In the Cusco region, the district of Chinchero is known mainly for its archaeological site and its traditional textile market. However, in its surroundings, there are also natural attractions, among which the Poc Poc Waterfall stands out. It is a waterfall of approximately 30 meters in height, located in a ravine that descends towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
This destination has established itself as one of the most recommended day hikes in the area for those looking for an alternative to archaeological tours. The route to the waterfall is one of the most accessible hiking experiences in the Peruvian Highlands, and it allows you to appreciate up close the geography and the Peru landscapes that characterize this part of the valley.
The hike to the Poc Poc Waterfall is a descent route that starts from the town of Chinchero and follows an ancient Inca path. The trail crosses agricultural terraces (andenes) and eucalyptus forests before reaching the base of the waterfall. This guide is designed to provide information about this excursion, describing the starting point, the difficulty, and the logistics needed for the visit.
Important data
- Height of the Waterfall: It has an approximate 30-meter drop.
- Altitude of the Poc Poc waterfall: The waterfall is located at 3400 meters above sea level.
- Entrance cost: The entrance has a cost of 2 soles per person that has to be paid at the control booth.
Where is the Poc Poc waterfall?
The Poc Poc waterfall is located 2 km north of the town of Chinchero, province of Urubamba – Cusco.
How to get to the Poc Poc waterfall on your own?
From the city of Cusco you can travel in collective combis to the town of Chinchero. These combis leave from a small terminal, located next to the Belenpampa health center, in Santiago – Cusco. For S/ 5 each passenger.
The other alternative is to hire a private car to Chinchero, you can hire these services in Pavitos street, one block from the Grau bridge. The cost is obviously higher than that of the groups. In either case, the average trip is 45 minutes to Chinchero.
The path to the Poc Poc waterfall starts from one side of the Chinchero market, but for those who have never had the opportunity to see the Chinchero park, in addition to its Monserrat temple, then this is a good opportunity to get to know it. All Cusqueños have free access to the park, prior identification and for those who are not from Cusco, the entrance to the park is included in the partial ticket of the Sacred Valley that has a cost of S/. 40 for Peruvian and S/. 70 for foreigners. After visiting the park, continue towards Poc Poc.
How is the path?
The trail to the Poc Poc waterfall begins in the town of Chinchero, usually after passing its main market. The descent starts on a well-preserved, stone Inca path, which in its first section passes through a walled alley.
As you descend, the trail borders the impressive agricultural terraces of the Chinchero Archaeological Park. The route continues into a ravine (narrow valley), following the course of a small stream. This stream, which runs parallel to the path, forms small waterfalls that are the prelude to the main waterfall.
The environment changes as you lose altitude. The hike crosses areas of traditional cultivation of potatoes, broad beans, and corn. Wild vegetation is abundant, highlighting native shrubs like mut'uy and trees like queuña (Polylepis), in addition to the presence of eucalyptus trees introduced on the slopes.
Before reaching the final detour, the trail offers a natural viewpoint that opens up over the Urquillos valley, a section of the Sacred Valley.
Continuing the descent after the viewpoint, you must be attentive to the signage that indicates the detour to the waterfall, leaving the main Inca path (which continues towards the town of Urquillos). You will reach a control booth where you must register your visit and pay the entrance fee, which is managed by the local community. From this point, a secondary, narrow path, of approximately 5 to 10 minutes, leads directly to the base of the Poc Poc Waterfall, a waterfall over 30 meters high.
What can I see around the waterfall?
It is fascinating to see the waters falling down a rocky wall and to hear the roar of it. The vegetation becomes even more dense and the environment more temperate in that hidden gorge at the foot of the Antaykilka mountain. In addition, what is most striking are the trees that protrude into the abyss, it is as if they were hanging next to the waterfall. Something simply impressive to see!
At the moment there is already a bridge with a wooden railing over the small river that forms from the waterfall. The breezes from the waterfall blow away and bathe everything around it. The most intrepid travelers may be able to enter the waterfall, only that the base of it is not wide and can be slippery, so you have to be very careful. In any case, arriving here is an opportunity to enjoy the scenery and take a little time out of everyday life.
options to return to Cusco from the Poc Poc Waterfall
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Activity 1 to do in Cusco
It is to return to Chinchero by the same way of going. If reaching the Poc Poc waterfall has required 1:30 hrs, returning to Chinchero would take 2 to 2:30 hrs because the walk is uphill for almost 2 KM and can be somewhat tiring. -
Activity 2 to do in Cusco
In case you no longer want to return to Chinchero, then from the base of the waterfall, do not lose your way down. You pass by the side of an artisanal fish farm and from time to time you see some loggers working in that corner of the Urquillos valley. In fact, this is the complete route and there are 5 km more to go but along a stretched path until reaching the town of Urquillos where the walk ends.
Finally, before leaving Urquillos, you could stop by a chichería to try a strawberry or corn chicha from the valley, so there is that option and after all the time to return has come. You can get on the buses or motorcycle taxis to Huayllabamba and later to the town of Yucay and so on to the city of Cusco.
Waterfall Poc Poc Chinhero FAQs
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Where can I eat?
On this route there are several places where you can fix lunch.
A late lunch would take place in the town of Urquillos, below where the route ends.
Just after a few minutes down from the falls you will pass a fish farm where they also prepare lunch and it is possible to feed there too.
If you are heading back the same way to Chinchero then lunch is in Chinchero. -
How long is the whole ride?
The ride is scheduled for the whole day. From 8 in the morning until 6 in the afternoon and if this schedule can vary, it will remain in that time range. -
What is the best season to visit?
The Poc Poc waterfall reaches an impressive level of attraction in the rainy summer months, the same thing happens with the surrounding landscape, so the ideal is December - April. Although in the dry season from May to November you can enjoy more of the sun and the blue sky, and the snow-capped mountains of the sacred valley, but the waters of the waterfall have been reduced. -
Is there signal for cell phones?
Due to the narrowness of the creek, internet connections and telephone signals disappear. It is also that there are no nearby mobile phone antennas. -
Difficulty of the trek to the Poc Poc waterfall
The hike is considered to be in the easy range. It is that first there is a descent and beyond the waterfall the road is laid until you reach Urquillos in 3 hours. -
How to get with a travel agency?
If you want to travel in a different and safe way to the Poc Poc waterfall then hire a travel agency. There is something more than that, like making your trip memorable in time, that at least a pinch of emotion is recorded from this trip and better still following an Inca trail to the sacred valley. At AB Expeditions we are here to help you if you want to experience this route. -
Drones at the Poc Poc waterfall
Until now, none have had any problem piloting a drone camera due to restrictions, but the little visible satellite coverage must be taken into account for a correct maneuver. -
Is there any risk on the hiking trail?
As for a mass slide on the road due to continuous rain, yes, there is a risk. You never know, and you have to know that the path enters through a narrow valley, at least during the first hour of the walk.
For those who are terrified of snakes and lizards, they usually don't show up on the trail, but they might. Just let it go and stay calm.
Recommendations
Some essential items for the trek:
- Mosquito repellent.– Due to the warm climate of the valley, mosquitoes are never lacking.
- Shoes.- Shoes with a good grip on the sole are always very essential to avoid falls or slips.
- Rain poncho.– Especially in summer it is highly recommended to wear a rain cover.
- Nuts and Water.– Some nuts come in handy for a mid-walk break as well as being well hydrated.
- Sunscreen.– A sunscreen and a hat for sun protection are essential.
- Walking poles.– The poles are of great help when going down the stepped path and the same to go uphill. So if you can carry a pair, you'll be fine.
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