WAQRAPUCARA 1 DAY TOUR

Itinerary summary

The tour Waqrapucara starts from the city of Cusco.

• We start the tour with the pick up from your hotel in Cusco from 4:30 am.
• Travel by tourist bus to Cusipata to have breakfast.
• We will continue the trip to the village of Santa Lucia to start the hike to Waqrapucara.
• Guided in the archaeological site of Waqrapucara and return in the afternoon to Cusco.

Includes

• Previous interview before the tour to clear any doubts.
• Transfer from your hotel
• Tourist transportation
• Official bilingual tour guide
• Breakfast buffet and box lunch
• First aid kit.
• Entrance ticket to Waqrapucara (Complete plan)

Does not include

• Snacks
• Travel insurance
• Tickets: Tickets are only included in the complete plan.

NOTE: Tickets can be purchased at the same centers on the same day.

Complete Itinerary

The tour Waqrapucara allows you to know one of the tourist attractions that is strategically located in the Valley of Apurimac and Pomacanchis in the Cusco region at an altitude of 4104 meters above sea level, a place surrounded by a cultural landscape with many elements of wisdom and power, where two rocky protuberances arise with an architecture of carved stones adapted to the construction with circular walls, enclosures, squares and ceremonial spaces. Waqrapucara or also called by the inhabitants of the area as Llamapucara by the rocky protuberances very similar to the ears of the llamas to find evidence of cave paintings of this Andean animal is this place considered as a residence of the Inca nobility whose purposes were astronomical by its location and religious protected by watchtowers and subway roads. In a one day tour.

Our team will provide you with all the logistical details before the tour. At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off at a central location near the Plaza de Armas, ideal to continue exploring the city on your own or enjoy a local meal.

TOUR DESCRIPTION:

The Waqrapucara tour starts from the city of Cusco.

1. Pick up from your hotel in Cusco

We start this experience with the pick up from your hotel in Cusco city (3,399 m / 11,151 ft) from 04:30 am. Our comfortable and safe tourist transportation will take you to the south of the valley, heading to one of the lesser known archaeological jewels of Cusco.

2. Scenic drive to Cusipata

During the trip you will pass through rural landscapes, cultivated fields and small Andean villages where life goes on at the rhythm of tradition. The fresh air and the mountains that surround the road mark the perfect start to this cultural adventure.

3. Breakfast in Cusipata

In the district of Cusipata (3,310 m / 10,860 ft), we will stop to enjoy an Andean breakfast, with hot and energetic food that will prepare you for the rest of the day. It is also the ideal time to acclimatize and prepare yourself physically.

4. Further travel to St. Lucia

From Cusipata, we will continue along a rural road until we reach the community of Santa Lucía (approx. 3,800 m / 12,467 ft), the starting point of the trek. In this part of the journey you can already feel the presence of the Apurimac and the deep silence of the puna.

5. Hike to Waqrapukara

The hike starts in Santa Lucia and extends for approximately 8 kilometers one way, through natural trails that cross high altitude landscapes, canyons, grasslands and impressive rock formations. Along the way you will be able to observe alpacas, llamas, high Andean birds, and if you are lucky, even viscachas or condors.

The route ascends gently until you reach the archaeological site of Waqrapukara, located at 4,104 m / 13,465 ft of altitude. The setting is breathtaking: mountains plummeting into the Apurimac canyon, immense skies and a silence that commands respect.

6. Exploration of the archaeological complex of Waqrapukara

Once at the site, we will take a guided tour of the entire archaeological complex. You will see Inca walls, ceremonial enclosures, plazas, stairways, agricultural terraces and platforms, built in perfect harmony with the huge rock formations that resemble horns, giving the place its name (“Waqra” = horn, “Pukara” = fortress).

This place was probably a sacred sanctuary, astronomical observatory and center of spiritual power. The energy of the place is very special and you will feel the connection with the ancestral wisdom of the Andes.

7. Box lunch with canyon view

After the guided tour, we will enjoy a delicious box lunch in an area with a panoramic view.

8. Return hike to Santa Lucía

After a brief rest, we begin the return trip along the same route to Santa Lucía. The downhill trail allows us to enjoy the surroundings more calmly and take additional photographs. In the distance, the mountains seem to say goodbye with a last glimpse of the Inca sanctuary.

9. Return trip to Cusipata and Cusco

Once in Santa Lucía, we will board our vehicle and begin the return trip. There will be a brief stop in Cusipata to use restrooms or buy some local products if you wish, and then we continue to the city of Cusco, where this unique Andean experience ends and we will be at 18:00 hrs.

Recommendations

Recommendations for the tour to Waqrapucara

• Carry your identity card, passport or student card.
• Comfortable shoes
• Bring rain ponchos (October - March).
• Bring extra money
• Warm clothes
• Sunglasses and hat

Waqrapucara tour in new attraction check for availability

FLEXIBLE PLAN (without entrance fees)
Shared group price: US$ 40.00 per person.

COMPLETE PLAN (with entrance fees)
Shared group price: US$ 45.00  per person.

PRIVATE TOUR (all-inclusive)

Taking a private tour allows you to:

• Choose your tour start time
• Enjoy comfort in our new vehicles
• Professional bilingual English/Spanish tour guide
• Pickup from your hotel
• Extra stops at viewpoints that make this tour special.

Inquire about other languages ​​by emailing us at info@ukumariperutravel.com

Tickets can also be purchased in person at all points of visit; ticket prices are listed below.

• Ticket Waqrapucara (20 soles)

Payment Conditions

Advance Reservation:
Secure your spot by making a prepayment of 20% of the total tour cost.

Balance Payment in Cusco:
The remaining 80% is paid upon arrival in Cusco. We accept the following payment methods:
• Credit or debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.)
• MoneyGram
• Western Union
• Cash (recommended)

Important:
Payments made by card are subject to a 5% fee charged by the payment platform, which must be covered by the client.
Therefore, we recommend making the final payment in cash to avoid additional fees.

Frequently asked questions and answers about Waqrapucara Tour

1. What does Waqrapukara mean in Quechua?

It means “fortress with horns”, in reference to the two rock formations that crown the site and that look like giant horns.

2. Was Waqrapukara built by the Incas?

Yes, although it is believed that it was initially occupied by pre-Inca cultures such as the Canchis. Later, the Incas transformed it into a ceremonial and strategic control center.

3. Can I do this tour if I have never trekked before?

Yes, but it is advisable to have a moderate physical condition. The hike is not very technical, but the altitude may require more effort.

4. What kind of flora and fauna can I see along the way?

You will see ichu (high Andean grass), cactus, vizcachas, llamas, alpacas and birds such as the Andean caracara and possibly condors if you are lucky.

5. Do I need a special permit to enter Waqrapukara?

No. You only need the entrance ticket that can be paid on site or is included in the tour.

6. Is it a very visited site like Machu Picchu or the Colored Mountain?

No, and that is part of its charm. Waqrapukara is still a less crowded destination, ideal for those looking for quieter and more authentic places.

7. Is there shade during the hike?

Very little. The route is mostly outdoors, so it is recommended to bring a hat, sunscreen and water.

8. How cold is the weather in the area?

In the mornings and evenings it can drop to 0 °C (32 °F) or below. During the day it is usually mild if the sun is shining, but the wind can be strong.

9. Is it possible to camp in Waqrapukara?

Yes, although it is more common to do the tour during the day. If you wish to camp, you will have to coordinate with a specialized agency or do it on your own with a guide.

10. Is the trail clearly marked?

Not at all. That is why it is advisable to go with a guide or agency to avoid getting lost along the way.

11. Is Waqrapukara accessible all year round?

Yes, although during the rainy season (January-March) the terrain can become slippery. It is recommended to go between April and November.

12. Are there restrooms at the archeological site?

No. The closest restrooms are in Santa Lucía or Cusipata. Bring toilet paper and a bag for your waste.

13. Are there snacks or water for sale along the route?

Only in the communities of departure or return. Bring enough water, fruits and snacks from Cusco.

14. Are there stories or legends about Waqrapukara?

Yes, it is said that it was a sacred place where rituals were performed to the mountains and the Apurimac River, considered a living spirit.

15. Why is it considered a ceremonial center?

Because of the distribution of its plazas, altars, stairways and viewpoints, which are aligned with astronomical and power points.

16. Is there an option to go on horseback?

On some routes it is possible to rent a horse in advance, but it depends on the community. Prior arrangements must be made.

17. Is the site safe to visit?

Yes, it is a quiet area, with no social risks or dangers of aggressive fauna. Caution should only be taken when walking near the edges of the canyon.

18. Is it possible to visit with children?

Yes, if they are used to walking and take the necessary breaks. Children over 8 years old usually adapt well.

19. Was Waqrapukara an astronomical observatory?

Possibly. Some alignments indicate ceremonial use linked to the sun and Andean constellations.

20. What makes this place special compared to other Inca sites?

Its scenic location, its silence, its unexplored history and the energy of the place make it a unique and powerful jewel of the Andes.