{"id":12770,"date":"2023-10-30T14:56:20","date_gmt":"2023-10-30T19:56:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.inkayniperutours.com\/blog\/?p=12770"},"modified":"2024-03-05T23:18:36","modified_gmt":"2024-03-06T04:18:36","slug":"travel-guide-to-poc-poc-waterfall","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.inkayniperutours.com\/blog\/travel-guide-to-poc-poc-waterfall","title":{"rendered":"Travel Guide To Discover The Spectacular Poc Poc Waterfall: Live A Unique Experience In Nature"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/p>\n

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 \u00d1an), towards the Poc Poc waterfall. This hike will leave you breathless but satisfied.<\/p>\n

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?<\/p>\n

WHAT IS THE POC POC WATERFALL?<\/h2>\n

The Poc Poc waterfall is a natural resource and tourist attraction situated close to Chinchero<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

\"Catarata

A spectacular view of the Poc Poc waterfall, more than thirty metres high.<\/p><\/div>\n

WHERE IS THE POC POC WATERFALL LOCATED?<\/h2>\n

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.<\/strong> It is just 2.8 km (1.74 miles) from Chinchero and 41 km (26 miles) from Cusco City.<\/p>\n

WHAT IS THE ALTITUDE OF THE POC POC WATERFALL?<\/h2>\n

The Poc Poc or Poq Poq waterfall is located at 3,400 m.a.s.l \/ 11,155 ft.<\/p>\n

HOW BIG IS THE POC POC WATERFALL?<\/h2>\n

The Poc Poc waterfall is approximately 30 metres high.<\/p>\n

WHERE DOES THE POC POC WATERFALL NAME COME FROM?<\/h2>\n

It is believed that the waterfall’s name comes from the sound produced by the water as it falls and crashes against the rocks!<\/strong> This phenomenon generates an onomatopoeic sound that resembles a \u00abpoq poq\u00bb, which can be heard louder and louder as you get closer to the waterfall.<\/p>\n

HOW TO GET TO THE POC POC WATERFALL?<\/h2>\n

There are two frequent routes to visit this beauty:<\/p>\n

ROUTE 1: CUSCO – CHINCHERO – POC POC – URQUILLOS<\/h2>\n

We leave Cusco’s imperial city towards Chinchero.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Ruta

This path takes you to the archaeological park, the colonial church and the Poc Poc waterfall.<\/p><\/div>\n

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 Se\u00f1ora de la Natividad), and textile centres, among others.<\/p>\n

\"Parque

Archaeological Park of Chinchero<\/p><\/div>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Shortly before reaching the Poc Poc waterfall, you will be able to see a beautiful view of the Sacred Valley and the Antaykilka Mountain.<\/p>\n

\"Mirador

Cloudy morning around the Poc Poc waterfall.<\/p><\/div>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Catarata

Poc Poc waterfall and its lush vegetation<\/p><\/div>\n

RETURN: URQUILLOS – CUSCO<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Centro

Main square in Urquillos<\/p><\/div>\n

ADVANTAGES<\/h4>\n

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.<\/p>\n

DISADVANTAGES<\/h4>\n

It will take a little longer to get to the Poc Poc waterfall.<\/p>\n

ROUTE 2: CHINCHERO MARKET – POC POC<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Mercado

Chinchero district Sunday market<\/p><\/div>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Trayecto<\/p>\n

We will arrive at a viewpoint, where you can see part of the Sacred Valley of the Incas<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

\"Intersecci\u00f3n

The road to Urquillos meets the road to the Poc Poc waterfall. So, go right!<\/p><\/div>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Hermosa<\/p>\n

RETURN: CHINCHERO – CUSCO<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

ADVANTAGES<\/h4>\n

It is not necessary to have a tourist ticket to enter the Poc Poc waterfall. This is good if you want to save money.<\/p>\n

DISADVANTAGES<\/h4>\n

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.<\/p>\n

CLIMATE OF THE CHINCHERO DISTRICT<\/h2>\n

The climate around Chinchero surprises anyone because it changes so quickly.<\/p>\n

Although the climate in Chinchero is semi-dry, warm and temperate with an average temperature of 9 \u00b0C (48 \u00b0F), 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

RAINY SEASON<\/h3>\n

During the rainy season, which runs from October to March, rains are abundant and constant, benefiting agriculture and local flora. Temperatures range from 3\u00b0C (37\u00b0F) to 18\u00b0C (64\u00b0F), which may require warm clothing to keep you comfortable.<\/p>\n

DRY SEASON<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

During the day the weather is more pleasant, with clear blue skies and temperatures reaching 24\u00b0C (75\u00b0F), allowing you to arrange outdoor activities.<\/p>\n

IS IT POSSIBLE TO DO THE POC POC HIKE ALL YEAR ROUND?<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

GOING IN THE RAINY SEASON<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Disadvantages:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

GOING IN THE DRY SEASON<\/h3>\n

Advantages:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

Disadvantages:<\/strong> You won’t enjoy the green and fertile landscape because all is cream during this season.<\/p>\n

IS A TOURIST TICKET NECESSARY TO VISIT POC POC?<\/h2>\n

A tourist ticket is not necessary if you ONLY want to visit the Poc Poc waterfal<\/strong>l. However, if you want to visit the archaeological park of Chinchero, you will have to buy a partial tourist ticket<\/strong><\/a>, which costs 70 Peruvian soles ($20.00 USD).<\/p>\n

HOW MUCH IS THE ENTRANCE FEE TO THE POC POC WATERFALL?<\/h2>\n

To enter the Poc Poc waterfall you pay a one-time fee of 2 Peruvian soles (S\/ 2.00) or 1 US dollar.<\/p>\n

HOW LONG DOES THE TOUR LAST?<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

HOW HARD IS TO HIKE TO THE POC POC WATERFALL?<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Descenso

Poc Poc waterfall is accessed via a stepped path<\/p><\/div>\n

IS POC POC HIKE DANGEROUS?<\/h2>\n

It depends on two reasons.<\/p>\n