If you are looking for something alternative to the classic destinations of Cusco (Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the 7 Colors Mountain); The Tecsecocha cliffs are an excellent option. This destination combines beautiful Andean landscapes with mysticism and history. There you can enjoy a refreshing waterfall 50 meters high. There are also cave paintings belonging to cultures that are 2,000 years old. It is even possible to practice adventure sports. Learn more details about this new destination in Cusco.
The Tecsecocha cliffs are rock formations that reach up to 80 meters in height. In addition to the imposing composition of this place, it stands out for the waterfall of up to 50 meters.
The place was an important Inca settlement. This is demonstrated by the historic roads (qhapac ñan) that cross the route. It is also notable for the cave paintings located nearby. Research dates these figures to up to two thousand years ago.
Likewise, at the base of the cliffs, there are remains of an Inca cemetery. For this reason, many visitors come there to carry out 'mystical tourism' in this very special place.
The cliffs are also frequented by visitors looking to do adventure sports such as cycling, via ferrata, hiking and more.
The place is very well equipped by the local residents. There are well-conditioned roads to get there. During the route, it is also possible to appreciate the Andean flora and fauna. Admission is free, making it an excellent economical and alternative option in Cusco.
The Tecsecocha cliffs are located in the town of Ccorca, just 23 kilometers by car from the city of Cusco (trip of approximately 1 hour 20 minutes).
The Tecsecocha cliffs are located 3,600 meters above sea level.
The Anahuarque and Huanacaure snow-capped mountains rise in the distance from the cliffs. The guardian 'Apu' of the place is 'Mama Simona'.
The tours include transportation service to and from the Tecsecocha cliffs. If you want to go on your own you must follow the following steps:
From a rock formation almost 50 meters high, you can see a waterfall that is the great tourist attraction of Tecsecocha.
The Municipality of Ccorca implemented paths, wooden stairs as well as tables and sculptures to improve the visitor experience.
The main waterfall ends in a beautiful chacana-shaped construction where visitors can cool off.
The chacana is known as 'the Andean cross'. It represents the Inca worldview of the three worlds: the hanan pacha (the heavenly world), the kay pacha (the earthly world) and the uku pacha (the underworld).
The cave paintings of Tecsecocha are up to two thousand years old. The figures show llamas, probably the animal that served as food for the first men – hunters of Cusco.
The cave paintings are located 15 minutes walk from the town of Ccorca. They are in good condition.
In the vicinity of the place there are the remains of an important Inca cemetery. The Incas buried their dead inside a hole in the rocks. The deceased were buried along with their most precious personal belongings.
The Incas settled there between 1,100 AD. and 1534 A.D. Upon the arrival of the Spanish at the end of the 16th century, the cemetery was looted.
However, to this day many visitors come to leave their offerings of coca leaves, beers and more.
The presence of this cemetery, as well as a section of Inca roads, indicate that the site was an important point of the immense empire of the Incas.
The visit also offers an approach to the varied Andean flora and fauna.
During the walk you can see different types of trees, plants and flowers such as: eucalyptus, molles, kantu, queñua, mutuy, ferns and more.
Among the most representative wildlife species are: the llama, the alpaca, the Andean condor, the Andean sparrow, the Andean fox, the cow, sheep and more.
The 1-day tours to the Tecsecocha cliffs have a cost that varies between 10 to 20 dollars per tourist. Includes: transportation and tour guide.
Many visitors also decide to go on their own. The cost of this adventure without a tour is approximately $10 per person.
Remember that entry to the Tecsecocha cliffs is completely free.
The climate in Ccorca and the Tecsecocha cliffs is temperate – cold, with dry seasons and intense rains.
During the day the temperature can reach a maximum of 22ºC. while at night the cold can drop to 0ºC. As minimum.
The rainy season runs between November and March, especially in February (the rainiest in all of Cusco). Likewise, from April to October the dry season passes. That is, in those months it is unlikely to rain, which makes the visit easier. The driest months are June and July.
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu entrance tickets in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
