Explore Rock Climbing in Cusco
Rock Climbing is an excellent activity that allows you to discover more about Cusco and its stunning landscapes. There are many bolted routes near Cusco city and Sacred Valley that are perfect for beginners and experienced climbers, from easy top rope routes to fixed routes for lead climbing, even with some multi-pitch routes. Let’s discover more about Rock Climbing Cusco, Peru.
Rock Climbing Spots in Cusco
Cusco is an amazing destination for travelers around the world; however, in recent years, rock climbing has become one of the best options to discover more about this region, with stunning Andean landscapes, picturesque local communities, and a variety of climbing routes around Cusco City, Sacred Valley, and Pitumarca. Whether you are an experienced climber or a beginner, there are options for all levels.
Rock Climbing Around Cusco City
If you have a couple of hours or a complete day off, climbing around Cusco city could be your best option; there are several crags or climbing spots around the city. Below we will describe all of them:
La Garganta del Diablo Climbing Spot
This is located just 20 minutes driving from the city, near the Wallarqocha community. It offers different routes, but mostly top-rope with natural anchors. It is highly recommended to hire a guide to set up all the routes for you.
It doesn’t need to pay any entrance fee to use this crag, but keep in mind this spot does not have any fixed routes if you are planning to do any lead climbing. The wall is around 10 to 20 meters of tall (30 to 65 feet)
Las Queñuas Climbing Spot
This is another great spot for rock climbing, located just above Cusco City, near the Sacsayhuamán archaeological site. It has some fixed routes in its different sectors, finding routes from 5a to 7a (French grade), mostly for sport climbing. You can get there by walking around for 1 hour or in a taxi, which takes around 25 minutes.
Take note: This is private land, and you need to ask permission from the family living around it.
Salkantay Climbing Spot
This is one of the most spectacular spots, offering a great view of all Cusco Valley. It has different fixed routes for sport climbing and top-rope from 5 to 15 meters tall, located 40 minutes driving above Cusco. You can find routes from 5b to 6c (French grades). The routes have fixed anchors with some rings.
Note: This is community land, and you need to pay an entrance fee at the beginning of the road.
Los Techos Climbing Spot
Los Techos is another spot for bouldering; some of the rocks are 2 to 3 meters. Located near Saccayhuaman Park, it is easy to get there from the city; you can take a local bus or taxi until Qenqo, then hike around 20 minutes following the ancient Inca Trail. Finally, on your left, you will see the caves.
Note: You could need a crash pad and a partner for all these boulder routes.
Rock Climbing in the Sacred Valley
Sacred Valley is another great place where you can find different climbing spots, some on private and community lands. The Sacred Valley of the Incas is located an hour drive from Cusco, and it is at a lower altitude. Check below all the climbing spots in the Sacred Valley.
Lamay Climbing Spot
Lamay town has a few sectors where you can climb, located on the main road between Pisaq and Calca, about an hour drive from Cusco. You can get there by local bus, which usually costs 8 soles, and it departs from Calle Puputi in Cusco.
- Sector Canal: It has about 6 bolted routes for sport climbing only, routes from 5a to 6b (French Grades).
- Sector Pilar: You can find around 5 fixed routes from 6a+ to 7a and has 25 meters as the highest route.
- Sector Wayna Wasi: It contains 4 fixed routes for sport climbing, routes from 6a to 7b+ with 18 meters as the highest one.
- Paucarbamba Climbing Spot
This is another spot where you can climb more than 8 fixed routes. Located on the way between Urubamba and Ollantaytambo near the Pacchar community, it offers incredible views while you are climbing the different routes. The grades vary from 6a to 6c+, all of them sport climbing.
Note: This spot is private land, and when you are going to climb here, please avoid stepping on the cornfields; take a narrow path that goes beside the water channel.
Rock Climbing in Pitumarca
Pitumarca is without a doubt one of the best rock climbing spots in Peru, located two hours from Cusco in the town of the same name near the Rainbow Mountain. This area has more than 150 fixed routes of different grades, from 4b+ to 8c (French grades).
Our friends from 7a Escalada School, together with the local community, have bolted so many routes for all climbing lovers. This park also offers camping areas, parking, and a fire zone where you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes.
Everyone who wants to join climbing there must pay a small fee and be subject to the community regulations to preserve the area.
- Chacco Huayllascca: It contains more than 160 bolted routes, most of them for sport climbing, from 4b to 8c, some of them around 100 meters tall, perfect for multi-pitch climbs.
- Kuntur Sayana: More than 20 bolted routes with grades that varied from 5c to 8a+ between 18 and 22 meters long.
Other Adventure Activities in Cusco
Apart from rock climbing, Cusco and its surroundings offer plenty of adventure activities such as hiking, trekking, mountain biking, and zip-lining. The nearby Sacred Valley, home to Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, and Pisac, also has a lot to offer climbers looking for a unique and less commercialized climbing experience.
Climbing Tours and Guides
If you’re new to the area or unfamiliar with local climbing spots, it’s a good idea to hire a guide or join a climbing tour. There are several companies in Cusco that offer guided climbing trips, equipment rentals, and personalized experiences. Have a look below:
- Vidal Expeditions: Local Tour Operator
- Cusco Climbing: 100% Professional Local Guides
- 7a Escalada School: Peruvian Climbing Project
