The Cusco province of Espinar is celebrating its anniversary this week, celebrating 104 years of political creation. Known as the K'ana Nation, this important economic center for the Cusco region thanks to its livestock production hides wonders that must be visited.
The province of Espinar
Espinar is the southernmost province of the department of Cusco. Its name was chosen in homage to Colonel Ladislao Espinar Carrera, who was a Cusco hero during the War of the Pacific (1879 – 1884). Espinar is made up of thirteen districts: Alto Pichigua, Suyckutambo, Pichigua, Pallpata, Ocoruro, Coporaque, Condoroma and Yauri. This last district is the capital of the province. Espinar has a population of 62,069 inhabitants according to the 2020 census. This population inhabits an area of 5,311.09 square kilometers. The average height is 3,928 meters above sea level. This altitude generates a cold climate in much of its territory. The main activities are livestock, agriculture and mining (copper deposits). Its main tourist attractions are the archaeological site of K'anamarca, the Yauri temple, the three canyons of Suyuktambo and the archaeological site of Mauk'allacta.
Where is?
The province of Espinar is located in the extreme south of the department of Cusco. It limits to the north with the province of Canas, to the east with the department of Puno, to the south with the department of Arequipa and to the west with the province of Chumbivilcas.
How to get?
Public transport buses heading to Espinar are located on Huayruropata Avenue in the city of Cusco. The trip takes almost 5 hours. The bus ticket has a price of approximately 25 soles.
History of Espinar
The history of the province of Espinar dates back to pre-Inca times. One of the cultures that achieved the greatest development in the place were the K'anas, a society that allied itself with the nascent Inca empire during the war against the Chancas under the leadership of the young Pachacutec. During the Inca era in the Espinar region, important terraces, roads and citadels were built, such as the current archaeological site of Mauk'allacta. Finally the Incas were subdued by the Spanish in the mid-sixteenth century. The province of Espinar was created on November 17, 1917. Its name was chosen in homage to Colonel Ladislao Espinar Carrera, who was a Cusco hero during the Pacific War (1879 - 1884). On October 11, 2017, the town of Yauri was declared the city and capital of the province of Espinar.
What to see in Espinar?
These are some of the destinations that should not be missed on your trip to Espinar:
K'anamarca archaeological center
The considered architectural legacy of the K'ana and Inca culture is located in the district of Alto Pichigua, one of the 8 districts that make up Espinar. The archaeological constructions date back to approx. 1,500 years AD, and the discovery of a funerary chamber within the temple precincts, presumes that the homes were used as tombs at that time.
The Three Canyons
Located in the Suykutambo district, its altitude is between 3,500 and 5,000 meters above sea level. From the moment you enter the complex, the giant rock formations that vary from 80 to 250 meters catch the attention of every tourist. It is a meeting point of the Apurímac, Callumani and Cerritambo rivers to form the Great Apurímac. It is defined as the ideal place to practice adventure sports such as canoeing, rappelling, rafting and zip lining, and it is also accompanied by incredible flora and fauna typical of the place. A colorful and beautiful landscape.
Yauri Temple
The stone-based construction establishes its construction at the beginning of the 20th century. Within its walls there are various works of art, among which 12 canvases stand out as well as a silver altar.
Mauk'allacta archaeological center
Between the districts of Coporaque and Suycuitambo is Mauk'allacta. Within this center are the Chullpas, built in pre-Hispanic times, based on carved stone and 35 meters high.
Archaeological remains of María Fortaleza
In this area, the funerary constructions stand out, as well as temples, sistas and other Inca structures. At its summit, three canyon cliffs reign at more than 4,090 meters above sea level. It was a populated center attached to Mauk'allacta, where the chullpas also predominated. If visiting Espinar is in your next plans, the least recommended time is during the rainy season, which runs from December to March. June is the preferred month for tourists, since the María Fortaleza festival takes place.
Climate
The climate in the province of Espinar, in general, is temperate and cold. It varies according to the altitudinal floor of each district. Yauri, the capital of the province, is located 3,915 meters above sea level. Its climate varies from a maximum of 22ºC. and a minimum of -2ºC. Rains are more frequent from November to April (especially in January, February and March). The rest of the year, from May to October, is the dry season (it rains less frequently).
Some advices
Espinar is a region with a cold climate, especially at night. If you are going to spend the night there, it is recommended to bring warm clothing such as a jacket, pants, jacket, gloves, scarves, etc. During your visit to Espinar, do not miss the opportunity to visit other nearby tourist attractions. Just 184 kilometers by road is the Colca Canyon in Arequipa. It is the second most visited tourist attraction in Peru, after Machu Picchu.
Best Trekking and Tours in Peru
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Peru, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
- Sacred Valley Bike Tour
- Honeymoon in Machu Picchu
- 1 Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu
- Sacred Valley Tours
- Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days
- Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu
- Short 2 Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu
- 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
- Apu Ausangate Trek 7 days
- 4 Day Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu
- Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu
- Urubamba River Rafting
- 5 Days Salkantay Mountain Trek
- 3 Days Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
- Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu
- 7 Lakes Ausangate Trek
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.