arqueotrekkingperu

Waqrapukara 01 day

Highly recommended tour
4.5/5

Description

How about getting away from the city and the big crowds to visit a unique place off the beaten path? The one-day tour to WAQRAPUKARA is the best option to enjoy some peace and quiet. 

WAQRAPUKARA is a new tourist attraction that remains almost unexplored until today, which preserves great beauty and natural charm. The tour is ideal for those seeking spirituality that immerses themselves in a sea of ​​tours. 

Waqrapukara in Runasimi “waqra” means horn and “pukara” means fortress. Looking at the photograph, the name is more than eloquent. But the shepherds of the communities of Acos, south of the city of Cusco, also know it as Llamapukara: “they are not horns – they say – they are the little ears of a llama that is alert to the presence of outsiders.” Despite its almost impregnable location on top of a peak, which overlooks the Apurimac River canyon at 4,000 meters above sea level, it offers spectacular views of the Apurimac River and the Andes mountain range and the night sky. Perhaps you will find the reason why its ancient builders chose this magical and mysterious place.

The most important thing

  • Reach the top of Waqrapukara mountain.
  • Discover the beauty of the Andes.
  • Exceed your limits and a new challenge.
Includes
  • Round trip transportation.
  • Professional guide.
  • First aid kit. 
  • Breakfast – lunch.
Not Included
  • Personal expenses.
  • Gifts, souvenirs.
  • Not mentioned.

Detailed Itinerary

This intrepid day-long adventure starts bright and early. We’ll pick you up at your hotel around 4:30 a.m. and begin the two-hour drive to the town of Cusipata. There, you’ll be able to refuel with breakfast and be ready for the day. Afterwards, we’ll continue along the beautiful Pomacanchi Lagoon, which is surrounded by grasslands and numerous fields of crops. This lagoon is also one of the largest in the area. We’ll then continue our route for another hour along an unpaved road to the town of Santa Lucía, taking in the incredible scenery along the way, and even the lagoon in the distance. From the town, a final drive will take us to the starting point of the hike, where you’ll have plenty of time to pack up.

The first leg will last approximately an hour and a half, observing the magnificent Apurimac Canyon, one of the deepest in Peru, and the amazing landscapes formed by numerous cliffs along the entire path. When we reach the Waqrapukara viewpoint, you can rest a bit and take the first photos of this impressive fortress that stands on the edge of a canyon. Next, we will descend along a steep path on the edge of a cliff towards the site, while you appreciate the Apurimac River flowing in the distance. You will be able to explore the archaeological complex for approximately an hour and a half, climbing through the remains of the temple, taking photos of its famous horn-shaped rock formation and the incredible landscape of the canyon. Waqrapukara also has enigmatic constructions from the pre-Inca and Inca period, terraces, and an incredible history, making it the perfect place to learn about Andean culture. Without a doubt, this wonderful place will leave you breathless from beginning to end. When the group is ready, we will begin the return hike along the same trail. We will reach the private transport after an hour and a half and finally return to Cusco, arriving at approximately 17:00 p.m.

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Recommendations

  • Original passport.
  • Water.
  • Rain jacket/poncho/long sleeve shirt.
  • Trekking footwear.
  • Winter hat and gloves.
  • Rain pants.
  • Appetizers.
  • Sunscreen, SPF 35+ recommended.
  • Sunglasses and sun hat.
  • Camera with spare batteries – batteries run faster at high altitudes.
  • Cash for emergencies and extras.

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