Immerse yourself in the mysterious culture of the Canchis province and visit its administrative centre on our Machu Pitumarka Day Trip from Cusco. You'll also explore a fascinating archaeological site.
Machu Pitumarka Day Trip
At 8 am, we'll pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and drive south to the district of Pitumarca. The archaeological site of Machu Pitumarka, located at an altitude of 11,370 feet (3,465 metres), is the administrative and religious centre of the unknown Canchis culture.
From this spot, the Canchis controlled access to the valley. However, this was unsuccessful in preventing the powerful Incas from taking over the territory and occupying it. Machu Pitumarka was a place of transit that held great importance, so much so that it was even mentioned in the chronicles of some historians such as Inca Garcilaso de la Vega.
During our visit, we'll explore the three sectors into which the enclosure is divided. The first sector is made up of six rectangular structures called pircas. We'll then move on to the second sector, from which we'll admire a breathtaking view of the snow-capped Ausangate Mountain, which is 21,000 feet (6,400 metres) high.
Our tour will then continue to the third sector, located in the lowest part of this site. This sector contains small buildings that may well have been dwellings from the Inca period.
After visiting Machu Pitumarka, we'll start our return journey to Cusco. On the way, we'll make a stop at the colonial church of the Immaculate Conception of Checacupe. This architectural jewel, made from adobe, houses important relics and boasts lavish interior decoration.
We'll then pass by the colonial bridge of Checacupe, built in the 17th century, before stopping in Huaro. Here, we'll admire its Church of St. John the Baptist, a masterpiece of the painting by the Cusquenian Tadeo Escalante.
Lastly, we'll arrive in Cusco and drop you back at your hotel at around 5 pm.
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