WAQRAPUKARA TOUR – FULL DAY TOUR

Días Acos, Cusco

Tours

Tour code
16
Ciudad
Acos, Cusco
Ciudad
Acos, Cusco
Tipo Tours
Grupal
Edad Sugerída
+7 -55
Idioma
Español/English
Pagos
Pre Pago
Restricciones
Ninguna

The Full Day Waqrapucara Tour is an exciting experience for trekking enthusiasts and history lovers, offering the opportunity to explore one of Cusco's hidden gems. Waqrapucara is an impressive Inca fortress located in the Acos district, about 3 hours from the city of Cusco. This archaeological site is renowned for its striking architecture and the unique shape of its structures, which include agricultural terraces, ceremonial plazas, and a natural viewpoint where visitors can admire the surrounding landscape.

Altitude Levels and Route:

Starting Point: The journey begins early in the morning (around 4:00 AM) with a bus ride from Cusco to the Acos district in the Anta province. The starting altitude is approximately 3,399 meters above sea level.
Highest Point: During the hike, trekkers will ascend to 4,200 meters above sea level, reaching the ancient fortress. This is the highest point of the trek.
End Point: The trek ends back at the bus pickup point in the Acos district for the return journey to Cusco.

The trail is a mix of challenging uphill sections and scenic paths through high-altitude landscapes, offering panoramic views of valleys, mountains, and the surrounding wilderness.

For private information click here.

Early Departure (4:00 or 4:30 AM)

Start your day with energy. We'll pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco and embark on a 3-hour drive to the picturesque town of Santa Lucia (4,225 m.a.s.l.), where we'll stop for a delicious breakfast to refuel you for the adventure. (Breakfast included in the tour)

Arrival in Cusipata (Andean breakfast)

From Cusipata, we'll have a delicious Andean breakfast after a 2-hour drive. We'll then continue the journey to Santa Lucia. The scenery along the way will leave you speechless, with breathtaking views of the Andean mountains surrounding you, as well as the various herds of alpacas and llamas that surround the area.

Arrival in Santa Lucia

In the town of Santa Lucia, we'll take a detour, traveling for another 15 to 20 minutes along the Santa Lucia Highway. Afterward, the car will drop us off near the start of our hike to Waqrapukara. With your guide, we will ascend through the Andean mountains, surrounded by the spectacular flora, fauna, and diverse ecosystems of the Apurimac region. This hike will last 1 hour and 30 minutes, covering approximately 2.5 kilometers. Upon arrival at Waqrapukara, the guide will explain the importance of this archaeological complex. We will then have free time to explore the site on our own and take photos. Waqrapukara is believed to have been a ceremonial and military site built by pre-Inca cultures, possibly the Q'ampi, before being later expanded by the Inca Empire. Its strategic location on a rocky outcrop offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains, making it an ideal location for both defense and ritual activities.

· Return and lunch in Cusipata

At the end of the Waqrapucara circuit, we will return to Cusipata, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch starting at 2:00 pm. After lunch, we will return to Cusco. The return trip will begin at 3:00 pm, arriving approximately between 4:30 and 5:00 pm.

Includes:

Round-trip transportation from Cusco.
Professional local guide.
Picnic-style lunch.
Assistance throughout the tour.

Does Not Include:

Entrance to Waqrapukara area.
Additional drinks and snacks.
Tips.
Travel insurance.

Recommendations:

Wear comfortable trekking shoes and bring a light jacket, as temperatures can change.
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect from the sun.
Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated throughout the hike.
If you’re not accustomed to high altitudes, it’s recommended to rest in Cusco before the tour to acclimatize.