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Tour to Waqrapukara in Cusco – 1 Day

Starting point:
Cusco
Duration:
1 Day
Activities:
Trekking, Archaeology, Landscapes, Living Culture.
Altitude:
4300 m.
Difficulty:
Moderate

Discover the Ancient Fortress of Waqrapukara

Discover one of Cusco's best-kept secrets on an unforgettable full-day tour to Waqrapukara, an impressive Inca fortress dramatically perched on a towering mountain. Named after its distinctive horn-shaped rock formations, this remarkable archaeological site offers a perfect combination of history, breathtaking scenery, and adventure far from the traditional tourist routes.

The journey takes you through beautiful high-Andean landscapes, where you'll hike across valleys, mountain trails, and peaceful countryside surrounded by spectacular panoramic views. Upon reaching Waqrapukara, you'll explore its ancient terraces, ceremonial structures, and stone buildings while learning about the site's historical and spiritual importance within the Inca civilization.

Ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers, this experience offers the opportunity to discover one of Peru's hidden archaeological treasures while enjoying the tranquility and untouched beauty of the Andes. Waqrapukara is a rewarding destination for travelers looking to explore beyond the classic attractions of Cusco.

PRICES

Tour to Waqrapukara in Cusco – 1 Day
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Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary: Trekking to the Waqrapukara Sanctuary

  • 04:00 - 04:30 hrs: Hotel Pick-up and Start of the Trip: We begin early in the morning by picking you up directly from your hotel in Cusco. We board our tourist transport and start a journey of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes heading south to the district of Cusipata.
  • Breakfast in Cusipata and Transfer to Punta Carretera: Upon arrival in Cusipata, we enjoy a nutritious breakfast to recharge energy. Afterwards, we continue the journey for another hour along an unpaved road surrounded by beautiful Andean scenery until reaching Punta Carretera, the trailhead.
  • Trek to Waqrapukara Fortress: At Punta Carretera we make final preparations. We begin a hike of 1.5 to 2 hours (2.5 km). Along this relatively flat and uphill path, you will see Andean lagoons, unique rock formations, and typical puna flora.
  • Guided Visit and Exploration of Waqrapukara: We arrive at the impressive archaeological complex of Waqrapukara, an ancient sacred Inca religious sanctuary. Our professional guide will provide a full historical explanation. You will then have free time to explore its structures, plazas, take photos, and admire the surrounding canyon.
  • Return Hike, Buffet Lunch, and Return to Cusco: We hike back to Punta Carretera along the same route. Our transport will take us back to Cusipata, where a buffet lunch awaits. Finally, we return to Cusco, arriving approximately at 18:00 hrs.

Inclusions

What's included?

  • Briefing: Complete informational session one day before the tour to coordinate details.
  • Hotel Pick-up: Pick-up service included from hotels in Cusco’s historic center.
  • Transportation: Round-trip tourist transportation throughout the entire tour circuit.
  • Meals: One full breakfast and a delicious buffet lunch in Cusipata included.
  • Expert Tour Guide: Certified professional guide fluent in English and Spanish.
  • Medical Assistance: First aid kit and oxygen tank/bottle available for any emergency.

What's not included?

  • Soft drinks, bottled water, or additional snacks during the hike.
  • Optional tips for the guide and driver.
  • Optional horseback rental service (available in the local community).
  • Personal travel insurance for adventure activities.

Packing list

Essentials

Extra money (recommended in Peruvian soles)

Extra money (recommended in Peruvian soles)

Sunscreen

Sunscreen

Travel insurance

Travel insurance

Clothing

Hat or cap

Hat or cap

Comfortable shoes or trekking shoes

Comfortable shoes or trekking shoes

Sunglasses

Sunglasses

Equipment

Camera

Camera

Plug adapter

Plug adapter

Small backpack

Small backpack

Water bottle

Water bottle

Portable charger

Portable charger

Recommended

Snacks and energy bars

Snacks and energy bars

Disinfectant wipes

Disinfectant wipes

Respect the environment by avoiding littering and damaging archaeological sites

Respect the environment by avoiding littering and damaging archaeological sites

Recommendations

  • Bring your original ID or valid passport.
  • It is essential to wear warm, waterproof, or thermal clothing (warm jacket, windbreaker, scarf, gloves, and wool hat).
  • It is strongly recommended to wear trekking shoes or sneakers with good grip.
  • Bring a small backpack for your camera, sunglasses, hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and a bottle of water.
  • From October to March (rainy season), it is mandatory to bring a plastic rain poncho or an extra waterproof jacket.
  • Bring cash, preferably in local currency (Peruvian soles), for personal expenses or souvenirs.

Faqs

The archaeological site is located at a maximum altitude of 4,300 m.a.s.l. The hike is classified as moderate difficulty; the trail from Punta Carretera is only 2.5 km and takes between 1.5 to 2 hours. It is less physically demanding than the Vinicunca trek, but good prior acclimatization is required.

Since we reach elevations above 4,000 meters, we recommend resting in Cusco city or the Sacred Valley for at least 1 to 2 days before doing the hike to prevent altitude sickness (soroche).

Yes, at the starting point of the hike (Punta Carretera), some local community members offer horse rental services to help with the route. This service is not included in the standard price and must be paid directly in cash (Peruvian soles) to the locals.

Basic restroom facilities can be found at our Cusipata restaurant and near the entrance area of the Waqrapukara archaeological site, provided by the Ministry of Culture. There are no commercial restroom facilities along the rural hiking trail.

Pricing

Group Rate

Tour to Waqrapukara in Cusco – 1 Day
(Price per person - minimum 2 people)

Standard Group Service (Minimum 2 people – includes transportation, official guide, breakfast, buffet lunch in Cusipata, and oxygen assistance)

USD 80.00
Itinerary

Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary: Trekking to the Waqrapukara Sanctuary

  • 04:00 - 04:30 hrs: Hotel Pick-up and Start of the Trip: We begin early in the morning by picking you up directly from your hotel in Cusco. We board our tourist transport and start a journey of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes heading south to the district of Cusipata.
  • Breakfast in Cusipata and Transfer to Punta Carretera: Upon arrival in Cusipata, we enjoy a nutritious breakfast to recharge energy. Afterwards, we continue the journey for another hour along an unpaved road surrounded by beautiful Andean scenery until reaching Punta Carretera, the trailhead.
  • Trek to Waqrapukara Fortress: At Punta Carretera we make final preparations. We begin a hike of 1.5 to 2 hours (2.5 km). Along this relatively flat and uphill path, you will see Andean lagoons, unique rock formations, and typical puna flora.
  • Guided Visit and Exploration of Waqrapukara: We arrive at the impressive archaeological complex of Waqrapukara, an ancient sacred Inca religious sanctuary. Our professional guide will provide a full historical explanation. You will then have free time to explore its structures, plazas, take photos, and admire the surrounding canyon.
  • Return Hike, Buffet Lunch, and Return to Cusco: We hike back to Punta Carretera along the same route. Our transport will take us back to Cusipata, where a buffet lunch awaits. Finally, we return to Cusco, arriving approximately at 18:00 hrs.
Inclusions

Inclusions

What's included?

  • Briefing: Complete informational session one day before the tour to coordinate details.
  • Hotel Pick-up: Pick-up service included from hotels in Cusco’s historic center.
  • Transportation: Round-trip tourist transportation throughout the entire tour circuit.
  • Meals: One full breakfast and a delicious buffet lunch in Cusipata included.
  • Expert Tour Guide: Certified professional guide fluent in English and Spanish.
  • Medical Assistance: First aid kit and oxygen tank/bottle available for any emergency.

What's not included?

  • Soft drinks, bottled water, or additional snacks during the hike.
  • Optional tips for the guide and driver.
  • Optional horseback rental service (available in the local community).
  • Personal travel insurance for adventure activities.
Packing list

Packing list

Recommendations

Recommendations

  • Bring your original ID or valid passport.
  • It is essential to wear warm, waterproof, or thermal clothing (warm jacket, windbreaker, scarf, gloves, and wool hat).
  • It is strongly recommended to wear trekking shoes or sneakers with good grip.
  • Bring a small backpack for your camera, sunglasses, hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and a bottle of water.
  • From October to March (rainy season), it is mandatory to bring a plastic rain poncho or an extra waterproof jacket.
  • Bring cash, preferably in local currency (Peruvian soles), for personal expenses or souvenirs.
Faqs

Faqs

The archaeological site is located at a maximum altitude of 4,300 m.a.s.l. The hike is classified as moderate difficulty; the trail from Punta Carretera is only 2.5 km and takes between 1.5 to 2 hours. It is less physically demanding than the Vinicunca trek, but good prior acclimatization is required.

Since we reach elevations above 4,000 meters, we recommend resting in Cusco city or the Sacred Valley for at least 1 to 2 days before doing the hike to prevent altitude sickness (soroche).

Yes, at the starting point of the hike (Punta Carretera), some local community members offer horse rental services to help with the route. This service is not included in the standard price and must be paid directly in cash (Peruvian soles) to the locals.

Basic restroom facilities can be found at our Cusipata restaurant and near the entrance area of the Waqrapukara archaeological site, provided by the Ministry of Culture. There are no commercial restroom facilities along the rural hiking trail.

Pricing

Pricing

Group Rate

Tour to Waqrapukara in Cusco – 1 Day

Standard Group Service (Minimum 2 people – includes transportation, official guide, breakfast, buffet lunch in Cusipata, and oxygen assistance)

USD 80.00

Steps to reserve

1.Book easily through our form

2. Verify the information and complete the payment.

3. Receive your booking confirmation by email.

1. Book easily through our form

Press the Book Now button to access our booking system. There you will need to complete the following information:

  1. Date and alternative date of travel.
  2. Number of travelers.
  3. Traveler details.
  4. Additional services if desired.
  5. Contact details.
2. Verify the information and complete the payment.

After entering your details and continuing, you will need to accept the terms and conditions to proceed with the payment..

Payments are processed securely through the IZI PAY platform.

3. Receive your booking confirmation by email.
If your payment is processed successfully, you will receive a confirmation email with your booking details. That's it! It's that easy.
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