Main Info
OVERVIEW AND HIGHLIGHTS:
Waqrapukara (from Quechua waqra ‘horn’ and pukara ‘fortress’) can be defined as a horn-
shaped fortress. It was declared as Cultural Heritage of the Nation by the Ministry of Culture in
July 2017. This archaeological site is located in the district of Acos, province of Acomayo and
department of Cusco, near the Apurimac River at 4 300 m.a.s.l. It was built by the Qanchi
nation and then conquered by the Inkas. Waqrapukara is a new and recently promoted
tourist attraction in Cusco located in the province of Acomayo near the Apurimac River at
4,300 masl. (14,107 ft.), south of the city of Cusco. Waqrapukara has not yet been
deciphered and can be considered as a fortress, a sanctuary or an astronomical
observatory. It was initially built by the Quinchas and then conquered by the Incas. This tour
will take you to a different and unusual destination, where you will enjoy the spectacular
landscapes, different lagoons, chasms of the Apurimac Canyon, and also connect with
nature and the energy of this amazing place.
INCLUDED:
- Professional Bilingual English-speaking tour guide
- Pre-Departure Briefing at your hotel 1 or 2 days before your trek
- Picnic Lunch
- Pick up from your hotel and transportation to the beginning of the trek
- Return transportation to your Cusco hotel
- Breakfast and Box Lunch (Local restaurant)
- Entrance ticket to Waqrapukara
- Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit
- 01 Trekking pole
- Vegetarian and Free gluten options available
NOT INCLUDED:
- Personals Snacks
- Tips – Gratuities
- Horses (Option to hire one if you’ll need it at the beginning of the trek) 35.00 USD
- Travel insurance from your side, strongly recommended.
Itinerary
We will pick you up early from your Cusco hotel around 06:30 am and set out on a drive through the Southeast of Cusco Valley. The drive to the trailhead at 4,326 m (14,189 ft) is 03:30 hours long. We then start on our hike, following a lovely stream. Herds of alpacas and llamas will immediately surprise you. On this journey, we will hike for approximately 30 minutes, and we finally reach our destination, where we came to see the Rainbow Mountains of Palcoyo 5,020 m (16,466 ft). After getting over the shock of their beauty, you will have time to explore the area. You will have time to take pictures and soak in the environment. We will spend approximately 01 hour at the top so you will have time to see the lovely natural Rock formation in the area. At this point, it is time to go back down. We hike downhill the way we came. The hike will be another 30 min. Our transportation will be waiting for us to take us to the Picnic Lunch in the Panoramic views, we will enjoy the picnic lunch with delicious food, and we will embark on the 03 hours drive back to Cusco and drop you off at your Cusco hotel. The approximate arrival time is between 05:00 to 0.
Meals: Breakfast and Box Lunch
Night: Not included
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate to hard.
WALKING DISTANCE: 6 km
WALKING TIME: 3&4 hours
MINIMUM ELEVATION: 3,710m/ 12,171 ft
MAXIMUM ELEVATION: 4,300m/14,107 ft
