{"id":412,"date":"2023-01-05T23:44:45","date_gmt":"2023-01-05T23:44:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.orange-nation.com\/blog\/?p=412"},"modified":"2023-08-21T21:58:52","modified_gmt":"2023-08-21T21:58:52","slug":"perolniyoc-waterfall-hike","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.orange-nation.com\/blog\/perolniyoc-waterfall-hike\/","title":{"rendered":"Perolniyoq Waterfall Hike &#038; Hidden Inca Site"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Perolniyoc Waterfall Hike FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Official trailhead: Village of Soqma <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Difficulty<\/strong>: Moderate, the ascent to the ruins are steep<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Distance<\/strong>: 4.25 miles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Village of Pachar \u2013 Raqaypata (Total One-Way Distance)<\/strong>: just under 7.5 miles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ascent<\/strong>: Almost 3,350 ft<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Excursion Duration<\/strong>: This hike will take all day<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>During rainy season the trails can be muddy and slick<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Perolniyoc Waterfall Hike: Day Trip Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>For timing logistics, the Perolniyoc Waterfall hike is best done as a day trip for travelers who are already staying in the Sacred Valley. The nearby village of Urubamba makes the perfect base to explore all the highlights of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.orange-nation.com\/sacred-valley-tour-salt-mines\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.orange-nation.com\/sacred-valley-tour-salt-mines\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sacred Valley<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Urubamba is a truly authentic village that is nestled in the center of the valley and is well connected with two bus terminals and a wide range of collectivos. It also has frequent departures to and from the Imperial City of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.samcorporations.com\/cusco-travel-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.samcorporations.com\/cusco-travel-guide\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cusco<\/a>. Besides all the public transportation options, there are multiple taxis that can zip you to the trailhead and other worthwhile sites. If coming from Cusco, a taxi to the trailhead will be essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>***Make sure to always negotiate the price before entering a taxi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alternatively, those looking for more solitude and quiet nights will love staying in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.incatrailhikeperu.com\/best-ollantaytambo-information\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.incatrailhikeperu.com\/best-ollantaytambo-information\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ollantaytambo<\/a> Peru just down the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since the Raqaypata Archaeologcial Park sits at almost 12,000 feet, proper acclimation is essential. To help alleviate altitude sickness, drink coca tea and carry some extra coca leaves to chew on. The leaves are sacred to the Indigenous people of the area and make great gifts for the locals and as offering to Pacamama, or Mother Earth.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"714\" height=\"920\" src=\"https:\/\/www.orange-nation.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Perolniyoc-Waterfall-Hike.webp\" alt=\"Perolniyoc Waterfall Hike\" class=\"wp-image-781\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.orange-nation.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Perolniyoc-Waterfall-Hike.webp 714w, https:\/\/www.orange-nation.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Perolniyoc-Waterfall-Hike-233x300.webp 233w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 714px) 100vw, 714px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Along the route to the Perolniyoc Waterfall there is little shade coverage. Leave early to ensure enough time to explore the sites and to avoid the intense heat of the Andes. The only sections with shade coverage is near the Perolniyoc Waterfall, where the climate is green and lush. Carry enough water and a water filter to replenish water supplies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Perolniyoc Waterfall hike can be done anytime of the year. Remember, that Peru has two very distinct seasons, rainy (Nov \u2013 April ) and dry (May \u2013 October). During the rainy season, the paths can be muddy and slick. During the dry season, fresh water can be more scarce and harder to come by.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pachar: The Gateway to Perolniyoc and Raqaypata<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"alert alert-primary\">The official stop is right outside the popular Cervecer\u00eda del Valle Sagrado. I highly suggest walking from Pachar, otherwise you will miss another hidden gem in the valley, \u00d1aupa Iglesia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Upon arrival in Pachar, cross over the bridge that spans the Urubamba River and take a right to continue through the small hamlet. Keep walking out of town and look for a reddish colored bridge. Once you cross the bridge, turn left and join up with the railroad tracks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The railroad track eventually leads to the cave site of \u00d1aupa Iglesia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don\u2019t Miss \u00d1aupa Iglesia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-2 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.orange-nation.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Naupa-Iglesia.webp\" alt=\"Naupa Iglesia \" class=\"wp-image-783\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.orange-nation.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Naupa-Iglesia.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.orange-nation.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Naupa-Iglesia-300x225.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.orange-nation.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Naupa-Iglesia-768x576.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u00d1aupa Iglesia Ruins<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>If walking from Pachar to Soqma, don\u2019t miss a chance to visit the fascinating site of \u00d1aupa Iglesia, or Choquequilla, which is built seamlessly into a large cave. There are a few small ruins that are left behind, but what\u2019s most interesting is the almost \u201cout of place\u201d alter at the entrance. This black stone is engraved with some seriously advanced stone work. Some elders say this intricate chisel work is too advanced for the Inca civilization and this sacred place may actually pre-date the Inca dynasty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Inside the cave look for the peculiar \u201cportal\u201d on the side of the cave wall. Some say this carving is actually a dimensional portal that has ties to Egypt, a wormhole if you will. What\u2019s really special is the energy you can immediately feel upon stepping foot into this special space. This site is worth a quick pitstop before exploring Perolniyoc Waterfall and Raqaypata.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From \u00d1aupa Iglesia, exit and continue along on the railroad tracks. These tracks lead to the trailhead in Soqma.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Soqma Trailhead \u2013 Perolniyoc Waterfall \u2013 Raqaypata<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<p>After a casual stroll along the railroad tracks, reach the road that leads to the small village of Soqma (Socma). Walk along the first bend in the road until you see a small hiking path. Don\u2019t continue along the paved road into Soqma, rather take the dirt hiking path. This trail runs parallel to the village.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This hiking trail is well trotted and provides some nice, distant views of Soqma. The dirt path is lovely and winds past a few homes. As you continue along the path, keep your eyes peeled for those first epic glimpses of Raqaypata on the towering hillside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The path eventually comes to a stream, which make an ideal place to replenish water. Make sure to use your filter as this is prime farm land, with lots of \u201cpresents\u201d that have been left by the cattle. Cross the stream and look to the right. There is a very distinct uphill path that leads to the Perolniyoc Waterfall (Catarata Perolniyoc). The trail is steep, but there are some \u201crock steps,\u201d which come in handy!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Perolniyoc Waterfall<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Notice the rushing water is getting louder. You\u2019re almost there, and the scenery is begining to change. It\u2019s almost as if you\u2019re stepping into a small, lush forest. There are lots of little paths to explore, but they all wind along the base of the stunning Perolniyoc Waterfall. Follow along the stream and moss and look up at the impressive fall<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Perolniyoc Waterfall to the Site of Raqaypata<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Snag some photos, replenish water, and take a break in the shaded area. This really is an awesome spot in the Sacred Valley. After enjoying a break at the Perolniyoc Waterfall, continue on the uphill path to the site of Raqaypata.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you continue along this section of the path, don\u2019t forget to look back. There are some epic views of the Perolniyoc Waterfalls with the hilltop ruins. Also, look out to savor nice views of the valley. There are some arrows and blue and white sign markers, so this part of the Perolniyoc waterfall hike is easy to follow. Be mindful of the ascent! From the base of Soqma, the trail climbs over 3,350 feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Raqaypata Archaeological Park and Hiking Options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Raqaypata Archaeological Park is free and is quite small, so it doesn\u2019t require a lot of time to explore the site. There is also an information board in Spanish that greets you at the entrance of the park. On the board, find photos that explains some landmarks of the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s crazy to think of the building mastery of the Incas, since this site not only sits on top of the Perolniyoc Waterfall, but these feats were completed at an altitude close to 12,000 feet (3,645 m).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After exploring the small, but interesting Inca site of Raqaypata, grab a spot on the grass and enjoy a picnic. Appreciate all the stunning 360\u00b0 views and the crumbling ruins that make the Perolniyoc Waterfall hike worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When finished, take the same path (it will be all downhill!) past the Perolniyoc Waterfall. Follow down the same trail that runs parallel to Soqma, and head back to Pachar via the railroad tracks. On the way down there\u2019s less detours and stops, so it cuts down on the mileage and it\u2019s faster. Yeah for the downhill!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Great Trekking options to Machu Picchu<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Laguna Ancascocha<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Laguna Ancascocha is an epic multi-day trek that continues from Raqaypata. It\u2019s a total of 4 days for the out and back trail. From Raqaypata, pass through the tiny village of Rayon and take a steep mountain pass to wild camp in the Andes mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Walking along the path is tough and they are not well marked. These trails are narrow and more like alpaca path tracks. Be prepared for some serious scrambles. The trail leads you to the few homes that make up the community of Ancascocha. There may be a shepherd or two that can point you in the right direction to the alpine lake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Reaching Laguna Ancascocha is breathtaking and a beautiful surprise. The turquoise lake is untouched and surrounded by diverse mountains. Take the path up towards the pass to savor in the panoramic views where you can see the alpine lake from another angle. The Lake is often said to resemble some sort of fish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.orange-nation.com\/ancascocha-trek-to-machu-picchu-5-days\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.orange-nation.com\/ancascocha-trek-to-machu-picchu-5-days\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">link.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Inti Punku | Ollantaytambo\u2019s Epic Sun Gate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-4 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.orange-nation.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Ollantaytambos-Epic-Sun-Gate.webp\" alt=\"Ollantaytambo\u2019s Epic Sun Gate\" class=\"wp-image-786\" style=\"width:625px;height:469px\" width=\"625\" height=\"469\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.orange-nation.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Ollantaytambos-Epic-Sun-Gate.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.orange-nation.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Ollantaytambos-Epic-Sun-Gate-300x225.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.orange-nation.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Ollantaytambos-Epic-Sun-Gate-768x576.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>If you don\u2019t have 4 days to complete the Laguna Ancascocha trek, or don\u2019t feel comfortable getting \u201ctoo far off the beaten path,\u201d there is a chance to hike down to Ollantaytambo via Inti Punku and a narrow mule pass. The epic and worthwhile Sun Gate towers over the village and offers incredible views of Mount Veronica. This is a 2 Day trek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Again, you\u2019ll need to feel a little more confident in your hiking abilities. Depending on your fitness level, either camp at Raqaypata or near Rayon. If you start the uphill trek to the pass above Rayon, be mindful that with daylight restrictions, you may have to wild camp along the route. Due to the fact that this path follows along a scenic and bare ridge, the camping options along the path are not the best.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>See the Inca <a href=\"https:\/\/www.orange-nation.com\/inca-quarry-trail-machu-picchu\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.orange-nation.com\/inca-quarry-trail-machu-picchu\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This hike requires a scramble through a rugged and jagged mountain pass on a rocky mule trail. After the mule trail pass, it\u2019s a downhill and straight forward path to the Sun Gate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Inti Punku is one of the most incredible places in the entire Sacred Valley, when you\u2019re finished exploring, follow the Inca Quarry trail into Ollantaytambo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Perolniyoc Waterfall Hike FAQs Perolniyoc Waterfall Hike: Day Trip Tips For timing logistics, the Perolniyoc Waterfall hike is best done as a day trip for travelers who are already staying in the Sacred Valley. The nearby village of Urubamba makes the perfect base to explore all the highlights of the Sacred Valley. Urubamba is a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":779,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-412","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-inca-trail-trek"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.orange-nation.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/412","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.orange-nation.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.orange-nation.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.orange-nation.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.orange-nation.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=412"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/www.orange-nation.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/412\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":787,"href":"https:\/\/www.orange-nation.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/412\/revisions\/787"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.orange-nation.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/779"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.orange-nation.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=412"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.orange-nation.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=412"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.orange-nation.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=412"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}