Cueva de Mollepunku
Discover ancient 8,000-year-old cave carvings of llamas and alpacas, set at a breathtaking high altitude.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best light for carvings
Cueva de Mollepunku
Best Time
Best light for carvings
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover ancient 8,000-year-old cave carvings of llamas and alpacas, set at a breathtaking high altitude.
"Really cool place with ancient cave carvings and strange history. "
Altitude Sickness Warning
Be prepared for 13,500 ft altitude. Acclimatize first to avoid sickness. :medical_symbol:
Ancient Art Exploration
Marvel at 8,000-year-old carvings of llamas and alpacas. :camerawithflash:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 5 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Address
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Cave Carvings
Discover intricate, millennia-old petroglyphs of llamas and alpacas adorning the cave walls.
Treasure Hunting Excavations
Explore the area around a large black boulder, rumored to be a site of historical treasure hunting excavations.
Impressive Historical Site
Experience a place where time seems to stand still, showcasing the enduring legacy of ancient artistry.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Altitude Awareness is Key
Uncover Ancient Art
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Altitude Sickness Warning
Be prepared for 13,500 ft altitude. Acclimatize first to avoid sickness. :medical_symbol:
Ancient Art Exploration
Marvel at 8,000-year-old carvings of llamas and alpacas. :camerawithflash:
Unique Historical Site
Discover a place with strange history and ancient treasure hunting tales. 📜
Tips
from all over the internet
Altitude Sickness Warning
Be prepared for 13,500 ft altitude. Acclimatize first to avoid sickness. :medical_symbol:
Ancient Art Exploration
Marvel at 8,000-year-old carvings of llamas and alpacas. :camerawithflash:
Unique Historical Site
Discover a place with strange history and ancient treasure hunting tales. 📜
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Cueva de Mollepunku for its beautiful and ancient cave carvings, particularly the depictions of llamas and alpacas, and its unique historical atmosphere. Some note the site's intriguing connection to past treasure hunting excavations. The main drawback mentioned is the high altitude, which can be challenging for those not acclimatized.
"Beautiful area to see and explore. Ancient writings on the caves. However if you struggle with Altitude sickness beware, its 13500 ft."
Jennifer Stephens
"Really cool place with dozens of about 8000 year old cave carvings of Llamas/Alpacas and some random treasure hunting excavations under a large black boulder. That place has a lot of strange history about it."
Tobias Deml
"It's impressive how much time passes after the stone carvings."
Carlos Livisi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cueva de Mollepunku is typically accessed as part of tours from Cusco or nearby towns. Many tours combine it with other high-altitude attractions. It's recommended to arrange transport through a local tour operator for ease and to manage the altitude.
Direct public transport to Cueva de Mollepunku is limited due to its remote, high-altitude location. Most visitors opt for organized tours or private transportation.
The journey from Cusco to Cueva de Mollepunku can take several hours, often 3-4 hours one way, depending on the route and stops. Tours usually make it a full-day excursion.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Cueva de Mollepunku is often included in tour packages. If visiting independently, inquire about local entrance fees or permits, though it's less common than organized visits.
As an archaeological site, Cueva de Mollepunku is generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific timings might depend on tour schedules or local arrangements.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can see ancient cave carvings, primarily depicting llamas and alpacas, estimated to be around 8,000 years old. There are also areas of historical excavation.
The terrain around Cueva de Mollepunku is uneven and at high altitude. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, and visitors should be mindful of the altitude. :athletic_shoe:
The carvings are significant for their age and artistic depiction of local fauna, offering a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of ancient peoples in the region.
Facilities at Cueva de Mollepunku are minimal, as it's a natural archaeological site. It's advisable to bring your own water and snacks.
📸 📸 Photography
Daylight hours offer the best natural light to capture the details of the cave carvings. Mid-morning or early afternoon can provide good lighting conditions. :camerawithflash:
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. However, always be respectful of the site and avoid using flash directly on ancient carvings if it's discouraged.
Social
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