Espinar: Tres Cañones and Archaeological Heritage

Espinar offers striking natural formations and archaeological sites, each providing a different focus for a trip. In the Tres Cañones Regional Conservation Area, biodiversity and natural landscapes are as central as cultural identity and archaeological monuments. Those with a stronger interest in history can explore the settlement of Muyuqhawa and the María Fortaleza–Taqrachullo Monumental Archaeological Zone. These distinctions can help you choose the places you want to shape your trip and plan the location of your holiday rental accordingly.

Tres Cañones and the Forms of the Puna

The Tres Cañones Regional Conservation Area covers 39,485.11 hectares in the districts of Coporaque and Suyckutambo in Espinar Province, Cusco Region. Its conservation objectives include biodiversity, natural landscapes, cultural identity, and archaeological monuments. Nature and culture are therefore not treated as separate topics here: both are among the area’s explicitly stated priorities.

The rock formations of Chiluyo offer a distinct perspective on the landscape. They are located in the Chiluyo sector of the Echocollo community in Suyckutambo District, at an altitude of 4,825 m in the Puna. The formations include rocks that resemble mushrooms and prehistoric animals. Chiluyo is also part of the Suyckutambo tourist route of the Asociación de Turismo Vivencial Arco Punku. If you are interested in landforms, this site offers a different focus from the province’s archaeological complexes.

Archaeological Sites and Their Periods

Muyuqhawa is located in Alto Pichigua District and has been declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation. The K’ana settlement, which also has an Inca presence, extends across a plateau. Its architectural features include circular and rectangular structures, terraces, walls, and chullpas. The spaces are associated with residential, ceremonial, funerary, and defensive functions. Chronologically, the site belongs to the Late Intermediate Period and the Late Horizon. This combination of architectural forms, uses, and historical periods makes Muyuqhawa particularly interesting if you would like to include the history of the K’ana and the Inca presence in your travel plans.

The María Fortaleza–Taqrachullo Monumental Archaeological Zone is located in the Chaupimayo community in Suyqutambo District. Its architectural remains are associated with the Middle Horizon, the Late Intermediate Period, and the Late Horizon. The site was declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation of Peru by National Directorate Resolution No. 954-2010, dated April 27, 2010. For travelers interested in cultural history, it offers a different timeframe from Muyuqhawa: remains from three periods are identified here.

Another archaeological site is the Molloqosi Archaeological Site in the Moro Alccasana community in Pichigua District. It was declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation on August 15, 2024, by Vice-Ministerial Resolution No. 000234-2024-VMPCIC/MC. Together with Muyuqhawa and María Fortaleza–Taqrachullo, Molloqosi shows that Espinar’s cultural perspective is not limited to a single site. Espinar is also known as the “Land of the K’ana Nation” and is associated with Espinar’s culture and traditions.

Access Routes to Help You Plan

To reach María Fortaleza–Taqrachullo, an unpaved road runs from Puente Central to the archaeological zone. It is 14.24 km long, takes about 25 minutes, and is driven by private car. From the main road in the Laucamayo sector, a paved road leads to the Ecowasi rock paintings. It is 7 km long and takes about 10 minutes. These details refer to different starting points and destinations. If you are planning your days around specific sites, you can take these starting points and road conditions into account and look for a holiday rental that suits your preferred focus.

For a nature-focused trip, Tres Cañones and the rock formations of Chiluyo offer different themes to explore; for a cultural and historical focus, consider the archaeological sites mentioned above. Visit the Espinar destination page. More pages to help you plan: Aguas Calientes, Pisac, Quispicanchi, Calca Province, Paucartambo Province.

For the broader travel overview: Cuzco.