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Waqrapukara Trek

Waqrapukara Trek, full day tour

Waqrapukara trek from Cusco

Waqrapukara, meaning Horn Fortress In Quechua, is in reference to the massive and powerful rock formations of this Peru site.

This magnificent archaeological site is located in the southern province of Cusco. Built upon a mountain, Waqrapukara full day offers views of what seems as endless mountains that span so far they disappear into the horizon.

It is believed that this powerful archaeological site was at one point used for astronomical observation and ritual, as well as, the development of agriculture as the buildings are westward facing. Within the stone structures, you will also see vaulted niches with three jambs, a rare detail only found in Mauka Llaqtta architecture in the mythical Paqarektampu.

This full day tour in Waqrapukara will bring you through various ecological levels including: Quechua, Suni, and Puna. Through each one we will see the beautiful diversity in flora and fauna.

Waqrapukara tour is perfect for someone with minimal time looking for an experience unique to the others, as it is off the beaten path, rich in history and culture, and surrounded by vast beauty.

Waqrapukara Trek, full day tour
Price from 100 USD$ per person
DISTANCE
5 km / 3.11miles
MAX ALTITUDE
4,140 m / 13,583 ft
PHISICAL LEVEL
Moderate
GROUP SIZE
Up to 12

Overview

Waqrapukara tour full day – Overview

  • Day 1: Cusco – Pomacanchi Lake – Santa Lucia – Waqrapukara – Cusco

Waqrapukara trek Information

  • Starting Altitude: 3,700 m/12,139 ft.
  • Highest Altitude: 4,140 m/13,583 ft
  • Walking Distance: 5 km / 3.11 miles

Itinerary

How to get to Waqrapukara trek?

Day 1: Cusco – Pomacanchi Lake – Santa Lucia – Waqrapukara – Cusco

This extraordinary one-day adventure begins bright and early. We will collect you from your hotel at approximately 4:00 am and embark on a two-hour journey to the town of Cusipata. Following a wholesome breakfast to fuel your energy, we will continue bordering the enchanting Pomacanchi Lagoon, one of the largest in the region. Surrounded by lush pastures and local agricultural fields, this picturesque lagoon offers a serene backdrop for our journey.

Continuing our route, we will travel for an additional hour and a half along an unpaved road until we reach the town of Santa Lucia, where breathtaking scenery unfolds before us. From there, a final 30-minute drive will take us to our starting point. Here, you will have time to gather your belongings before we commence our hike.

The initial section of the hike, approximately 1.5 hours in duration, offers captivating views of the majestic Apurimac Canyon, one of the deepest in Peru, as well as stunning landscapes along the way. Upon reaching the Waqrapukara viewpoint, you will have the opportunity to rest and capture your first glimpses of the impressive fortress perched on the canyon’s edge.

You will have approximately an hour to explore the archaeological site, ascending through temples and capturing photos of the iconic horn-shaped rock formation and the breathtaking canyon. Featuring enigmatic constructions from the Pre-Inca and Inca periods, as well as terraces steeped in history, this site serves as a captivating window into ancient Andean culture.

As we conclude our hike, we will retrace our steps back to the trailhead, where our transport awaits to return us to Cusco. Anticipated arrival time is approximately 6:00 pm.

  • Meals: Breakfast / Box Lunch
  • Walking distance: 5 km / 3,11 miles
  • Walking time: 3 hours
  • Minimum altitude: 3,700 m / 12,139 ft
  • Maximum altitude: 4,140 m / 13,583 ft
  • Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Inclusions

Waqrapukara tour Includes.
  • Professional Bilingual English speaking tour guide (additional tour guide for groups of nine people or more)
  • Pick up from your hotel and transportation to Santa Lucia
  • Return transportation from Santa Lucia to your Cusco hotel
  • Entrance fee to Waqrapukara
  • 1 breakfast, 1 box lunch
  • Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit
Waqrapukara Trek Does Not Include
  • Trekking poles – you can rent  from us
  • Tips
  • Travel /Health/Emergency Insurance
What you need to take for Waqrapukara trek full day
  • Original passport
  • Water (recommend at least 2L)
  • Rain jacket/poncho
  • Hat and gloves
  • Rain pants
  • Snacks
  • Sun block (factor 35+ recommended, the sun can be strong)
  • Sunglasses and sun hat
  • Camera with spare batteries
  • Binoculars
  • Trekking poles (recommended especially for the steep descents, can be rented from us)

Price

Waqrapukara Trek Cost

Group service:

  • 1 person US$ 130
  • 2 + people US$ 100 per person

Private Service:

  • US $180 per person

Optional Rentals for the Waqrapukara trek

  • Hiking poles – US $5.00 (pair)

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Waqrapukara trek reservations

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