muñapata turquoise river 1 day tour from Cusco
From:
$soon…USD
per person
- Immediate confirmation
- International cards accepted
Secure your spot with only 50%
Confirmation
Immediate
Duration
6 Hours
Difficulty
Easy
Daily departures
365 days a year
Trip type
Group or private
Save your spot with only 50%
- Safe and secure payment
- Immediate confirmation
- International cards accepted
muñapata turquoise river 1 day tour from Cusco
The most complete way to discover the Muñapata Turquoise River from Cusco on a full-day tour surrounded by Andean nature.
Intensely turquoise waters, natural landscapes, and a hike to discover one of the lesser-known scenic spots around Cusco.
Group Tour
- Best price
- Independent traveler
- Fixed departures
Private Tour
- Flexible schedule
- Personalized service
- Private vehicle
Day 1: muñapata turquoise river 1 day tour from Cusco
Your Experience at a Glance:
6:00 AM
Pickup from your hotel in Cusco
6:45 AM
Stop in Huacarpay
8:00 AM
Breakfast in Urcos (optional)
9:00 AM
Start of the trek
9:45 AM
Arrival at Muñapata
11:15 AM
Return to Cusco
1:00 PM
End of the tour at the door of your hotel
- Transportation
- Guide
- Tickets
- 6 Hours
6:00 a.m. – Pickup from Your Hotel in Cusco
We will begin our Muñapata Turquoise River Tour with pickup from your hotel in Cusco.
Aboard our tourist transportation, we will begin the journey south, leaving the city behind and gradually entering the landscapes of the Cusco valley.
6:45 a.m. – Stop in Huacarpay
At approximately 6:45 AM, we will make a stop in Huacarpay, one of the first stages of our journey to Muñapata.
During this brief stop, you will be able to observe birds, and it will also allow us to continue the journey comfortably before heading toward Urcos and then to the point where our hike will begin.
8:00 a.m. – Breakfast in Urcos Before the Adventure (Optional)
We will make a stop in Urcos, where you will have time to have breakfast and recharge your energy before beginning the hike.
Breakfast is not included, so you can choose from the options available in the area according to your preferences.
9:00 a.m. – Start of the Trek to Muñapata
After breakfast, we will head to the starting point of our hike.
From here, we will begin the trek to Muñapata, enjoying a route through mountains and rural landscapes that will gradually bring us closer to one of Cusco's lesser-known natural attractions.
9:45 a.m. – Arrival at Muñapata
We will arrive at the impressive Muñapata Turquoise Pools, the highlight of our tour.
You will have time to admire their striking colors, explore the surroundings, and take photographs while enjoying this unique natural landscape hidden among the mountains of Cusco.
11:15 a.m. – Return to Cusco
Once the group is together, we will board our transportation to begin the return journey to Cusco.
You can rest during the journey after the hike as we leave the landscapes of Muñapata behind and continue toward the city.
1:00 p.m. – End of the Muñapata Turquoise River Tour in Cusco
We will arrive in Cusco and drop you off at the door of your hotel at approximately 1:00 PM, bringing our adventure to Muñapata to an end.
After a morning of hiking, Andean landscapes, and turquoise waters, you will still have much of the afternoon available to rest or continue exploring the city.
Area Considerations
Maximum Elevation
3,161 m.a.s.l. / 10,370 ft
Minimum Elevation
3,132 m.a.s.l. / 10,277 ft
Maximum Temperature
23°C / 73°F
Minimum Temperature
4°C / 39°F
Distance
2 KM / 1.243 mill
Travel Expert Recommendations
Is It Worth Visiting the Muñapata Turquoise River on a 1-Day Tour from Cusco?
Yes. The 1 Day Muñapata Turquoise River Tour is a good alternative for travelers looking to discover a different and less crowded natural landscape during their stay in Cusco.
What Is the Best Time to Take Photos at the Muñapata Turquoise River?
The best time will mainly depend on the lighting and weather conditions during your visit, as both can influence how the turquoise color of the Muñapata River appears.
Can I Visit the Muñapata Turquoise River at Any Time of the Year and Always See the Same Color?
No. The appearance of the Muñapata Turquoise River can vary depending on the season and natural conditions, so you should not assume that the intensity of its waters will be exactly the same throughout the year.
If your main reason for taking the tour is to see its characteristic turquoise color, it is advisable to consider the dry season.
Why Is This Tour Different?
- Pickup and return included
- Birdwatching in Huacarpay
- Turquoise waters of Muñapata
- Trekking + adventure
- Book with only 50%
Book with confidence
- Instant confirmation
- Over 6 years creating unforgettable experiences
- Personalized WhatsApp assistance
- Specialized local tour operator
- Guaranteed departures
Included
- 24/7 support and assistance after your booking.
- Transportation
- Certified professional tour guide.
- Tickets
Not Included
- Tips for tour guides.
- Meals.
- Travel insurance (Peruvian laws recommend that you enter Peru with travel insurance purchased in your country of origin).
- We work with some clinics and can help you arrange medical care if you need it (the clinics will apply the insurance you previously purchased; however, they do not provide travel insurance).
What to bringr!
Payment
AVOID SCAMS!
GET IN PERU will only charge you a 50% deposit to reserve your seats and tickets.
The remaining balance must be paid 3 days before your departure.
Contact your travel advisor for more details or visit our Terms of Service Agreement.
Travel Your Way
$ Price per person
Our tour packages are available in both group and private formats. Consult with one of our travel experts to tailor your journey and enjoy a personalized experience led by our specialized local guides.
Budget friendly
Group Tour
From:
$Soon…USD
per person
- Best Price
- Ideal for Independent Travelers
- Fixed Departures
Recommended experience
Private Tour
From:
$Soon…USD
per person
Minimum 2 travelers
- More Personalized Service
- Personalized Hotel Pick-Up
- Better Photo Opportunities
- Flexible Schedule
- More Time at Each Destination
- Specialized Local Guides
Always Included
- Daily Departures
- Expert Travel Advisors
- 24/7 Support
- Flexible Payment Options
Recommended experience
Private Tour
From:
$Soon…USD
per person
Minimum 2 travelers
- Exclusive Guide for Your Group
- More Personalized Service
- Personalized Hotel Pick-Up
- Flexible Schedule
- More Time at Each Destination
Budget friendly
Group Tour
From:
$Soon…USD
per person
- Best price
- Ideal for Independent Travelers
- Fixed Departures
Always Included
- Daily Departures
- Expert Travel Advisors
- 24/7 Support
- Flexible Payment Options
Secure your spot with only 50%
Pay the rest later
- Secure Payment Processing
- Instant Booking Confirmation
- All Major International Cards Accepted
- Pay in Your Preferred Currency
More than 7500+ Happy Travelers
- 182+ TripAdvisor reviews
- 25+ Google Reviews
- 51+ WT Reviews
- 6 years Creating unforgettable journeys
Everything in one place
Secure booking
Immediate confirmation and personalized assistance.
Get on and enjoy
Tours, hotels, flights, and transfers managed in one place.
Real support
Personalized assistance before, during, and after your trip
Everything You Need to Know
Before You Travel
What Does the Muñapata Turquoise River Tour from Cusco Include?
The Muñapata Turquoise River Tour from Cusco is a nature excursion that combines transportation, a stop in Huacarpay, an optional breakfast in Urcos, a hike to the community of Muñapata, and a visit to its famous turquoise-water pools.
Our itinerary begins at approximately 6:00 AM with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. After visiting Muñapata and enjoying time to explore and photograph its natural pools, we begin the return journey to Cusco.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: Take advantage of the stop in Huacarpay and the journey toward Urcos as part of the experience; the tour does not begin only when you arrive at the pools.
💦 Did You Know?
MINCETUR officially classifies the Muñapata Turquoise Pools as natural springs and states that their waters eventually flow into the Vilcanota River, located just a few meters away.
Where Are the Muñapata Turquoise Pools and How Far Are They from Cusco?
The Muñapata Turquoise Pools are located in the community of Muñapata, Urcos district, Quispicanchi province, south of the city of Cusco.
According to MINCETUR’s official inventory, the attraction is located approximately 56 kilometers by road from Cusco, near kilometer 0 of the Interoceanic Highway and the route to Sicuani.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: Visiting Muñapata through an organized tour simplifies the logistics between Cusco, Urcos, the turnoff, and the beginning of the trail.
📍 Did You Know?
Muñapata is located in the Quechua natural region, at approximately 3,161 meters above sea level, an elevation even lower than the city of Cusco.
How Far Do You Have to Walk to Reach the Muñapata Turquoise Pools?
The hike to the Muñapata Turquoise Pools is short compared to other popular treks in Cusco. In our itinerary, the trek begins at approximately 9:00 AM.
As an official reference, MINCETUR records a final walking section of approximately 15 minutes from the Muñapata turnoff, although the total time may vary depending on where the transportation stops, the group’s pace, and trail conditions.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: Even though it is a short hike, wear shoes with good traction and avoid walking in casual footwear with smooth soles.
🥾 Did You Know?
The official tourism information sheet itself recommends wearing trekking shoes or sneakers when visiting the pools.
How Difficult Is the Hike to the Muñapata Turquoise Pools?
The hike to the Muñapata Turquoise Pools is less demanding than Cusco’s best-known high-altitude treks, due to its relatively short distance and because the attraction is located at approximately 3,161 meters above sea level.
However, you will be walking along a natural trail, so it is important to wear appropriate footwear and maintain a comfortable pace.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: If you are looking for nature near Cusco but do not want to take on a high-altitude hike lasting several hours, Muñapata is a particularly interesting alternative.
👣 Did You Know?
MINCETUR states that the final access to the attraction is on foot along a trail, so the hike is part of the experience and not just part of the journey.
Why Are the Waters of Muñapata Turquoise?
The Muñapata attraction consists of natural springs and pools located in an area of geological formations, according to MINCETUR’s official description. Their turquoise appearance can vary visually depending on factors such as lighting, water conditions, and the surrounding environment.
Here, I would avoid categorically stating that a specific mineral produces the color: several tourism websites offer different explanations, but the official source consulted does not attribute the color to a specific mineral.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: Do not expect the water to have exactly the same shade shown in every photo on social media; lighting conditions can considerably change how we perceive the color.
🩵 Did You Know?
The official information sheet specifically highlights the turquoise color of its waters and its scenic beauty as the main features that attract visitors to Muñapata.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Muñapata Turquoise Pools?
According to the National Inventory of Tourism Resources, the best time to visit the Muñapata Turquoise Pools is from April to November.
This period largely coincides with the months of drier conditions in the Cusco region, which is especially convenient when an experience includes hiking along natural trails.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: If photography is your priority, also check the weather forecast a few days before the tour; choosing the right month does not guarantee that every day will have the same lighting conditions.
🌤️ Did You Know?
MINCETUR officially lists May and October as suitable months to visit this natural attraction.
What Should I Bring on the Muñapata Turquoise River Tour?
For the Muñapata Turquoise River Tour, we recommend bringing comfortable shoes with good traction, water, sunscreen, sunglasses, a cap or hat, a light jacket, rain protection depending on the season, and a small backpack.
It is also advisable to bring your phone or camera with enough battery if one of your main goals is to photograph the pools.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: Prioritize comfortable footwear over the rest of your gear; you do not need technical high-altitude equipment for a standard visit, but you do need appropriate shoes for walking on natural terrain.
👟 Did You Know?
MINCETUR specifically recommends trekking shoes or sneakers for visiting the Muñapata Turquoise Pools.
What Can You See During the Muñapata Turquoise River Tour?
The main attraction of the Muñapata Turquoise River Tour is the natural pools and the landscape surrounding them, but during the excursion you will also get to know part of the surroundings of Urcos and the community of Muñapata.
MINCETUR records plant species in the area such as muña, retama, chachacomo, and Andean grass, as well as wildlife such as vizcachas, deer, Andean foxes, partridges, and various birds. This does not mean that sightings are guaranteed during a tourist visit.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: Do not focus your entire visit on getting a photo in front of the water. Also take time to observe the vegetation, the ravine, and the landscape surrounding the pools.
🌿 Did You Know?
The name Muñapata is related to muña, a traditional Andean plant that is also recorded among the flora found around the attraction.
Who Is the Muñapata Turquoise River Tour from Cusco Recommended For?
The Muñapata Turquoise River Tour from Cusco is recommended for travelers looking for nature, photography, and a short hike without taking on one of the region’s more demanding high-altitude treks.
It can also be a good alternative for those who have already visited Cusco’s classic attractions and want to discover a different natural destination in the direction of Urcos.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: Choose Muñapata if you prefer a relatively short nature excursion; if you are looking for a long and physically challenging trek, there are other routes in Cusco that may be a better fit for you.
📊 Did You Know?
A university study on tourism sustainability conducted in Muñapata calculated a maximum effective carrying capacity of 170 visitors, highlighting the importance of responsibly managing this small natural attraction.
Is the Muñapata Turquoise River Tour from Cusco Worth It?
Yes, the Muñapata Turquoise River Tour is worth it if you are looking for a different nature excursion relatively close to Cusco. In a single experience, you can visit Huacarpay, pass through Urcos, hike to Muñapata, and visit its distinctive turquoise pools.
Its main advantage over full-day mountain excursions is that it allows you to visit a natural attraction without having to complete a long trek or reach extreme elevations.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: If you are already visiting Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, or Humantay Lake and want to add something different to your itinerary, Muñapata works better as a complementary nature experience than as a substitute for these major attractions.
💎 Did You Know?
The largest officially recorded pool measures approximately 3 × 4 meters and reaches a depth of about 80 centimeters. Muñapata is not a large lake: its appeal lies precisely in its collection of small natural pools and their distinctive color.
Didn't Find What You Were Looking For?
We create customized trips throughout Peru, including hotels, flights, and tours.