The Perolniyoc waterfall is one of the natural jewels to visit in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It is a waterfall of more than 70 meters high and located in the beautiful valley of Socma. On the waterfall, nestled on top of a mountain and with splendid views, is the Raqaypata – Perolniyoc archaeological site, an Inca settlement that is closely related to Chinchero and Ollantaytambo.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a natural area highly appreciated by the people of Cusco since it has fertile lands and a very pleasant temperate climate. 500 years ago, the Incas built many terraces, temples and cities like Pisac, Ollantaytambo or Chinchero there. The place also hides incredible natural beauties such as the Salineras de Maras or the Perolniyoc waterfall.
We have prepared an article that will allow you to know interesting and informative facts. Learn how to visit this new place located just 1 hour from the city of Cusco.
Perolniyoc waterfall
Summary
Detailed information about the Perolniyoc waterfall in Cusco
- Driving distance from Cusco: (34 Miles / 56 KM)
- Driving time: 1 hour and 30 minutes one way and another 1 hour and a half on the way back.
- Entrance price: For free
- Elevation of the beginning of the Trek: 3250 meters / 10662 feet.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
- Trail: Dirt and cobblestone trail with one way uphill and the way back downhill.
- Walking distance: 6 km round trip.
- Horse rental: It does not exist
- Walking time: Walking to waterfall (with some breaks along the way) is approx. 1 hour. After all, the return and stops in the Inca place of Raqaypata, takes 4 hours.
- Maximum elevation: 3450 meters / 11318 feet.
- Tour duration: 6 hours.
- Elevation difference during the hike: 200 metres/656 feet.
Where is the Perolniyoc waterfall?
The Perolniyoc waterfall is located in the Urubamba mountain range, 56 kilometers from the city of Cusco, in the Socma community, which belongs to the Ollantaytambo district.
What is the altitude of the Perolniyoc waterfall?
The Perolniyoc waterfall is located at an altitude of 3,450 meters. According to the Peruvian geographer Javier Pulgar Vidal, it is located within the Quechua natural region. This region is located between 2300–3500 meters. Approximately, on both Andean flanks of the Andes mountain range, and it is considered the region with the greatest population reception in all the Andes. And among its large cities we find: Cusco, Huancayo, Jauja, Canta, Tarma, Arequipa and Ayacucho.
What is the origin of your name?
To understand the origin of its name, let’s look at the area behind the waterfall. Due to the great force of the water that falls on the rocky wall, hollow structures in the shape of a «perol» have been formed. There are around three holes from the top of the waterfall to the base, which also serve as a refuge for some aquatic species. So the word Perolniyoc in the Quechua language means: «Perol» = Pot and «Niyoc» = shape of.
How to get to the Perolniyoc waterfall from the city of Cusco on your own?
If you are with a group of friends or you go alone to the Perolniyoc waterfall, you have to go to Pavitos (it is located 10 minutes walk from the city center), where the collective cars leave for Ollantaytambo. You have to make sure that the route is from Cusco to Ollantaytambo through Huarocondo – Pachar.
Do not forget to mention to the driver that you will get off at the detour to the Socma community and that you will visit the Perolniyoc waterfall. From this detour you can rent a taxi that will take you for 30 minutes to the community of Socma, where the walk begins.
Socma is the last place where you can buy water, cookies, bread and even a rain poncho. From this point it will take you 1 hour to climb until you reach the base of the Perolniyoc waterfall. After having enjoyed the natural jewel, you can hike another 1 hour to the archaeological complex of Raqaypata, located at the top of the waterfall.
Socma Valley
How much does the entrance ticket cost?
The entrance to the Perolniyoc waterfall, including the Raqaypata archaeological site, is still free.
What else can I see around the waterfall?
The first section of the journey to the Perolniyoc waterfall is surrounded by potato, corn and many varieties of vegetables. The final section is a little more wooded and there are many trees such as eucalyptus, alder, saucos and chachacomos.
On the other hand, depending on the month that you visit the waterfall. You can see the traditional plowing technique that the villagers practice using yokes “bulls”, as well as some sheep and goats roaming freely.
Interesting fact: Perolniyoc is an excellent place to practice yoga and meditation and prepare for some kind of Andean or Amazonian ancestral ceremony.
How high is the waterfall?
The main fall has an approximate drop of 35 meters. But if we consider the height from the top of the mountain, it can reach a drop of about 80 meters.
Can I go with my whole family?
A hike to the Perolniyoc waterfall is suitable for most, for men, women, children and adults in good physical condition. The inclination of ascent is only between 10 and 20 degrees.
Where can I eat?
The right place to have lunch on this route is the district of Huarocondo, which is located 45 minutes from the town of Socma. In Huarocondo you can taste an exquisite suckling pig. It is a very good option to have lunch at this point and it is not for less, since Huarocondo is known as the “land of the suckling pig”.
How is the way?
From the town of Socma, we walked along a dirt road for about 15 minutes. From there it connects to a 600 year old Inca trail, which has some steps and drainage systems. This path will not only lead you to the Perolniyoc waterfall, but also to the archaeological site of Raqaypata. Arriving at the falls, the vegetation is more abundant and on the sides of the path there are some old trees that have fallen and give it a gloomy atmosphere.
What is the best season to visit?
The visits can be made throughout the year, with the difference of seeing the falls with the greatest volume of water falling in the months between December and April. Additionally, during this rainy season, the plantations and all the vegetation of the field are green and some are already in bloom. It’s nice to see him like this. Between the months of May to December you will probably find less volume of water falling on the waterfall.
Is there cell phone signal?
At the base of the Perolniyoc waterfall, there is no signal for cell phones. On the other hand, if you reach the archaeological site of Raqaypata, you can copy the Movistar signal.
Raqaypata Inca site
How to get there with a travel agency?
You can book the tour to the Perolniyoc waterfall through a website or directly in the city of Cusco. Prices are between 80 and 100 dollars per person and include: private transportation, expert hiking guide, lunch, snacks, and walking sticks.
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