Pomacanchi: experiential tourism, nature and Andean culture
Just a few hours from Cusco lies the magical town of Pomacanchi, a secluded place with a serene atmosphere that will offer you a break from your daily routine. This destination preserves many Andean customs, making it an ideal destination if you want to learn more about them. Thanks to its geography, it also offers natural tourist destinations that make Pomacanchi a beautiful place. Discover more about this town that combines completely authentic natural and cultural experiences.
- What is Pomacanchi like?
- Where is Pomacanchi?
- How to get to Pomacanchi?
- What to do in Pomacanchi?
- Geographic data of Pomacanchi
- Other nearby attractions
- Tips for visiting Pomacanchi
- Frequently Asked Questions
Entrance to the town of Pomacanchi
What is Pomacanchi like?
Pomacanchi is a town where you can find an authentic and peaceful experience surrounded by mountains and green fields. Thanks to its altitude, you’ll experience breathtaking landscapes, and thanks to its geography, you’ll also find many lagoons along the way.
There are no large hotels or tourist hustle and bustle; it’s a more relaxing experience visiting natural destinations steeped in tradition. If you’re looking for experiential tourism experiences , Pomacanchi could be a perfect place to delve deeper into Andean culture.
Where is Pomacanchi?
The town of Pomacanchi is located in the province of Acomayo, approximately 110 kilometers southeast of Cusco. The drive can take 2 hours and 30 minutes, traversing the beautiful landscapes of the South Valley.
Pomacanchi is located at an average altitude of 3,600 meters above sea level, so it has a cold climate at night, but clear and warm during the day, especially during the dry season (April to October).
Bartering at the K’ullupata Fair
The barter method of exchange is still a cultural practice in Pomacanchi, and an example of this is the K’ullupata fair, where residents bring their products to exchange without money, according to each person’s needs. This important event is held during the month of October and is considered one of the largest barter fairs in the Cusco region.
These types of cultural practices maintain Andean traditions that preserve a profound value of reciprocity (Ayni), since they not only generate an exchange but also strengthen the bonds between the people involved.
How to get to Pomacanchi?
To get to the town of Pomacanchi you can choose two main routes:
- Public Transportation: You should go to the Urcos bus terminal, where buses also depart for Pomacanchi. Another option is to take a bus to Acomayo and then take a shuttle from there to Pomacanchi.
- Private Transportation: The best way to get to Pomacanchi is the one that takes us to Urcos, with a detour to Acomayo. The trip can take between 2 hours and 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on the stops and traffic.
This is the route to get to the town of Pomacanchi
What to do in Pomacanchi?
If you’re looking for authentic experiences surrounded by stunning natural destinations, Pomacanchi is a must-see. Below, we’ll present a list of the best activities you can do within the town. Check them out:
Waqrapukara
The horn-shaped fortress, as its name translates into Spanish, is a destination built by the Canchis culture, who used this enormous mountain to create this religious sanctuary, which also served as a lookout point for the entire surrounding valley.
There are several routes to reach Waqrapukara, but the most popular is the Sangará route. After a trip of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from Cusco, we will embark on a 2-hour hike to reach the fortress. During the walk, we will be able to see stone enclosures, ancient water channels, platforms, stairways, and impressive landscapes.
Many visitors choose to camp at Waqrapukara, an ideal option if you want to enjoy starry skies surrounded by nature.
Waqrapukara archaeological site
Pomacanchi Lagoon
Pomacanchi Lagoon is the main lagoon of the four-lake circuit. It is a beautiful body of water located at an altitude of 3,600 meters above sea level and has an immense expanse, the largest in the circuit.
In this lagoon, we can enjoy experiences such as fish watching, bird watching, sport fishing, flora observation, boat or kayak rides, and hikes in the vicinity of Pomacanchi.
Four Lagoons Circuit
The lagoons that form part of the four-lake circuit are Pomacanchi (3,600 meters above sea level), Acopia (3,579 meters above sea level), Asnaqocha (3,760 meters above sea level) and Pampamarca (3,587 meters above sea level).
During your tour, you’ll see a wide variety of flora and fauna in the lagoons, such as ducks, parihuanas, herons, seagulls, Andean flamingos, and numerous fish, among other species. Eleven endemic birds have been recorded in the area.
The tour is completely free, so all you have to worry about is enjoying it on easy, level walks.
Cultural experiences
Thanks to Pomacanchi’s geographic location and the low number of tourists, we’ll find many cultural experiences that will immerse us in its traditions. There are options for experiential tourism, mystical tourism, and ecotourism.
In addition, its festivities and cultural events will show us a different angle, in events such as carnivals, Cruz Velacuy, the San Juan festival, the San Pedro festival, the patron saint festival of San Agustín, the Natividad Virgin festival, and the fair at the K’ullupata huaca.
Geographic data of Pomacanchi
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Pomacanchi district, Acomayo province in the Cusco region. |
| Average altitude | 3,600 meters above sea level. |
| Predominant language | Quechua (mother tongue), Spanish as a second language. |
| Climate | The climate is cool to temperate due to its altitude. Dry from April to October and rainy from November to March. |
| Accessibility | By road from Cusco along the Urcos – Acomayo – Pomacanchi route (approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes). |
| Around | Area surrounded by mountains, hills, green fields, plenty of vegetation and lagoons. |
| Flora and fauna | Totora, ichu, native plants, trout, ducks, seagulls, birds, fish. |
| Main festivities | Barter Fair in K’ullupata (October), patron saint festival of San Agustín and Andean carnivals. |
| Tourist attractions |
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Other nearby attractions
To complement your experience in Pomacanchi, we’ll recommend some nearby destinations that could further enhance your travel experience in Cusco.
Raqchi archaeological site
Also known as the Wiracocha temple, it is located an hour from Pomacanchi. As it is on the route leading to this town, you can make a stop there if you wish. Along the way, we’ll discover vestiges such as the temple in honor of the god Wiracocha, as well as the main Inca temple, warehouses, water fountains, and immense walls that give us a glimpse of the magnitude of this place during the pre-Inca and Inca cultures.
Andahuaylillas
Just over an hour from Pomacanchi, we can visit Andahuaylillas, a small colonial town steeped in history. One of its main attractions is the Church of San Pedro Apóstol, also known as the Sistine Chapel of the Americas. While visiting, we’ll see beautiful murals, structures, and paintings of great significance, corresponding to the Andean Baroque style.
Experiential tourism
In Pomacanchi, as well as in Huancarani, Tantarcalla, and Suyoc, we can find experiential tourism experiences. Activities include weaving on Andean looms, participating in traditional agriculture, preparing traditional dishes, and a deeper cultural immersion by spending the night in these towns.
Sistine Chapel of America – Andahuaylillas
Tips for visiting Pomacanchi
If you’re planning to visit the town of Pomacanchi, we’ll share a series of recommendations and tips to help you enjoy a more enjoyable experience during your trip.
- The trip from Cusco to the town of Pomacanchi can take up to 2 hours and 30 minutes. It may seem a bit long, but you’ll be surrounded by stunning scenery.
- When you visit Pomacanchi, you’ll find an authentic atmosphere, where cultural demonstrations are routine, allowing you to better appreciate its essence.
- Remember to acclimatize during your first few days in Cusco; quiet, low-altitude hikes are the best option.
- Camping in Waqrapukara is one of the best experiences in Cusco. You’ll find breathtaking landscapes, and at night you’ll see the starry sky, the panorama will be almost magical.
- If you’re visiting Pomacanchi during the rainy season (November–March), be prepared with waterproof clothing or a rain poncho, as the weather can be rainy at any time.
- When visiting Pomacanchi during the dry season (April to October), we will find clearer weather, although temperatures tend to be lower.
- Take advantage of your trip and calmly enjoy each of the landscapes you’ll find in Pomacanchi; its geography is ideal for taking a break.
- To enhance your travel experience in Cusco and Pomacanchi, give thanks to Pachamama (Mother Earth) at every new moment of your journey, just as they do in Andean culture.
- Remember that along with Boletomachupicchu, you can book various experiences and tours throughout Cusco. Ask our advisors about the options available to you for a wonderful experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is the best time to visit Pomacanchi?
The best time to visit Pomacanchi is during the dry season, from April to October. This is when the weather is more stable, with sunny days and clear skies, making hiking easier and allowing you to enjoy the scenery without any inconvenience.
2) Is an entrance fee required to visit the lagoons or Waqrapukara?
Access to the Four Lagoons Circuit is completely free. Waqrapukara also doesn’t require an entry ticket.
3) Is it necessary to acclimatize before going to Pomacanchi?
Yes, Pomacanchi is located at an altitude of 3,600 meters above sea level, so it’s recommended to acclimatize in Cusco at least a day before your trip.
4) Can I do experiential tourism in Pomacanchi?
Yes, Pomacanchi is an excellent place for experiential and community-based tourism, where you can participate in activities such as Andean weaving, artisanal fishing, traditional agriculture, and preparing local dishes.
5) Can I camp in Waqrapukara?
Yes, you can camp at Waqrapukara, and many people do so to observe the starry sky and enjoy the sunrise.
6) Are there tourist services in Pomacanchi?
Pomacanchi only offers basic tourist services: local restaurants, family accommodations, and easy transportation to nearby communities.
7) Where is Pomacanchi?
Pomacanchi is located in the province of Acomayo, southeast of Cusco. It is approximately 110 kilometers from the city.
8) How many hours is Pomacanchi from Cusco?
Pomacanchi is about 2 hours and 30 minutes by road from the city of Cusco.
9) How do you get to Pomacanchi?
You can get there by public transport from the Urcos terminal or by private vehicle taking the Cusco – Urcos – Acomayo – Pomacanchi route.
10) Is it cold in Pomacanchi?
Yes, because it’s over 3,600 meters above sea level, Pomacanchi has a cold climate, especially at night.
Advice from people who have been there
By: Phil F.“Experiential tourism“
“I stayed a couple of days with a family in Pomacanchi, I learned a lot about their culture and traditions, it was really an experience that nourished my soul. I will be eternally grateful to them.“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, June 19, 2025