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The little known side of Machu Picchu: Mandor Falls

Posted On: 11 November 2021 #TierrasVivas 1382

The Mandor Waterfall is one of the most beautiful natural resources that can be found when visiting the Cusco region. This waterfall is located in the district of Machupicchu, in the province of Urubamba.

 

The Mandor waterfall has a slope of only thirty meters and its waters are characterized by their crystalline presence. You have to keep in mind when visiting the waterfall, that this, being a natural scene, is the habitat of important species, some in danger of extinction, such as the spectacled bear, which is usually seen in the place, so you have to be respectful with the territory. On the other hand, the spectacled bear is generally not a dangerous animal, as long as it is not disturbed or threatened.

 

To be able to access the waterfall, it is only necessary to take a walk of approximately forty minutes. The entrance to the waterfall, which is announced by a sign, implies the payment of ten soles per person. The path that leads to the waterfall has areas with no light and a bit cold, so despite the heat of the day, it is recommended to wear warm clothing.

 

Visits to the Mandor waterfall can be done throughout the day, but it is recommended that they be done in the morning. You can visit the waterfall alone or in the company of guides, although access is quite easy. It must be borne in mind that in the same resource, there is no infrastructure whatsoever, and that the closest one is located in Machupicchu.

 

Mandorpampa in Machu Picchu

Mandorpampa is a great plain, which is located on the left side of the Vilcanota River at an altitude that ranges between 2,000 and 3,900 meters above sea level (masl). This charming place encompasses a part of the cloud forest of the Urubamba mountain range.

 

Satellite photos of this place have revealed the foundations of Inca constructions. This site was explored in 1987 by the National Institute of Culture (INC), in these excavations foundations of various buildings were found that apparently corresponded to an old town center that had the function of a camp or base of operations, during the construction of the Inca City of Machu Picchu.

 

In this place there is a mysterious linear structure similar to a wall, 1,075 m long by 2.50 m wide. Its structure is irregular because the initial end measures around 4 meters, some sections are at ground level, but others reach up to 7 meters. It is called "Cercopata" and is oriented towards the Yanantin mountain. It was discovered in 1937 by the archaeologist Heinrich Ubbelohde Doering and it is possible that it belongs to a gigantic geoglyph.

 

Location of Mandorpampa - Cusco

Mandor is an area located northeast of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, at Km. 114 of the Cusco - Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) railway line, 1 hour's walk from the town of Aguas Calientes, following the river bank Vilcanota through beautiful landscapes of the Amazon jungle. 

  • District: Vilcabamba
  • Province: The Convention
  • Department: Cusco - Peru
  • South Latitude: 13 ° 14 ′ 45.1 "S
  • West Longitude: 72 ° 58 ′ 58 "W
  • Altitude: 3,863 m.s.n.m.

Historical facts

Before the scientific discovery of Machu Picchu, the peasant named Melchor Arteaga tells the American expeditionary Hiram Bingham, the existence of an ancient stone city in which important Inca buildings could be found, which he found on the heights of the Machu Picchu hill, and that the only way to get to this place was by climbing through areas covered with dense vegetation.

 

On July 23, 1911, Hiram Bingham reached the Urubamba valley through the vegetation of the Mandorpampa territory, so that on July 24, 1911 he arrived and rediscovered the Inca city of Machu Picchu.

 

Mandorpampa trek

Enjoy the beautiful mountains, valleys and rivers that surround one of the wonders of the world. The walk through Mandorpampa will allow you to appreciate the great diversity of flora and fauna of Machu Picchu, you will be able to see begonias, bromeliads, ferns, shrubs, various native trees, mushrooms (of different colors and sizes) and the fabulous orchids, among other species of plants. (many of them endemic). During this walk, you will be accompanied by the songs of local birds such as parrots, hummingbirds, hummingbirds, tarangas; but you will also be able to observe many of the more than 400 species of butterflies that exist in the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

 

After an hour of walking you will arrive at the Mandor gardens, where you will find one of the best samples of flora and fauna of the Historic and Natural Sanctuary of Machu Picchu; likewise, give yourself the opportunity to know the "Mandor Waterfall".

 

Mandor waterfall

It is a waterfall of approximately 30 meters, formed by a river of glacial origin, has crystal clear waters and flows into the Urubamba river, it is located in the middle of dense vegetation that serves as a habitat for numerous species of plants and animals. This area is privately owned.

 

Other Tours in Machupicchu:

The famous Inca Trail Tours are the most popular excursions in Cusco - Peru; and considered among the best walks in the world. 

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.

Edwin Caviedes Profesional guide

Edwin Caviedes is the founder and manager of Tierras Vivas, a company that benefits native people communities.