Explore the hidden gem of Waqrapukara, a stunning archaeological site nestled in the Apurímac Canyon, on an unforgettable adventure with our Waqrapukara Tour. Waqrapukara is located just a few hours from the vibrant city of Cusco. The name means “Horned Fortress” in Quechua. It stands at an impressive 4,300 meters above sea level. (14,108 feet).
This high-altitude Inca and pre-Inca marvel showcases remarkable rock formations and breathtaking panoramic views. This makes it a must-see destination for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Our guided tour to Waqrapukara offers you a rare opportunity to explore a place that remains relatively untouched by mass tourism. As we set off from Cusco, we will pass through the scenic landscapes of the Sacred Valley and the Santa Lucía district. Here the adventure truly begins. You will hike to Waqrapukara, winding through ancient Inca trails, surrounded by towering cliffs and the awe-inspiring Apurímac Canyon.
The hike can be physically demanding due to the high altitude. Our experienced guides will ensure you acclimate properly to avoid altitude sickness. Trekking poles are also available to assist along the way.
Waqrapukara, once a spiritual and military site during the Inca Empire, boasts intricate stonework that blends seamlessly with its rugged surroundings. As we explore the ruins, you will feel the echoes of its ancient history, where pre-Inca and Inca civilizations once thrived. The entrance fee grants you access to the heart of this sacred site. Here the horn-like rock formations stand as a testament to the architectural genius of the Inca builders.
This tour provides an enriching cultural experience, similar to visiting Machu Picchu, but without the crowds. It’s the perfect day trip from Cusco for adventurers who love trekking and discovering historical wonders. With every step, you will uncover the layers of history embedded in the site of Waqrapukara, making this journey a unique and memorable addition to your Peruvian itinerary. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply curious about Peru’s rich past, the Waqrapukara Tour offers something for everyone.
Tour Waqrapukara Peru Includes
Tour Waqrapukara Peru Excludes
On the Waqrapukara Peru Tour, you can expect a day filled with adventure, history, and breathtaking scenery. The journey begins with a scenic drive from Cusco, taking you through picturesque Andean landscapes and the stunning Apurímac Canyon. Once we reach the trailhead, the hike to Waqrapukara will challenge you with its high-altitude terrain, but you will be rewarded with panoramic views and the awe-inspiring rock formations that make this site so unique. As we climb, our experienced guide will share fascinating stories about the site’s significance to both the pre-Inca and Inca civilizations.
When we arrive at Waqrapukara, you will explore the ancient fortress, marveling at its intricate stone structures, terraces, and ceremonial areas. The site’s remote location means fewer crowds, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in its peaceful and mystical atmosphere. After exploring and learning about its history, you’ll enjoy a relaxing lunch with unbeatable views before we begin our return trek. Expect a full day of trekking, cultural discovery, and stunning natural beauty that rivals the more famous Inca sites like Machu Picchu.
We will begin our Waqrapukara Tour early in the morning, picking you up from your hotel in Cusco. As we leave the city behind, the scenic landscapes of the Andes will unfold before us. The drive to the trailhead near Santa Lucia takes approximately three hours, offering breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley and the Apurímac Canyon along the way.
Once we reach the starting point, our hike to Waqrapukara will begin. The trek takes us through high-altitude terrain, reaching up to 4,300 meters (14,108 feet) above sea level. As we ascend, we will pass through beautiful Andean landscapes, with towering rock formations surrounding us. Our experienced guide will share insights into the history and culture of the region, explaining how “Waqra” means horn and “Pukara” means fortress in Quechua, the language of the Incas.
The hike is moderate, but the high altitude requires a steady pace. Along the trail, we will stop to rest and admire the stunning views of the Apurimac Canyon and the surrounding peaks. After about three to four hours of trekking, we will reach the archaeological site of Waqrapukara.
Once we arrive, we will explore the ancient fortress. Built on a steep mountain slope, Waqrapukara offers panoramic views that are simply spectacular. Our guide will take you through the stone structures, terraces, and temples. These were once part of this strategic military and religious center during the Inca Empire.
After taking in the beauty of the site and learning about its history, we will enjoy a packed lunch overlooking the canyon. We will then begin our descent, taking the same trail back to the starting point. By late afternoon, we will drive back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel in the evening.
The Waqrapukara Tour offers a unique blend of history, nature, and adventure. It’s a perfect way to immerse yourself in the lesser-known wonders of the Inca Empire while taking in the natural beauty of the Apurímac Canyon.
To get to Waqrapukara, you’ll start your journey from Cusco, which is the closest major city. Here’s a general guide on how to reach this hidden gem:
1.From Cusco to Santa Lucía: The most common route begins with a drive from Cusco to the small village of Santa Lucía. This drive takes about 3 hours and offers beautiful views of the Sacred Valley and Apurímac Canyon. You can arrange transportation through a tour operator or hire a private driver.
2.Santa Lucía to the Trailhead: Once in Santa Lucía, you will continue to the trailhead. Some tours or private drivers can take you directly to the starting point of the hike, which is located at a higher altitude.
3.Hike to Waqrapukara: The trek to Waqrapukara from the trailhead typically takes about 3 to 4 hours. The hike is moderate, but because of the high altitude (up to 4,300 meters / 14,108 feet), it’s essential to go at a steady pace. Along the way, you will pass through stunning Andean landscapes and gradually ascend to the ancient fortress.
For a more comfortable experience, many travelers opt for a guided tour, where transportation and guidance are all organized.
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EXCELLENT Based on 116 reviews Sebastian K2024-09-20Verified Perfection! Highly recommended!!! We did two tours with Luan Travel Peru.The first was a private tour to different places without guide. The driver was friendly, punctuak and drove save. The car was clean and spacious. 5/5 stars!The second tour was to Pallay Punchu. The driver arrived in time at 4:00 am. Both the driver and the guide were very nice and real gentlemen! The car was well maintained, clean and spacious. The driver drove save and secure. The guide was very cool and provided loads of interesting info. All we could hope for! Food that was provided was nice and the lunch was really cool in the middle of this amazing landscape! 6/5 stars!Thank you so much! Definitely highly recommended!!! We ll surely come back!Best regards,Lu and Sebastian Said I2024-02-09Verified Eventful short stay went to Cusco with limited time(3 days). Juan helped us a lot. First day atv tour second day machu picchu (Bus, Train and entry ticket included) at a great price. Daniella F2023-11-17Verified Rainbow Mountain Luan Travel Peru organized a spectacular Rainbow Mountain tour. Their guides were attentive and informartive, providing great insight into the area´s significance. The journey was a colourful as the destination, with top notch service from start to finish. Truly a memorable experience! Marc S2023-11-09Verified Rainbow Mountain Tour I had an amazing time on the Rainbow Mountain Trek with Luan Travel Peru! The natural beauty was beyond words, and our guides enthusiasm and expertise made the challenging hike incredibly rewarding. The team´s support and the well organised itinerary added to the unforgettable experience. Highly recommended. Eklavya P2023-10-31Verified Unmissable Breathtaking and unforgettable! The Rainbow Mountain Tour with Luan Travel Peru was spectacular. Professional guides, stunning landscapes, and a well planned journey. An absolute must-do! Sameera A2023-10-19Verified Rainbow Mountain magic with Luan Embarked on a full day Rainbow Mountain Tour with Luan Travel Peru. The sights, service, and expertise were unparalleled. A day to remember! Melissa B2023-10-18Verified Rainbow Mountain with Luan Travel Peru Undertook the Rainbow Mountain tour with Luan Travel Peru and it was a sheer delight! The natural splendor of the mountain was amplified by the meticulous planning and insightful knowledge of the team, Our guide was passionate and made the experience memorable with fascinating local tales and ensuring everyone´s comfort. Highly recommend Luan Travel peru for a seamless and unforgettable journey! Saul R2023-10-17Verified Rainbow Mountain Tour with Luan Took the Rainbow Mountain Tour with Luan travel and it was exceptional. Stunning vistas and top tier guidance made this a memorable journey. Two thumbs up. josh2023-10-14Verified Experience of a lifetime Our group embarked on the Choquequirao Trek with Luan Travel Peru and it was an expertice of a lifetime. The stunning landscapes, rich history, and the challenges of the trek were made even more memorable with the unparalleled guidance and support from the agency. For anyone looking to dive deep into the wonders of Peru, I really recommend this tour and travel agency. PrinceFredd2023-10-13Verified Magical 2-Day Inca Trail An enchanting 2-day Inca Trail journey to Machu Picchu with Luan Travel Peru. Compact, insightful, and utterly mesmerizing!