How to get to K’allachaka

Just a few minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Cusco lies a place that seems untouched by time. K’allachaka also known as Kallachaka is an archaeological site not included in traditional tours, yet it holds a deep and silent history linked to the landscape and Andean spirituality.

The site remains peaceful today, surrounded by nature and offering a stunning view of the valley, making it an ideal destination for those seeking to explore Cusco off the beaten track.

In this guide, we provide all the information you need to plan your visit, offering clear and straightforward advice.

Entry is completely FREE for all visitors (local, national or foreign).

Before we move on to the guide, here are some important points to consider before visiting the site.

K'allachaka is located in the San Sebastián district and forms part of the Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Park.

It sits on a high mountain on the left bank of the river bearing the same name as the complex.

Before starting the tour, it is important to note that K'allachaka is located in a rural-urban area. There are therefore several ways to get there, depending on your available time, budget and how much walking you want to do. The main access routes are presented below.

One of the easiest ways to get there is to use the entrance that leads to Inkilltambo. Go downhill and you will come to a small tower. Turning right here will take you across the terraces and to the pyramid.

There are two ways to reach the entrance: you can arrive by vehicle or take a short uphill walk. You can access it via Circunvalación Street or Collasuyo Street.

If you are looking to escape the usual flow of visitors, this little used route will immerse you in a small forest where time seems to stand still.

As you walk through familiar terrain and hear the sound of a hidden waterfall, you will reach the base of K'allachaka, where you can admire the magnitude of its terraces from a unique vantage point.

To take this route, go down the stairs at the end of Dirigentes, turn left, and follow the path through the forest to the terraces. Climb up to reach the path that leads to the site.

Otra forma sencilla y que te hará llegar a la pirámide circular es usar la ruta que cruza Wakapunku, siguiendo el camino que se conecta con la ruta CU-1110, podrás cruzar por Hatun Plaza y continuar tu camino a l complejo.

Para salir del lugar puedes usar la entrada de Inkilltambo o de Wakapunku. Obviamente dependiendo la entrada que usaste:

• If you entered through the Inkilltambo entrance and exited through the lower ravine, you would leave through Wakapunku.
• If you used the Wakapunku entrance, you would exit through the Inkilltambo entrance or the lower ravine.

Podrás escalarlos o descenderlos, además de notar que su sistema de riego aún funciona, en estos andenes podrás encontrar árboles frutales como el de manzano o duraznero. Algunas personas vienen a pacer picnic a esta zona.

If you use the lower ravine as your main route, you will see this small waterfall. You can get close to it to take photos.

The main point of interest on the tour is an Inca observatory and ceremonial centre. Climbing to the upper area offers beautiful views of the surrounding area.

There is a small Inca tower crossing the road from Inkilltambo. The site is located next to a stream and a green space where visitors can rest.

K'allachaka, also known as Machuchoqek'iraw, was built by the Inca ruler Pachacútec.

This circular pyramid is a prominent feature of the archaeological centre and is also known as an "Ushnu", which refers to an astronomical observatory and a place for religious ceremonies.

This type of pyramid was built in high-altitude areas due to its function for the Incas.

• InkilltamboYou can visit this ceremonial centre by taking the route that bears its name.
• Wakapunku: Archaeological site with a beautiful view of the city of Cusco. It can be the start or end of your journey to K'allachaka.
• Hatun Plaza: Large archaeological site that connects the route from Wakapunku to K'allachaka.
• Rumi Wasi: A place used by the Incas for agricultural production, which you can reach by crossing east of Wakapunku.