Cachora – Viewpoints and Inca Heritage

Cachora combines sweeping views of the Cañón del Apurímac with hiking trails and archaeological sites. From the Mirador de Capuliyoc, the view stretches across the Vilcabamba mountain range to Nevado Padreyoc. The town is also a starting point for the approximately 31.5 km hiking route to the Choquequirao archaeological complex. During your stay, you can choose between viewpoints, outdoor activities and discoveries from the Inca era.

Views and Trails in the Cañón del Apurímac

At the Mirador de Capuliyoc, possible experiences include taking in the landscape, watching condors, and observing the local flora and fauna. Outdoor activities are more enjoyable there during the dry season, from May to November. Capuliyoc is also considered a traditional starting point for the trail to Choquequirao. At the foot of the viewpoint, there is a tourist rest station that serves as a junction and connection point on the access route to Choquequirao. Visitor parking and toilets are also available.

From the main square of San Pedro de Cachora, you can reach the Mirador de Capuliyoc by taxi in around 30 minutes via an approximately 12 km unpaved road. On foot, an approximately 12 km mule trail leads there; the journey is estimated to take around two hours. These two options can help you plan your journey according to your preferred mode of transport, without confusing it with the longer hiking route to Choquequirao.

Another viewpoint is the Mirador de Huayhuacalle. From there, you can see the Cañón del Apurímac, Nevado Padreyoc and the area around Choquequirao; condors can also be spotted. From the main square of San Pedro de Cachora, the viewpoint is accessible by taxi via an approximately 12 km road in around 40 minutes. Facilities include parking, a checkpoint and information point, toilets, internal paths and rest areas.

Inca-Era Heritage and Local History

Incaraccay is especially suited to those interested in archaeology and history, and offers good opportunities for photography. The site comprises three enclosures built of dressed stone from the Inca era, a temple-like room and a trapezoidal niche. From Cachora’s Plaza de Armas, you can travel by taxi for approximately 15 km to the end of the drivable road; from there, a mule trail continues for about 1 km on foot. The Zona Arqueológica de Inka Raqay is also accessible from Cachora via a route of approximately 19 km, with a combined travel time by vehicle and on foot of about one hour.

The Plaza de Armas offers another point of historical interest: the Capilla de San Pedro de Cachora stands there and has been considered cultural heritage since 1980. A Pisonay tree also stands on the same square, and is estimated to be more than 200 years old. These local landmarks provide a different focus from the viewpoints and hiking trails, adding a cultural dimension to your stay.

Choquequirao itself is divided into nine zones with small settlements arranged around a main square. The complex includes terraces, ceremonial platforms and priests’ dwellings. It is also known for 22 stone-carved depictions called “Llamas del Sol,” arranged across 15 terraces. When planning your trip, note that access to the monumental area of Choquequirao Archaeological Park is not accessible to people with disabilities because of the distance and trail conditions.

Nature Around Cachora

About 1.5 km from the Plaza de Armas are the Cuevas Naturales, which provide a refuge for bats. This natural attraction complements the viewpoints and archaeological sites. The Cañón del Apurímac extends across the districts of Curahuasi, San Pedro de Cachora and Huanipaca; viewpoints such as Capuliyoc offer opportunities to watch condors.

Other destination pages in this overview include Abancay, Pampachiri, Chalhuanca District, Pampahuasi and Santo Tomás.

For the broader travel overview: Apurímac.