A Half-Day Walk to the Sacred Perolniyoq Waterfall
This half-day hike starts in the village of Socma, where green hillsides and cornfields open onto wide views of the valley. You follow stretches of the old Inca road network, the Qhapaq Ñan, up to the Racaypata archaeological complex, and then walk down to the sacred Perolniyoq waterfall. Choose a shared or private service, and we tailor-make every detail to your travel style, needs and budget.
Inca paths and Andean farmland
Racaypata, a temple to water
Led by a local expert team
A refreshing stop at the sacred waterfall
Route and Itinerary
Half a Day, One Waterfall
Follow the route from Socma to the Racaypata ruins and Perolniyoq waterfall, and check the altitude changes along the way.
Distance
5.83 km
Duration
5 hrs
Start
3,200 m a.s.l.
Highest point
3,599 m a.s.l.
Route map
Elevation profile
Altitude from the route GPS track, in m a.s.l.
Itinerary
9:00 a.m. We pick you up at your hotel and drive to the village of Socma. We start walking toward Perolniyoq waterfall along green, farmed slopes, mostly corn fields, with wide views of the valley. This area was part of the Inca road network, the Qhapaq Nan.
An Inca path takes us to the top of the waterfall, where the Racaypata archaeological complex stands. It served as a temple to worship water. We enjoy the landscape and a snack of fruit and cereals.
Then we walk down to the waterfall for last photos and a refreshing touch of its sacred water, which our ancestors used for inner purification baths. We descend to Socma and return to your hotel. The excursion lasts about 5 hours.
Your price
What’s Included
Guide and entrance
Professional guide in Spanish or English.
Entrance ticket.
Snack and water
Snack of fruit and cereals.
Bottle of water.
Transport
Pickup and return to your hotel.
Private transport.
What’s not included
Tips for the guide and driver.
Personal expenses.
Important Notes
Shared or private service, tailored to your dates and group size.
We pick you up at your hotel at 9:00 a.m.
Bring a little cash in soles for tips and personal expenses.
Times are approximate.
FAQ
Difficulty and altitude
The Perolniyoq trek is a half-day walk of about 5 hours. According to our GPS track, it covers 5.83 km and climbs about 440 m, from 3,200 m a.s.l. in Socma to 3,599 m a.s.l. at the highest point.
Good physical condition is recommended. Your guide walks with you, and we provide a snack of fruit and cereals and a bottle of water.
We recommend spending at least one full day in Cusco (3,399 m a.s.l.) before the trek, so your body has time to adjust to the altitude. The trek starts at 3,200 m a.s.l. and reaches 3,599 m a.s.l. If you have a health condition, check with your doctor before you travel.
Packing and booking
Bring comfortable clothes for walking, a warm jacket, a small backpack, your camera, sunscreen and a hat. We provide a snack of fruit and cereals and a bottle of water. Bring a little cash in soles for tips and personal expenses.
Book as early as possible, so we can confirm availability for your dates.
You can choose a shared or a private service, and we tailor-make every detail to your travel style and needs. The price depends on your group size and the services you choose, so request a quote.
Write to us on WhatsApp with your preferred dates and group size, and we will confirm availability and explain how to secure your booking. We will reply as soon as we can.
Before and after the trek
On the day of the trek, we pick you up at your hotel at 9:00 a.m. and drive to the village of Socma, where the walk begins.
Carry your original passport. Also, breakfast on day 1 is not included (your lunch and dinner are), so have breakfast before departure.
After the walk down to the waterfall, we drive you back to your hotel.
Vegetarian meals are available; vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free meals are available with advance notice. Times are approximate.
Pack light
What to bring
The bag you carry yourself while walking.
Sun and rain
Sun hat
Sunscreen
Warm jacket
Daypack essentials
Small backpack
Comfortable clothes for walking
Documents and health
Personal medication
Camera and power
Camera
Keep your camera, sunscreen and hat in your small backpack. Bring a little cash in soles for tips and personal expenses.
Tripadvisor · 2026 Reviews
What Our Travelers Say
Recent Tripadvisor reviews of Santu trips in Peru, posted in 2026.
This is Santu’s overall rating, not a rating specific to the Perolniyoq trek.
“The experience was incredible; we were 3 families and we loved it. The level of food, the tents, the guides. A ten.”
Edgardo C · Toledo, Spain Written 4 August 2026 · Translated from Spanish by Tripadvisor
“… Giuliana exceeded our expectations. She did an amazing job listening to our wants/needs, make recommendations and take care of all the steps along the way. We felt fully informed.”
“Giuliana who is an amazing travel agent who planned everything for Us and give us lots of great ideas and she came with an amazing package that it took care of all our needs …”
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