Nature & Adventure
Waterfalls, canyons and turquoise rivers
The Cusco Jungle
Quillabamba, Cusco: things to do and how to get there
Get to know the City of Eternal Summer: where it is, what to visit and how to plan a trip from Cusco around waterfalls, cacao routes and local culture.
City of Eternal Summer
Quillabamba: the jungle few know
Quillabamba, Peru, is the capital of La Convención province in the jungle of the Cusco region. Here you can combine nature, culture and local food.
Known as the “City of Eternal Summer”, it has a warm climate. In Quillabamba and nearby areas you can visit waterfalls, river landscapes, and cacao and coffee farms. For more distant places such as Pongo de Mainique, plan transport and access in advance.
This guide brings together places to visit in and around Quillabamba, food routes, archaeological sites and natural pools, plus information on getting there from Cusco and choosing when to travel.
To see more places in the Cusco jungle and the tours that take you there, visit our Cusco jungle page.
Inca History
Vitcos, Espiritu Pampa and more
Cocoa Route
Chuncho cacao from La Convención
Natural Spas
Siete Tinajas, Sambaray and more
Where Quillabamba is and how to get there
Quillabamba is in the jungle of the Cusco region, Peru, and is the capital of La Convención province.
From Cusco city, you can reach Quillabamba by road through the Sacred Valley and Abra Málaga. Allow around 6 hours; confirm schedules, fares and road conditions before leaving.
OUR EXPERIENCES IN QUILLABAMBA
Explore experiences in the Cusco jungle and check each tour's itinerary for its services and conditions.
Most popular
Pongo de Mainique + Turquoise Yoyato River Tour | 2 Days from Quillabamba
Echarati, Quillabamba, Santuario Nacional Megantoni
Live the wildest adventure in the Cusco jungle: navigate the sacred Pongo de Mainique canyon along the Urubamba River and swim in the turquoise waters of the Yoyato River, inside Megantoni National Sanctuary. A unique 2-day experience in Peru.
View ItineraryMost popular
Illapani Waterfall + Cacao Route Tour | 1 Day from Quillabamba
Echarati, Quillabamba
Enjoy a full day of adventure and culture in the Cusco jungle: hike to the impressive Illapani Waterfall, with a 75-meter free fall and a natural pool, and discover the secrets of chuncho cacao, native to La Convención, at the exclusive ChocoFinca in Cháhuares. The only tour that combines nature and local gastronomy in one journey. Daily departure from Quillabamba Main Square.
View Itinerary
Quillabamba City Tour
Quillabamba
Discover Quillabamba, the city of eternal summer. Visit the Inka-Amazonian Museum, Alameda Bolognesi, the Main Square, and the 360 Viewpoint.
View ItineraryTHE NATURAL TREASURES OF QUILLABAMBA
Waterfalls, rivers, canyons and natural areas such as Megantoni National Sanctuary are part of La Convención's landscapes. Check access and conditions for each visit.
Pongo de Mainique: the Sacred Canyon of the Cusco Amazon
Echarati, Quillabamba, Santuario Nacional Megantoni
Yoyato River: The Turquoise River of Megantoni National Sanctuary
Echarati, Quillabamba, Santuario Nacional Megantoni
Illapani Waterfall: The Natural Treasure of Echarati, Cusco Jungle
Echarati, Quillabamba
Vitcos – Rosaspata
In the Vilcabamba area, this archaeological site is part of the history of Inca resistance. Check the route and access conditions before visiting.
Learn more →Museo Amazónico Andino
A place to learn about aspects of La Convención's history and nature. Check its opening hours and exhibitions before visiting.
City Tour Quillabamba
A city tour may include the Plaza de Armas, Alameda Bolognesi and other public spaces. Check the specific itinerary before booking.
See experience →Matsigenka Native Communities
Communities from several Indigenous peoples live in the lower Urubamba. Visits require advance coordination and respect for their local rules.
Saringabeni
A nature destination in La Convención. Check the route, available services and visiting conditions before traveling.
Learn more →Sambaray Spa
A recreation area near Quillabamba beside the Vilcanota River. Check opening hours and available services before visiting.
FLAVORS OF THE CUSCO JUNGLE
Fried paco fish, chuncho cacao chocolate, high-altitude coffee and more. The flavors of La Convención are unique in Peru.
River fried paco fish
River fish often served fried with yuca and fresh salad.
Chuncho Cacao Chocolate
Chuncho cacao from La Convención appears in artisan bars, drinks and desserts.
La Convención high-altitude coffee
La Convención is a coffee-producing area. Look for local options to discover its varieties and ways of preparing them.
Banana and chicken chaque + tropical fruits
A traditional local soup with banana and chicken. You can also find seasonal fruit in local markets.
Best time to visit
Quillabamba has a warm climate. Rain can affect routes, so check the forecast and access conditions if you plan to visit waterfalls or distant destinations.
What to bring
Bring light clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, suitable shoes, a rain poncho and your ID. Check whether your chosen activity calls for extra equipment.
Where to stay
Look for accommodation in central Quillabamba or rural areas to suit your itinerary. Confirm the location, services and transfers before booking.
Budget
Check current prices for transport, accommodation and activities. Before booking a tour, ask which services, entrance fees and extra expenses it includes.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage can vary outside the city. If you travel to remote areas, share your itinerary and agree on how to stay in touch during the trip.
EVERYTHING TRAVELERS ASK
We answer the most common questions before your trip to Quillabamba
Is it worth going to Quillabamba if I've already visited Machu Picchu?
Yes, if you are looking for different landscapes and activities. In Quillabamba and La Convención you can visit waterfalls, discover cacao routes and explore other natural and cultural places. Choose activities to suit your time and the season.
How many days do I need for Quillabamba?
It depends on the places you want to visit and the travel time between them. You can combine the city with waterfalls or cacao routes and allow more time for distant destinations. Check itineraries and access conditions before deciding. For example, the experiences shown list these durations: Pongo de Mainique + Turquoise Yoyato River Tour | 2 Days from Quillabamba (2 days / 1 night); Illapani Waterfall + Cacao Route Tour | 1 Day from Quillabamba (Full day); Quillabamba City Tour (4 hours).
How should I plan a visit to Pongo de Mainique?
Pongo de Mainique is in the area of Megantoni National Sanctuary. Before traveling, check access conditions, current authorizations, and the availability of transport and guides with the relevant authorities and your chosen operator.
How safe is Quillabamba for tourists?
As with any destination, look after your belongings and check local conditions before traveling. For remote routes, confirm transport, the itinerary and access requirements with a registered operator.
Is the journey from Cusco difficult?
The route through Abra Málaga includes mountain sections and bends. Allow around 6 hours by road, though travel time varies with the route, weather and traffic. Check road conditions before leaving and travel during daylight if possible.
Book your adventure
Ready to discover the Cusco jungle?
Explore our experiences and arrange transport, services and access requirements for the itinerary you choose.