Puma Orqo & Maukallaqta Day Trip

If you'd like to learn all about the origins of the Inca civilization, our Puma Orqo & Maukallaqta Day Trip from Cusco is perfect for you. We'll visit two sacred places shrouded in mystery and legend on this tour.

Puma Orqo & Maukallaqta Day Trip

At 8 am, we'll pick you up from your hotel and leave Cusco behind as we travel through mountainous terrain towards the province of Paruro. On the way, we'll pass through picturesque villages such as Yaurisque and see the ancient Church of San Esteban, built with stones carved before the Inca civilization.

We'll then arrive at the first stop, the archaeological complex of Puma Orqo. Here, we'll learn about the legend of the Inca culture's origins documented by chroniclers like Juan de Betanzos and Cristobal de Molina.

As we explore the archaeological remains, we'll visit the Tamputoqocaves, meaning "place of the dawn or origin", and discuss their connection to the empire's beginnings.

Afterwards, we'll take a 3-mile (5-kilometre) walk along the Yaurisque River to Maukallaqta, another archaeological site with over 200 masonry buildings. Experts suggest this site housed a magnificent oracle adorned with gold.

We'll also see ceremonial fountains, alcoves, and other sacred buildings that highlight Maukallaqta's historical significance, destroyed by Spanish conquistadors. We will pause for lunch during our return to Cusco, arriving around 4 pm to take you back to your hotel for goodbyes.