Resumen
Hidden high in the mountainous folds of the upper Vilcanota river valley lies Taqrachullo, affectionately known by locals and archaeologists as Machu Pitumarca. Perched on a steep rocky crest overlooking fertile valleys, this magnificent stone citadel was constructed by the ancestral Canchis civilization before being incorporated into the Inca Empire.
Taqrachullo features over a hundred stone buildings, defensive perimeter ramparts, circular watchtowers (chullpas), and ceremonial plazas built with mortarless interlocking stones. With HL Transportes Turisticos, you travel off the beaten track in first-class private vehicles to explore an ancient mountain fortress where virtually no other tourists set foot.
Detalles del Tour
| Duration: | Full Day (9 – 10 Hours) |
| Sites to Visit: | Canchis Province, Pitumarca Valley, Taqrachullo Archaeological Citadel (Machu Pitumarca – 3,750m), Ancient Chullpas (Burial Towers), Traditional Weaving Hamlets |
| Transportation: | Modern sanitized tourist vehicle with licensed professional driver |
| Guiding: | Official certified bilingual tour guide & Andean historian |
| Physical Level: | Moderate / Scenic cultural hike (Medical oxygen onboard) |
| Group Size: | Small Groups (Max 10) & Exclusive Private VIP |
Taqrachullo Private Transport
Itinerary at a Glance
- Day 1: Full-Day Exploration of the Lost Fortress of Taqrachullo
Highlights
- Machu Pitumarca Citadel: Explore an astonishing intact pre-Inca and Inca stone city perched high on a scenic mountain spine.
- Circular Towers & Chullpas: Marvel at ancient funeral structures and defensive watchtowers with sweeping 360-degree valley views.
- 100% Crowd-Free Exploration: Experience the thrill of discovering an ancient archaeological sanctuary entirely on your own.
- Rich Ancestral Culture: Encounter local Quechua artisans in Pitumarca famous for their natural vegetable-dyed weaving traditions.
- Gentle Altitude (3,750m): Lower and significantly more comfortable than 5,000-meter peak treks, making for an enjoyable day.
- Comfortable Private Transportation: Modern, climate-controlled vehicles with professional drivers and onboard safety kit.
Detailed Itinerary
Full-Day Exploration of the Lost Fortress of Taqrachullo
Morning Pickup & Departure
We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 6:00 AM. Travel south along the smooth Vilcanota highway, passing through historic colonial towns to Pitumarca, where we stop for a fresh, warm breakfast.
Scenic Journey & Cultural Immersion
Our private vehicle ascends the scenic rural valley road to the trailhead base. Prepare your camera, grab your walking poles, and begin the scenic 1 to 1.5-hour hike up toward the fortress ridge.
Exploration of Sacred Landmarks
Arrive at the gates of Taqrachullo (3,750 meters). Walk among intact stone corridors, double-story residential dwellings, and ceremonial terraces while your historian guide brings ancient Canchis history to life.
Panoramas, Photography & Dining
From the citadel highest lookout, take in sensational panoramic views of the glacier-fed river valley below. Enjoy an unhurried picnic lunch surrounded by ancient stone architecture and silence.
Comfortable Return to Hotel
Hike back down to our private vehicle and relax on the scenic drive back to Cusco, returning directly to your hotel by 4:30 PM.
Inclusions
Included
- Private or small-group transport with professional licensed driver: Private or small-group transport with professional licensed driver
- Door-to-door hotel pickup and return in Cusco: Door-to-door hotel pickup and return in Cusco
- Certified professional bilingual historian and trekking guide: Certified professional bilingual historian and trekking guide
- Breakfast and traditional hot lunch in Pitumarca: Breakfast and traditional hot lunch in Pitumarca
- Medical emergency oxygen bottle and first-aid kit onboard: Medical emergency oxygen bottle and first-aid kit onboard
- Trekking poles available upon request: Trekking poles available upon request
- 24/7 customer service support on WhatsApp: 24/7 customer service support on WhatsApp
Not Included
- Local community access fee: 10 PEN per person
- Personal snacks, water, and extra drinks: Personal snacks, water, and extra drinks
- Discretionary driver and guide gratuities: Discretionary driver and guide gratuities
- Personal travel insurance: Personal travel insurance
Pricing List
Fair, Transparent & Direct Operator Pricing
At HL Transportes Turisticos, we take pride in offering premium, reliable transportation and guiding with honest rates and zero hidden fees. Choose between our intimate Small Group option or upgrade to our Private VIP Service for complete schedule flexibility and exclusivity.
Guaranteed Daily Departures
100% Punctual & Insured
Instant Confirmation
Group Price
<p>Per person in small group service. Departures daily at 6:00 AM.</p>
| Number of persons | Price per person | |
|---|---|---|
Price Per person (Max 12 participants) | $45.00 | Inquire Now |
Private VIP Service Rates (Best Value for Couples, Families & Friends)
<p>Exclusive private discovery: travel in private comfort, explore a virtually untouched archaeological citadel, and immerse yourself in authentic Andean living culture.</p>
| Number of persons | Price per person | |
|---|---|---|
1 Person (Solo VIP) Persons | $150.00 USD | Inquire Now |
2 Persons Persons | $88.00 USD | Inquire Now |
3 - 4 Persons Persons | $62.00 USD | Inquire Now |
5 - 7 Persons Persons | $48.00 USD | Inquire Now |
8+ Persons (Group Special) Persons | $38.00 USD | Inquire Now |
Recommendations
Traveler Pro-Tips from HL Transportes Turisticos
Taqrachullo is an incredible option for travelers who love archaeology, photography, and peaceful hiking away from tourist crowds. It pairs wonderfully with a cultural stop in Pitumarca to admire traditional backstrap loom weaving.
Valid Student ID for Machu Picchu
To get the student discount, travelers should have a Valid ID with the following:
- 25 years or less at the time of entering Machu Picchu. Older than 25 cannot enter as a student
- The ID must have the Name of the university, name, and photo of the student
- The ID must have a valid expiration date

Invalid Student IDs
Student IDs are not eligible for a discount when:
- Traveler is older than 25
- Expired ID
- Student Id without expiration date
- ISIC cards are not valid.

What to Bring
- Original passport or government photo ID
- Cash in Peruvian Soles (PEN) for local community access
- Comfortable trekking shoes or sneakers with good traction
- Sun hat, sunglasses, and high-protection sunscreen
- Layered clothing: light shirt, warm fleece, and windproof jacket
- Daypack with reusable water bottle and camera
Frequently Asked Questions
Because of its dramatic cliffside mountain-ridge setting and well-preserved stone architecture, local historians and travelers often refer to it as the ‘Machu Picchu of Pitumarca’.
The hike is moderate, taking approximately 1 to 1.5 hours to ascend along an ancient dirt trail. The trail is well-defined and accessible to anyone in normal physical condition.
Very few! Unlike the Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu, Taqrachullo remains a hidden treasure known mostly to archaeologists and local hikers, offering true serenity.
How to Book
TO BOOK THE SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 5 DAYS, FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE STEPS:
- Choose a reputable, government-authorized tour operator.
- Click the “Book Online” button, select the date, and complete the booking form. Have one person fill it out for the entire group to ensure you’re booked together. Keep your passport handy for accurate information.
- Make a payment online using any debit or credit card. There’s a 2.9% fee for online payments, which customers must cover.
- To secure your Taqrachullo Private Transport, provide a $180 deposit per person. This helps obtain necessary permits and tickets from the Peruvian government.
- Optionally, you can pay the full tour amount upfront to avoid any future payment concerns.
- If you choose to pay only the deposit, the remaining balance is due 24 hours before the tour begins. You can pay in cash (soles or dollars) at the office in Cusco or by card (3.9% fee). You can also pay the balance online with any card (2.9% fee).
By following these straightforward steps, you can easily book your Taqrachullo Private Transport experience and focus on preparing for your adventure.
Payment: You can pay for Taqrachullo Private Transport online using any debit or credit card. A 2.9% fee applies to online payments, which customers must cover. To book Taqrachullo Private Transport, a $180 deposit per person is required to secure permits and tickets from the Peruvian government. You can choose to pay the full tour amount upfront to avoid future payment concerns. If you pay only the deposit, the remaining balance is due 24 hours before the tour starts. Pay the balance in cash (soles or dollars) at our office in Cusco, or by card with a 3.9% fee. You can also pay online using any card with a 2.9% fee.
Passport Requirements: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date to Peru. If it’s set to expire within 6 months, renew it before traveling. If your passport expires within 6 months but you want to secure Taqrachullo Private Transport and Machu Picchu tickets, book the tour and update your passport details with us after renewal. Failure to do so may result in permit and ticket forfeiture.
Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment. Obtain insurance before departing and consider working with a reputable agency for affordable coverage.
Deposit: The $180 deposit per person for the Taqrachullo Private Transport tour is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Remaining Balance: If you only pay the deposit, the balance is due 24 hours before the tour starts. Pay in cash (soles or dollars) at our office in Cusco or by card with a 3.9% fee. You can also pay online with any card and a 2.9% fee.
Student Discount: If your student card meets Peruvian government requirements, reserve the tour with a deposit and pay the remaining balance upon arrival in Cusco. The student discount will be applied at that time.
Inquire Now
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru with HL Transportes Turisticos. Please take a moment to complete our form so that our travel specialists can prepare the best itinerary for you.

