Cusco awakens great unknowns in specialists and the whole world, as it was the cradle of a civilization (The Inca Empire) that created great wonders yet to be deciphered, including the construction of gigantic rocks that fit with such precision, impressive carvings and well-organized settlements like none in America.
The Incas knew how to organize themselves and connect cities using the famous Inca roads, from which the iconic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu also starts, and above all, to live with nature, giving it divine importance. So much so that an attraction located on the most well-known roads (Cusco to Huchuy Qosqo to go to Antisuyo) is the Devil's Balcony, also called Chakán (bridge) in Quechua.
The balcony has a triangular shape of almost two meters on each side and has a large natural space that looks like a room. The large rock of about 10 meters that houses the famous Devil's Balcony is made of granite and limestone, the lower part of which has created a kind of tunnel through which the Chankán River crosses; this, due to water erosion, gives it the appearance of a rock castle.
The name comes from an old local legend that says in colonial times, the villagers believed the site was an entrance to the underworld. At night, strange sounds were heard coming from inside the rock, which fueled the belief that it was a place where the devil manifested. The combination of the natural echo and the shape of the cave gave rise to the name by which it is known to this day.
The Quechua name for the Devil's Balcony is Chakán, meaning bridge. This beautiful place is characterized by being a large rock with a beautiful view of the landscape, beneath which lies the imposing Chakán River, from which it formerly received the Quechua name "Chakán".
For a better view of this rock, you must access it via a path (it's the only way) that will lead you directly to a naturally formed triangular rock window. From this place, known as "The Devil's Balcony", you can see the entire massive rock face down to an abyss that even frightens many people due to the precipice.
At the base of the rock, there is a small clean and crystal-clear river (the Saphy River) that flows through narrow sections. Some tourists dare to follow the river's course and thus cross the entire cliff to the other end. This experience is chilling for some and hilarious for others, as it depends on each visitor's perspective and expectations.
The Devil's Balcony is located in the Yuncaypata valley of the Chakán river, which is 20 minutes from the Archaelogical Complex of Sacsaywaman in Cusco, along a 2.8 km route that crosses broken flat terrain and archaeological remains.
This natural creation of the Devil's Balcony is located at a height of 3,750 m.a.s.l. (351 meters difference from the city of Cusco 3 399 m.s.n.m).
Because the Balcony of the Devil is located a few meters above Cusco, its climate is similar. That is, dry and temperate, but with two well-defined seasons.
The Devil's Balcony can be visited throughout the year, however the recommendation is in the dry season, when there is little rain, in order to avoid the charged river, the stagnant balcony, and visit the attraction without any restriction.
The Devil's Balcony Cusco is available to its visitors throughout the year, however, it is recommended to be very careful during the dry season, between the months of November to March. During this season in Cusco, it usually rains and as a result the river that passes under the balcony could be loaded and it could be dangerous to try to cross the bridge.
The first thing you should do is get to the Fortress of Sacsayhuamán, from this point there are signs that guide you to get to the Huaca del Balcón del Diablo.
Getting to the Sacsayhuamán Fortress is easy, there are several ways to reach the place. If you take the walking route, it will take approximately 40 minutes from the Plaza Mayor of Cusco.
On the other hand, if you choose to take the service of a private taxi, it will take you 15 minutes. I tell you that it is also possible to get there by public transport, this is the cheapest route but it will take you approximately 1 hour to get there.
Another way to get there is by hiring the service of a tour operator.
Admission to this attraction is completely free.
El Balcón del Diablo is open to the general public all day, from Monday to Sunday. But, we recommend that you visit in the morning, and then you can enjoy it better.
Beyond Machu Picchu, the surroundings of Cusco offer a variety of experiences that allow you to learn about the culture, history, and landscapes of Andean Peru. From traditional towns to little-explored natural destinations, there is much to discover just a few kilometers from the imperial city. If you are looking for new adventures off the beaten path, here are three places you can't miss:
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
+51 84 217 551
+51 997 434 941
Av Tupac Amaru PP-10B, Santiago, Cusco, Peru
info@incatrailmachu.com
www.incatrailmachu.com
