The archaeological site of Pumamarka is located on the northern flank of the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Park. While there is no definitive historical consensus regarding its exact origin, it is widely believed to have been a fortress built strategically to control and monitor access from the Antisuyo (the Amazonian region of the Inka Empire). However, the sheer size, architectural finesse, and complexity of the site suggest it also served highly important administrative and ceremonial purposes.
It is also presumed that Pumamarka was originally occupied by the Ayamarca, an ethnic group with strong cultural influences from the Altiplano that inhabited the valley prior to the grand Inka expansion. The complex stands out imposingly against the Andean landscape due to its high stone walls and a massive perimeter wall that encloses a large portion of the sacred precinct.
- Difficulty level: Moderate-intermediate
- Altitude: 3,400 meters (11,154 feet) at Pumamarka / 2,792 meters (9,160 feet) at Ollantaytambo
- Hiking time: 4.5 hours
- Departure time: 8:00 AM
- Return time: 6:00 PM
Itinerary:
We will pick you up from your hotel at 8:00 AM via private transportation for a scenic 1.5-hour drive toward the historic district of Ollantaytambo in the Urubamba province. At 9:45 AM, we will make a strategic stop just outside the town to share a local breakfast and participate in a traditional Andean permission ritual using sacred coca leaves, connecting with the Apus to guide and protect our trek.
We will then begin our ascent, surrounded by native flora and beautiful valley vistas, arriving at the Pumamarka archaeological complex at approximately 1:00 PM. In this ancient and mysterious setting, we will perform a meaningful offering ceremony to Pachamama (Mother Earth) to express gratitude for our life paths and future endeavors. Afterward, we will share a light snack and enjoy free time to contemplate the temple structures, explore the terraces, and take photographs.
We will descend along the same trail to meet our private transportation at around 3:30 PM. Next, we will head to the center of Ollantaytambo for a one-hour walking tour of this fascinating “Living Inka Town,” which still preserves its original urban layout, stone street-canals, and ancient residential foundations intact. Finally, at 4:30 PM, we will begin our drive back, arriving in the city of Cusco at approximately 6:00 PM.
Includes:
- Hotel pick-up and private transportation (Cusco–Ollantaytambo / Pumamarka–Cusco)
- Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish) throughout the entire journey
- 1 local breakfast at the start of the route
- 1 light snack / refreshment at the archaeological site
- 1 ancestral offering ceremony to Pachamama
Does not include:
- Entrance fee to the Pumamarka archaeological complex (paid directly at the site)
- Lunch
- Tips
- Personal expenses not mentioned in the itinerary