Perolniyoc Waterfall Hike FAQs
- Official trailhead: Village of Soqma
- Difficulty: Moderate, the ascent to the ruins are steep
- Distance: 4.25 miles
- Village of Pachar – Raqaypata (Total One-Way Distance): just under 7.5 miles
- Ascent: Almost 3,350 ft
- Excursion Duration: This hike will take all day
- During rainy season the trails can be muddy and slick
Perolniyoc Waterfall Hike: Day Trip Tips
For timing logistics, the Perolniyoc Waterfall hike is best done as a day trip for travelers who are already staying in the Sacred Valley. The nearby village of Urubamba makes the perfect base to explore all the highlights of the Sacred Valley.
Urubamba is a truly authentic village that is nestled in the center of the valley and is well connected with two bus terminals and a wide range of collectivos. It also has frequent departures to and from the Imperial City of Cusco. Besides all the public transportation options, there are multiple taxis that can zip you to the trailhead and other worthwhile sites. If coming from Cusco, a taxi to the trailhead will be essential.
***Make sure to always negotiate the price before entering a taxi.
Alternatively, those looking for more solitude and quiet nights will love staying in Ollantaytambo Peru just down the road.
Since the Raqaypata Archaeologcial Park sits at almost 12,000 feet, proper acclimation is essential. To help alleviate altitude sickness, drink coca tea and carry some extra coca leaves to chew on. The leaves are sacred to the Indigenous people of the area and make great gifts for the locals and as offering to Pacamama, or Mother Earth.
Along the route to the Perolniyoc Waterfall there is little shade coverage. Leave early to ensure enough time to explore the sites and to avoid the intense heat of the Andes. The only sections with shade coverage is near the Perolniyoc Waterfall, where the climate is green and lush. Carry enough water and a water filter to replenish water supplies.
The Perolniyoc Waterfall hike can be done anytime of the year. Remember, that Peru has two very distinct seasons, rainy (Nov – April ) and dry (May – October). During the rainy season, the paths can be muddy and slick. During the dry season, fresh water can be more scarce and harder to come by.
Pachar: The Gateway to Perolniyoc and Raqaypata
The official stop is right outside the popular Cervecería del Valle Sagrado. I highly suggest walking from Pachar, otherwise you will miss another hidden gem in the valley, Ñaupa Iglesia.
Upon arrival in Pachar, cross over the bridge that spans the Urubamba River and take a right to continue through the small hamlet. Keep walking out of town and look for a reddish colored bridge. Once you cross the bridge, turn left and join up with the railroad tracks.
The railroad track eventually leads to the cave site of Ñaupa Iglesia.
Don’t Miss Ñaupa Iglesia
If walking from Pachar to Soqma, don’t miss a chance to visit the fascinating site of Ñaupa Iglesia, or Choquequilla, which is built seamlessly into a large cave. There are a few small ruins that are left behind, but what’s most interesting is the almost “out of place” alter at the entrance. This black stone is engraved with some seriously advanced stone work. Some elders say this intricate chisel work is too advanced for the Inca civilization and this sacred place may actually pre-date the Inca dynasty.
Inside the cave look for the peculiar “portal” on the side of the cave wall. Some say this carving is actually a dimensional portal that has ties to Egypt, a wormhole if you will. What’s really special is the energy you can immediately feel upon stepping foot into this special space. This site is worth a quick pitstop before exploring Perolniyoc Waterfall and Raqaypata.
From Ñaupa Iglesia, exit and continue along on the railroad tracks. These tracks lead to the trailhead in Soqma.
Soqma Trailhead – Perolniyoc Waterfall – Raqaypata
After a casual stroll along the railroad tracks, reach the road that leads to the small village of Soqma (Socma). Walk along the first bend in the road until you see a small hiking path. Don’t continue along the paved road into Soqma, rather take the dirt hiking path. This trail runs parallel to the village.
This hiking trail is well trotted and provides some nice, distant views of Soqma. The dirt path is lovely and winds past a few homes. As you continue along the path, keep your eyes peeled for those first epic glimpses of Raqaypata on the towering hillside.
The path eventually comes to a stream, which make an ideal place to replenish water. Make sure to use your filter as this is prime farm land, with lots of “presents” that have been left by the cattle. Cross the stream and look to the right. There is a very distinct uphill path that leads to the Perolniyoc Waterfall (Catarata Perolniyoc). The trail is steep, but there are some “rock steps,” which come in handy!
Perolniyoc Waterfall
Notice the rushing water is getting louder. You’re almost there, and the scenery is begining to change. It’s almost as if you’re stepping into a small, lush forest. There are lots of little paths to explore, but they all wind along the base of the stunning Perolniyoc Waterfall. Follow along the stream and moss and look up at the impressive fall
Perolniyoc Waterfall to the Site of Raqaypata
Snag some photos, replenish water, and take a break in the shaded area. This really is an awesome spot in the Sacred Valley. After enjoying a break at the Perolniyoc Waterfall, continue on the uphill path to the site of Raqaypata.
As you continue along this section of the path, don’t forget to look back. There are some epic views of the Perolniyoc Waterfalls with the hilltop ruins. Also, look out to savor nice views of the valley. There are some arrows and blue and white sign markers, so this part of the Perolniyoc waterfall hike is easy to follow. Be mindful of the ascent! From the base of Soqma, the trail climbs over 3,350 feet.
Raqaypata Archaeological Park and Hiking Options
The Raqaypata Archaeological Park is free and is quite small, so it doesn’t require a lot of time to explore the site. There is also an information board in Spanish that greets you at the entrance of the park. On the board, find photos that explains some landmarks of the park.
It’s crazy to think of the building mastery of the Incas, since this site not only sits on top of the Perolniyoc Waterfall, but these feats were completed at an altitude close to 12,000 feet (3,645 m).
After exploring the small, but interesting Inca site of Raqaypata, grab a spot on the grass and enjoy a picnic. Appreciate all the stunning 360° views and the crumbling ruins that make the Perolniyoc Waterfall hike worth it.
When finished, take the same path (it will be all downhill!) past the Perolniyoc Waterfall. Follow down the same trail that runs parallel to Soqma, and head back to Pachar via the railroad tracks. On the way down there’s less detours and stops, so it cuts down on the mileage and it’s faster. Yeah for the downhill!
Great Trekking options to Machu Picchu
Laguna Ancascocha
Laguna Ancascocha is an epic multi-day trek that continues from Raqaypata. It’s a total of 4 days for the out and back trail. From Raqaypata, pass through the tiny village of Rayon and take a steep mountain pass to wild camp in the Andes mountains.
Walking along the path is tough and they are not well marked. These trails are narrow and more like alpaca path tracks. Be prepared for some serious scrambles. The trail leads you to the few homes that make up the community of Ancascocha. There may be a shepherd or two that can point you in the right direction to the alpine lake.
Reaching Laguna Ancascocha is breathtaking and a beautiful surprise. The turquoise lake is untouched and surrounded by diverse mountains. Take the path up towards the pass to savor in the panoramic views where you can see the alpine lake from another angle. The Lake is often said to resemble some sort of fish.
Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu, see the link.
Inti Punku | Ollantaytambo’s Epic Sun Gate
If you don’t have 4 days to complete the Laguna Ancascocha trek, or don’t feel comfortable getting “too far off the beaten path,” there is a chance to hike down to Ollantaytambo via Inti Punku and a narrow mule pass. The epic and worthwhile Sun Gate towers over the village and offers incredible views of Mount Veronica. This is a 2 Day trek.
Again, you’ll need to feel a little more confident in your hiking abilities. Depending on your fitness level, either camp at Raqaypata or near Rayon. If you start the uphill trek to the pass above Rayon, be mindful that with daylight restrictions, you may have to wild camp along the route. Due to the fact that this path follows along a scenic and bare ridge, the camping options along the path are not the best.
See the Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu
This hike requires a scramble through a rugged and jagged mountain pass on a rocky mule trail. After the mule trail pass, it’s a downhill and straight forward path to the Sun Gate.
Inti Punku is one of the most incredible places in the entire Sacred Valley, when you’re finished exploring, follow the Inca Quarry trail into Ollantaytambo.