“MUÑAPATA “THE TURQUOISE WATERS
Full Day
In the city of Cusco, 56 km (34.80 miles) away and at 3,161m.a.s.l. (10,370 feet), is one of the most picturesque and colorful natural attractions, “Muñapata” located in the province of Quispicanchis, district of Urcos, an hour and a half drive from the city of Cusco.
ANDINA AMAZONICA invites you to visit this novel and peculiar attraction located in the heart of a small canyon (natural formation) that boasts natural pools full of this captivating radiant turquoise color. In spite of not being a very extensive attraction and of complementary character to others of greater hierarchy, the visit to this place is increasing more and more, arriving local, national and now international tourists.
Although there is not much historical and archeological information about the place, it is believed that these waters were used for ritual and religious purposes by our ancestors who settled in the surroundings of this beautiful place, since today the inhabitants of the town of Muñapata and its communities continue to practice ancestral rituals, celebrating, dancing and leaving offerings in honor of YakuMama (Mother Water). The clean waters that contain minerals are also for the consumption of its inhabitants, which is why it is forbidden to enter into the pools and much less take baths in its waters.
Dare to leave for a few hours the life and stress of the city, join us and let ANDINA AMAZONICA show you how from the top of the mountain and as veins that carry blood throughout the body, the crystal clear waters run along the surface of mother earth, dragging all the calcium carbonate contained in the bedrock (the mountain is largely formed of limestone) and some minerals that were dragged with the passage of time; Finally these minerals are deposited in the pools, thus giving it the vibrant turquoise color that changes tones according to the power of the sun’s rays.
The location of Muñapata (in the South Valley), makes the climate pleasant, tropical with breezes coming from the Andes. However, you must be prepared for the different weather changes in the city of Cusco, because as they say: “In Cusco we live the 4 seasons of the year every day”.
Details
After an appetizing breakfast at your hotel, our host guide and driver friend will pick you up for the trip south, an average of about an hour (depending on traffic in the city), we will pass through the different districts and provinces of the city, observing the local life and the mountains that shelter the capital of the Incas.
Once arriving at the attraction, the walk is gentle, it takes no more than 20 minutes to reach the turquoise waters themselves, making a journey of almost 1 kilometer. The attraction is ideal for an excursion with the whole family. Highly recommended for all kinds of people, especially those who want to be in contact with nature and those who like to take pictures and selfies with unique and radiant environments.
After enjoying the view and taking our time in the place, we return to the city, but not before stopping in one of the picturesque villages for lunch, where typical traditional food such as chicharron, baked guinea pig, chancho a la caja china or a good chicken broth Cusquenian style await to satisfy our appetite.
After an energizing and tasty lunch, we return to the city of Cusco to drop you off at your hotel and continue exploring the city.
- Private and/or shared transportation (according to your requirement).
- Professional bilingual guide, accredited and certified with first aid training.
- Oxygen cylinder and first aid kit.
- Mineral water.
- Entrance ticket to the attraction.
- Lunch en route.
- Meals not described in the program.
- Other activities not described in the program.
- Personal extra expenses of the traveler.
- Carry money in local currency in case you wish to buy any item.
- Carry your identity documents or passport.
- Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hat.
- Bring a poncho in case it rains.
- Bring a camera.
- Bring some snacks for the day.
- Light clothing with long sleeves and a jacket in case the day is cold.
- A small backpack to carry your personal belongings.
- Brightly colored clothing for good photographs.
- Hiking time: 40 minutes to 1 hour (round trip).
- Starting altitude of the hike: 3,161 m.a.s.l. (10,370 feet)
- Maximum altitude on the hike: 3,210 m.a.s.l. (10,531 feet)
- Elevation gain: 51 mts. (167 feet)
- Distance: less than 1 km (0.62 miles)
- Difficulty: mild
