Surrounded by imposing canyons, navigable rivers, and views that take you to another dimension, lies Taqrachullo. In recent weeks, Taqrachullo has regained importance due to major discoveries that were made. Travelers from all over the world are searching for the best routes to reach this imposing archaeological site; therefore, today we tell you everything you need to know about the Taqrachullo Trek.
What is Taqrachullo?
Taqrachullo is an archaeological complex located in the province of Espinar, Cusco region. Characterized by being surrounded by imposing canyons, it contains structures dating back to Inca times such as colcas, ceremonial spaces, and funerary enclosures. Likewise, while walking through Taqrachullo you can find the famous Inca grinding stone (batán) perfectly carved in various areas. In the highest part of Taqrachullo, ponds and water mirrors can be seen.
Currently, the importance of Taqrachullo for Inca civilization is still under investigation. For now, experts from the Cusco Decentralized Directorate of Culture have indicated that the constructions in Taqrachullo were carried out in stages; therefore, the archaeological site would have been used by the Qolla and Wari peoples (pre-Inca cultures). This finding is extremely important because, until the discovery of Wari pottery in Taqrachullo, it was not clear whether the Wari culture had reached this area in Espinar.
Jewels, mysticism, and the reunion with the Incas
There are stories that amaze the world, myths and legends that surround entire cultures, and definitely the legend of Ancocagua is one of them. According to the chronicler Pedro Cieza de León, Ancocagua (Ancocahua or Ankocawa) was a very important temple in Inca times where magnificent pieces of gold, silver, and copper could be found. Taqrachullo has not been identified as Ancocagua; however, it reveals that the existence of Ancocagua could be close to being uncovered.
It was a normal working day where Dante Huallpayunca’s team joked about the possibility of discovering a great treasure… suddenly, the unexpected happened. “Boss, we’ve found something!” said one of the team members; shortly after, they saw something shining like gold.
As excavations continued, they discovered something that only a few archaeologists experience once in a lifetime. They found nearly 3,000 pieces of gold, silver, and copper. As excavations continued, the research team kept finding more pottery belonging to the Wari culture and the Qolla culture.
As time, excavations, and days went by, the team of archaeologists unearthed houses, tombs, and temples that were intended for the worship of Inca gods. All these findings raise new questions about the Inca Empire.
Inca resistance and protection of Taqrachullo
Excavations carried out by archaeologist Emerson Pereyra reveal that Taqrachullo was not blocked by a natural landslide, as was initially believed, but rather that this area would have been deliberately sabotaged in order to prevent the Spanish from entering the enclosure. Being an area with ceremonial temples, researchers indicate that Taqrachullo was an area reserved for the nobility.
The buildings in Taqrachullo were constructed in different stages; therefore, as you walk through the archaeological site you can observe constructions with different architectural styles, with the Inca ones featuring the most perfect stone cuts.
In Taqrachullo there are no water sources inside the archaeological site; therefore, research and findings of camelid footprints (South American camelids) show how llamas were used as pack animals to carry food and water to the summit of Taqrachullo.
Taqrachullo was also a place of Inca resistance; at this archaeological site the following were also found:
- Obsidian stones used in warfare.
- Spherical stone projectiles.
- Skeletons with signs of violent injuries.
Get to know this archaeological site that is taking the world by storm as well.
Taqrachullo Trek
Hiking is one of our travelers’ favorite activities. Therefore, in this list we tell you the places you must visit on your next Taqrachullo Trek.
1. Mauk’allaqta Espinar (Hanq’oqawa)
It is a large archaeological site where the Inca and Canas warriors once lived; however, the pre-Inca Qolla culture also inhabited the area. Surrounded by the waters of the Apurímac River, it is a privileged place to enjoy calm views while learning about new cultures.
2. Devil’s Gorge
On the road to Espinar, you will find this impressive natural wonder where the rocks give way to a river that seems to always remain calm. In this place you can enjoy a breathtaking view, highly recommended for photography lovers.
3. Suyckutambo Three Canyons Viewpoint
This is a protected conservation area where you can observe stone forests, the Callumani, Cerritambo, and Apurímac rivers. It offers unique and unmissable views!
Coporaque Colonial Temple
Hidden in Coporaque, this temple still preserves its colonial architecture with a Baroque style. It is undoubtedly the ideal stop for those who enjoy Cusco’s art.
Dozens of travelers venture out to explore Taqrachullo—be one of them as well.
Magical Taqrachullo
On trips, there are sometimes magical moments that make you feel that life is more than working every day—moments of absolute disconnection. If you are lucky, you may experience one of these moments in Taqrachullo.
At sunset, when tourists have left and almost no one remains in Taqrachullo, if you walk down quietly and carefully, you may observe beautiful gray chinchillas. The chinchilla is a small and gentle rodent mammal with very dense gray fur. You will be surprised by their agility and how they move through and protect the temples of Taqrachullo.
If you are very careful and keep an appropriate distance, you can observe several chinchillas moving along the trails of María Fortaleza or climbing the mountains that are part of the Suyckutambo Three Canyons.
Chuño, the eternal guide and guardian of Taqrachullo
Chuño is an Andean dog, with black fur, white spots, and honey-colored paws. He has become the ultimate guide of Taqrachullo and the Suyckutambo Three Canyons Viewpoint. Upon your arrival in Taqrachullo, Chuño will likely be the first to approach you, kindly waiting for you to notice him and then guiding you along the path to María Fortaleza.
Local residents say that Chuño arrived in Taqrachullo accompanying a construction team that was carrying out small installations near the archaeological site. Since he was a puppy, he roamed Taqrachullo, and when the construction project ended, Chuño was abandoned near the archaeological site.
Chuño then joined the research team in Taqrachullo and occasionally accompanied them. Once the work ended, Chuño remained in Taqrachullo again. However, he never stopped being friendly with people and still welcomes every traveler today.
Local residents say that Chuño now enjoys roaming the Suyckutambo Three Canyons Viewpoint and Taqrachullo, becoming their guardian. If you meet him, do not forget to be kind and give him some food!
How can I get to Taqrachullo?
If you are in Cusco, getting to Taqrachullo is not as complicated as it seems!
- From Cusco, you can take a bus to Sicuani. The trip on official terminal buses takes approximately 2.5 hours. If you choose an independent bus, the trip may take up to 4 hours, as these buses make stops at various points.
- In Sicuani, you can have a light breakfast and then head to the interprovincial bus terminal. At the terminal, several companies have departures to Espinar. You can buy your ticket and check the approximate departure time, as it varies depending on how quickly tickets sell. Remember to bring cash to buy your ticket.
- The journey from Sicuani to Espinar lasts approximately 2 hours, with sections of highway and dirt roads—you will be amazed by the scenery!
- Upon arriving in Espinar, you will find a cold climate, so don’t forget to dress warmly! In Espinar, it can be difficult to find buses to Suyckutambo; however, you can ask at the terminal for a driver contact or a taxi zone to Suyckutambo.
- Another option, and the one we recommend if you are traveling alone or in a small group, is to contact a driver-guide in advance. The advantage of hiring a driver-guide is that they know the route and can take you safely to the archaeological sites in Espinar, including Taqrachullo.
If you want to visit Taqrachullo without complications, contact one of our travel advisors!
Why travel to Taqrachullo with Peru Jungle Trips?
Visiting Taqrachullo is a memorable experience; however, if you want to focus on enjoying your trip without worrying about schedules, food, transportation, and more, traveling with us is your best option!
- Enjoy the journey: our travel advisors take care of planning your entire itinerary and organizing your trip logistics.
- Travel at your own pace: since it is a private trip, you can choose what activities to do and how long to stay at each archaeological site. You set the pace—we handle the logistics.
- Delight your palate: our team includes chefs specialized in Andean cuisine; during your trip, one of our chefs will accompany you so you can enjoy exceptional food.
- Bilingual guides: we work with specialized guides in the history of the Andes and the Peruvian Amazon, who will tell you everything you need to know about Taqrachullo.
Time is passing—don’t miss the chance to visit Taqrachullo! Contact us and plan your next trek.
