Immersive Journey Through the North Valley of Cusco

Tour Details

Tour Description

Following the Hidden Route of the Inca: The “Pampas de Anta”, formerly called “Valle de Jaquijaguana” during colonial times, is a completely flat valley located in the Anta province, about 50 minutes north of Cusco. Some of the most important archaeological sites and Colonial Churches are located around this flat valley, all of them barely visited by tourists due to poor promotion. However, that does not mean these places are not stunning in architecture and engineering ahead of their time. The area holds heavy historical significance to Cusco because some of the first civilizations of the Cusco valley originated here, and also because of the definitive battle between the Chankas and the Incas, which allowed the latter to become the greatest civilization in America.

This tour takes you off the beaten path to explore five districts of the Anta province, each with its own unique archaeological treasure.

Highlights

• Explore Tarawasi, one of the four original Inca Tampus (resting and control posts).
• Visit Killarumiyoc, the only archaeological site dedicated to moon worship with the sacred “Moon Stone”.
• See the largest Andean terraces in the world at Andenes de Zurite.
• Observe ancient farming techniques still in use with modern monitoring.
• Discover Rawanqui Andean Terraces, the projection of Zurite’s terraces.
• Visit Pillco Paqcha, a sacred water reverence site with ancient puquios (water sources).
• Enjoy the famous “Lechon” (roasted pork) in Huarocondo town.

Places to Visit

• Limatambo – Tarawasi: Considered as one of the four TAMPUS (resting, commercial and control place) apart from Ollantaytambo, Paqaritambo and Paucartambo, located at 2577 m.a.s.l. The most important archaeological site is Tarawasi, which is located close to the main road Cusco – Abancay and on the main Inca Trail to the Chinchaysuyu (northern region). It is said that it was a ceremonial religious place during the Inca times.
• Ancahuasi – Killarumiyoc: It is the highest district of the flat valley, at about 3465 m.a.s.l. There are “Haciendas” which do tell part of the colonial history of the area, when the Spaniards had part of the current extension, later converted into Native Communities during the Military Government of Juan Velasco. Killarumiyoc is the most important archaeological site of the district, it is a completely sacred place for revering the moon (Killa in Quechua language) and located at the base of the Apu Soqomarka sacred mountain.
• Zurite – Andenes de Zurite: Located at 3400 m.a.s.l. and to the east of the flat valley, its capital suffered the consequences of a catastrophic flood, which nearly destroyed the whole town in 2010 because of the heavy rains that fell for several days in a row. Incredibly, their archaeological sites survived and remained almost intact from the flood, one of the examples is the Archaeological Site of Andenes de Zurite, considered as the largest Andean Terraces of the world.
• Huarocondo – Rawanqui Andean Terraces: According to the Spanish chronicles the place was the oldest of the flat valley, some said that Ayar Manco (one of the Ayar brothers) ordered the beginning of the construction of all of the complexes around. Nearly all of those complexes are located far away and higher from the town, which is located at 3335 m.a.s.l. The Rawanqui Andean Terraces are located at a similar altitude of the town, and is considered as the projection of the Andenes de Zurite.
• Pucyura – Pillco Paqcha: Located at 3384 m.a.s.l. it was the birth place of one of the groups that also occupied the Cusco valley and fought against the Incas: Ayarmacas. In fact, the name remained intact until nowadays, one of the native communities is called Ayarmaca. The most important archaeological site is Pillco Paqcha, which is associated with the reverence of the water.

Detailed Site Information

• Tarawasi (Limatambo): One of the four original Tampus, ceremonial religious place at 2,577 m.a.s.l.
• Killarumiyoc (Ancahuasi): Moon worship site with the unique “Moon Stone” astronomical observatory, located at 3,465 m.a.s.l. at the base of Apu Soqomarka.
• Andenes de Zurite (Zurite): Largest Andean terraces in the world at 3,400 m.a.s.l., with ancient farming techniques still in use.
• Rawanqui (Huarocondo): Continuation of the Zurite terraces, near the oldest town in the valley at 3,335 m.a.s.l.
• Pillco Paqcha (Pucyura): Sacred water reverence site with ancient puquios, located at 3,384 m.a.s.l. in Ayarmaca territory.

Why take a small group tour?

The principal reason to take small groups is to provide personalized service. In a small group, it’s easy to keep together and enjoy the nature and landscape. There is a possibility to make friends and share experiences, interacting more closely with each other. So choose a small group for the personalized and quality service.

Benefits of a private tour

One of the main reasons why the private option is sought after is because you do not need to worry about which dates we have departures set for. In addition to the convenience and flexibility in booking, the private option provides a more personal trip experience for your group. We will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. The guide will focus all of his energy and attention on your group. You can also be more specific about the foods that you would like to be served. It is a truly wonderful experience to go on such an amazing journey with only your friends and loved ones. Ask at South Adventure Peru Tours how you can arrange your own private tour.

What to Bring / Carry

• Essential: Original passport.
• Footwear: Hiking shoes (waterproof recommended).
• Clothing: Sportswear, long pants, jacket or fleece.
• Rain gear: Rain poncho (essential for rainy season).
• Accessories: Hat or cap, sunglasses, sunscreen.
• Gear: Daypack (30 liters), camera.
• Hydration: 1 liter of water (can also buy along the way).
• Personal Items: Toilet paper, extra money for expenses and lunch.

Price per Person:

• Destination:

  Cusco

• Duration:

  Full Day (approx. 9 hours)

• What included:

  Briefing night before of your trip into our office by our English speaking guide

  Pick up and dropped off from/at your Hotel

  Private and very comfortable transport

  English speaking guide.

  A Box-lunch with plenty of snack

  Free first Aid kit and oxygen if is necessary for altitude sickness

  Peruvian taxes or IGV 18%

• What is not included:

  Entrance to Tarawasi: S/20.00 per person.

  Entrance to Killarumiyoc: S/15.00 per person.

  Meals at any restaurant alongside the route.

  Tips.

  Personal expenses.