Embark on a magical trip and discover the impressive Poc Poc waterfall, one of the natural wonders of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. But this adventure is not just about the waterfall, it’s about the whole culture and nature experience.
On this exciting journey, you will explore the traditional town of Chinchero, admire its ancient agricultural terraces, learn of its rich cultural history, walk its traditional streets and hike a small part of the Inca Trail (Qhapac Ñan), towards the Poc Poc waterfall. This hike will leave you breathless but satisfied.
Poc Poc will surprise you with its natural beauty, vast vegetation and history! The hike to this place will relax you and revitalize your energy. So, are you ready for an exciting adventure?
WHAT IS THE POC POC WATERFALL?
The Poc Poc waterfall is a natural resource and tourist attraction situated close to Chinchero, the Rainbow Land, and measures more than 30 metres high! This fascinating waterfall is one of the most popular attractions in Chinchero for foreign and local people.
A spectacular view of the Poc Poc waterfall, more than thirty metres high.
WHERE IS THE POC POC WATERFALL LOCATED?
This beautiful waterfall is located at 3,400 m.a.s.l/ 11,155 ft. in the district of Chinchero, in the province of Urubamba, in the Antaykilka or Antaquilca Mountain foothills. It is just 2.8 km (1.74 miles) from Chinchero and 41 km (26 miles) from Cusco City.
WHAT IS THE ALTITUDE OF THE POC POC WATERFALL?
The Poc Poc or Poq Poq waterfall is located at 3,400 m.a.s.l / 11,155 ft.
HOW BIG IS THE POC POC WATERFALL?
The Poc Poc waterfall is approximately 30 metres high.
WHERE DOES THE POC POC WATERFALL NAME COME FROM?
It is believed that the waterfall’s name comes from the sound produced by the water as it falls and crashes against the rocks! This phenomenon generates an onomatopoeic sound that resembles a “poq poq”, which can be heard louder and louder as you get closer to the waterfall.
HOW TO GET TO THE POC POC WATERFALL?
There are two frequent routes to visit this beauty:
ROUTE 1: CUSCO – CHINCHERO – POC POC – URQUILLOS
We leave Cusco’s imperial city towards Chinchero.
Once you get to Chinchero, you will pass by its handicraft market and find yourself at the intersection of two paths that can take us to the Poc Poc waterfall: one that goes directly to the Poc Poc waterfall, passing through the Inca terraces; and the second, which will allow us to explore this archaeological area deeper.
This path takes you to the archaeological park, the colonial church and the Poc Poc waterfall.
So, for this trip, we will opt for the second option, where you will visit the main square, the archaeological park of Chinchero, the colonial temple (Nuestra Señora de la Natividad), and textile centres, among others.
Then, we will descend through the Chinkana sector before reaching the Inca Trail that leads to Urquillos and the Poc Poc waterfall through an intermountain valley.
Shortly before reaching the Poc Poc waterfall, you will be able to see a beautiful view of the Sacred Valley and the Antaykilka Mountain.
Cloudy morning around the Poc Poc waterfall.
You will pass through the checkpoint where you will have to pay for the entrance to this impressive waterfall. And now you can enjoy the beautiful view that awaits you at the Poc Poc waterfall.
Poc Poc waterfall and its lush vegetation
RETURN: URQUILLOS – CUSCO
To return to the city of Cusco we will take the route to the picturesque village of Urquillos which is in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Main square in Urquillos
ADVANTAGES
You will discover and explore Chinchero in all its splendour, visiting all its attractions that make this small town a mysterious place, full of culture and history.
DISADVANTAGES
It will take a little longer to get to the Poc Poc waterfall.
ROUTE 2: CHINCHERO MARKET – POC POC
The trip starts in Cusco, heading to Chinchero. Our first stop will be at the Chinchero handicraft market, open only on Sundays. Also, this market offers a wide variety of textiles, ceramics and other typical products of the area.
Chinchero district Sunday market
Our journey will take us through the slopes of the Inca platforms at the Chinchero archaeological park and then along the Inca Trail to Poc Poc.
We will arrive at a viewpoint, where you can see part of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the imposing Ataquilca Mountain. After 15 minutes, you will find an intersection point between the route to Urquillos and the Poc Poc waterfall, and you must go right.
The road to Urquillos meets the road to the Poc Poc waterfall. So, go right!
Once you arrive at the ticket booth, pay a ticket of 5 Peruvian soles or 3 dollars. The Poc Poc waterfall is only 5 minutes walking from this checkpoint.
RETURN: CHINCHERO – CUSCO
On the way back, you can eat lunch in Chinchero and explore more of the town. Chinchero has a rich gastronomy because its people harvest many vegetables such as potatoes, corn, Kiwicha, herbs, etc. Moreover, this town has its own techniques for weaving textiles, consequently, there are Awana Kancha or textile centres.
ADVANTAGES
It is not necessary to have a tourist ticket to enter the Poc Poc waterfall. This is good if you want to save money.
DISADVANTAGES
If you take this option directly to the waterfalls, you will not be able to visit the traditional village of Chinchero or the archaeological park of the same name.
CLIMATE OF THE CHINCHERO DISTRICT
The climate around Chinchero surprises anyone because it changes so quickly.
Although the climate in Chinchero is semi-dry, warm and temperate with an average temperature of 9 °C (48 °F), don’t be fooled, in this magical small town the weather is as unpredictable as it is exciting. The rainy season can turn a sunny day into a day of heavy rain in minutes.
But don’t worry, if you come prepared for a climate like Chinchero’s you will have no problem enjoying the incredible natural beauty that surrounds this town. And one of them is the Poc Poc waterfall.
RAINY SEASON
During the rainy season, which runs from October to March, rains are abundant and constant, benefiting agriculture and local flora. Temperatures range from 3°C (37°F) to 18°C (64°F), which may require warm clothing to keep you comfortable.
DRY SEASON
The dry season, which runs from April to October, sees the rains stop and temperatures drop even further, reaching below zero at night. This can be quite challenging for those not familiar with low temperatures. If you travel at this time, you should take certain precautions.
During the day the weather is more pleasant, with clear blue skies and temperatures reaching 24°C (75°F), allowing you to arrange outdoor activities.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO DO THE POC POC HIKE ALL YEAR ROUND?
Yes, of course! Poc Poc waterfalls are accessible all year round. Keep in mind that each season provides a different experience. Consequently, exploring it is not always a good idea or a bad idea.
GOING IN THE RAINY SEASON
During the rainy season, October to March is the rainiest month of the year, and the waterfall reaches an impressive level of scenic beauty. The surrounding nature becomes even more lush, vibrant and thick as the crops of the different products grown here start to sprout.
Disadvantages: The rain makes the hike to the Poc Poc waterfall slippery and, as a consequence, risky. If you are not wearing proper trekking shoes, you may fall or slip. Remember, it is essential to carry a rain poncho or waterproof jacket.
GOING IN THE DRY SEASON
Advantages: You can enjoy more sunshine and clear skies. It will allow you to appreciate Antaykilka Mountain and the snow-capped peaks and the Sacred Valley in all their splendour. In addition, the warm, dry weather is appropriate for a relaxing hike to the Poc Poc waterfall.
Disadvantages: You won’t enjoy the green and fertile landscape because all is cream during this season.
IS A TOURIST TICKET NECESSARY TO VISIT POC POC?
A tourist ticket is not necessary if you ONLY want to visit the Poc Poc waterfall. However, if you want to visit the archaeological park of Chinchero, you will have to buy a partial tourist ticket, which costs 70 Peruvian soles ($20.00 USD).
HOW MUCH IS THE ENTRANCE FEE TO THE POC POC WATERFALL?
To enter the Poc Poc waterfall you pay a one-time fee of 2 Peruvian soles (S/ 2.00) or 1 US dollar.
HOW LONG DOES THE TOUR LAST?
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours from the starting point, in the district of Chinchero, until you reach the scenic beauty of the Poc Poc waterfall.
HOW HARD IS TO HIKE TO THE POC POC WATERFALL?
The hike is easy to mild. The hike is 3 km or 1.86 miles from Chinchero. To reach Poc Poc waterfalls, you will need to descend zig-zag for 30 to 37 minutes.
Poc Poc waterfall is accessed via a stepped path
IS POC POC HIKE DANGEROUS?
It depends on two reasons.
- The first is the season you hike it. If you choose the rainy season, it is possible to find a slippery, wet and muddy path and fall over.
- The second factor is the footwear you wear. Therefore, we recommend trekking or trail running shoes, as they have non-slip soles to protect you on slippery surfaces.
IS THERE PHONE SIGNAL IN POC POC?
Due to the absence of a satellite tower near the Poc Poc waterfall, you may not have access to the internet, but don’t worry, this is only during your visit to the waterfall. However, it is a way to disconnect from the daily hustle and bustle and fully enjoy all the picturesque landscapes along the path.
PLACES TO EAT LUNCH IN POC POC
After exploring the beautiful Poc Poc waterfall, a delicious lunch is a perfect way to refresh your batteries.
This route offers you three fixed points to try local gastronomy:
- Just minutes from the waterfall there is a restaurant with a fish farm offering exquisite varieties of typical local dishes.
- Enjoy the tea time in Urquillos. This beautiful town is located just at the end of the route, a perfect place to rest after a day full of adventure.
- If you return to Chinchero, this will be the right place to rest and eat.
So, no matter which route you take on your return to Cusco, there will always be an option to satisfy your hunger.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN POC POC WATERFALL?
The Poc Poc waterfall is surrounded by lush mountain vegetation! In consequence, you can observe a wide diversity of flora and fauna which makes the Poc Poc waterfall an ideal place for nature lovers.
Enjoy the flora on the way to the Poc Poc waterfall.
| Crops | ||
| Common name | Scientific name | Description |
| Barley | Hordeum vulgare | – It is a cereal grown in Peru.
– Used for beer production. – Used in foods such as bread and crackers. |
| Potatoe | Solanum tuberosum | – Native from the Andes.
– An essential aliment. – More than 4 thousand varieties. |
| Java Bean | Vicia faba | – A leguminous plant.
– High in protein and carbohydrates. |
| Oca | Oxalis tuberosa | – Tuber grows in the Peruvian Andes.
– Rich in carbohydrates and antioxidants. |
| Quinoa | Chenopodium quinoa Willdenow | – Cereal of Andean origin.
– It has a high nutritional value. |
| Olluco/Lisas | Ullucus tuberosus | – Tuber native to the Peruvian highlands
– Rich in vitamin C and calcium |
| Trees and bushes | ||
| Common name | Scientific name| | Description |
| Chachacomo | Escallonia resinosa
|
– Shrubby trees growing in the Peruvian highlands, especially in valleys.
– Used in traditional medicine as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic. |
| Queuña, quewña | Polylepis incana | – The highest forest in the world, up to 5000 m.s.n.m.
– It is used in housing construction in high Andean areas and as a fuel. |
| Flor kantu | Cantua buxifolia | – Sacred flower of Incas.
– Resistant to drought and low temperatures. – It has healing properties. |
| Eucalyptus | Eucalyptus globulus | – Native from Australia.
– Highly cultivated today. – Consumes a lot of water and impoverishes the land. |
| Molle Molle or False Pepper | Senna multiglandulosa | – Its fruit is used to prepare the sacred drink of the Incas. |
Discover the wildlife behind this majestic waterfall.
| Domesticated animals | ||
| Common name | Scientific name | Description |
| Cows | Bos Taurus | – These cows are reared for meat and milk.
– they help to plough the land. |
| Sheeps | Ovis aries | – These cows are reared for wool and meat |
| Pigs | Sus scrofa domesticus | – It is usually found crossing streets and near to the agricultural terraces. |
| Burros | Equus asinus | – Los pobladores los usan como medio de transporte y carga para sus productos |
| Llamas | Lama glama | – Considered as sacred animal by Incas
– Important for its wool. |
| Alpacas | Vicugna pacos | – Very similar to Alpacas.
– It has finer wool than Alpacas bur not as much as Vicuna. |
Llamas and alpacas are Andean mammals characterised by their soft and warm wool.
| Wild Animals | ||
| Common name | Scientific name | Description |
| Andean fox | Lycalopex culpaeus | – Inhabits the Andes, found around villages and small towns.
– Hunts at night but it is possible to find it on days. |
| Snakes | Tachymenis peruviana | – Feed of little insects such as cockroaches and crickets.
– It is not poisonous. |
| Lizzards | Microlophus peruvians | – Little reptiles found in humid and dry areas.
– There are more chances to find under rocks and bushes. |
| Hummingbirds | Loddigesia mirabilis | – Very bright small birds pollinating flowers along valleys.
– It is possible to find 6 species along the path. |
| Buterflies | Danaus plexippus | – Insects of vibrant colors, mostly flying on ground level and between bushes
– Flowers pollinators. |
What to pack for the Poc Poc waterfall hike?
- Bring a rain poncho, essential for October to April.
- Sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
- Caps and sunglasses to protect you from UV rays.
- Snacks (dried fruit and nuts) and a bottle of water.
- Windbreaker jackets.
- Trekking poles.
- Trekking shoes, because of their non-slip soles.
- Camera to get clear shots of the attraction.
- Extra cash, preferably in soles.
Hike towards the Poc Poc waterfall.
Facts to consider before visiting the Poc Poc waterfall
If you plan to do the tour on your own, you should consider the following tips:
- Public transport buses leave from Belen Pampa Street, about 1.2 km from the Main Square or Plaza de Armas. The trip costs 6 PEN/2 USD! This makes it an economical and convenient option for visitors looking for a cheaper option.
- You can also go to this enchanting place in VANs, which leaves from Pavitos Street, one block from Grau Bridge. Prices vary from 4 to 5 Peruvian soles.
Join us and discover the beauty and mysteries of the Sacred Valley of the Incas through different lenses! Inkayni Peru Tours lets you experience the natural attraction of the Poc Poc waterfall and explore the area like never before. Are you ready to get started? Put on your hiking boots and join us on this exciting journey! Come along on a journey that you will never forget!
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