Itinerary
Discover what awaits you in the WAQRAPUKARA TREK – 1 DAY
day 1
WAQRAPUKARA
The horn-shaped Inca fortress.
We hike through high Andean landscapes to Waqrapukara, one of the most enigmatic and least visited Inca temples in Cusco, above the Apurímac canyon.
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Pick-up and breakfast in Cusipata
By tourist transport, approx. 2 hours · Cusco → Cusipata → Santa Lucía
We pick you up very early at your hotel in Cusco. On the way we stop in Cusipata for a semi-buffet breakfast and then continue to Santa Lucía, the starting point of the hike.
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Hike to Waqrapukara
On foot, approx. 2 hours 40 minutes uphill · Santa Lucía → Waqrapukara viewpoint
We climb at a relaxed pace among towering mountains, deep ravines and striking rock formations, in the silence of the Andes.
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Waqrapukara viewpoint
Photo stop · Waqrapukara viewpoint
From the viewpoint you can see the whole archaeological complex, guarded by two huge horn-shaped rock formations, a symbol of power and spirituality in the Andean worldview.
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Waqrapukara Fortress Highlight
Guided visit · Waqrapukara archaeological complex
We walk down into the heart of the complex to explore its Inca terraces, sacred enclosures and walls. Your guide tells you about the history, symbols and mysteries of this site, revered as a center of worship and power in Inca times.
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Descent, lunch and return to Cusco
On foot and by tourist transport · Waqrapukara → Santa Lucía → Cusipata → Cusco
We start the descent and drive to Cusipata, where a traditional semi-buffet lunch awaits. Then we return to Cusco, arriving in the evening.
Day details
- Hike: Approx. 5 km (3.11 miles) round trip, about 4 hours in total
- Altitude: 3,700 m / 12,139 ft (Santa Lucía) – 4,300 m / 14,108 ft (Waqrapukara viewpoint)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Meals: Semi-buffet breakfast and lunch
A little-visited Inca fortress, high Andean landscapes and the Apurímac canyon in a single day. Want to see another gem of southern Cusco? Discover the Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge and 4 Lagoons 1 Day.
What is this day like? check our photos
Includes
Guide, transport and safety
- Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco.
- Tourist transport: Round trip.
- Professional bilingual guide: Spanish or English.
- First aid kit.
Meals
- Semi-buffet breakfast in Cusipata.
- Semi-buffet lunch in Cusipata.
Not include
Entrance fees
- Entrance to Waqrapukara.
Other
- Drinks and meals not mentioned.
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses.
Prices WAQRAPUKARA TREK – 1 DAY
Rates per person
Traveling soon? We recommend booking early to secure your date, but we have daily departures and, depending on the date, you can also book just a few days ahead. Ask us about availability.
Need accommodation in Cusco?
Our team will help you find the best option for your stay.
Packaging list
- Documents: Passport and/or ID card.
- Warm clothing in layers: Jacket, gloves and hat (it is cold and strong winds are common). In the rainy season, a waterproof jacket.
- Footwear: Hiking shoes or your most comfortable shoes, with good grip (the trail is rocky and slippery in some sections).
- Sun protection: Sunscreen, UV sunglasses and a cap (radiation is intense at high altitude).
- Water and energy snacks.
- Cash: For the Waqrapukara entrance, personal expenses and handicrafts.
Recomendations
- Acclimatize first: Spend at least one day in Cusco before the tour so the change in altitude is less abrupt and to prevent altitude sickness. When you arrive at your hotel, rest a little before you start exploring the city. Some travelers take altitude sickness pills.
- Mind the altitude: The hike reaches 4,300 m (14,108 ft). Stay hydrated and avoid physical effort before the trip.
- Basic fitness: No athletic training is needed. The climb is gradual and done at a relaxed pace.
- Walk carefully: Some uphill sections are steep and the trail is rocky.
- Rainy season: From November to March the trail can be slippery. Bring rain gear, shoes with good grip and, if you have them, trekking poles.
- Best time to go: The dry season, from April to October, has less rain and clearer views.
- Bring cash: The Waqrapukara entrance is not included.
- Limited signal: There is almost no signal on the hike and at Waqrapukara. Let your family know in advance.
F.A.Qs
What does “Waqrapukara” mean?
It comes from Quechua (also spelled Huacrapucará) and means “horn-shaped fortress”, after the two rock formations that frame this Inca complex.
What is the tour like?
It combines stretches by tourist transport with a hike to the Inca fortress of Waqrapukara, through high Andean landscapes and historic trails, above the Apurímac canyon.
Which places do we visit?
The hike from Santa Lucía, the Waqrapukara viewpoint and the guided visit to the fortress, with panoramic views of the Apurímac canyon.
How long is the hike and how many kilometers is it?
About 5 km (3.11 miles) round trip, around 4 hours in total, of which about 2 hours 40 minutes are uphill. Times depend on each person’s pace and adaptation to the altitude.
How difficult is the tour?
Moderate. The hike is a gradual climb, so basic fitness and acclimatizing in Cusco first are recommended.
Do I need to be in good shape?
No athletic training is needed, but you do need basic fitness. We walk at a relaxed pace to enjoy the scenery.
What is the altitude of the tour?
Between 3,700 m (12,139 ft) at Santa Lucía and 4,300 m (14,108 ft) at the Waqrapukara viewpoint. The archaeological complex is at about 4,140 m (13,583 ft). That is why it is important to acclimatize in Cusco first.
Can I get altitude sickness?
Yes, you may feel mild discomfort such as headache, tiredness or dizziness. We recommend resting in Cusco beforehand, staying well hydrated and avoiding physical effort before the trip.
Is the tour safe?
Yes. A professional guide accompanies you the whole way. Even so, walk carefully on some uphill sections because of the slope.
Is this tour for me?
It is ideal if you want a quiet experience away from the crowds and enjoy nature, history and Andean scenery. You only need basic fitness and good acclimatization.
Is it a good place to avoid the crowds?
Yes. Waqrapukara is one of the least crowded destinations in Cusco, so you can explore its landscapes, cliffs and Inca structures at your own pace.
When is the best time to go?
From April to October, in the dry season, when there is less rain, hiking is easier and the views are clearer.
Does the tour run in the rainy season?
Yes, it runs all year, including November to March. In those months the trail can be more slippery and some sections more demanding, so we recommend rain gear, shoes with good grip and trekking poles.
What should I bring?
Warm clothing in layers, a waterproof jacket, hiking shoes, sunscreen, a cap, water and cash for personal expenses. You will find the full list in the What to bring tab.
Is there cell phone signal?
It is limited for most of the route, especially on the hike and at Waqrapukara. We recommend letting your family or contacts know in advance.
How does the booking process work?
1. Availability check: Write to us at info@sakuraexpedition.com or on WhatsApp at +51 941 411 418 to check your dates. We will send you a booking form that each participant must complete.
2. Traveler details: To manage the booking we need, exactly as shown in the passport, full name, gender, passport number, date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) and nationality.
3. Deposit: Once we receive the forms, we ask for a guarantee deposit per person. We recommend booking early, as spaces sell out quickly.
4. Final confirmation: Once the booking is confirmed, you will receive the official invoice and your place will be 100 % guaranteed.
Do you have more questions?
Message us on WhatsApp at +51 941 411 418 or email info@sakuraexpedition.com. We will help you plan your experience. With Sakura Expedition, your satisfaction is guaranteed.
