Waqrapukara Hike 2D/1N

Category: Adventure, culture, trekking, and ecology
Duration: 2 days
Languages: English, Spanish
Seasons Available: Year-round, April through November especially recommended
Minimum Group Size: 6 people
Maximum Group Size: 16 people
Maximum Altitude: 4,300 meters (14,103 ft)

Itinerary of the Waqrapukara Hike 2D/1N:

Day 1: Cusco – Pitumarca – Wakra Pukara

Your day begins with pickup from your hotel or hostel between 7:00 and 7:30 am. We will drive for about two and a half hours into the valley south of Cusco until we reach the small village of Pitumarca. Here, we will meet up with the horses who will carry our camping equipment and their wranglers and make any final necessary preparations for our trek.

As we begin our walk across the rolling peaks and ridge of the Andes, you will be surrounded by a savage, yet magical landscape filled with incredible rock formations, pristine glacial lakes, and diverse flora and fauna.

In the afternoon, we will round a bend and suddenly see the ruins perched on the canyon edge before us. From this point, it is about another half an hour downhill to reach the fortress, where we will explore this incredible archeological site, with its stunning views of the surrounding Apurimac canyon. We will set up our campsite here and relax together before settling in for the night.

• Total Walking Distance: 6 km (3 miles)
• Total Walking Time: Approximately 3 hours
• Campsite Altitude: 4,300 meters (14,103 ft)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Weather: Cold and windy

Day 2: Wakra Pukara – Cusco

When you wake up, you will eat breakfast amidst the serene beauty of the mountain morning, before exploring the ruins of Wakra Pukara with your guide. The fortress´s huge stone slabs soar above the canyon walls, while the sun illuminates the sacred Inti Punku.

Together, you´ll explore the Sun and Moon Enclosures, Viracocha temple, towers, main plaza, walkway system, and even some cave paintings of llamas! Hours away from Cusco and its many tourists, you´ll feel as though you´ve fallen back in time.

After exploring, we will return along the same trail we came, back to the vehicle at Pitumarca. We will arrive in Cusco at approximately 7:00 pm.

• Total Walking Distance: 10km (6 miles)
• Total Walking Time: Approximately six to seven hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Weather: Cold and windy

Price of the Waqrapukara Hike 2D/1N:

600.00 soles per person

Included in Waqrapukara Hike 2D/1N:

• Round trip transportation from Cusco to Pitumarca
• English/Spanish-speaking professional guide
• Personal sleeping pad (double foam)
• Personal tents: two people in each 4, people-capacity tent, to allow for higher comfort and a safe keeping of backpacks
• Cook and cooking equipment
• Entrance ticket to Wakra Pukara
• Two lunches, one dinner, two breakfasts
• Vegetarian food available on request with no extra charge
• Wake up tea at the campsite
• First aid equipment
• Horses and wranglers to carry 7kg of your personal belongings and camping equipment

Not Included in the Waqrapukara Hike 2D/1N:

• Snacks
• Tips for the guide, cook, driver, and wranglers

What to brings to the Waqrapukara Hike 2D/1N:

• Small daypack or backpack (approximately  40L)
• Comfortable, lightweight trekking clothes or activewear (layers recommended)
• Comfortable waterproof, 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 Waqrapukara Hike 2D/1N:

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.

Should I bring extra water?

Water is provided at meals. However, you should also carry one or two refillable water bottles with you to prevent dehydration.

How far in advance should I book my tour?

We recommend that you book your tour approximately two weeks in advance. This allows us enough time to arrange your transportation, meals, and campsites to your satisfaction.

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

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

What meals are included? Is there a vegetarian option?

You will receive two lunches, one dinner, and one breakfast included in your tour. Vegetarian options are available, vegan option 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.

Are sleeping bags included?

No, sleeping bags are not included in the cost of this tour. However, they are available to rent for $20.00 from our agency.

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 4,300 meters (14,103 ft) above sea level.

How warm are the sleeping bags that you rent?

Our sleeping bags are rated for temperatures as low as -10°C, but are more suitable for temperatures of about -5°C. Since you won’t find temperatures as low as this on the trek, we rate them as very warm and cozy! We charge US$20 per person for the whole trek.

If I am travelling alone, can I have my own tent?

If you are travelling alone and are willing to share a tent with a member of the same sex, then there is no additional cost. If, however, you would like your own tent, then there is an additional supplement of US$40.

Is transportation to and from the Cusco airport included?

No, transportation to and from the airport is not included in your tour. Please plan accordingly.

What vaccines do I need for my trip? Will I need malaria pills?

Before traveling to Peru, you should consult your doctor. Routine vaccines, Hepatitis A, and typhoid vaccines are recommended for most travelers by the CDC. Some travelers may also need vaccines for Hepatitis B, rabies, and yellow fever. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should also be advised that the Zika virus is present in Peru.

Malaria pills are not necessary for these treks.

Do you recommend a rain poncho, or is a rain jacket okay?

The rainy season in Cusco is generally from November to April, when there are near-daily showers and the ground—especially in trekking areas—is wet and muddy. However, there are occasional showers throughout the rest of the year; you should always pack a rain jacket, regardless of when you plan to visit. For treks, a rain poncho is highly recommended—since you will be walking through rain for potentially several hours without shelter, a poncho will be much more effective at keeping all of your belongings and your base layers warm and dry. Waterproof shoes are also strongly recommended.

Do I need walking poles?

Although not required, walking poles are recommended for any trekkers worried about joint stress or balance. They also are quite helpful in providing stability and leverage on especially steep climbs and descents. If you do not have poles or are unsure how to use them, we are able to rent them to you and provide instruction.