Hike to Maucallacta & Puma Orqo | A Magical Inca Site
- Created: December 18, 2020 12:00 pm
- Updated: June 9, 2023 4:13 pm
- Distance Instructions
- Travel mode
- walking
- bicycling
- driving
- straight-line
- Distance 8 miles
- Time 4 h 0 min
- Speed 2 mph
- Min altitude 10302 ft
- Peak 11171 ft
- Climb 2516 ft
- Descent 2388 ft
This is a map and basic overview on how to independently hike to the little know sacred site of Puma Orqo and Maucallacta (also known as: Mauk'allaqta, Maukallacta, Maukallakta, and Maukallaqta). It literally translates from Quechua to mean "ancient place."
What makes this site so special is that it could possibly be the "birthplace" of the Incas. There are two theories, one that the Incas rose from the depths of Lake Titicaca, or that they emerged from the cave at Puma Orqo. This is why Puma Orqo and Maucallacta are such sacred sites; however, very few tourists know about the magic of this place.
This is how to hike to Puma Orqo and Maucallacta from Yaurisque. This is the best way to access the trailhead via public transportation from Cusco Peru.
⁉️ If downloading the map, please verify that the map is correct and follows the waypoints. Oftentimes, there are daily updates to the site, map platforms, and other external issues that may cause a bug in downloading. Be mindful that this map is solely for entertainment purposes. See my full disclosure here. Always hike responsibly and respect the mountains by following a no-trace philosophy, avoid hiking alone, be conscious of the weather and personal limitations, and do not stray from the visible trail
Logistics of the Hike to Puma Orqo and Maucallacta
- Out & Back Trail
- Round-Trip Mileage: 15.5 miles
- One-Way Mileage:7.75 miles
- A mostly flat trail along a dirt path.
- Difficulty: Moderate, Easy if you take a taxi all the way to the actual Site of Maucallacta
- Trail Markers:The trail mostly follows along a dirt road for cars. There are many signs along the road, so it's hard to get lost.
- It is possible to take a shared car or a collectivo to the village of San Juan de Taray where the first Puma Orqo and Maucallacta Archaeological Park sign is. This would cut down on mileage and time for the hiking route.
- Along the path there is little shade coverage. There are benches and shade protection at the actual sites of Puma Orco and Maucallacta ruins.
- Excursion Duration: 8 - 12 hours from Cusco
- Looking for hiking partner in Peru? Join the free Cusco Hike Club on Facebook
How to Reach the Maucallacta Trailhead from Cusco
The tiny village of Yaurisque is the gateway to the Maukallacta trailhead. From the Imperial City of Cuzco, take the cars that sit outside the Terminal Terrestre Juan Espinoza Medrano. This terminal is found past the Huancaro Market.
Cusco to Yaurisque Shared Cars | Departures: Terminal Terrestre Juan Espinoza Medrano | Cost: 10 PEN ($2.75) | Time: 45 minutes | Cars depart when full & run from 5:00 - 19:00
➜ Five Unique Cusco Itineraries & Best Things to Do in Cusco
Yaurisque Village to Maucallacta Trailhead
Cars drop on the outskirts of the village of Yaurisque. If you walk from Yaurisque to the first site of Puma Orqo, it is around 6.75 miles to the entrance. This mostly flat walk should take no more than 3 hours.
However, it's possible to hop on a collectivo or bus to the official archaeological sign in the tiny village of San Juan de Taray. This would cut off almost 3.25 miles and save quite a bit of time. Collectivos do run frequently from Yaurisque to the San Juan de Taray signage and only cost a few soles. From San Juan de Taray it is only possible to walk to Puma Orqo and Maukallacta Archaeological Sites.
Highlights of Puma Orqo and Maucallacta
Puma Orqo is the first of two Archaeological Parks. Make sure to take the shortcut from the road to the site. This shaves off a few miles. The park is hard to miss since it's a massive rock with Inca ruins scattered along it.
One of the theories states that the Incas just magically emerged from this cave. The site is marked with white arrows. Follow the circuit to pass by the cave. Make sure to climb up on-top of the stone and look for the peculiar and the decapitated stone Puma.
From Puma Orqo, continue on the road to reach the trailhead to the Maucallacta ruins. This site is special as there are 3 sets of triple hinged doors. If the legends are true, Maukallacta may just be one of the first settlements of the Inca Dynasty.
For now, Both of these impressive Inca Sites are FREE
Visit the Magical Site of Puma Orco & Maucallacta
Want to visit Puma Orqo and Maucallacta ruins from Cusco without a tour? Get all the logistics and details on this awesome Cusco day trip and more on this casual hike with this complimentary detailed blog post:
Maukallacta | One of the Most Underrated Inca Sites in Peru
More Things to Do in Cusco Peru & Sacred Valley Peru
- 23 Spectacular Things to Do in Cusco Peru
- Cerro Picol | Climb Cusco's Tallest Peak
- Self Guided Hiking Tour | 8 Free Inca Ruins in Cusco
- Day Trip to Cusco South Valley | Tipon, Pikillacta, & Andahuaylillas
- How to Visit ALL 16 sites of the Cusco Tourist Ticket Without a Tour
- What is the Cusco Boleto Turistico (Cusco Tourist Ticket)?
- Where to Eat in Cusco, 40+ Best Cusco Restaurants
- The Ultimate One Week Cusco & Sacred Valley Itinerary
- The Only Guide You Need for the Sacred Valley Peru
- Urubamba Peru, The Best Place to Tour the Sacred Valley
- The Best Things to Do in Ollantaytambo Peru
Best Hikes From Cusco
- Waqrapukara | The Most Epic Inca Site You've Never Heard of
- Choquequirao Trek | How to Visit Peru's Other "Lost City"
- Ausangate Trek | 6 Day Circuit with Rainbow Mountains & Red Valley
- Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek | Alternative Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu
- Lares Valley | 1 Day Trek to Lares Hot Springs
Peru Travel Guides
- 35+ Inca Sites in Peru You Have to See
- Unique & Famous Landmarks in Peru from the Amazon, Lima, Arequipa & Beyond
- 22+ Charming Villages in the Andes Mountains
- 4 Day Colca Canyon Trek Without a Tour
Disclosure: This is part of my Hikes & Adventures series, which means these treks can be strenuous and challenging. I have personally done each of these hikes independently, but it does not make me an expert by any means. Please have all the proper equipment, verify the weather conditions, and take into consideration your own physical abilities and/or limitations. Please see my full disclosure for more information here.
1. Yaurisque
Start from the village of Yaurisque
2. Archaeological Park Sign in San Juan de Taray
Turn at San Juan de Taray to continue on the road to Puma Urco and Maukallacta
3. Shortcut
shortcut trail to Puma Urco
4. Puma Urco
Archaeological Park of Puma Urco
5. Trailhead sign to Maukallacta
6. Maucallacta Archaeological Park
This is a map and basic overview on how to independently hike to the little know sacred site of Puma Orqo and Maucallacta (also known as: Mauk’allaqta, Maukallacta, Maukallakta, and Maukallaqta). It literally translates from Quechua to mean “ancient place.”
What makes this site so special is that it could possibly be the “birthplace” of the Incas. There are two theories, one that the Incas rose from the depths of Lake Titicaca, or that they emerged from the cave at Puma Orqo. This is why Puma Orqo and Maucallacta are such sacred sites; however, very few tourists know about the magic of this place.
This is how to hike to Puma Orqo and Maucallacta from Yaurisque. This is the best way to access the trailhead via public transportation from Cusco Peru.
⁉️ If downloading the map, please verify that the map is correct and follows the waypoints. Oftentimes, there are daily updates to the site, map platforms, and other external issues that may cause a bug in downloading. Be mindful that this map is solely for entertainment purposes. See my full disclosure here. Always hike responsibly and respect the mountains by following a no-trace philosophy, avoid hiking alone, be conscious of the weather and personal limitations, and do not stray from the visible trail
Logistics of the Hike to Puma Orqo and Maucallacta
- Out & Back Trail
- Round-Trip Mileage: 15.5 miles
- One-Way Mileage:7.75 miles
- A mostly flat trail along a dirt path.
- Difficulty: Moderate, Easy if you take a taxi all the way to the actual Site of Maucallacta
- Trail Markers:The trail mostly follows along a dirt road for cars. There are many signs along the road, so it’s hard to get lost.
- It is possible to take a shared car or a collectivo to the village of San Juan de Taray where the first Puma Orqo and Maucallacta Archaeological Park sign is. This would cut down on mileage and time for the hiking route.
- Along the path there is little shade coverage. There are benches and shade protection at the actual sites of Puma Orco and Maucallacta ruins.
- Excursion Duration: 8 – 12 hours from Cusco
- Looking for hiking partner in Peru? Join the free Cusco Hike Club on Facebook
➯ Hey… don’t forget your Travel Insurance! I love SafetyWing
How to Reach the Maucallacta Trailhead from Cusco
The tiny village of Yaurisque is the gateway to the Maukallacta trailhead. From the Imperial City of Cuzco, take the cars that sit outside the Terminal Terrestre Juan Espinoza Medrano. This terminal is found past the Huancaro Market.
Cusco to Yaurisque Shared Cars | Departures: Terminal Terrestre Juan Espinoza Medrano | Cost: 10 PEN ($2.75) | Time: 45 minutes | Cars depart when full & run from 5:00 – 19:00
➜ Five Unique Cusco Itineraries & Best Things to Do in Cusco
Yaurisque Village to Maucallacta Trailhead
Cars drop on the outskirts of the village of Yaurisque. If you walk from Yaurisque to the first site of Puma Orqo, it is around 6.75 miles to the entrance. This mostly flat walk should take no more than 3 hours.
However, it’s possible to hop on a collectivo or bus to the official archaeological sign in the tiny village of San Juan de Taray. This would cut off almost 3.25 miles and save quite a bit of time. Collectivos do run frequently from Yaurisque to the San Juan de Taray signage and only cost a few soles. From San Juan de Taray it is only possible to walk to Puma Orqo and Maukallacta Archaeological Sites.
Highlights of Puma Orqo and Maucallacta
Puma Orqo is the first of two Archaeological Parks. Make sure to take the shortcut from the road to the site. This shaves off a few miles. The park is hard to miss since it’s a massive rock with Inca ruins scattered along it.
One of the theories states that the Incas just magically emerged from this cave. The site is marked with white arrows. Follow the circuit to pass by the cave. Make sure to climb up on-top of the stone and look for the peculiar and the decapitated stone Puma.
From Puma Orqo, continue on the road to reach the trailhead to the Maucallacta ruins. This site is special as there are 3 sets of triple hinged doors. If the legends are true, Maukallacta may just be one of the first settlements of the Inca Dynasty.
For now, Both of these impressive Inca Sites are FREE
Visit the Magical Site of Puma Orco & Maucallacta
Want to visit Puma Orqo and Maucallacta ruins from Cusco without a tour? Get all the logistics and details on this awesome Cusco day trip and more on this casual hike with this complimentary detailed blog post:
Maukallacta | One of the Most Underrated Inca Sites in Peru
More Things to Do in Cusco Peru & Sacred Valley Peru
- 23 Spectacular Things to Do in Cusco Peru
- Cerro Picol | Climb Cusco’s Tallest Peak
- Self Guided Hiking Tour | 8 Free Inca Ruins in Cusco
- Day Trip to Cusco South Valley | Tipon, Pikillacta, & Andahuaylillas
- How to Visit ALL 16 sites of the Cusco Tourist Ticket Without a Tour
- What is the Cusco Boleto Turistico (Cusco Tourist Ticket)?
- Where to Eat in Cusco, 40+ Best Cusco Restaurants
- The Ultimate One Week Cusco & Sacred Valley Itinerary
- The Only Guide You Need for the Sacred Valley Peru
- Urubamba Peru, The Best Place to Tour the Sacred Valley
- The Best Things to Do in Ollantaytambo Peru
Best Hikes From Cusco
- Waqrapukara | The Most Epic Inca Site You’ve Never Heard of
- Choquequirao Trek | How to Visit Peru’s Other “Lost City”
- Ausangate Trek | 6 Day Circuit with Rainbow Mountains & Red Valley
- Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek | Alternative Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu
- Lares Valley | 1 Day Trek to Lares Hot Springs
Peru Travel Guides
- 35+ Inca Sites in Peru You Have to See
- Unique & Famous Landmarks in Peru from the Amazon, Lima, Arequipa & Beyond
- 22+ Charming Villages in the Andes Mountains
- 4 Day Colca Canyon Trek Without a Tour
Disclosure: This is part of my Hikes & Adventures series, which means these treks can be strenuous and challenging. I have personally done each of these hikes independently, but it does not make me an expert by any means. Please have all the proper equipment, verify the weather conditions, and take into consideration your own physical abilities and/or limitations. Please see my full disclosure for more information here.