Quispicanchi: Andean Landscapes and Cultural Heritage

Nevado Ausangate reaches an elevation of 6,385 meters and lies in the Cordillera de Vilcanota, in the Anexo Pacchanta of the Ocongate district. This high mountain range shapes a distinctive part of Quispicanchi’s landscape; the province is also home to archaeological sites, temples and lakeside locations.

Ausangate and the High Mountain Landscape

A roughly 70-kilometer trekking circuit runs around Nevado Ausangate. The mountain also offers opportunities for glacier ascents, mountaineering, photography and hiking. Another striking stop in the landscape is Laguna Q’omer Q’ocha in the Ocongate district. Its Quechua name means “Green Lagoon”; it lies at an elevation of 4,594 meters and is part of the Ausangate circuit of twelve lagoons.

The Ausangate Regional Conservation Area covers 66,514.17 hectares and includes the Ocongate district. It was established by Supreme Decree No. 012-2019-MINAM and is listed as in force. The Aguas Termales de Upis are located in Anexo Upis in the Comunidad Ausangate, also in the Ocongate district. There are two thermal pools: a private pool measuring 20 m² and another measuring 15 m². Both are an average of 1.5 meters deep; the water temperature ranges from 40 to 50 °C. Check conditions before your visit.

Temples, Museum and Archaeological Sites

The Templo de San Pedro Apóstol de Andahuaylillas stands in the Andahuaylillas district of Quispicanchi province. The Andean Baroque temple has a Renaissance façade. The Templo San Juan Bautista de Huaro is another historic landmark: Spanish Jesuits built it in Huaro in the late 16th and early 17th centuries.

The Museo Ritos Andinos is also located in Andahuaylillas. It displays historical objects related to pre-Columbian rituals and has three exhibition rooms devoted to the lives and spirituality of pre-Inca and Andean peoples. The temple architecture and museum themes thus complement the province’s archaeological complexes.

The Parque Arqueológico de Tipón is located in the Comunidad Choquepata in the Oropesa district. In 2002, it was declared an archaeological park by National Directorate Resolution No. 393. The Parque Arqueológico de Pikillaqta lies in the Lucre district, in the basin of the Río Lucre and Río Vilcanota, and covers approximately 50 hectares. That same year, Pikillaqta was declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation under R.D.N. No. 396/INC.

Lakes, Views and Traditions

The Parque de la Familia is located beside Laguna de Urcos. Its recreational areas include picnic and outdoor activity spaces, a swimming pool and viewpoints along the lakeshore. Laguna de Urcos remains a place for ceremonies and offerings. Processions on the lake also take place during the celebration of the Virgen de la Asunción.

A 50-meter-high platform at the Mirador de Tambokunka offers views of the Río Vilcanota, the Qomercocha and Muyucancha wetlands, and the valley and town of Andahuaylillas. Huaro is another cultural center: the Festival Regional Sara Raymi honors corn; the date given is March 28. Check the current program before your trip.

Routes for Trip Planning

The journey from the Plaza de Armas in Cusco to the entrance of the Templo de San Pedro Apóstol de Andahuaylillas is made by tourist minibus along a paved road. The distance is listed as 40.4 kilometers and the journey time as 55 minutes. Check route details before traveling.

The walking route from the thermal springs of Pacchanta to the foothills of Nevado Ausangate is a different journey: it is listed as a 9.5-kilometer hiking trail taking 2 hours and 40 minutes. The two routes have different starting points and modes of transport; plan for them separately.

Discover more destinations: Oropesa, Espinar, Calca Province, Pisac, Paucartambo Province, Aguas Calientes.

Go to the main travel overview: Cuzco.