Waqrapukara Trek Full Day

Waqrapukara Trek

During the Waqrapukara Trek Full Day, we will explore a pre-Inca and Inca archaeological complex. The cultural significance and history of this impressive Inca monument are matched only by the stunning natural beauty of its surroundings.

Waqrapukara is located southwest of Cusco, within the rural community of Huayqui, in the district of Acos, province of Acomayo. This location marks the starting point of one of the most significant hydrographic basins in the Cusco region, the Apurímac River.

The meaning of Waqrapukara is a compound word of Quechua origin “Waqra: Horn and Pucara: fortress” whose meaning is HORN-SHAPED FORTRESS.

The history of Waqrapukara dates back to the pre-Inca era, when the first settlers of this region were the Canchis. This culture was the first to inhabit the valley. Later, the Inca culture arrived and conquered the territory, leading to Waqrapukara being administered by the Incas.

This archaeological site features ceremonial centers, Inca terraces, plazas, and stairways, all connected by a network of original Inca roads. For this reason, it is believed that the site served administrative, religious, and social control functions. Given the layout of the buildings, it can be concluded that it was an important Inca ceremonial center.

Waqrapukara Trek Information

Pick-Up Time: We will pick you up from your hotel between 4:00 AM and 4:30 AM.
Tour Duration: Full Day
Hiking Time: Approximately 3 hours.
Maximum Height: 4,700 m.a.s.l. (15,419 feet). We will reach this height by car.
Waqrapukara Height: 4,300 m.a.s.l. (14,107 feet).
Location: Southwest of the city of Cusco.
Hike Distance: Approximately 8 kilometers.
Weather Conditions: Variable temperatures between 8°C and 23°C, with a warm feeling due to the Apurimac River Valley.
Visiting Season: All year round, but preferably from March to November.
Hike Difficulty Level: Easy.
Return Time: We will return to Cusco between 6:30 PM and 7:00 PM.

Waqrapukara Trek Full Day Itinerary

To visit this Inca ceremonial center, there are several travel routes: Sangarara, Huayqui, and Santa Lucia. We will choose the third option, as it seems to be the best choice for visiting Waqrapucara in one day.

Day 1: Cusco - Cusipata - Santa Lucia – Waqrapukara

Our trip begins early in the morning. We will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco and we take the route from Cusco to Puno. Along the way, we will stop in Cusipata, where a delicious breakfast will be included.

After this, we will continue until we reach the Chuquicahuana bridge, where we take the road that crosses the Vilcanota River towards the town of Pomacanchi. From this point, the road changes to a paved surface.

On the route, we will be able to see the remnants of the original Inca Trail, known as Capacñan, that lead south towards Collasuyo. Additionally, we will observe the raising of llamas and alpacas, which is the main economic activity of the local people.

We will arrive in the town of Santa Lucia, where we will take our transport along the road until we reach the starting point for the hike to Waqrapukara. The journey from Cusco to the start of the hike will take approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to 4 hours by tourist transport.

The Waqrapukara Trek takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. This scenic route features beautiful landscapes as we follow the left bank of the Apurímac River. Once we arrive at the archaeological park, we will have 2 hours to explore this impressive site.

Waqrapukara offers us an exciting new tourist opportunity in the city of Cusco, featuring stunning natural landscapes and one of the most significant Inca ceremonial centers located southwest of the city. The best part is that this tour can be completed in just one day, making it a worthwhile visit for both national and international travelers.

After this visit, we will begin our return journey, which will take 45 minutes until we reach our transport back to the city of Cusco. In Cusco, there are both traditional and non-traditional one-day hikes. For traditional hikes, we offer daily departures in both shared and private groups.

The visit to Waqrapukara is included in our non-traditional one-day hikes; therefore, most of our services to this location are offered as private tours. You can plan your visit independently by taking the buses from Cusco to Sicuani. Once you arrive in Sicuani, get off at the Chuquicahuana bridge and then take an express bus to Santa Lucia. However, for a better experience and added safety during your visit, we recommend using the services of a travel agency.