Overview
Cachimayo is a small town in the Anta Province of the Cuzco Department, situated in the Andean highlands at roughly 3,400 metres above sea level. It sits along the main road corridor connecting the city of Cusco with the Sacred Valley and the town of Anta, placing it in one of the most historically and scenically rich corridors in the Peruvian Andes.
Despite its modest size, Cachimayo offers a glimpse into everyday Andean rural life that larger, more tourist-oriented towns in the region do not. The surrounding landscape is defined by open agricultural terraces, high-altitude grasslands, and the broad bowl of the Anta plain, which was once a lake bed and remains one of the more fertile zones near Cusco.
Most visitors pass through Cachimayo en route between Cusco and destinations such as Chinchero, Maras, or Moray. Travellers willing to slow down and spend time here will find a community engaged in traditional farming practices and a pace of life largely unchanged by mass tourism.
Before You Go
Altitude
Cachimayo sits above 3,400 m. Altitude sickness (soroche) is a real concern, particularly if you have arrived in the Cusco region recently. Plan at least one to two days of acclimatisation in Cusco before undertaking physical activity in the area. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol in your first days, and consult a doctor if symptoms such as severe headache, nausea, or shortness of breath develop.
Visas
For visa requirements to enter Peru, please check TravelerPulse's Visas section and verify current rules directly with Peru's official immigration authority (Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones) before travel.
What to bring
- Layers: temperatures swing significantly between day and night year-round
- Sun protection: UV radiation is intense at altitude even on cool days
- Cash in Soles: there are no ATMs in Cachimayo itself; withdraw cash in Cusco before arriving
- Any prescription medications you may need, as pharmacies are limited in the area
Connectivity
Mobile coverage in Cachimayo can be patchy. Download offline maps and any information you may need before leaving Cusco.
Getting There
From Cusco
Cachimayo lies roughly 20–25 kilometres west of central Cusco along the road toward Anta and Chinchero. Shared minibuses (combis) and colectivo taxis depart regularly from the Avenida Grau / Terminal Terrestre area in Cusco toward Anta and Izcuchaca, passing through or near Cachimayo. Verify current departure points and fares locally, as these change over time.
By private transport
Hiring a private taxi or arranging transport through a Cusco-based agency is a straightforward option. Journey time from central Cusco is typically 30–45 minutes depending on traffic and road conditions. This is also a common route for tour operators running day trips to Chinchero, Maras, and Moray.
By air
The nearest airport is Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco. Cachimayo is not served by any air connection.
Getting Around
Cachimayo is small enough that the town itself is best explored on foot. The surrounding countryside and agricultural terraces are accessible by walking, though trails are not formally marked — asking locally for directions is advisable.
For travel between Cachimayo and neighbouring towns, shared combis and colectivos operate along the main road corridor. Confirm routes and timings on arrival, as schedules are informal and frequency may vary by day of week and season.
Things to See & Do
Rural and agricultural landscape
The Anta plain surrounding Cachimayo is used for traditional Andean agriculture including maize, potatoes, and quinoa. Walking through the fields and observing farming practices — particularly during planting (around October–November) and harvest seasons — offers an authentic look at Andean rural life that is less staged than experiences in larger tourist destinations.
Birdwatching
The wetlands and open grasslands of the Anta basin support Andean bird species. Birdwatchers travelling through the area may spot species adapted to high-altitude habitats. A pair of binoculars is worth packing.
Gateway to nearby sites
Cachimayo's most practical appeal for many travellers is its position on the road to Chinchero, Maras salt pans, and the Moray archaeological site. It can serve as a logical waypoint if you are self-organising transport rather than joining a group tour. See the Nearby section for details on these destinations.
Food & Drink
Dining options in Cachimayo are limited to small local eateries (picanterías or fondas) that serve straightforward Andean fare. Dishes typically include soups, rice, potatoes, and whatever protein is available locally. These places are inexpensive and oriented toward local residents rather than tourists.
There is no formal restaurant scene. If you have specific dietary requirements or preferences, it is strongly advisable to carry food from Cusco. Bottled water is recommended; do not drink tap water unless it has been treated or boiled.
Coca tea (mate de coca) is widely available in the region and is commonly recommended as a mild aid for altitude adjustment, though scientific evidence for its efficacy is mixed.
Practical Information
Money
There are no ATMs in Cachimayo. Bring sufficient cash in Peruvian Soles from Cusco. Card payments are not accepted at local establishments.
Health
The nearest hospitals and clinics with significant capacity are in Cusco city. Carry a basic first-aid kit and any personal medications. Travel health insurance that covers high-altitude emergencies and evacuation is strongly recommended.
Emergency contacts
Emergency service numbers in Peru include the national police (PNP) and emergency line, but verify current local numbers and coverage before travel. In a serious medical emergency, evacuation to Cusco will likely be necessary.
Internet and communications
Do not rely on mobile data connectivity in Cachimayo. Purchase a local SIM with data if you plan to travel independently throughout the Cusco region, and download offline resources in advance.
Safety
Cachimayo is a quiet rural community and serious crime targeting travellers is not a pattern associated with the area. Standard common-sense precautions apply: keep valuables out of sight, be aware of your surroundings, and avoid displaying expensive equipment unnecessarily.
The primary practical risks for visitors are altitude-related illness and cold exposure, particularly if temperatures drop unexpectedly or weather changes rapidly. Always carry a warm layer. Road conditions on the Cusco–Anta corridor can deteriorate during the wet season (November to April), when landslides are possible. Check conditions locally before travel during this period.
Local Culture & Etiquette
The population of Cachimayo is predominantly Quechua-speaking, with Spanish also in daily use. Many residents maintain traditional dress, agricultural practices, and community customs tied to the Andean agricultural calendar.
Visitors should behave respectfully: ask permission before photographing individuals, dress modestly in community settings, and avoid treating the town as an open-air photo opportunity rather than a lived community. A few words of Spanish — or even a greeting in Quechua ("Allianchu" / "Allinmi") — will be appreciated.
Market days and local festivals follow the Andean and Catholic calendars and vary by year. If you happen to be in the area during a community celebration, you may be welcome to observe from a respectful distance, but always follow local cues about what is and is not appropriate for outsiders.
