Its full name is Abra Málaga Thastayoc Royal Cinclodes and it is a magnificent mountain pass, very steep, at the foot of Verónica Glacier.
It is a private conservation area located in the region of Cusco, province of Urubamba and district of Ollantaytambo, 130 kilometers from the city of Cusco and on the slopes of the snow-capped Huacaywillki. It is located between 3600 and 4500 m above sea level. n. m.
Route through the Malaga pass
The Málaga pass is one of the highest points in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It is located 4,400 meters above sea level. It is located 104 kilometers from the city of Cusco, on the natural border between the Andean mountains and the jungle region of Cusco.
From the Málaga pass there is an incredible road bicycle descent. The distance of this route is approximately 40 kilometers. This route is fascinating since it is constantly descending (easy level).
The tours offer everything you need for this adventure. Some people also decide to do it on their own. To do this, they must have a good bicycle and hire transportation to the Malaga pass. Some visitors even decide to enter the Cusco jungle by cycling.
The famous 'Inca Jungle' tour to Machu Picchu includes the bicycle adventure through the Malaga Pass. This service also offers hiking, canoeing and other adventure sports on your way to the wonder of the world.
- Cost of 1-day tour: 80 USD (approximately).
- Difficulty: Easy.
- Places to visit: Ollantaytambo and Abra Málaga.
Additional information: From the Málaga pass you can also descend by bicycle towards the Cusco jungle.
Queñual forest
Within its extensive territory, there is the Abra Málaga Thastayoc forest made up of a significant number of Polylepis or queñual trees. This tree is one of the most resistant to cold, it can grow at heights greater than 5000 m above sea level. n. m., and is important for its ability to regulate the climate, prevent soil erosion and store large quantities of water that feed springs and puquios. Due to its hardness, it is also known as the Andean oak.
Fauna
The queñual forests of Abra Málaga represent one of the best settings in the world for bird watching, as they have a significant number of endemic species, such as the Andean churrete or the Ash-breasted torito. They are also home to endangered species such as the Royal Cinclodes.
In addition, from here you can observe the elegant flight of the Peruvian condor, as well as the presence of falcons and 9 species of mammals, among which are: the Andean cat (listed as an "endangered" species), the puma, the elusive Andean bear and the Andean taruka, (considered a "vulnerable" species).
Population
In this area is the high Andean community Thastayoc, made up of 40 families, which is dedicated to growing potatoes and raising sheep and alpacas.
These same communities are the ones in charge of taking care of the routes and marking them so that visitors can easily reach the forests.
Furthermore, thanks to the teamwork they constantly carry out, they have already managed to have access to the internet and electricity service through the use of solar panels.
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