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Explore the mysterious Waqrapukara fortress in a single day With Quinoa Team. Perched atop the stunning Apurímac River canyon, this archaeological site was once the residence of the Qanchi culture leader and served as an important astronomical and religious center during pre-Inca and Inca times.
Waqrapukara Full Day Tour: Hike to the Mysterious Horn-Shaped Inca Fortress
Explore Waqrapukara, an astounding Inca archaeological site located high above the Apurímac River canyon in Acos, Cusco. Referred to as the "horn-shaped fortress" (from Quechua waqra = horn, pukara = fortress), this astounding site has ceremonial platforms, towers, and ancient observatories. Waqrapukara was not only once a home for local nobility, but a place of higher religious purpose and strategic importance.
Perfect for the adventurous travelers and hiking enthusiasts, this full-day tour from Cusco offers a trekking experience to a breathtaking site that often goes overlooked. Guided by skilled guides and professional drivers, this trip will be one to remember, filled with stunning views and fascinating history.
1 Day Waqrapukara Trek Tour – Summary
Begin your adventure from Cusco at 4:30 a.m., accompanied by a professional guide and driver. After a 1.5-hour drive south, stop in the town of Cusipata for a homemade breakfast. Continue along scenic roads, passing the Chuquicahuana bridge and Pumacanchi lagoon, where you can admire beautiful landscapes and local wildlife. After reaching the Aqomoqo pass (4,350 m), begin a 2-hour hike to the impressive Waqrapukara archaeological site (4,200 m).
The trek covers 6 km (mostly downhill), taking about 2 hours to reach the site. Once there, explore this majestic pre-Inca and Inca fortress, which served as a religious, astronomical, military, and administrative center. Enjoy time to rest, explore, and photograph before returning by the same route (mostly uphill), totaling 12 km round trip. Return to Cusco by 6:30–7:00 p.m.
Alternative Routes to Waqrapukara:
Huayki Route: 8 km (3 hours); includes access to cave paintings (25 minutes from the ruins).
Santa Lucia Route (Shared Tour): Easiest and shortest—4 km (1 hour 20 minutes at a relaxed pace).
Other Routes: Available for different preferences and fitness levels.
What’s included in the Waqrapukara Trek Tour
- Tourist mobility round trip
- English-speaking tour guide service
- 01 breakfast and 01 lunch
- First aid kit
- Oxygen balloon
- Entrance ticket to Waqrapukara
Packing list
- Walking sticks, only if necessary
- A personal light backpack
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
- Caps or hats
- Sun block
- Personal items and medications. Also pills to prevent altitude sickness.
- Toilet paper
- Snacks
- Energy bars
- Lipsticks
- Sunglasses
- Cameras
- Bottled water
- Extra money (soles)
Private Service Price
2 people US$ 140 per person
3 people US$ 125 per person
4 people US$ 115 per person
5+ people US$ 95 per person
Group Service Price
2 pax min, max 10 pax
Price per person US$ 95
Equipment Rental:
Walking Pole US$05(pair)
Recommendations for the 1 Day Waqrapukara Trek Tour
Best Time to Go:
The tour is available year-round, but the ideal time is during the dry season from April to October for better weather and views.
Acclimatization:
Arrive in Cusco at least 2 days in advance to adjust to the altitude. Drink coca leaf tea and take short acclimatization hikes or tours like the City Tour, Sacred Valley, Maras–Moray, or Machu Picchu (booked separately).
What to Wear:
Dress in trek-appropriate clothing – trekking shoes, thermal pants, raincoat, hat, gloves, and thick socks.
What to Bring:
A small backpack with essentials such as personal items, medications, snacks, water, sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, toilet paper, a camera, and some cash in small bills (PEN).
Why Book with Quinoa Expeditions?
Choosing Quinoa Expeditions for your Humantay Blue Lagoon Full Day Hike adventure means choosing a truly authentic and high-quality experience. Here's why Quinoa Expeditions stands out from the rest:
Local Experts You Can Trust
Quinoa Expeditions is a 100% locally owned Peruvian company, committed to providing the most authentic, culturally rich, and environmentally responsible tours. Booking with us means you're supporting the local economy while getting the best service at the best price, with no middlemen involved.
Professional and Passionate Tour Guides.
Our tour guides are highly trained professionals, fluent in English and full of knowledge about the history and natural environment of the Waqrapukara tour. They’re also trained in First Aid and Mountain Rescue, ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the journey. More than guides, they are storytellers and caretakers of Inca heritage.
