Waqrapukara Full Day Hike

• Category: Adventure, culture, ecology, and trekking
• Duration: 1 day
• Difficulty: Moderate (day-long trek with terrain which gently rises and falls)
• Languages: English, Spanish
• Tour Start Time: Between 3:00 and 3:30 am
• Tour End Time: Approximately 6:00 pm
• Minimum Group Size: 3 people
• Seasonal Availability: Year-round, April-November recommended
• Maximum Altitude: 4,140 m / 13,583 ft.
• Weather: Cold in the morning; hot and sunny at midday; chilly wind towards evening. Layered clothing adaptable to different conditions is highly recommended.

Itinerary of the Waqrapukara Full Day Hike:

Cusco | Cusipata – Pomacanchi – Santa Lucia – Waqrapukara – Cusco

In the morning, we will pick you up from your accommodation at approximately 4:30 – 500 am. If your hotel or hostel is not located in the city center, we will pick you up from the doorway of our office building. We will begin the one and a half hour drive towards Cusipata where we will eat our semi buffet breakfast. We will continue bordering the shimmering Pomacanchi lagoon, one of the largest in the area. This beautiful lagoon is also flanked all over by pastures and plenty of local agricultural fields

After that, we’ll follow our route for one hour and a half along an unpaved road until the town of Santa Lucía, witnessing some amazing scenery all around and even looking at the lagoon in the distance

From the town, we’ll take a final 15-min drive to our hike’s starting point. There, you’ll have time to get your things together before we start. The hike to Waqra Pukara  is one and half hour, observing the magnificent Apurimac Canyon, one of the deepest in Peru, and the dramatic landscapes studded with cliffs along the way.

Once we arrive at the Waqra Pukara Overlook, we will pause briefly to take our first photos of this incredible fortress perched on the edge of a canyon. We will then descend for 10  minutes along a steep, cliffside path into the site itself, while the Apurimac River runs swiftly below.

We will explore the ruins for approximately an hour and a half, climbing through the remains of the temple, taking photos against the incredible canyon scenery, and resting on clifftops in the shadows of the stone walls. When the group is ready, we will begin the ascent back the way we came. We will reach the van and  after about  one and half hour of hiking, and return to Cusco at approximately 7:00 pm.

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Price of the tour Waqrapukara Full Day Hike:

Included in the Waqrapukara Trek:

• Pick-up from your accommodation and drop-off near the main square
• Round trip transportation between Cusco and Waqra Pukara
• English/Spanish-speaking professional guide
•  Semi Buffet Breakfast in Cusipata
• Semi Buffet at Lunch(vegetarian option available)
• First aid kid

Not Included in the Waqrapukara Full Day Hike:

• Tips for your tour guide and driver
• Dinner
• Entrance fee to Wakra Pukara (20 soles per person)

What to the Bring to the Waqrapukara Full Day Hike:

• Hiking boots
• Small daypack or backpack (approximately 20L)
• Comfortable, lightweight trekking clothes or activewear (layers recommended)
• Comfortable  hiking shoes with good ankle support and traction
• Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
• Warm coat
• Hat and gloves
• Hand sanitizer
• Sun hat or cap
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Water (at least 1L)
• Personal medications
• Muscle relaxers
• Painkillers or anti inflammatories
• Bandaids (especially those designed for blisters)
• Toilet paper
• Camera
• Cash (in small denominations of Peruvian nuevo soles)

Faqs of the tour Waqrapukara Full Day Hike:

Health and Safety: All of our participants are required to inform us of any illness or injury which could affect them or the group during the tour. Although our guides carry first aid kits, we strongly recommended that you bring any personal medications you may need. We also suggest that you consult your doctor before reserving this tour.

Where to Store Your Things: Anything you do not want to bring with you on the tour can be safely left in your accommodation. Most hotels and hostels have safes to protect your belongings. However, if you do not feel comfortable leaving your things there, you may also bring them to our office for safekeeping during the tour.

Where is Wakra Pukara located?

Wakra Pukara is located about three hours south of Cusco by van, in Apurimac Canyon.

Are all activities on the tour mandatory? How flexible are itineraries?

We are committed to providing your ideal experience in Peru. Therefore, if there are any adjustments you would like to make to reflect your fitness level, lifestyle, or personal interests, we are happy to help! Our itineraries are reasonably flexible and activities can be removed or substituted as necessary.

Should I bring extra water?

Water is provided at meals. However, you should also carry a refillable water bottle with you to prevent dehydration.

How far in advance should I book my tour?

We recommend that you book your trek approximately one to two weeks in advance. This allows us to arrange for you to have the best possible transportation, guides, and meals during your tour.

How much time will I need to acclimate to the altitude before my tour?

We recommend at least two days in Cusco to sufficiently acclimate before the tour begins.

What meals are included? Are there vegetarian options?

Breakfast and lunch on the trek are included. Vegetarian options are available; however, vegan options are not.

Should I tip the guides? How much is appropriate?

A tip is customary, but the amount is at your discretion. Whatever you feel is appropriate based on the service you have received is fine; please remember to always be courteous and respectful with our guides.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

All of our guides are bilingual and speak both Spanish and English.

What is the highest point on this hike?

The highest elevation on this hike is 4,500 meters above sea level.