Cachora Travel Guide

Discover the hidden wonders of Cachora, Peru with our comprehensive travel guide. Find the best things to do, where to stay, and how to get there.


Introduction to Cachora

Cachora is a small town located in the Southern Sierra region of Peru, in South America. Situated in the Apurimac River Canyon, Cachora is surrounded by the stunning Andes Mountain Range and offers breathtaking views of the local landscapes.

With a rich history dating back to the Inca era, Cachora is a cultural and historical hub. Despite its small size, the town is a popular tourist destination, thanks to its stunning natural attractions, including hiking trails, waterfalls, and canyons.

List of Places to Visit in Cachora

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Casa Hacienda San Juan de Chiquis - This historic hacienda dates back to the colonial era and offers visitors a unique glimpse into the region’s past.
  • Inca Bridge - This ancient Inca bridge is located on the Apurimac River and is said to have been used by the Inca military to cross the river.
  • Plaza de Armas - This beautiful town square is home to several historic buildings, including the San Juan Bautista church.

Natural Attractions of Cachora: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Apurimac River Canyon - This stunning canyon is one of the deepest in the world and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
  • Choquequirao Trek - This 4-day trek takes hikers through stunning mountain landscapes and ends at the ancient Inca ruins of Choquequirao.
  • Capuliyoc Mirador - This scenic viewpoint offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Cachora

  • Choquequirao Trek - This 4-day trek takes hikers through stunning mountain landscapes and ends at the ancient Inca ruins of Choquequirao.
  • Capuliyoc to Playa Rosalinda - This scenic hike takes you through the Apurimac River Canyon and past waterfalls to the stunning Playa Rosalinda.
  • Biking to Huanipaca - This beautiful bike ride takes you through the Andes and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

Best Things to Do in Cachora: Activities and Tours

  • Visit the Inca ruins of Choquequirao - These ancient ruins are a must-visit for anyone interested in Inca history and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Take a horseback riding tour - Explore the Andes on horseback and experience the stunning natural beauty of the region.
  • Take a rafting or kayaking tour - Take on the rapids of the Apurimac River and experience the thrill of white water rafting or kayaking.

Week-Long Itinerary for Cachora

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore the Plaza de Armas and San Juan Bautista church
Day 2-3 Trek to Choquequirao and explore the ancient ruins
Day 4 Visit Casa Hacienda San Juan de Chiquis
Day 5 Go horseback riding or biking
Day 6 Take a rafting or kayaking tour
Day 7 Relax and take in the stunning views of the Andes

Food and Drink Scene of Cachora

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cuy Chactado - Fried guinea pig is a traditional Peruvian dish and is a must-try for adventurous eaters.
  • Pachamanca - This traditional Andean dish of meat, potatoes, and corn is cooked underground and is a local favorite.
  • Chicha Morada - This popular Peruvian drink is made from purple corn and is both refreshing and delicious.

Local Beverages

  • Coca Tea - This tea is made from the leaves of the coca plant and is said to help with altitude sickness.
  • Pisco Sour - A popular Peruvian cocktail made from pisco, lime juice, and egg whites.

Where to Stay in Cachora: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Kinsa Cocha Lodge - This eco-lodge is located on the Choquequirao trek and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
  • El Establo Lodge - This rustic lodge is located in the heart of Cachora and offers comfortable rooms and excellent service.
  • Hostal Flores - This quaint guesthouse is located near the Plaza de Armas and offers budget-friendly accommodation.

What to Buy in Cachora: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Textiles - Handwoven textiles are a popular souvenir in Cachora and make for great gifts.
  • Alpaca Wool Products - Alpaca wool is a local specialty and is used to make a variety of products, including sweaters, hats, and scarves.
  • Pottery - Local pottery is another popular souvenir and is a great way to support local artisans.

Local Culture and Customs of Cachora

Cachora is a small town with a rich cultural heritage. The local people are friendly and welcoming, and visitors are encouraged to take part in cultural events and festivals. The region has a strong connection to Andean culture, and visitors can learn about the traditional ways of life by visiting local communities and participating in cultural tours.

Best Time to Visit Cachora

The best time to visit Cachora is between May and October when the weather is dry and sunny. The region experiences heavy rains from December to March, which can make hiking and outdoor activities difficult.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cachora

Do:

  • Do respect local culture and customs.
  • Do be friendly and respectful to the locals.
  • Do bring warm clothing and appropriate hiking gear.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or damage the environment.
  • Don’t take photos without permission.
  • Don’t disrespect sacred sites or cultural artifacts.

Safety and Health

Safety in Cachora

Cachora is a safe destination for tourists, but visitors should take normal precautions to ensure their safety, such as avoiding walking alone at night and keeping valuables secure. It’s also important to be aware of the risks associated with hiking and outdoor activities, such as altitude sickness and physical injuries.

Health in Cachora

Altitude sickness is a common health concern for visitors to Cachora, as the town is located at a high altitude. Visitors are encouraged to acclimate slowly to the altitude and stay hydrated to avoid symptoms of altitude sickness.

Getting to Cachora: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Cachora

The closest airport to Cachora is Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, which is approximately 185 km away.

Bus Stations Near Cachora

Buses to Cachora depart from the bus station in Abancay, which is approximately 80 km away.

Other Options

Taxis and private transfers are also available for those who prefer not to take public transportation.

How to Get Around in Cachora

The town of Cachora is small and easily walkable. For those looking to explore the surrounding areas, taxis and private transfers are available.

Where to Go Next from Cachora: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Machu Picchu - This world-famous Inca site is located approximately 110 km away from Cachora and is easily accessible by bus or train.
  • Abancay - This nearby town is home to several cultural and historical attractions, including the Inca ruins of Sayhuite.
  • Cusco - This historic city is the gateway to Machu Picchu and offers visitors a chance to experience Andean culture and history.

Conclusion

Cachora is a small town with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in hiking, culture, or history, there’s something for everyone to discover in this hidden gem of Peru. Plan your trip today and experience the wonders of Cachora for yourself!

Main street of Cachora Main street of Cachora Mule in the main street of Cachora Mule in the main street of Cachora Information about the trail to Choquequirao Information about the trail to Choquequirao Information about the trail to Choquequirao Information about the trail to Choquequirao Horses, Mules and the Apurimac river near Cachora Horses, Mules and the Apurimac river near Cachora