If you are looking for something alternative to the classic destinations of Cusco (Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the Mountain 7 Colors); the Tecsecocha cliffs are an excellent option. This destination combines the beautiful Andean landscapes with mysticism and history. There you can enjoy a refreshing waterfall 50 meters high. There are also cave paintings belonging to cultures that are 2,000 years old. It is even possible to practice adventure sports. Learn more about this new destination in Cuzco.

• Description
• Where is it located?
• How to get?
• Route map
• The waterfalls
• Cave paintings
• The Inca cemetery
• Flora and fauna
• How much does it cost to go?
• Weather
• Photo gallery
• More information

The cliffs of Tecsecocha

Description

• The Tecsecocha cliffs are rock formations that reach up to 80 meters in height. In addition to the imposing composition of this place, it stands out for the waterfall of up to 50 meters.
• The place was an important Inca settlement. This is demonstrated by the historic roads (qhapac ñan) that cross the route. It also stands out for the cave paintings located in the vicinity. Research dates these figures as far back as two thousand years.
• Likewise, at the base of the cliffs, there are remains of an Inca cemetery. For this reason, many visitors come there who do ‘mystical tourism’ in this special place.
• The cliffs are also frequented by visitors seeking adventure sports such as cycling, via ferrata, hiking and more.
• The place is very well conditioned by the local people. There are well-conditioned roads to get there. During the route, it is also possible to appreciate the Andean flora and fauna. Admission is free, making it an excellent economic and alternative option in Cusco.

​​Where is it located?

• The Tecsecocha cliffs are located in the town of Ccorca, only 23 kilometers by car from the city of Cusco (approximately 1 hour 20 minutes).
• The Tecsecocha cliffs are located 3,600 meters above sea level.
• The snowy Anahuarque and Huanacaure rise far from the cliffs. The tutelary ‘Apu’ of the place is the ‘Mama Simona’.

How to get?

Tours include roundtrip transportation service to the Tecsecocha cliffs. If you want to go on your own you must follow the following steps:

• Take a taxi or public transport to the ‘Entrada’ bus stop (in front of the Repsol tap) on Antonio Lorena avenue.
• At this point are the ‘collective taxis’ that for 5 Peruvian soles (approximately 2 dollars) will take you to the entrance to the Tecsecocha cliffs.
• After 1 hour of travel on average you will arrive at the entrance of the cliffs. From there you must walk for approximately 15 minutes. The special thing about the route is that it crosses historical ‘Inca trails’. During the route you will also appreciate beautiful mountains, streams and more.
• Finally you will reach the cliffs of Tecsecocha. To return to Cusco you must follow the same section as the outward journey.

Map to the Tecsecocha cliffs

Map to get to the Tecsecocha cliffs

The waterfalls

• From a rock formation almost 50 meters high, you can see a waterfall that is the great tourist attraction of Tecsecocha.
• The Municipality of Ccorca implemented paths, wooden stairs as well as tables and sculptures to enhance the visitor experience.
• The main waterfall ends in a beautiful chacana-shaped construction where visitors can cool off.
• The chacana is known as ‘the Andean cross’. It represents the Inca worldview of the three worlds: the hanan pacha (the heavenly world), the kay pacha (the earthly world) and the uku pacha (the underworld).

Cave paintings

• The cave paintings of Tecsecocha are up to two thousand years old. The figures show llamas, probably the animal that served as food for the first men – hunters of Cusco.
• The cave paintings are located 15 minutes walk from the town of Ccorca. They are in good condition.

The Inca cemetery

• In the vicinity of the place there are the remains of what an important Inca cemetery. The Incas carried out the burial of their dead inside a hole in the rocks. The deceased were buried along with their most precious personal belongings.
• The Incas settled there between 1,100 AD and 1534 AD Upon the arrival of the Spanish at the end of the 16th century, the cemetery was looted.
• However, until today many visitors come to leave their offerings of coca leaves, beers and more.
• The presence of this cemetery, as well as a stretch of Inca roads, indicate that the site was an important point of the immense Inca empire.

Flora and fauna

• The visit also offers an approach to the varied Andean flora and fauna.
• During the walk you can see different types of trees, plants and flowers such as: eucalyptus, molles, kantu, queñua, mutuy, ferns and more.
• Among the most representative wildlife species are: the llama, the alpaca, the Andean condor, the Andean sparrow, the Andean fox, the cow, sheep and more.

How much does it cost to go?

• The 1-day tours to the Tecsecocha cliffs have a cost that varies between 10 to 20 dollars per tourist. Includes: transportation and tour guide.
• Many visitors also decide to go on their own. The cost of this adventure without a tour is approximately $ 10 per person.
• Remember that the entrance to the Tecsecocha cliffs is totally free.

Weather

• The climate in Ccorca and the Tecsecocha cliffs is temperate – cold, with dry seasons and intense rains.
• During the day the temperature can reach a maximum of 22ºC. while at night the cold can drop to 0ºC. at least.
• The rainy season runs between November and March, especially in February (the rainiest in all of Cusco). Likewise, from April to October the dry season passes. That is, in those months it is unlikely that it will rain, which facilitates the visit. The driest months are June and July.

Images of the Tecsecocha cliffs

More information

• During your visit you can also practice adventure sports such as: cycling, via ferrata, zipline and hiking. For this you can contact a tourism agency in Cusco. Another option is to request this service in the district municipality itself in the town of Ccorca.
• During your visit do not forget to bring good shoes (for the walk), a poncho (in case of rain), comfortable clothes, a towel (if you plan to cool off at the waterfall) as well as snacks, extra cash and your camera.
• If you like waterfalls, an excellent option is to visit the hot land of Quillabamba (5 hours from Cusco). In this jungle region there are various waterfalls such as: Perolniyoc, Siete tinajas, Yanay and more.

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 15, 2024