Tauja

Tauja is a mountain summit in the Sacred Valley that rises to about 4,000 meters with steeply angled slopes on all sides. The Huancamayo and Vilcanota Rivers define the valleys that border this peak and shape its overall landscape structure.

The Inca civilization used this mountain's strategic location to monitor movements across the Sacred Valley and maintain control over their territory. This role as an observation point made it significant during their time of rule.

Local communities in the region practice traditional farming on the slopes and create textiles using ancestral techniques that are visible in their daily life. These craft traditions shape how people use and inhabit the surrounding landscape.

Visitors need to acclimatize to the altitude and bring weather-appropriate gear before attempting the established hiking trails to the summit. Proper preparation is essential for a safe climb of this exposed peak.

The mountain's position between two river valleys creates distinct microclimates on different sides of the slope. These climate differences allow for specialized high-altitude plants that visitors can notice while hiking up the peak.