All about Siete Tinajas Falls
Descripción
Siete Tinajas Falls are a natural tourist attraction made up of a waterfall on a rock slope in the shape of seven jars. In some rocks that are difficult to access, it is possible to see some mysterious petroglyphs made by the aboriginal cultures of the region many years ago. At the end there is an ideal water well for visitors to cool off from the intense sun. The waterfalls and the natural environment of abundant vegetation where it is found have made it one of the best attractions of Quillabamba in Cusco - Peru. The place also has an ecotourism lodge.
Where is?
Siete Tinajas Falls are located in the Echarate district, about 20 kilometers from the city of Quillabamba (4 hours and 39 minutes from the city of Cusco). Geographically, this tourist attraction is located in the eastern part of the Andes Mountains, in the jungle region of Cusco. It is situated only 900 meters above sea level (2,952 feet altitude).
How to get?
To get to the Siete Tinajas Falls, you must depart from the city of Cusco, which has the only airport in the region. From there you must take one of the public buses to Quillabamba that are located on Antonio Lorena Avenue (the trip has a cost of 5 US dollars and lasts approximately 5 hours). Once in Quillabamba, you must take a taxi or public transport to the 7-jar waterfalls.
Map
Weather
Quillabamba has a hot climate most of the year. The maximum temperature can reach 32ºC. (89.6ºF) while the lower temperature can drop to 14ºC. (57.2ºF). The rains are more frequent from November to April (especially in January, February and March). The rest of the year, from May to October, rains are less likely so the heat is more intense.
Cost
The entrance ticket to the Siete Tinajas Falls has an approximate cost of 3 Peruvian soles (1 US dollar). Optionally, for an additional cost, the tourist can choose to camp or stay in an ecotourism lodge.
Schedule
Siete Tinajas Falls are open to visitors every day from 8 in the morning until 5 in the afternoon.
When is the best time to go?
The best time to visit the Siete Tinajas Falls is during the dry season (from May to October). In those months the rains are not frequent so the falls are not intense and one can bathe in its waters without problems. The worst time to visit this place is during the rainy season (from November to April). On those days, especially in January, February and March, heavy rains can cause landslides or rivers to overflow.
The petroglyphs of the Siete Tinajas Falls show figures of rhomboid, spiral, and anthropomorphic shapes that resemble the facial shapes that the native ethnic groups (such as the Matshiguengas or the Arawaks) drew to ward off disease. The Incas could not conquer these native ethnic groups, which inhabited the tropical forests of present-day Quillabamba. Instead, they got an internal trade mainly in the coca leaf.
What else to do in Quillabamba?
- Illapani Waterfalls – These are several meters high waterfalls located in an area of natural beauty just 1 hour from Quillabamba (after a trip by car and another on foot) in the Echarate district. The scenic beauty of the place is ideal for taking good pictures.
- Yanay Waterfalls – Fifteen kilometers from the city of Quillabamba, in the town of Maranura are the Yanay waterfalls, a waterfall up to 70 meters high and surrounded by abundant vegetation. The visit to 'Yanay Mándor' includes a short walk that is very attractive for visitors.
- The Sambaray health resort – On the banks of the Urubamba River, just 15 minutes from Quillabamba, is the Sambaray health resort, a recreational center surrounded by swimming pools, green areas, food stalls, sports fields and more. It is one of the favorite places of the quillabambinos to cool off from the intense sun.
Photos of the Siete Tinajas Falls
Additional Information
At the 7 tinajas waterfall you can also do rock climbing. The natural wall has an easy incline for this sport. Of course, be careful and well equipped as the waterfall can make some sections slippery during the practice of this sport.
Quillabamba and the entire Amazon area of the province of La Convencion is home to various species of flora and fauna where coffee plantations, orange trees, palm trees, vegetables, the cock of the rocks, macaws, toucans and even the famous spectacled bear.
Tips for your trip
Do not forget to bring bathing clothes, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, snacks, drinks, towel, sandals, a backpack, cash and your personal documents.
When you visit the Siete Tinajas Falls, do not miss the opportunity to acquire some of the most characteristic local products such as: cocoa, coffee, passion fruit, pineapple, custard apple and mango. The prices of these products in Quillabamba are cheaper than in other places.
If you dare to spend a night in Quillabamba, in addition to visiting the Siete Tinajas Falls, do not miss the opportunity to have fun in the bars and nightclubs of the place, famous for the joy of its inhabitants.