Waqrapukara Tour – Waqrapukara Peru

Availability Daily departures
Transporte Hotel pickup
Tour Guide Tour guide included
Available languages Spanish, English & Portuguese
Service type Shared service
Cancellation policy Non-refundable
Maximum altitude 4,300 m.a.s.l.
Difficulty Moderate

Discover the majesty of the Andes with the Waqrapukara Tour – Waqrapukara Peru. We will walk along trails surrounded by mountains, rivers, and deep valleys while enjoying breathtaking panoramas. This hike blends nature, history, and culture in a single day.

During the journey, we will admire Andean flora and fauna as we ascend to more than 4,300 meters above sea level. Along the way, we will see local communities and landscapes that reflect daily life in the high Andes. The pure air and open views will make every step worthwhile.

Upon arrival at the archaeological site, we will explore the imposing stone structures shaped like horns—unique in their kind. We will learn about Inca architecture and how it adapted to the natural environment. There will be plenty of opportunities to take spectacular photos while connecting with the history and cultural legacy of the region.

This tour is ideal for adventurers looking for a challenge and wishing to experience both nature and Peru’s historical heritage. The Waqrapukara Tour – Waqrapukara Peru offers a full day of excitement, discovery, and unforgettable experiences.

Highlight places

Waqrapukara – Caminata Andina 4300 m – Cultura Inca – Paisajes espectaculares – Aventura única.

Itinerary

Day 01 Cusco – Cusipata – Santa Lucía – Waqrapukara – Cusco

We will begin early, between 4:30 and 5:30 a.m., with hotel pickup from the Historic Center of Cusco. Our journey starts by road toward Cusipata, where we will enjoy a nutritious breakfast before continuing. This first stop will give us the energy needed for the hike ahead.

Next, we will head to Santa Lucía, also known as Punta Carretera, in our tourist transport. Here we will take some time to get ready before starting the trek. This is the perfect moment to adjust backpacks, boots, and gear while breathing in the pure Andean air and admiring the landscapes.

We will then begin our hike to Waqrapukara, an Inca fortress shaped like horns. The ascent will take us along trails with panoramic views of the valley and snowy peaks. Along the way, we can photograph native flora and unique rock formations while appreciating the stunning integration of Inca architecture with the natural surroundings.

Upon arrival, we will explore the stone structures and learn about the history of the Qanchis people of Cusco. We will see platforms, terraces, and walls that demonstrate the Incas’ advanced engineering. There will be time to enjoy the scenery and capture memorable images of the canyon and nearby peaks. Our expert guide will share fascinating insights about this ancestral site.

After the visit, we will return to the starting point of the trek to enjoy our box lunch. We will have a chance to rest, recharge, and share experiences from the hike. Finally, we will board our tourist transport back to Cusco, admiring the last views of the Andes along the way. We will arrive at the Plaza de Armas around 6:15 p.m., closing our tour filled with history, nature, and adventure.

Details

Distance walked

12 km
Maximum altitude

4,300 msnm
Minimum altitude

2,900 msnm
Route

Cusco – Cusipata – Santa Lucía – Waqrapukara – Cusco
Difficulty level

Moderate to challenging

Important note: Schedules are for reference only. One day before the tour, our operations team will contact you to reconfirm the schedules.

Inclusions

What’s Included

Professional guide
Round-trip transportation
Breakfast and box lunch (vegetarian option available)
First aid kit (includes emergency oxygen tank)

Tips for guide and driver
Entrance fee to Waqrapukara (approx. 10 soles per person)
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Additional snacks or drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
Trekking poles (available for rent if needed)

Recommendations

Important Recommendations

Wear proper hiking boots
Acclimate to the altitude before the tour
Bring a waterproof jacket and travel light
Bring snacks like nuts for the trail
Sunscreen and hat
Hiking poles (optional, recommended)
Bring enough water to stay hydrated
Wear light and warm clothing

Legal and safety requirements before traveling

Frequently asked questions

What is Waqrapukara?

It is a pre-Inca and Inca fortress, originally called Llaqta Pukara, where the Qanchi leader and his family lived. It was also used as an astronomical observatory and as a sanctuary to the god Tecsi Pachacamac Wiraqocha.

Who built this fortress?

It was initially built by the Qanchi ethnic group during the Auqarunas period, between 1500 and 1000 B.C. The current structure belongs to the Inca era, built during the reign of Inca Wayna Qhapaq, with the participation of architects of that government, including Qanchimachu and Ttito Q’osñipa.

How much is the entrance fee to Waqrapukara?

The entrance fee to the fortress is about 10 soles.

What is the difficulty level of the hike?

The hike is considered moderate. The total walking distance (round trip) is approximately 5 km.

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Hear from Those Who Have Experienced the Magic of Our Tours

4.9 out of 5 from more than 1,200 reviews

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Carmelo G.

jun. 2026 • Parejas

Fue una linda experiencia y un servicio muy profesional de la agencia.

VIAJANDO CON GATITOS

jul. 2026

Recomendamos al 100% la agencia Machu Picchu Peru Tours. Nos atendieron desde el momento en que llegamos y estuvieron pendientes de nosotros durante todo el viaje. La atención al cliente fue excelente, siempre muy amables y atentos. Los hoteles fueron muy buenos y todos los servicios estuvieron muy bien organizados. Sin duda, una excelente opción para conocer Cusco y Machu Picchu. ¡Muchas gracias por hacer de nuestro viaje una experiencia inolvidable!

Agostina Z.

ago. 2026

Muy linda experiencia! El traslado y el guía estuvieron muy bien. Es una caminata exigente pero muy bonita. Estaría bueno tener una media hora más para recuperarse y subir hasta la cima donde salen mejores fotos. Al menos con mi estado físico no me dio el aire para hacer todo tan rápido!

Waqrapukara Tour – Waqrapukara Peru

Itinerary