7 Hidden Places in the Sacred Valley You Have to Visit
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a must-see during your visit to Cusco. Filled with magical and iconic towns like Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero, it offers a wide variety of places to visit, but many of them are lesser-known. If you want to plan your trip to less-crowded yet awe-inspiring places in the Sacred Valley, we’ll recommend seven hidden gems you must visit to make your experience in Cusco even more memorable.
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How to prepare for a hike in the Sacred Valley: If you’re traveling through Cusco and your itinerary includes a visit to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, you should keep in mind that to reach many of its most iconic destinations, you’ll have to hike, both long and short. Therefore, it’s essential to acclimatize beforehand; the Valley is ideal for this, but as a resting place, you should avoid physical exertion at least on the first day. It’s also important to wear comfortable clothing, ready for rain. Drinking plenty of water, bringing snacks, and using sunscreen are key to making your hikes in the Sacred Valley a truly unforgettable experience.
Huchuy Qosqo
High in the Sacred Valley of the Incas lies Huchuy Qosqo, an Inca-era archaeological site that offers spectacular views of the entire valley. It’s a little-known site, so you won’t find many visitors when you visit.
To reach this magnificent site, we must first travel from Cusco to Tambomachay (approximately 20 minutes), then begin the hike, which could take up to 6 hours, depending on your pace. As part of the tour, after visiting the entire Huchuy Qosqo archaeological complex, you can continue the hike to the town of Lamay, located a couple of hours away. You could also return along the same route to Tambomachay, but the experience is much more enriching with Lamay as your final destination.
Huchuy Qosqo is located in the province of Calca, on top of a mountain. There, we’ll find a wide variety of Inca structures, from agricultural terraces to residential buildings and warehouses. We can camp in Huchuy Qosqo ( where to camp in Cusco ) or simply visit and explore part of the Inca legacy amidst nature and unforgettable landscapes.
Ñaupa Church
A visit to Ñaupa Church is one of the most mystical you’ll find in all of Cusco. Located a 15-minute drive from the town of Ollantaytambo, you can reach it via a short hike of approximately 20 minutes with many climbs, due to its location high on a mountain. Discover all the mystical destinations in Cusco .
At Ñaupa Iglesia we will find archaeological remains with very fine carvings, such as a stone window with a very mysterious appearance, which people usually touch when they arrive and feel a lot of energy. We will also see a Sacred Huaca, which gives an idea of the importance that this place had in Inca and pre-Inca times.
Ñaupa Church is often visited for rituals or ceremonies, which imbues the entire place with a much more energized feel, making it seem like something out of a fairy tale. It’s an ideal destination to take a break and appreciate beautiful landscapes, filled with a mystical energy that will add even more meaning to your visit.
Inti Punku (Gate of the Sun)
The hike to Inti Punku is one of the most beautiful day trips you can take while in Cusco. The journey begins in Ollantaytambo, from where we walk for approximately four hours along a well-marked trail. The hike is considered of medium difficulty, but it is quite long with sections of steady ascent.
Along the way, we’ll appreciate the beautiful landscapes of Ollantaytambo and the entire Sacred Valley, as well as the diverse native flora of the area. Upon arrival, we’ll find a small Inca complex with a stone gate (Inti Punku) that seems to invite us to explore the entire valley. It’s an ideal resting place that tells a rich story of the Inca legacy.
At the top, we can enjoy a unique panorama filled with beautiful views, offering the opportunity to take a perfect photo. Furthermore, as this is a rarely visited area, we’ll find perfect spots to rest, reflect, or even meditate.
Pinkuylluna
Another hidden and almost unmissable destination on your trip to Cusco is the Inca fortress of Pinkuylluna. Located in Ollantaytambo , it can be seen from anywhere in the town center. Upon arrival, you’ll see rectangular structures from the Inca era. Their architectural function is often associated with a surveillance and defense point for the entire Sacred Valley.
To reach Pinkuylluna, we’ll have to hike from Ollantaytambo, which will take approximately 45 minutes, depending on your pace. The route is along a steep path, so it should be done slowly and with caution. When we reach the summit, we’ll have beautiful views of Ollantaytambo, appreciating its complexity and trying to understand its intricacies.
Since it’s a short hike, we can take it at a leisurely pace, appreciating every angle the route affords. We can also combine our visit with places like Ñaupa Church or the Ollantaytambo fortress itself, which is just a short walk away.
Perolniyoc Waterfall
One of the most secret and amazing places in the Sacred Valley is the beautiful Perolniyoc waterfall. Located in the town of Socma, we find the waterfall near the archaeological site of Raqaypata, which was a settlement from the Inca era. The waterfall is approximately 45 meters high and surrounded by lush vegetation, making it even more impressive.
The route from Socma involves a hike of approximately one hour, from which we can appreciate the vast biodiversity of the area along with landscapes of the Sacred Valley that will seem like something out of a painting.
From this location, we can also visit the Perolniyoc archaeological site, which was built by pre-Inca cultures. Inside, we’ll appreciate buildings such as huacas (religious monuments) and kallancas (rooms or storage areas). The entire tour will enrich your experience of visiting the waterfall, where you’ll not only see an impressive natural destination, but also buildings steeped in history and significance.
Pumamarca
“The City of Pumas,” as Pumamarca is popularly known, is another hidden destination located near Ollantaytambo. To reach it, we have the option of a hike of approximately three hours. It’s a medium-difficulty experience, with some uphill sections. Alternatively, we can take a car to shorten the journey, allowing us to travel just an hour to reach our destination.
In Pumamarca, we’ll find an Inca archaeological complex notable for its agricultural terraces and its residential and ceremonial buildings. This site combines history, architecture, and nature, making it ideal for a day out in the countryside in a less crowded area, offering a peaceful atmosphere.
From the “City of Pumas,” we can find a place closely connected to nature, where we can stop, sit, and appreciate all its majesty, which adds even greater meaning to your trip.
Arin Falls
Located 10 minutes from the town of Calca, Arín offers a tour to two of the most spectacular waterfalls in the entire Sacred Valley. The hike lasts approximately one hour, following paths filled with vegetation in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the entire valley. Along the way, we can appreciate the abundant flora and streams that flow directly from the waterfalls.
Upon arriving, we’ll first notice the smaller waterfall, compared to the main one. A five-minute walk away, we’ll find the second, larger one. We can get quite close to it and even take a dip, admiring its enormous size and all the vegetation that accompanies it.
If we continue up the trail we came from, we’ll find viewpoints that allow us to pause and appreciate the views of all of Arín and the Valley. Arín Falls are an ideal destination for a picnic or a day out in nature with friends, your partner, or family, as they are very close to Cusco and in the heart of the Sacred Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How to get to Huchuy Qosqo?
To get to Huchuy Qosqo, you must leave Cusco towards Tambomachay (20 minutes by car) and then embark on a hike that can last up to 6 hours, depending on your pace.
- What is the walk to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) like?
The hike to Inti Punku begins in Ollantaytambo and lasts approximately four hours along a well-marked trail. Although its difficulty is considered moderate, the reward is a stone gateway with stunning views of the Sacred Valley, perfect for relaxing.
- What will I see in my visit to Pinkuylluna?
Pinkuylluna is an Inca fortress visible from Ollantaytambo that served as a watchtower and defense site. The short 45-minute hike allows you to appreciate both its historical role and the spectacular views it offers.
- What can I find at Perolniyoc Waterfall and how do I get there?
Located in Socma, the Perolniyoc Waterfall features a 45-meter-high waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. The hike to reach it takes approximately one hour and offers views of the local biodiversity and archaeological remains of the pre-Inca site of Perolniyoc.
- How to get to Arin Falls?
In Arín, just 10 minutes from Calca, you’ll find two waterfalls, ideal for a dip or a picnic surrounded by nature. The route, which lasts about an hour, takes you along paths immersed in nature.
- Why choose hidden destinations in the Sacred Valley instead of the more popular ones?
Because they offer a more authentic experience, far removed from mass tourism. By visiting these lesser-known places, you gain greater contact with nature, the living culture, and the tranquility of the surroundings.
- Is it possible to visit these 7 places without a guide?
Yes, but it’s not always the best option. Some destinations, like Pinkuylluna or Arín, are easy to locate and explore on your own. However, for places like Huchuy Qosqo or Pumamarca, having a guide or tour can enrich your experience.
- How safe are these routes?
They’re fairly safe, but as with any trip to remote locations, caution is key. Walking at night or straying from marked trails is not recommended.
- What is the most recommended destination for a mystical or spiritual experience?
Ñaupa Church is number one in this category in Cusco. Its quiet atmosphere, enigmatic architecture, and the energy many visitors report feeling make it a perfect place to meditate, perform rituals, or simply connect with oneself.
By Machupicchu Terra – Last updated, April 10, 2025