Pumamarca Ruins

Trek to Pumamarca Ruins

Little-visited Pumamarca ruins are the remains of a hillside fortress that once guarded the entrance to the fertile Sacred Valley. Built on a steep slope overlooking the convergence of the Río Patacancha and Yuracmayo rivers, its prime position, away from any tourist crowds, rewards visitors with panoramic views. The total half-day trek covers approximately 6km (3.7 mi), which is about two to four hours of hiking. Aracari arranges the Pumamarca ruins trek on a private basis only, not as a group tour. The trek can only be booked as part of a tailormade trip to Peru, not on a standalone basis.

Pumamarca Trek Route

You will drive first to the community of Pallata, approximately 20 minutes’ past the town of Ollantaytambo, to reach the starting point. Here you will walk along a trail for around 2km (1.2mi), taking around an hour and a half, through terraced countryside and passing the community’s houses for a glimpse into local life. The hike is uphill, gradually climbing to the Pumamarca ruins. You guide will show you around the ruins, which are comprised of various structures including ceremonial buildings, storage houses and enclosures. It is one of the few places that the Spanish suffered a defeat against the Incas.

From here begin the moderate descent along a different path for approximately 4km (2.5mi), taking around two hours, where you will follow ancient aqueducts towards the terraces of Conchapata to be greeted by a private picnic lunch. Your vehicle will be ready waiting when you finish

Alternative Hikes in the Sacred Valley

This hike takes only half a day, so can easily be combined with a visit to the Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo as you end the walk in Ollantaytambo town. It is also possible to finish the hike and then take a train from Ollantaytambo train station to Aguas Calientes, to visit Machu Picchu. Alternatively, after explore more of the Sacred Valley

An alternative gentle half-day hike that’s well suited to families is the Chincerho to Huayllabamba trek.If you’re acclimatized and looking for full day hikes, then consider the one-day inca trail to Machu Picchu or the challenging Patabamba to Huchuy Qosqo full day hike.

Contact us today to book this tour as part of a longer tailormade trip, or for bespoke travel advice.