Waqrapukara full day trek

This tour is recommended for all travelers who want to disconnect from the city for a day. It includes a walk among the wonders of the Andes, crystalline lagoons, as well as the varied flora and fauna. To be rewarded with a panoramic view from the heights of the Waqrapukara Fortress. Therefore, we recommend that you enjoy this adventure without worries and leave everything in our hands!

• Departures: Every day.
• Duration: One day (4:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.). 
• Maximum altitude: Waqrapukara Fortress (4,140 masl).
• Distance of the trek: 18 km.
• Hiking time: 6 hours.
• Difficulty level: Medium - High.
• Type of tour: Hiking/Trekking.
• Group size: Less than 15 people per group.
• Location: Acomayo.

SHORT ITINERARY

Cusco - Cusipata - Pitumarca - Fortress of Waqrapukara - Campi - Cusco

• Pick up from your hotel.
• Transfer in tourist transport to Cusipata. Duration: 2 hours.
• Breakfast at this point.
• We continue by transportation to Qenterqocha - Pitumarca Lagoon. Duration: 1:30 hours.
• Beginning of the hike from this point to the Waqrapukara Fortress. Duration: 3 hours.
• Guided visit to the Waqrapukara Fortress.
• Return hike to the community of Campi. Duration: 3 hours. 
• Return in our transport to Cusco. Duration: 4 hours.

Note: The times indicated are only for reference

Day 1: Cusco - Cusipata - Pitumarca - Waqrapukara Fortress - Campi - Cusco

We will start our trip very early in the morning, picking you up from your hotel at the agreed time. This in order to be able to fulfill all our itinerary. We will travel in our transport to Cusipata town (3,310 meters above sea level). On the way we will observe the natural Andean landscapes that the south of Cusco offers us. Upon arrival we will have an energizing breakfast that will allow us to be prepared for the trek. We will continue with the trip until we reach the Pitumarca village, located in the province of Acomayo (3,219 masl).

At this point we will find the Qentercocha Lagoon, our guide will give us some indications and from here we will start our hike. We will hike for 3 hours by a natural path that in many parts will be flat and in others certainly steep. We will observe immense almost golden grasslands, which contrast with the green vegetation of the Andes, wetlands and rock formations that are in the surroundings, which look like giant guardians that would have been petrified with the passage of time. If we are lucky we may see vicuñas along the way.

When we are in the last stretch of our hike, we will be able to appreciate from afar, the Waqrapukara Fortress (4,300 meters above sea level), an incredible construction, in contrast with the sky and the valley that surrounds it. Once in this archaeological jewel, we will make a guided tour, we will see the surrounding terraces and continue climbing until we reach the top, where we can observe the large rock formations that resemble horns. At this point it seems like you are very close to heaven and you will receive all the mystical energy that emanates from this enigmatic place. Then we will enjoy our box lunch.

The return hike, which will last 3 hours, will also be another memorable part of the trip, as we will take another route to enjoy more of this experience. On the way we will get the best panoramic images of the Apurimac Canyon. We will also see tombs of great antiquity, cave paintings and a lot of wildlife, you can see viscachas, Andean foxes and if you have some luck, condors. At the end of this hike we will arrive to Campi village. At this point our transportation will be waiting for us to return to Cusco. The trip will last approximately 4 hours.

Note: The times indicated are only for reference

HIGHLIGHTS

Waqrapukara, mysterious fortress

It is said that this archeological center would have functioned as a sanctuary and fortress. In pre-Inca times, it would have belonged to the Qanchi ethnic group and later to the Incas who rebuilt and expanded the area. In the place there are terraces, passages, enclosures with double jamb doors and triple jamb. It is recognized as Cultural Patrimony of the Nation. 

The stone giants

On the way you can see rock formations that are anchored to the mountains. They really look like gigantic guardians that would be guarding this entire canyon and especially the entrance to the fortress. In other cases, these structures look like small castles that resemble scenes from science fiction movie.

Wildlife 

In this trip we can find a variety of animals that inhabit this part of the Andes. We will be able to observe llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, foxes, wild birds, viscachas and if possible deer and condors. These species live in the area, due to the presence of lagoons, wetlands, immense grasslands and the nature of the place.

OPTIONAL - 2 DAYS

We leave you these options that you can add to the Waqrapukara Tour:

PRIVATE SERVICE:

• You can take the Waqrapukara Tour - 2 days, which includes a camping. Choosing this option, you will enjoy the sunrise very close to this fortress, the images in the morning hours are incredible!
• You can choose the Waqrapukara Tour - 2 days - 7 Colors Mountain.
• You can choose the Waqrapukara Tour - 2 days - Palccoyo.

For more information about these options, please contact us. We will be happy to customize your trip:

INCLUDED:

• Pick up service from your hotel.
• Transfer in tourist transport Cusco - Pitumarca - Campi - Cusco.
• Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English).
• 1 breakfast.
• 1 Box Lunch.
• First aid kit, including oxygen.
• Walking stick for the hike.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Entrance fee to Waqrapukara Fortress. 
• Tips.
• Travel insurance.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

What should we bring for our trip?

In our hike to Waqrapukara Fortress, we can find varied climates for that reason we recommend you to bring:

General:

• Passport or Identification Document.
• Trekking shoes.
• Light backpack to carry personal belongings. Preferably with a rain cover.
• Cell phone/camera.
• Portable charger.
• Personal snacks (water, dried fruits, etc.).
• Personal medications.

For the cold or rain:

• Warm clothing: warm jacket, polo shirt and thermal pants, gloves, socks, etc.
• Waterproof clothing/rain poncho.

For sun:

• Sunscreen.
• Sunglasses.
• Hat.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Here are some recommendations for you to consider before your trip to the Horned Fortress - Waqrapukara:

• We recommend you to be acclimatized to the altitude of Cusco before doing this tour. You should spend at least two days in the city. You can previously do other tours such as the Cusco City tour, Machu Picchu or Sacred Valley.
• We will pick you up very early in the morning from your hotel and hike for approximately 6 hours. For this reason, we recommend that the day before the trip you avoid drinking alcoholic beverages or partying.
• Although this trip can be done in the two most important seasons of the year, it is best to go between the months of March and October.
• You must be in good physical condition to be able to do this tour, since you will have to hike for approximately 6 hours.
• This trip is not recommended for people with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.

Private service: the price depend of the number of people.