Behind the archaeological park of Sacsayhuaman is one of the most mysterious places: The devil's balcony in Cusco surrounded by the Saphy River, ceremonial huacas, indigenous communities and unique Andean landscape. Many people visit this place for mystical reasons, some to seek adrenaline (you can practice adventure sports) and others for simple curiosity; Whatever your reason for visiting, the Devil's Balcony will surprise you.
Where is the Devil's Balcony?
This mystical balcony is located 1 hour and 30 minutes on foot from the archaeological park of Sacsayhuaman in the north-western part at 3800 meters above sea level in the community of Chakan, province of Cusco.
Description
The name in Quechua for the Devil's Balcony is Chakán and it means bridge. This beautiful place is characterized by being a large rock with a beautiful view of the landscape, below this imposing rock for the Chakán River, for which it was formerly called "Chakán" in Quechua.
Getting to the place will take approximately 20 minutes starting from the Sacsayhuamán Fortress, in the place there are black butterflies of different sizes, and this is one of the attractions for which our visitors want to know the place.
Also, some people tend to pass this bridge acquiring a great experience, although for some it is chilling, because of the place where it is. Many stories are woven about the Devil's Balcony, the truth is that if you arrive, you will be able to enjoy a wonderful day in contact with nature.
NOTE:
This balcony or window is triangular in shape and has a large natural space that appears to have been paved.
For years an erosion phenomenon produced by the erosive action of the water has been occurring in this place; not only on the surface, but also in the subsoil since it is a rock composed of granite and limestone.
Characteristics
The tunnel through which the Chakán river crosses in the Balcony of the Devil has a measure of 45 meters in length by a height of more than two meters and a width of 3 meters.
The Balcony of the Devil and its surroundings were used by the Incas to perform Andean ceremonies and to get in touch with nature and sacred spirits; that practice is being done so far.
In the area you can see archaeological remains, rocks carved in the shape of chacanas, water gutters, walls over posts, masonry, platforms and others.
From this place we can observe the entire canyon of the Chakán river that descends to the city of Cusco, in addition to observing plants such as eucalyptus and queuña (native tree of the Andes).
The Chakán River is totally crystalline, and in the past its waters were used to irrigate the fields of corn and potato crops.
The Balcony of the Devil is perfect to visit with family, friends, couple or simply alone.
Its route is beautiful to enjoy a light walk, camping, walks, and excursions.
Why is it called "Devil's Balcony"?
This striking name is due to the existence of an immense rock about 50 meters high of pure rock with a crest of Inca constructions; For a better view of this rock, you have to access it through a path (it is the only path) that will take you directly to a lithic window of natural formation in a triangular shape, from this place known as "The Devil's Balcony" you will be able to see all the rock in its immensity to an abyss that many people even get a little scared due to the precipice.
At the base of the rock there is a small, clean and crystalline river (Saphy River) that crosses the rock by super narrow routes; some tourists dare to follow the river route and thus cross the entire cliff to the other end. This experience is chilling for some and for others super fun, it depends on the perspective and expectation of each visitor.
Altitude of the Devil's Balcony
This natural creation of Balcón is located at a height of 3 750 m.a.s.l. (351 meters from the city of Cusco 3 399 m.a.s.l.).
Climate in the Devil's Balcony
Because the Devil's Balcony is located a few meters above Cusco, its climate is similar. That is, dry and warm, but with two well-defined seasons
Rainy season, they are between the months of November to March, there is constant rainfall that reaches temperatures of 6 ° C to 21 ° C.
Dry season, they are between the months of April to October, where there is little presence of rain, with clear skies that during the day reach temperatures of 23 ° C, but at night the temperature drops drastically to below 0 ° C.
When to visit this place?
The Devil's Balcony can be visited at any month of the year; However, we recommend that you do it in the super sunny months of Cusco that begin in April and end in December. In the remaining months you can also explore this fantastic natural attraction but it rains a lot.
Note: If you are going to explore this place, we suggest you do it in the morning - in the afternoon it is very cold and quite windy.
Best season to visit the Devil's Balcony:
The Devil's Balcony is available to its visitors throughout the year, however, it is recommended to be very careful during the dry season, between the months of November to March. During this season in Cusco, it usually rains and as a result the river that passes under the balcony could be loaded and it could be dangerous to try to cross the bridge.
What to do on the devil's balcony?
- Mystical tourism
- Yoga
- Bicycles - downhill
- Rappelling - rappelling practice
- Short walks
- Ride
How much is the ticket entrance to the Devil's Balcony?
The entrance to the Devil's Balcony is Free - you can access the place without paying anything; however, at the access gate to the gated road they will charge you 1 Sol per person, if you go by car you will pay 5 Soles.
Schedule of entry
El Balcón del Diablo is open to the general public all day, Monday through Sunday. But, we recommend that you visit in the morning, so you can enjoy it better.
How to get to the devil's balcony in Cusco?
1.- On foot with tickets for Saqsayhuaman:
If you already have your access tickets to Saqsayhuaman, you can start from the Plaza de Armas of Cusco, passing by the church of San Cristóbal and then the control booth to access the ruins of Sacsayhuaman. This section on foot will last about 35 minutes.
Once you arrive at Saqsayhuaman, explore this place on your own or reserve a guide; After having explored Saqsayhuaman, return to the paved road and walk upwards towards the north-western part, after about 25 minutes on foot you will find a detour (a path - unpaved road), to enter they will charge you 1 Sol.
Note: If you encounter difficulties, ask any local (guides and / or park rangers) about the road that will take you to the Devil's Balcony - the people in Cusco are very restrained, so they are always ready to help you.
Once you locate the road, start walking for about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
2.- On foot without tickets for Saqsayhuaman:
Because you do not have tickets to access the archaeological park of Saqsayhuaman, you will not be able to go through this park. However, we have another option, go to the San Blas neighborhood in Cusco, look for Atoqsayk’uchi street and start walking uphill for about 35 minutes until you reach the height of the statue of the White Christ.
Keep walking along the paved road which will fork in two, choose the road that goes to the left and follow the paved road for about 35 minutes, until you will find a detour (an unpaved road).
To enter this unpaved road they charge you 1 Sol per person.
Then start walking uphill for approx. 1 hour and a half (the entire route is signposted, there are also local people who you can ask if you have questions).
3.- By public transport:
If you do not like to walk a lot, you can use public transport, go to the bus stop on the Rosario bridge, at this stop take the Cristo Blanco transport company, you will travel for about 30 minutes, then proceed to get off at the bus stop "White Christ".
Then start walking along the paved road which will fork in two, choose the road that goes to the left and follow the paved road for about 35 minutes, until you will find a detour (an unpaved road).
To enter this unpaved road they charge you 1 Sol per person.
Then start walking uphill for approx. 1 hour and a half (the entire route is signposted, there are also local people who you can ask if you have questions).
4.- In an organized tour to Bike:
If you want to know this place with an organized tour by vehicle and bicycle.
What things to bring?
- Sweaters or jackets
- Non-slip walking shoes
- Rain poncho (it doesn't matter if you visit this place in the dry season, the weather in Cusco is totally unpredictable)
- Sun hat or cap
- You must bring sunglasses
- Snacks
- Water
- Toilet paper
- Sunscreen
- Local currency
Is it safe to visit this place on your own?
Of course, as long as you do it in the morning, we do not infer that visiting this place in the afternoon is dangerous; but according to comments, visitor experiences it is not recommended to explore this place in the afternoon due to the fact that sometimes there are people from bad living or people who smoke marijuana.
Other Tours in Cusco:
The famous Inca Trail Tours are the most popular excursions in Cusco - Peru; and considered among the best walks in the world.
- Salkantay Trek 5 Days
- Inca Quarry Trail 4 Days
- Machu Picchu 3 Day Hike
- 2 Day Inca Trail Tour
- 2 Day Inca Trail with camping
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
