Get ready for a cool day trip out from Cusco! We’re heading to the Perolniyoc Waterfall a really pretty spot tucked away in the Sacred Valley near Ollantaytambo (which sits at about 9,160 ft / 2,792 m). The hike to get there has some awesome views. Right near the waterfall there’s an old Inca building made from stone and mud pretty neat stuff. You’ll also see lots of local plants like sauco and queuña. The waterfall itself drops down about 80 to 100 meters it’s quite a sight.
Alright so we’ll pick you up from your hotel between 7:00 and 7:30 AM. Then it’s about an hour drive to the town of Socma kinda near the Sacred Valley. We’ll do final checks there before starting the hike. It’s about an hour walk uphill to the Racaypata or Perolniyoc ruins which are up at 3550 meters above sea level.
On the way you’ll see how folks live out here see their farms and stuff. Once we get to the ruins our guide will tell you all about what this place was used for back in the Inca times. After checking that out we hike down towards the Perolniyoc waterfall it’s a big one like 100 meters high! You’ll have plenty of time to grab photos maybe even take a quick dip if you’re brave enough for the cold water – it’s super refreshing some say!
Then we continue down to Socma hop back in our ride and drive about 25 minutes to Ñaupa Iglesia or Ñaupa Choqella (an old temple sitting around 11,480 ft / 3,500 m). This was a ceremonial place where Incas made offerings. It’s got a unique vibe some travelers say it feels ancient and powerful. After that we head back to Cusco and drop you near the main square. That’s the end of our Perolniyoc and Ñaupa Church day!
Prices can change so always good to double-check when booking. This gives you an idea though.
Number of People | Price per Person (USD) |
02 people | $115.00 |
03 people | $95.00 |
04 people | $75.00 |
05 people | $65.00 |
06 people | $65.00 |
07+ people | $65.00 |
08+ people | $65.00 |
(Note: Original text also mentioned 120 soles per person, potentially as a base or different operator price. The table above reflects the tiered pricing provided)
What You Get (Included)
What’s Not Included
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“MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL” is a 100% Peruvian local company and tour operator in Cusco, with many years of experience in hikes, adventure tours, and travel packages. We are a 100% local company.
Our dream as a local company is to offer personalized travel and hiking experiences, operated solely by local professional staff, focusing on a PERSONALIZED and HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE.
We are proud of our reputation as a travel operating agency, in addition to practicing RESPONSIBLE and SUSTAINABLE actions with the environment and local people.
We consider our staff as family and guarantee them a fair salary. We are very proud of our team! Without their support, we could not offer the quality of service that hundreds of our travelers have enjoyed.
At “MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL,” we are aware that our reputation and what our passengers say are crucial for our travelers to trust their next vacations; you can check the reviews our travelers leave on TripAdvisor, Facebook, and Google; in an honest and reliable operator to create your adventure in Peru.
To offer a more personalized service at “MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL,” we maintain a limit of 8 people for each of our groups. This distinguishes us from other companies that operate with larger groups.
We are very proud of our guides. They are experts and professionals, fluent in English. They are experts and knowledgeable about the routes, and they are passionate about Inca heritage and history. Our guides are dedicated to their continuous personal and professional development, researching to offer you accurate and recognized theories about Inca and Andean culture. They are friendly, athletic, and well-educated, with degrees in Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.
Hiking with “MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL” is an uplifting experience, we prioritize your comfort and enjoyment throughout the hike, and you will have the assistance of our porters. You will interact with local people, explore incredible sites, and rediscover ancient Inca ancestral towns. Our porters carry your gear, prepare your meals, set up our camp tents, and take care of you while you relax.
We provide our porters for free with: jackets, sun hats, warm hats, shirts, pants, hiking boots, comfortable travel bags, canteens, back support belts, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. All are hired from isolated communities, improving their economic circumstances and supporting the education of their children. We treat all our porters like family!
Our team (guides, cooks, porters, muleteers) and our equipment make “MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL” stand out among our competitors. On our adventure hikes, we include:
At “MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL,” we have always believed in giving back to isolated local communities. As part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we carry out various social projects and always hire local people.
We are very proud to support our local people. We not only employ them but also support their families, contributing to a holistic approach with our employees from the Peruvian Andes and their loved ones.
It’s a day hike with awesome views in the Sacred Valley. You see a big waterfall (over 50 meters!) and old Pre-Inca ruins up on the hill above it. It’s not one of the super crowded trails so feels a bit more off the beaten path.
It’s in the Socma community about 50 km north of Cusco City heading towards Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley.
The actual hike starts in Socma village and goes up to the Racaypata ruins. But the whole tour service picks you up from your hotel in Cusco and drops you back there (or nearby).
Nope currently there’s no entrance fee for the Perolniyoc waterfall itself. Your tour price includes any needed tickets for included sites like potentially Ñaupa Iglesia if required on the day.
Easy to moderate. Lots of it is fairly flat but there are some steep uphill bits that’ll get your heart pumping a bit especially with the altitude.
The main hiking part up and down is probably around 3-4 hours total walking time maybe a bit more with stops. The whole tour is a full day though with travel. Self-correction: Original text FAQ said 6 hours one way which seems very long for this itinerary and conflicts with other descriptions. Adjusted to reflect the itinerary timings and common descriptions of this hike.
Dry season (May – October) is great. Sunny days clear skies. Daytime temps around 18circC (64circF) but nights get cold near freezing sometimes so bring warm layers for morning/evening.
Recommended around 12 years and up mainly because of the hike and altitude. Need to be able to handle a few hours of walking with some hills.
Probably not recommended. The trail is uneven has steep parts and isn’t paved or easily accessible.
You can usually book online or email the tour company like the one mentioned (Inkayni) at [email address removed].
The deposit helps the company lock everything in for you – the transport the guide etc. especially since they need to book staff ahead of time. It guarantees your spot.
You can often book just 24 hours ahead but it’s always safer to book earlier if you can especially in busy season. Check with the company.
Usually yes if you give enough notice (like 72 hours before). Best to talk directly to the travel agent to sort out new dates.
Not essential but definitely helpful especially for the downhill parts to save your knees. If you have knee issues they’re a good idea. You can often rent them maybe for around $15 USD.
Your hotel in Cusco will almost always store luggage for free while you’re on a day trip or multi-day trek. If not the tour company might store it at their office. Just bring a small daypack for the hike.
Probably not much or none during the hike itself. You’re out in the mountains. Maybe some signal in Socma or Ñaupa Iglesia but don’t count on it.
Not really proper ones out on the trail itself. It’s a remote path. There might be basic ones at the start in Socma village but maybe not guaranteed. Best to go before you leave Cusco or Soqma. Nature calls sometimes means finding a discreet spot off trail (pack out any paper!).
Most tour companies have these on their website check there for details on cancellations changes liability etc.
Travel Tips & Info
The night before the hike usually around 6:30 PM we’ll have a quick meeting. Either at your hotel or our office check your email confirmation. This is where you meet your guide ask any last questions and make sure you’re all set. Super helpful.
This Perolniyoc hike is pretty cool not too crazy hard. It’s about 3 miles through nice forests past old farm terraces. You see the big waterfall and the Raqaypata ruins up top. It’s a good mix of nature and old Inca stuff. You’ll see cool plants maybe some birds great mountain views. Good for anyone who likes walking and history.
Our guides are awesome. They know tons about the Incas the plants the animals. They’re there to make sure you have a good time feel safe and learn cool stuff. Ask them anything!
We sort you out with food. Lunch is usually a packed meal maybe with local stuff like quinoa and veggies. Dinner isn’t part of this day trip since we’re back in the afternoon but we give you lunch. Still bring your own snacks and water for that extra energy boost during the hike.
It’s rated moderate mostly cause of the altitude and some uphill parts. If you’re reasonably fit you’ll be fine. The biggest thing is the altitude. Give yourself a few days in Cusco first to get used to it before you do any hikes like this. Take it slow drink lots of water or coca tea locals swear by it. It’s an adventure totally worth it though the views are ace.
Best way to prep is just be generally fit maybe do some walking or stairs beforehand. Good hiking boots are key. Pack layers cause the weather changes quick. Bring snacks sun protection any meds you need. And bring a good attitude ready for fun!
Yeah altitude can be tricky. Cusco is high already and you go a bit higher. You might get a headache feel dizzy or tired that’s Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). It’s usually mild. Drink loads of water avoid alcohol take it easy the first day or two. Coca tea helps some people. Listen to your body if you feel really bad tell your guide. Serious problems are rare but it’s good to be aware. Acclimatizing in Cusco first is super important.
Dry season May to September is usually best for sunny days and clear views. It’s popular then so might be more people on trails. April or October/November can be nice too maybe fewer crowds but higher chance of rain. Always check the weather forecast before you go.
Seriously get travel insurance. Make sure it covers hiking at high altitudes and medical emergencies including evacuation just in case. Better safe than sorry right? It gives peace of mind.
Ready to go? Booking is easy. You usually pay a deposit online maybe $50 US or so with your details. Then pay the rest when you get to Cusco at the office. Easy peasy.
Get Ready to Explore? With your booking confirmed, all thats left to do is pack your bags and get ready to explore. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first journey, well be with you every step of the way. At Machu Picchu Peru Travel, we believe that every journey begins with a single step. So why wait? Start your adventure today and let the world be your guide.
Machu Picchu Peru Travel it’s the people who make a difference. Our travel experts craft the perfect trip for every traveler through our award-winning customer service. Real people helping real people. Beside you every step of the way.
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