Puma Orqo & Maukallaqta Day Trip

For those eager to delve into the roots of the Inca civilization, the day excursion to Puma Orqo and Maukallaqta from Cusco offers an enlightening experience. This journey takes you to two enigmatic sites steeped in history and lore.

Puma Orqo & Maukallaqta Day Trip

Your adventure begins at 8 am with a pick-up from your accommodation. Departing from Cusco, we traverse the stunning mountainous landscapes towards the province of Paruro. Along the route, we will pass charming villages such as Yaurisque, where the ancient Church of San Esteban stands, constructed from stones predating the Inca Empire.

Our first destination is the archaeological site of Puma Orqo. Here, we will uncover the stories surrounding the origins of Inca culture, as detailed by chroniclers like Juan de Betanzos and Cristobal de Molina, immersing ourselves in the Andean epics that narrate this civilization’s beginnings.

While we explore the remnants of this Inca site, we will also visit the Tamputoqoc caves, whose Quechua name translates to "place of the dawn or origin". This connection prompts intriguing conversations about their significance in the empire's mythos.

Subsequently, a scenic 3-mile (5-kilometer) trek along the Yaurisque River leads us to Maukallaqta. This archaeological treasure features over 200 stone structures. Scholars believe this area may have contained a grand oracle adorned with gold on its walls.

You’ll also encounter ceremonial fountains, alcoves, and various significant constructions that underscore Maukallaqta’s religious and historical relevance, a site that faced destruction during the Spanish conquest. Afterward, we will pause for lunch at your convenience before returning to Cusco, where we aim to arrive by 4 pm. Finally, we will escort you back to your hotel and conclude our time together.