

At 11:00 in the morning, you’ll reach a refreshing destination sitting at 3,460 metres above sea level, where you’ll face a classic traveller’s dilemma: do you take a dip to wash away the fatigue, or do you focus on exploring the beautiful natural surroundings?

It’s entirely up to you – or even better, why not do both? You can unwind in the cool waters of the waterfall and then wander through an area adorned with native trees like elder, queuña, and chachacomo.

But there’s more. This scenic and adventurous spot, nestled in the community of Socma, is also home to frogs, eagles, partridges, and lively hummingbirds, among other Andean wildlife species.

That’s what awaits you at Perolniyoc waterfall. With a drop of 35 metres, its name means “pot” (perol) made of stone or clay (niyoc), referring to the rock formations that resemble a large cooking pot.

After you’ve cooled off and explored the landscape, you’ll head back on foot to the centre of Socma village, where your tourist transport will be waiting to take you to the next stop: Ñaupa Iglesia. Estimated travel time: 20 minutes.

Before the arrival of the Spanish, rituals and ceremonies were held at Ñawpa Waka — the sacred place of the ancestors (that’s what its name means in Spanish) — to honour the Andean gods.

The Inti (Sun), Pachamama (Mother Earth), the Apus (Mountains), and the Killa (Moon), among other deities, were invoked at this ceremonial and spiritual centre, where ancient rock paintings can still be seen today.

Located beneath the cliffs of Pinkuylluna mountain and on the left bank of the Huarocondo River, this pre-Hispanic huaca (temple), sitting at 2,900 metres above sea level, is wrapped in mystery and enigma.

Many visitors have reported feeling a powerful positive energy at this site, which you’ll reach at around 12:30 p.m. These experiences only add to its reputation as a spiritual place of dimensional connections, symbolised by its stone portals.

During colonial evangelisation, Ñawpa Waka began to be referred to as Ñaupa Iglesia (“very old church” in Spanish), although locals still call it Choquella, a Quechua word meaning “where the gold shines”.

The Andean spirituality is still alive in this “sacred place of the ancestors”. Ceremonies of gratitude to the Earth, the Sun, and the mountains are held here to this day.

Beyond the ritual and mysticism, your visit will also reveal carved volcanic rock windows, double-jamb niches, and huayranas — traditional resting spots for travellers — all crafted in true Inca style.

At the end of your visit, your transport will head towards the community of Pachar (in the district of Ollantaytambo). Just 10 minutes from Ñaupa Iglesia, this lovely village will charm you with its natural beauty and delicious local flavours.

After an exciting morning, your taste buds will be celebrating with the delicious Andean dishes awaiting you in the community. Lunch is scheduled for 13:00 hours. In Pachar, you’ll enjoy traditional local food while soaking in the breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

At the local restaurants, you’ll recharge your energy in a warm, welcoming setting—so much so that you’ll feel right at home. In fact, it might even tug at your heart a little when it’s time to head back to Cusco.

If you’ve booked our private service, we’ll make an extra stop at the Sacred Valley brewery on the way back to the “Imperial City.” Cheers!

Raise a toast to Cusco and its winding travel routes. A toast to the ancients and to nature. A toast with a top-quality craft beer to celebrate a successful day out. That’s the perfect ending to your adventure through Perolniyoc, Raqaypata and Ñaupa Iglesia.

And that perfect ending is possible if you’ve booked our private tour—and if the gods are kind enough to have the Sacred Valley Brewery in Pachar open when we arrive (around 3:00 p.m.).

Recognised as Peru’s best craft brewery in both 2016 and 2017, and winner of several artisan beer awards, this place produces over 20 different types of beer, with standouts like Apu Verónica, Ausangate and Be Kind.

Using local ingredients gives each beer a unique flavour. Don’t miss the chance to try them (not included in the tour price) at the brewery’s own bar and restaurant. You’re bound to love them.

At 16:00 hours, the toasts come to an end. It’s time to head back to Cusco via Ollantaytambo. Estimated journey time: 2 hours.

If you booked a group tour, we’ll drop you off near Cusco’s Plaza de Armas at around 16:30hours.

If you went for the private tour, your transport will take you straight to your hotel, arriving at approximately 18:00 hours.