Cusco Puma Orqo & Maukallaqta Trip: An Honest Review

Okay, so you’re figuring out adventures around Cusco, right? Everyone knows Machu Picchu, too it’s practically a household name. But did you realize there’s a whole other pile of fascinating sites that tend to get skipped? Well, that is precisely why I went scouting, because, like your average traveller, I love seeing less trodden ground, you know? I took that “From Cusco: Puma Orqo and Maukallaqta Day Trip,” and I’m just going to tell you how it really is. You with me?

Why This Trip Caught My Eye

So, I’m usually scouting for options that offer something more authentic than a typical tourist spot, yeah? Puma Orqo and Maukallaqta kind of sparked my interest. Puma Orqo, apparently also called “Puma Urqu,” is this cliff face that somebody carved into what may look like a puma, or mountain lion. Then, there is Maukallaqta – apparently a remote Inca site that isn’t crawling with, you know, hordes of tourists, at least not yet anyway. Let’s face it, those famous Inca sites, while breathtaking, very often come with some crowds. That definitely is something to keep in mind, but, just a little bit, I was eager to escape that.

Word of advice? Look into it if you’re even a little bit interested in spots with less tourist traffic! You may find there are some cool things around Cusco, for example, the Sacred Valley – so many options to check out that most of the tourists don’t bother with. Basically, this trip promised a peek at places that still felt raw and genuinely connected to history.

What You Can Expect on This Day Trip

Okay, picture this: Early start, too it’s typical for these Cusco trips, right? Expect to spend at least a couple hours bumping down winding mountain roads, you know, the sort that give you spectacular views, although, I suppose they can get old, very quickly, depending on what you like and also depending on your vehicle! The views? Well they can be worth the jostling in that uncomfortable van!

First Stop: Puma Orqo. Keep in mind this massive rock with a supposed giant puma carving? Well, “supposed” might actually be the most important word. Some folks swear they totally saw a puma figure. But you know, others, I suspect maybe more than a few, weren’t entirely convinced! Truth be told, the natural erosion very, very clearly has taken its toll. It actually calls for a fair amount of imagination, you see? Although the spot does offer great views, even though that big kitty may not be super obvious!

Next: Maukallaqta. This location, that’s the true reward here. Maukallaqta is that old Inca settlement, that is basically far removed enough to have escaped most of the tourist hordes, apparently! Wandering those grounds really made it feel like traveling back, back in time, that is! The site sprawls, and also there are structures that appear really nicely preserved in some locations. What is worth noting? Well it’s definitely a photographer’s dream, especially if you tend to love wide open spaces.

Now, it seems like you’ll almost certainly pack your own lunch. Most of the tours I looked at appeared to require that you bring along your food and, too, plenty of water. You also want to plan for changes in weather conditions, right? At these elevations, things go through rapid changes. Believe me, you really do want a poncho or rain jacket stowed away regardless of what that sky may appear like when you get out of bed!

Is it Tough? Thinking about the Hike and Altitude

Okay, altitude, people. So, that’s real. Cusco is already up there, yeah? But locations like Maukallaqta sit even higher! That means you need to go easy on your first few days acclimatizing ahead of doing anything that might be considered strenuous. I was huffing just from, like, a gentle stroll around the ruins, very honestly! The air is just thinner than most folks may realize.

As far as the actual hikes go? The Puma Orqo spot doesn’t involve any difficult walking whatsoever, right? Getting to Maukallaqta involves a bit of walking over some uneven ground but also no significant inclines or climbs that I could recall. If you are basically reasonably fit, you likely will manage okay, albeit slowly. Basically, the altitude has more to do with it than physical fitness! Just remember to sip that water and move at your own relaxed tempo!

What I Liked – and What Was Meh

All right, so this is basically my honest breakdown:

The Awesome: Maukallaqta all the way, so it’s just an amazing archaeological site. Roaming around a near empty Inca city, it actually has this otherworldly feeling. Plus, those vistas, yeah? Just wow.
The So-So: Puma Orqo is possibly a stretch for lots of people, but anyway it kind of depends upon your imagination. I wasn’t 100% certain that big kitty face showed as dramatically as I thought, still, the overlook is rather pleasant.
Things to Consider: This trip tends to be on the long side! So be willing to spend much time traveling between destinations. Bring stuff to occupy yourself throughout those drives. Additionally, you might look closely at what is actually offered for transport because some of these tours don’t boast as relaxed options.

To be straight, the trip will tend to work if getting well off the path is appealing and viewing ruins in near isolation seems cool. But in fact, if comfort and, too, perfectly defined historical sites are sought, you may discover you’d rather stay doing a more classic Sacred Valley tour! You could wind up happier. Just something to take into consideration.

Tips for Making Your Trip Smoother

Okay, want to totally ace your day adventure? Here’s how:

Acclimatize Beforehand: So, you need to spend two or three days within Cusco even before signing on to the strenuous day adventure. That height affects folks!
Layers, Layers, Layers: Climate in these elevations apparently tends to be all across the place within one day, right? You’re very, very clearly going to want apparel choices to manage those varying conditions.
Snacks & Water: Bring many goodies along with fluids, by all means. Certain journeys would take several hours to locate appropriate sources. Trust me, bring what you’d need, too. You’re going to appreciate that.
Learn some Quechua: Learn the odd Quechua word or two! You know, any small effort there makes an impact. I think it is cool showing respect for the civilization’s cultural past through a few friendly words spoken! A friendly “allillanchu” really does go a long way, and in fact it is pronounced ah-lee-lyahn-choo.
Check out the agencies. Certain tour operators can actually provide improved autos than that of others! You also would want good guides who basically know all the regional insights along with customs for such historic treasures! Very very clearly inquire well ahead as to their schedules.

Was It Worth It? My Final Verdict

Alright, at the end of the day, would I then personally advocate this specific tour to similar travel enthusiasts? Mostly yes – albeit accompanied by one important qualification: go expecting one amazing Inca location in Maukallaqta, while thinking Puma Orqo adds merely supplementary sightseeing on to a protracted excursion. If it appears right to that description, go all in.

I, personally, very honestly, relished straying beyond just the usual hotspots, just for example seeing quiet Inca stonework out within the mountains was pretty awesome. I do strongly urge planning! Should a relaxing or luxury style jaunt proves preferable? This, in particular, may just turn out not such an amazing decision – basically unless all of which seems truly thrilling of getting remote.

For adventurers readying an offbeat experience among Inca legacy free of that overwhelming crowd situation? Yeah, definitely explore something along such lines, and then savor every bit out of exploring an uncommon gem!

Key Takeaways:

Maukallaqta is a great isolated Inca site, while Puma Orqo’s Puma rock figure may be subjective.
Altitude and also comfort during lengthy traveling require thorough attention.
Ideal those yearning uncrowded adventure visiting cultural locations!

So that is all I can tell you. Have fun! I hope this has helped! Enjoy that trip to Peru.

#Cusco #Peru #TravelReview #AdventureTravel #IncaRuins