Explore Quispicanchi through two distinctive highlights: the high mountain region around Nevado Ausangate and the province’s temples, archaeological sites, and cultural attractions. Ausangate reaches 6,385 meters; temples with their own histories shape the landscape in Andahuaylillas and Huaro. If you’re looking for accommodation, first decide which places and themes you want to focus on during your trip.
Ausangate, Lagoons, and Mountain Landscapes
Nevado Ausangate is located in Anexo Pacchanta, in the Ocongate District of the Cordillera de Vilcanota. At around 70 kilometers, its trekking circuit is one of the province’s major landscape attractions. The mountain also offers opportunities for glacier ascents, mountaineering, photography, and hiking. These different activities provide varied ways to experience the high mountains; the approximate length of the circuit is an important point to consider when planning your trips.
The landscape around Ausangate also includes Laguna Q’omer Q’ocha in the Ocongate District. Its Quechua name means “Green Lagoonâ€; it lies at an elevation of 4,594 meters and is part of the Ausangate Twelve Lagoons circuit. It offers a specific point of interest if you’re drawn to the lagoon landscape. This is distinct from the walking route from the Pacchanta hot springs to the foothills of Nevado Ausangate: this route is listed as 9.5 kilometers along a hiking trail and takes 2 hours and 40 minutes. Check route conditions before your trip.
Aguas Termales de Upis is located in Anexo Upis, in the Comunidad Ausangate, also in the Ocongate District. There are two pools: a private one measuring 20 square meters and another measuring 15 square meters. Both are an average of 1.5 meters deep, and the water temperature ranges from 40 to 50 degrees Celsius. Since these figures refer to the pools described, check conditions at the site before visiting.
Another point of interest is the Ãrea de Conservación Regional Ausangate. This 66,514.17-hectare protected area includes the Ocongate District in Quispicanchi Province. It was established by Decreto Supremo N.° 012-2019-MINAM and is listed as vigente.
Temples and Archaeological Sites
The Templo de San Pedro Apóstol de Andahuaylillas is located in Andahuaylillas District. Its architecture combines an Andean Baroque temple with a Renaissance façade. In Huaro, the Templo San Juan Bautista tells a different architectural story: Spanish Jesuits built it in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Both sites offer a tangible connection to the province’s religious and architectural history, while their construction periods should not be confused.
The archaeological sites also differ in their locations and designations. Parque Arqueológico de Tipón is located in Comunidad Choquepata in Oropesa District. In 2002, Resolución Directoral Nacional No. 393 declared it an archaeological park. Parque Arqueológico de Pikillaqta is located in Lucre District, in the basin of the RÃo Lucre and the RÃo Vilcanota, and covers around 50 hectares. Also in 2002, Pikillaqta was declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation under R.D.N. No. 396/INC.
In Andahuaylillas, Museo Ritos Andinos features historical objects related to pre-Columbian rituals. Three exhibition rooms explore the life and spirituality of pre-Inca and Andean peoples. This focus complements the temples and archaeological sites with a look at ritual and cultural beliefs.
Urcos and Views of the Valley
Parque de la Familia lies on the shore of Laguna de Urcos. Its facilities include recreational areas for picnics and outdoor activities, a swimming pool, and viewpoints along the lakeshore. Laguna de Urcos also continues to be a place for ceremonies and offerings. During the celebration of Virgen de la Asunción, processions take place on the lake; the site thus brings together lakeside recreation and religious tradition.
Mirador de Tambokunka offers a different focus: from its 50-meter-high platform, you can look out over the RÃo Vilcanota, the Qomercocha and Muyucancha wetlands, the valley, and the town of Andahuaylillas. These places and views can help you narrow down what you want to focus on during your trip before looking for suitable accommodation.
Routes for Planning
The route from Plaza de Armas in Cusco to the entrance of Templo de San Pedro Apóstol de Andahuaylillas is listed as a tourist minibus trip along a paved road. The route covers 40.4 kilometers, with a stated travel time of 55 minutes. Check these details again before your trip. They refer to the drive from Cusco to the temple, whereas the Pacchanta route is a walking trail to the foothills of Ausangate. The two routes have different starting points, destinations, and modes of transport, so plan for them separately.
Discover more destinations: Oropesa, Paucartambo Province, Espinar, Calca Province, Pisac, Aguas Calientes.
Go to the main travel overview: Cuzco.
