Main Info
OVERVIEW
Embark in this history and astronomical adventure on the Waqrapukara trek. The amazing location of this Inca site often referred to as the “The other wonder of Cusco,” is a hidden gem known for its unique architecture and breathtaking views over the Apurimac River canyon. Waqrapukara provide perfect conditions for AstroTourism. As you look up at the sky, the cosmos reveals itself in all its glory. The Milky Way stretches across the horizon, and you’ll spot constellations that have guided travelers for centuries and dark constellations are able to see here.
THE SERVICES INCLUDES:
- Pre-Departure Briefing at your hotel 1 or 2 days before your trek.
- Professional Bilingual English speaking tour guide
- Pick up from your hotel and transportation to beginning of the trek
- Camping equipment and Tents. TWO PEOPLE IN EACH TENT
- First-aid kit & Oxygen tank
- A guided tour during the Huaqrapukara hike.
- 01 AstroTourism camping experience at Waqrapukara campsite with portable telescopes.
- Lunch and Dinner / 1st day (Vegetarian and Free gluten options)
- Breakfast and Lunch / 2nd day.
- Return walking to Santa Lucia town (Hiking time: 4 hrs aprox)
- Return transportation to Cusco
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Breakfast / 1st day.
- Dinner / 2nd day
- Cusco Hotel / 2nd day
- Sleeping bag 20.00 USD
- Inflatable Mattress 20.00 USD
- Walking sticks 5.00 USD
- Tips for Porters, chefs and trek guides
- Personal Snacks
WHAT TO BRING:
- Copy passport (if you have acquired a new one after you made your booking, bring both)
- Water
- Rain jacket / poncho
- Winter hat and gloves
- Rain pants
- Snacks
- Sun block, factor 35+ recommended
- Sunglasses and sun hat
- Camera with spare batteries – batteries run down faster at high altitudes
- Binoculars
Lowest Elevation: 3296 m / 1081 ft
Highest Elevation: 4,087 m / 13,480 ft
Distance to walk: 16 km
Approximate walking time: 3 hours up; 2 to 2 30 hours down
Level of Difficulty: Challenging to Hard
Inclusions and exclusions (entrance fees, meals, etc.)
Tour availability: All year around, preferable during May to October due weather conditions.
Type of activity: Astrotourism is one of the most environmentally friendly and sustainable tourism activities you can do, while we are doing hiking in the Andes mountains
Itinerary
We leave the city of Cusco early in our private transport and drive to the south of the valley, following the path of Vilcanota river. On our way, we will pass Pomacocha, a beautiful sparkling Andean lake where we will see the vibrant flora and fauna specific to this habitat. We then continue to the town of Acomayo and take a break, We then arrive at the very small village of Pitumarca until road will end (3696 m.a.s.l), where we will begin the Waqrapukara Cusco Trek. We will start the hike up hill for couple of hour until we get to Yanaqocha spot where we will get lunch with our crew, after that, We continue on to our home for the night at campsite, After we will have the afternoon to tour the archaeological site of Waqrapukara.We then begin with a guided tour of the archaeological site of Waqra Pukara, which awaits us in an impressive location. The spectacular surroundings provide a for a magnificent backdrop to appreciate the ingenuity of this Inca architecture. Here we will be able to see with our very own eyes the architecturally advanced triple jamb vaulted niches. At night , we will have a lecture about the Andean Astronomy in Peru with our Local Guide, see the Milky way in the southern hemisphere. Later we will have dinner.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Maximum Altitude: 4087 m. / 13408 ft.
Minimum Altitude: 3296 m. / 10813 ft.
Walking Distance: 7.80 km. / 4.84 miles
Approximate Walking Time: 5-6 hrs
We start with a nourishing breakfast and hot cup of tea, while surrounded by views of the beautiful mountains. We will continue the beautiful hike to Santa Lucia where our Transportation will be waiting for you, we will drive back to Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Maximum Altitude: 4087 m. / 13408 ft.
Minimum Altitude: 3296 m. / 10813 ft
Walking Distance: 7.80 km. / 4.84 miles
Approximate Walking Time: 4 hours
