From Cusco: Machu Pitumarka Day Trip with Hotel Pickup

Discover the archaeological site of Machu Pitumarka on a day trip from Cusco. Learn about the Canchis culture and visit the colonial church of the Immaculate Conception of Checacupe.
Discover the archaeological site of Machu Pitumarka on a day trip from Cusco. Explore the administrative and religious center of the Canchis culture, and visit the colonial church of the Immaculate Conception of Checacupe.

Start your day with a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco and drive south to the district of Pitumarca. The archaeological site of Machu Pitumarka is located at an altitude of 11,370 feet (3,465 meters), and is the administrative and religious center of the unknown Canchis culture.

From this spot, the Canchis controlled access to the valley. However, this was unsuccessful in preventing the powerful Incas from taking over the territory and occupying it. Machu Pitumarka was a place of transit that held great importance, so much so that it was even mentioned in the chronicles of some historians such as Inca Garcilaso de la Vega.

During your visit, explore the three sectors into which the enclosure is divided. The first sector is made up of six rectangular structures called pircas. Then, move on to the second sector, from which you can admire a breathtaking view of the snow-capped Ausangate Mountain, which is 21,000 feet (6,400 meters) high.

Continue to the third sector, located in the lowest part of this site. This sector contains small buildings that may well have been dwellings from the Inca period. After visiting Machu Pitumarka, start your return journey to Cusco.

On the way, make a stop at the colonial church of the Immaculate Conception of Checacupe. This architectural jewel, made from adobe, houses important relics and boasts lavish interior decoration. Pass by the colonial bridge of Checacupe, built in the 17th century, before stopping in Huaro.

Admire its Church of St. John the Baptist, a masterpiece of the painting by the Cusquenian Tadeo Escalante. Lastly, arrive in Cusco and be dropped back at your hotel.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.