Waqra Pukara and Q’eswachaka Tour 2D/1N

• Places visited on the first day: Cusco, Pitumarca, Wakra Pukara
• Places visited on the second day: Combapata Overlook, Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge, Pampamarca, Asnacqocha, Acopía and Pomacanchi Lagoons.
• Category: Adventure, culture, trekking, and ecology
• Duration: 2 days
• Languages: English, Spanish
• Seasons Available: Year-round, April through November especially recommended

Itinerary of the Waqra Pukara and Q’eswachaka Tour 2D/1N:

Day 1: Cusco – Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge – The Four Lagoons – Cusco

The tour begins with the pick-up from your accommodation between 4:30 and 4:45 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. Once the whole group is gathered, around 5:00 am, we will start our journey in our tourist transportation.

We will then have a one and hals  hours of  van journey to the town of Cusipata, where we will have our Semi Buffet breakfast . After this will continue drive for 25 minutes until we will get the Combapata viewpoint, from which we will enjoy the beautiful landscapes and see where the Salcca River meets the Vilcanota, the Sacred River of the Incas.

Then, we will continue our journey to Yanaoca, one of the eight districts in the Canas province of Cusco. From Yanaoca, we will drive for one  more hour to the Q’ewe district. From there, you will have your first glimpse of the ancient bridge suspended between the steep rock cliffs, as we drive down the Apurimac canyon.

We will then leave the van and descend a steep path to a viewpoint to take photos, before carefully crossing the bridge together! Get ready for the adrenaline rush of a lifetime as you make your way across the suspension bridge, and try not to look too closely at the river several meters below! On the other side, the bridge attendant will greet us and give a brief demonstration of the bridge’s history and construction.

After visiting the bridge, we will drive to the region’s where the four famous lakes are: Pampamarca, Asnacqoccha, Acopia, and Pomacanchi. Set like jewels among the gold-green hills, they shine in the warm, afternoon sun as native flamingos and other birds fly and feed around their edges. We will then continue driving to Cusipata where will have our Semi buffet Lunch, after lunch, we will continue our return trip to Cusco City, arriving approximately 5:00 pm.

• Tour Start Time: 4:30am to 5:00am
• Tour End Time: Approximately 4:30pm
• Difficulty: Easy
• Weather: Warm and sunny, breezy by the lagoons
• Minimum Group Size: At least 6 people are required for this tour
• Maximum Altitude: 3,800 meters (12,467 ft)

Day 2:  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.

• Tour Start Time: Approximately 4:30 am to 5:00am
• Tour End Time: Approximately 6:00 pm
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Total Walking Time: 2 hours
• Weather: Cool and breezy
• Maximum Altitude: 4,087 meters (13,408 ft)

Price of the Waqra Pukara and Q’eswachaka Tour 2D/1N:

Included in the Waqrapukara and Q’eswachaka Tour 2D/1N:

• Pick-up from your accommodation and drop-off near the main square
• Professional, bilingual tour guide
• Round trip transportation between Cusco, Q’eswachaka, and Wakra Pukara
• We use private buses and minivans, which are very comfortable and come with all necessary safety features. Our driver has several years of experience and is an expert at navigating the narrow mountain roads.
• Breakfast and lunch during the Q’eswachaka tour (vegetarian options available)
• Breakfast and box  lunch during the Wakra Pukara hike (vegetarian options available)
• First aid kit (includes emergency oxygen tank)

Not Included in the Waqrapukara and Q’eswachaka Tour 2D/1N:

• Entrance fees to Q’eswachaka (20.00 soles per person for foreigners)
• Entrance fees Wakra Pukara  (20.00 soles per person for foreigners)
• Dinners
• Tips for the guide and driver
• One night in a Cusco hotel or hostel

What to Bring to the Waqrapukara and Q’eswachaka Tour 2D/1N:

• Small daypack or backpack (approximately 20L)
• Comfortable, lightweight trekking clothes or activewear (layers recommended)
• Comfortable, sturdy 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
• Insect repellent
• 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 nuevos soles)

Faq of the Waqra Pukara and Q’eswachaka Tour 2D/1N:

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 your 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 are Wakra Pukara and Q´eswachaka located?

Q´eswachaka is located about four hours south of Cusco by car, at the Apurimac River. Wakra Pukara is an ancient fortress located on a mountaintop above the same river.

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

At Inka Trail Backpacker, 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.

Can I cross the bridge?

Yes! All visitors are welcome and encouraged to cross the bridge; however, this is not recommended for visitors with vertigo.

What is the length of the Q’eswachaka Bridge?

The bridge is approximately 28 meters (99 feet) long and 1.2 meters (4 feet) wide.

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? Is there a vegetarian option?

All meals 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 4087 meters above sea level.