Description

A three-day trek between waterfalls, Inca ruins and high-altitude panoramas. From Socma, you reach the spectacular Perolniyoc waterfall and the cliff-top ruins of Raqaypata before spending the night in Rayan. The next day, you cross the Niyoc pass at 4,400 m, then continue to the Inca gate of Inti Punku, a true balcony overlooking the Sacred Valley. You end your adventure by descending toward Cachicata and Ollantaytambo, passing through the ancient Inca quarry. A short, varied and immersive itinerary in the heart of the Andes.

Highlights

Catarata de Perolniyoc
Rayan
Cachicata

Day 1 :

Cusco - Waterfall of Perolniyoc - Rayan

Today, we will head to the village of Socma (3000 m.a.s.l.). From the center of the village, we will start our adventure and first walk to the Perolniyoc waterfall. It will take us about 1 hour on average to reach the base of the waterfall, where we will take a break to fully enjoy this beautiful place. We will then continue climbing up to the ruins of Raqaypata.

Standing at 3500 m.a.s.l., the archaeological complex of Raqaypata is a perfect spot to rest and enjoy a beautiful view over the Socma valley. We will finish the day with one last effort to reach the community of Rayan, where our campsite will be waiting for us for the night.

Distance: 7 km

Hiking time: 6–7 hours
Ascent: +875 m

Day 2 :

Rayan - Paso Niyoc - Inti Punku - Cachicata

Today, we will walk up the Rayan valley toward the Niyoc pass, which rises to 4,400 meters. The ascent will be intense, but the view at the top is worth every effort. We will rest for a moment before starting a long descent of about three hours to the Inca gate of "Inti Punku" and finally to our campsite in Cachicata.

Hiking time: 8–9h

Elevation gain: +850m

Elevation loss: -850m

Day 3 :

Cachicata - Ollantaytambo

Our last day of trekking is quite short and entirely downhill. We will cross the Cachicata quarry, the place of origin of the stones used for the construction of Ollantaytambo, explore this site, and descend for 3 hours towards the town of Ollantaytambo. We will explore this place and descend for 3 hours until we reach the town of Ollantaytambo, where our adventure will come to an end.

Distance: 8.5 km

Hiking time: 3h

Elevation loss: -940 m