THE HIDDEN TREASURE OF THE SACRED VALLEY IN PERU – INCA TRAIL TO THE POC POC WATERFALL

THE HIDDEN TREASURE OF THE SACRED VALLEY IN PERU – INCA TRAIL TO THE POC POC WATERFALL

Where is the Poc Poc Waterfall? Poc Poc Waterfall in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, How is the weather when i hike to Poc Poc Waterfall?

There are places that are never described in tourist guides, but ends up staying with you forever once you discover it. We are talking about the hike to the Poc Poc Waterfall, a hidden natural beauty in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, easily accessible from the traditional town of Chinchero. What begins as a hike without many expectations turns into one of the favorite experiences in Peru.

The Chinchero district is still asleep, but the weavers are already installing their colorful blankets and handcrafted products. Chinchero is at 3,800 meters – 12,500 feet above sea level, enough to take your breath away, but at the same time, to fall in love with this andean place.

The Inca trail to the Poc Poc Watefall starts from Chinchero, it descends along the lower side of the awesome Chinchero Inca terraces towards the Urquillos Valley. This path has been used by locals for centuries and despite the passage of time, still preserves its original stones. The sensation of hiking on this ancient legacy is indescribable, every step resonates with history. The open fields give way to a damp green forest dotted with ferns, mosses and domesticated plants. The number of travelers is minimal, but the birdsong escorts the hike.

After an hour and 30 minutes of hiking, between pauses for photos and sips of water, you can hear what sounds like a soft roar nearby, the Poc Poc waterfall is already approaching. As you round a sharp bend in the trail, the first traces of crystal-clear water suddenly appear, cascading down a 30-meter waterfall. The scenery is indescribable; the air was thick with moisture, and the sound of the water was hypnotic. A short break, then simply breathe and enjoy this natural wonder.

Good views and no rush are what we have in this wonderful place. You might dare to jump into the pool formed at the foot of the waterfall; otherwise, simply wet your hands and face with the icy water that comes from the high mountains. Poc Poc is one of those places that doesn’t need any explanation; the energy is simply felt. After a long stay, the return route could be the hike up to Chinchero, but you can also continue descending to the small town of Urquillos.

The next stage after Poc Poc Waterfall is just as beautiful as the beginning, passing by cornfields, adobe houses and people waving their hands as they pass by. It takes approximately two more hours to reach the valley, from where you can take a bus or rented transportation.

The hike to Poc Poc Waterfall is a truly authentic experience, forget the lines and crowds, enjoy endless selfies, just nature, history, and you.

Tips for those planning to hike to Poc Poc Waterfall:

• Start early, especially if you are continuing to the town of Urquillos.
• Bring enough water, snacks and a good raincoat (the weather can be tricky).
• The trail is mostly downhill, but with cobblestone sections, so wear good shoes (trail or hiking shoes are the most recommended).
• There is no phone signal along the trail, so you will be in direct contact with nature.
• A tour guide is essential if you want a historical context.

If you are in Cusco and looking to do something different like the Hike to Poc Poc Waterfall, Peru Hiking Tours is a good choice for it.