San Andres: Huancas and the route to El Pilco

Two different themes are central to a trip to San Andres: the archaeological site of Huancas and the route to Catarata “El Pilco” near the destination. If you are looking for a hotel in San Andres, you can factor this information into your day plans. At Huancas, pottery finds and architectural forms are the main archaeological focus; at El Pilco, several road sections followed by a walk determine the travel time described.

Huancas: Pottery and architecture

The archaeological site of Huancas lies within the municipality of San Andres. Its Sectors A and B are in the district of Querocotillo, in the province of Cutervo, in the department of Cajamarca. Fragments of domestic pottery have been found at the site; use by the Cajamarca culture is considered likely. The word “likely” preserves the distinction between the specific material found and its cultural attribution.

The architecture includes simple structures made of unworked stones joined with mortar, as well as rectangular and square structures of various sizes. Their walls are low and vary in width. At Huancas, attention is therefore drawn to both the construction of individual structures and the shape, size, and wall characteristics of the buildings. For those interested in archaeology, the finds and architecture offer different points of interest; the cultural attribution of the pottery remains probable.

If you plan to visit Huancas, check access arrangements in advance.

Road connections and access

A 2022 inspection of cultural heritage describes an existing road that crosses the central area of the archaeological site and connects Techin with El Molino. If you plan to drive, check the current condition of the road in advance.

El Pilco: Three stages

The route to Catarata “El Pilco” runs from Sócota in the direction of Mochadín. First, the route follows a paved road for about 45 minutes. This is followed by approximately 45 minutes on an unpaved road to its end; only then does a roughly 45-minute walk lead to the waterfall. The sequence matters for planning: the walk is a distinct third stage, following the two road sections.

The three approximate stages add up to around two hours and 15 minutes to reach the waterfall. About 90 minutes of this is spent on the two road sections and about 45 minutes on the walk. This calculation puts the estimated times in context; it is not an exact arrival time. As current route conditions may differ, check the route in advance and allow for the walk as a separate time slot.

The place names help you factor the information into your day plans: the stages of the route to the waterfall begin in Sócota; the road near Huancas connects Techin with El Molino. Compare these points with your planned journey before fitting the travel times into your itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Magdalena, Encañada, Jaén, Huarango, Baños del Inca, Namora, San Juan, Santo Tomas

For the broader travel overview: Cajamarca.