Between Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, around the village of Pachar, there are two places few travellers know: Ñaupa Iglesia, a sacred cave with a finely carved altar, and the Perolniyoc waterfall in the Socma valley, with small Inca ruins above it. You can see both in one day from our hotel, with very little transport and lots of walking.
At a glance
| Ñaupa Iglesia | Perolniyoc + Raqaypata | |
|---|---|---|
| Start | Pachar bridge (5 min from Ollantaytambo) | Socma community |
| Walk | About 2.5 km each way, almost flat | Steady climb on a mountain path |
| Time | 2–3 hours in total | 3–5 hours in total |
| Difficulty | Easy | Moderate |
| Entrance | Free | The community may charge a small fee: carry soles |
Ñaupa Iglesia: the “old church” in a cave
Its name mixes Quechua and Spanish and means “old church”. It is a large cave on the hillside above the Urubamba river, with an altar of dark stone carved with the precision of the finest Inca work and a carved doorway-shaped niche inside. It may be older than the Incas, and local people still leave coca leaves here as offerings to the Pachamama. Entrance is free.
How to get there
- Take a colectivo towards Urubamba from Ollantaytambo (about 5 minutes, S/ 1–2) and ask the driver: “Baja Pachar, por favor“. A taxi takes the same time.
- Cross the bridge over the river at Pachar, turn right and follow the road and then the railway line upstream, keeping an eye out for the Ñaupa Iglesia sign.
- A short path and stone terraces climb up to the cave. Count on about 45 minutes each way from the bridge.
Careful with the trains: part of the walk is next to an active railway line. Walk beside the tracks, never on them, and listen for the horn.
Perolniyoc waterfall and the Raqaypata ruins
Above the community of Socma, a mountain stream drops some 50 m down a rock wall: the Perolniyoc waterfall. The path climbs steadily through fields and eucalyptus to viewpoints over the falls and continues to Raqaypata, a small Inca site with wide views of the valley. The trail reaches about 3,400 m, so take it slowly if you have just arrived.
How to get there
- On foot from Ñaupa Iglesia: keep following the railway for about 40 minutes to Socma, then take the path up the valley.
- By car: a taxi or private car can drop you in Socma, at the start of the path, and pick you up later. Ask us and we will arrange it.
- From Socma, plan about 1.5–2 hours up to the falls and Raqaypata and a little less down.
A suggested day
- 8:00 — Breakfast at the hotel and colectivo or taxi to Pachar.
- 8:30 — Walk to Ñaupa Iglesia (45 min) and time at the cave.
- 10:30 — Continue along the railway to Socma and climb to Perolniyoc and Raqaypata.
- 14:00 — Picnic with a view, then down to Socma and back to Ollantaytambo by car.
- Optional: instead of the car, walk back from Pachar on the old Inca road (Qhapaq Ñan) past the small Choqana ruins — about 1.5 hours, almost flat.
Tips from our family
- Go in the dry season (May–September) for firm paths; from January to March the waterfall is fuller but the trail is muddy.
- There are no shops on the trail: bring water, snacks, sun protection and a rain jacket.
- Wear shoes with good grip and keep away from the wet rocks near the falls.
- Do not hike alone, and tell us your plan before you leave. Paths are not always signposted, so download an offline map.
- Greet people you meet and respect the fields: these are community lands.
Sources (checked October 2026): Packing Up The Pieces – Ñaupa Iglesia · Packing Up The Pieces – Pachar to Ollantaytambo via Choqana · Inca Rail – Perolniyoc waterfall