Half-Day Trek to Perolniyoc Waterfall and Raqaypata Ruins from Cusco

• TOUR RECOMMENDATIONS
• Comfortable Hiking Clothing: Bring comfortable and light clothing appropriate for trekking. The weather is temperate Andean with intense sun, but can be cool near the waterfall due to humidity. Light waterproof jacket or windbreaker and comfortable trekking pants.
• Footwear: Trekking shoes or sports shoes with good grip MANDATORY. The tour includes a 1 to 1.5 hour hike along Andean trails, uneven terrain and possible humidity near the waterfall. Closed, water-resistant and comfortable footwear that you have previously worn.
• Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses and hat/cap. Solar radiation is very intense in the Sacred Valley. Apply sunscreen every 2 hours during the hike.
• Cash: Bring soles for additional snacks in the community, voluntary tips for the guide and personal expenses. Lunch is included.
• Hydration: Reusable water bottle (minimum 1.5 liters). Staying well hydrated is essential during the full-day hike. Limited sales points on the route.
• Small Backpack: To carry camera, documents, water, energy snacks, sunscreen, extra waterproof jacket and cash. Light backpack of 20-30 liters is sufficient.
• Camera or Phone: ESSENTIAL to photograph the 100-meter waterfall (spectacular crystalline veil), the Sacred Valley, Raqaypata archaeological complex, 360° panoramic views of the valleys, native Andean flora and unique moments with local communities. Bring extra battery or power bank.
• Documents: Original ID or Passport for registration. Free entrance to all attractions.
• Previous Breakfast: Have a good breakfast at your hotel before departure at 08:00 am. It is a full-day tour and you will need energy for the hike. Lunch is served in the Socma community.
• Cultural Respect: You will visit local communities of Socma with living Andean traditions. Be respectful of people, their customs, ceremonial spaces and archaeological sites. Follow the guide's instructions and do not touch or take elements from the sites.
• Learning Attitude: This is a nature, archaeology and culture tour. Prepare your willingness to listen to the guide's explanations about the waterfall, Andean ecosystem, pre-Inca and Inca history of the Raqaypata complex, and the life of local communities.
• Peaceful Pace: The hike is at a moderate pace with stops to rest and appreciate the landscape. Walk at your own pace and notify the guide if you need to rest. Acclimatization is important.
• Energy Snacks: Bring dried fruits, energy bars or fruits to replenish energy during the hike, especially if you decide to ascend to the archaeological complex.
• Personal Medication: If you have any medical condition or take medications, bring them with you. If you are sensitive to altitude, you can bring preventive medication. The maximum altitude is 3,460 m.a.s.l., similar to downtown Cusco.
• Waterproof Jacket: Recommended due to proximity to the waterfall and possible humidity. There may be dew or water splashes in the area near the fall.
• Sustainable Tourism: Your visit directly supports the communities of Socma. Consider buying local products if possible and respect the sustainable tourism model that preserves natural and cultural heritage.

• FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
• Is previous experience or good physical condition necessary? No previous trekking experience is required, but a basic physical condition is needed to walk 1 to 1.5 hours along Andean trails to the waterfall. The difficulty level is moderate. The hike is at a leisurely pace with the option to ascend 30 additional minutes to the archaeological complex.
• What does this tour include? Includes hotel pick-up in Cusco (08:00 am), private round-trip tourist transportation, bilingual professional guide specialized in nature and archaeology (Spanish/English/Portuguese), free entrance to Perolniyoc Waterfall and Raqaypata Archaeological Complex, typical lunch in Socma community with local products, detailed explanation of each place and permanent assistance throughout the tour.
• What services are NOT included? Not included: breakfast (it is recommended to have breakfast at your hotel before leaving), dinner (return to Cusco between 5:00-6:00 PM), additional beverages during the hike, voluntary tips, personal expenses or extra snacks.
• How long does the tour last and what time does it depart? The tour lasts approximately 8 hours (full day). We start with hotel pick-up at 08:00 am in Cusco and return approximately between 5:00 - 6:00 PM. The hike to the waterfall takes 1 to 1.5 hours, with enough time to enjoy the landscape, have lunch and optionally visit the archaeological complex.
• How many days do I need to be in Cusco before the tour? At least 1-2 days of prior acclimatization in Cusco is recommended. The maximum altitude is 3,460 m.a.s.l., similar to downtown Cusco (3,399 m.a.s.l.). Ideal for the second or third day of your stay, once your body is adapted to the altitude.
• What places will we visit during the tour? You will visit: Sacred Valley of the Incas (emblematic landscape), Socma community near Ollantaytambo, Perolniyoc Waterfall (100-meter cascade with crystalline veil in native Andean forests at 3,460 m.a.s.l.), Raqaypata Archaeological Complex (little-known but invaluable pre-Inca and Inca site), 360° panoramic viewpoint with views of Socma and Anaphahua valleys, native Andean flora (centenary queñuas, medicinal chachacomo) and experience with daily life of Andean communities. An authentic experience that combines nature, archaeology and culture, away from mass tourism, with free entrance to all attractions.

• IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE BOOKING
• Service type: Private.
• Total duration: Approximately 8 hours (full day).
• Departure: 08:00 AM with pick-up from your hotel in Cusco.
• Maximum altitude: 3,460 m.a.s.l.
• Difficulty level: Moderate. Hike of 1 to 1.5 hours to the waterfall. Option of 30 additional minutes to ascend to the archaeological complex.
• Documentation: Carry original ID or Passport for registration.
• Acclimatization: Ideal for the second or third day of arrival in Cusco. The altitude is 3,460 m.a.s.l., similar to downtown Cusco. Prior acclimatization recommended.
• Guide language: Professional bilingual in Spanish / English / Portuguese.
• Experience type: Unique nature and archaeology experience. Hike to 100-meter waterfall in the Sacred Valley with option to visit the archaeological complex of Raqaypata (pre-Inca and Inca).
• Breakfast: NOT included. It is recommended to have breakfast before departure from your hotel.
• Lunch: INCLUDED. Typical lunch in Socma community with local products.
• Restrictions: No special restrictions. Accessible for people with basic physical condition. Ability to do a moderate hike of 1 to 1.5 hours required.
• Weather: Temperate Andean with intense sun. Can be cool near the waterfall. Bring sun protection and layered clothing.
• Clothing: Comfortable hiking clothing, trekking shoes or sports shoes with good grip, light waterproof jacket, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses.
• Accommodation: Does NOT include accommodation. Full-day tour with return to Cusco in the afternoon.
• Dinner: NOT included. Return to Cusco with enough time for dinner.
• Experience: Nature, archaeology and cultural tourism. Ideal for lovers of waterfalls, Andean landscapes, pre-Inca and Inca archaeology, and travelers seeking authentic experiences in local communities.
• End: Return to downtown Cusco approximately between 5:00 - 6:00 PM.
• Main attractions: Sacred Valley of the Incas, community of Socma (near Ollantaytambo), Perolniyoc Waterfall (100 meters high with crystalline veil), Archaeological Complex of Raqaypata (little-known pre-Inca and Inca site), 360° panoramic viewpoint of Socma and Anaphahua valleys, native Andean flora (queñuas, chachacomo), local fauna and daily life of Andean communities.
• Cultural interaction: Direct experience with local communities of Socma, ancestral Andean traditions, sustainable tourism that directly supports community development. Free entrance to natural and archaeological attractions.

Live a unique day exploring the Perolniyoc waterfall and Raqaypata

Check the route, access and key points for your adventure to Perolniyoc and Raqaypata.