If you'd like to learn all about the origins of the Inca civilization, our Puma Orqo & Maukallaqta Day Trip from Cusco is perfect for you. We'll visit two sacred places shrouded in mystery and legend on this tour.
Puma Orqo & Maukallaqta Day Trip
At 8 am, we'll pick you up from your hotel and leave Cusco behind as we travel through mountainous terrain towards the province of Paruro. On the way, we'll pass through picturesque villages such as Yaurisque. Here, we'll be able to see the ancient Church of San Esteban, which was built with stones carved before the age of the Inca civilization.
We'll then arrive at the first stop of the tour, the archaeological complex of Puma Orqo. In this sacred place, we'll learn about the legend behind the origins of the Inca culture through an Andean epic documented by chroniclers such as Juan de Betanzos and Cristobal de Molina.
As we explore the Inca archaeological remains, we'll visit the Tamputoqocaves. Their name in Quechua means "place of the dawn or origin", so we'll discuss if they're linked to the legend of this empire's beginnings...
Afterwards, we'll take a 3-mile (5-kilometre) walk along the Yaurisque River towards Maukallaqta. This spot is another archaeological site composed of over 200 masonry buildings. According to experts, this site could have housed a magnificent oracle whose walls were covered with gold.
In addition, we'll see ceremonial fountains, alcoves and other sacred buildings that'll highlight the historic and religious importance of Maukallaqta, which was destroyed by the Spanish conquistadors. We'll then take a break so you can have lunch at your leisure on our way to Cusco, where we'll arrive at 4 pm. It'll then be time to take you to your hotel and say our goodbyes.
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