Waqrapukara Tour Full Day
PRICE FROM
$50.00 USD
price per person in group service
Cusco | Cusipata | Santa Lucía | Punta Carretera | Waqrapukara | Cusco
Duration of the trip:
1 Day
Physical Level:
Medium
Altitude:
4100 m.a.s.l
Group Size:
15 people
Type of Tour:
Hiking / Adventure
| Overview – Waqrapukara Full Day
The Waqrapukara Full Day Tour is one of the most impressive off-the-beaten-path adventures near Cusco, perfect for travelers looking to explore a hidden Inca archaeological site surrounded by breathtaking Andean landscapes.
Located at more than 4,100 meters (13,500 ft) above sea level, Waqrapukara is an ancient Inca sanctuary dramatically built on a mountain ridge above the Apurímac Canyon, offering spectacular panoramic views and a unique hiking experience.
This full-day adventure combines culture, history, and trekking as you travel through traditional Andean villages, enjoy beautiful mountain scenery, and hike along scenic trails to reach one of Cusco’s least visited archaeological sites.
Unlike crowded destinations, Waqrapukara offers a more authentic and peaceful experience where you can explore Inca history while surrounded by untouched nature.
This tour is ideal for adventure travelers, hikers, photographers, and history lovers looking for a different experience beyond the classic Cusco tours.
📍 Location: South of Cusco
⛰️ Altitude: approx. 4,100–4,300 m
🥾 Hiking difficulty: Moderate
⏱️ Duration: Full day adventure
Detailed Itinerary – Waqrapukara Tour Full Day
Day 1
🛬 Early Morning Pickup & Scenic Drive
Your adventure begins early in the morning with hotel pickup in Cusco between approximately 4:30 and 5:00 am.
We travel south of Cusco in comfortable tourist transportation 🚐, passing through beautiful Andean valleys, lagoons, and traditional farming communities while enjoying incredible mountain scenery.
🍳 Breakfast Stop in Cusipata
Along the way, we stop in the small town of Cusipata where you will enjoy a traditional Andean breakfast to prepare for the hike.
After breakfast, we continue toward the rural community near the trailhead where the trekking adventure begins.
🥾 Hike to Waqrapukara Archaeological Site
Upon arrival at the starting point, your guide will provide a short briefing before beginning the hike.
The trek is approximately 2 to 3 km and usually takes around 1.5 hours, depending on your pace. The trail gradually ascends through impressive Andean landscapes.
During the hike you may see:
🏔️ Mountain landscapes
🦙 Alpacas and llamas
🌿 Native plants
📸 Spectacular viewpoints
The route offers incredible views of valleys and the Apurímac Canyon.
🏛️ Guided Visit to Waqrapukara
Once you reach Waqrapukara, you will discover one of the most unique archaeological complexes near Cusco.
The name Waqrapukara means “Horn Fortress” due to the two large rock formations that resemble horns rising above the canyon.
Your guide will explain the history of the site, believed to have been used as:
• A ceremonial center
• A strategic fortress
• A religious sanctuary
You will then have free time to explore the ruins, walk through the terraces, and take amazing photos 📸.
This is one of the best viewpoints in the region and still relatively unknown compared to other Cusco attractions.
🍱 Lunch & Return to Cusco
After exploring the site, we hike back along the same trail to the starting point where transportation will be waiting.
On the return journey, we stop again in Cusipata to enjoy a buffet lunch or box lunch 🍽️.
Finally, we return to Cusco arriving around 6:00 pm.
End of services.
What Is Included?
- Hotel pick-up from Cusco
- Round-trip tourist transportation
- Professional bilingual guide
- Breakfast and lunch buffet
- First aid kit and oxygen
What Is Not Included?
- Entrance ticket (S/.20.00 soles)
- Dinner
- Extra drinks or snacks
- Optional tips
Waqrapukara Tour Full Day (Prices for 2025 and 2026)
Pricing & Booking Information
🔹Group service · Daily departures
From USD $ 50.00 per person
🔹Private Service
From USD $250 per person (price varies by group size)
✔ Flexible departure time
✔ Private transportation
✔ Personalized guiding
✔ Ideal for couples, families, and friends
📌 Request your private tour quote via WhatsApp.
📋 Required Information for Booking
To confirm your reservation, please send us the following information:
Full name
Nationality
Hotel name in Cusco
WhatsApp number (including country code) or Peruvian mobile number
(Essential for coordinating your hotel pick-up)
Once we receive your details, we will send you a secure payment link (+5%) via WhatsApp or email.
💳 Payment Policy
A 50% deposit is required to secure your booking
The remaining balance is paid in Cusco, upon arrival
📌 Tour Terms & Conditions
🔹 Agency Cancellations
In the unlikely event that we must cancel the tour due to weather conditions, political situations, or other unforeseen circumstances, a 100% refund of the tour cost will be provided.
🔹 Cancellations & Refund Policy
Full refund (100%): Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the tour
Partial refund (50%): Cancellations made within 24 hours but before 7:00 p.m. the day before the tour
No refund: Cancellations made after 7:00 p.m. the day before the tour
To cancel or modify your reservation, please contact us by email or WhatsApp.
Packing List for the Waqrapukara Tour Full Day
Here’s everything you should bring for a safe and comfortable experience:
🧥 Clothing
- Warm jacket (temperatures can be very cold in the morning)
- Thermal base layers
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
- Comfortable hiking pants
- Gloves, scarf, and beanie
- Hiking shoes or trekking boots (non-slip)
🎒 Essentials
- Small backpack (20–30L)
- Original passport
- Cash (for entrance fees, horse rental, or small purchases)
- Reusable water bottle (at least 1–2 liters)
- Snacks or energy bars
☀️ Protection
- Sunscreen (high SPF – strong UV at high altitude)
- Sunglasses
- Lip balm
💊 Health & Safety
- Personal medication
- Altitude sickness pills (optional)
- First aid basics
📸 Extras
- Camera or smartphone
- Power bank
- Trekking poles (optional but recommended)
Contact us by email to check availability, request detailed information, and receive your secure payment link. Our team will reply within a short time to assist you with your booking.
Booking
Waqrapukara Tour Full Day
Starting from
$ 50.00 USD
per person
Group & private options available
Contact us on WhatsApp to check availability, private options, and confirm your booking.
BRIEF CONDITIONS
• 50% deposit required
• Secure payment link provided (+5%)
• Balance paid in Cusco
Why Choose Waqrapukara Full Day Tour
Here is why travelers are choosing Waqrapukara instead of traditional Cusco day tours:
🏔️ Hidden archaeological gem
Waqrapukara is still considered a hidden destination compared to Machu Picchu or Rainbow Mountain, making it perfect for travelers wanting unique experiences.
📸 Incredible landscapes without crowds
Unlike popular attractions, this destination offers breathtaking scenery with fewer tourists, allowing a more authentic experience.
🥾 Perfect mix of hiking and history
This tour combines a scenic Andean trek with an important Inca archaeological site, making it ideal for travelers who enjoy both culture and adventure.
🌎 Authentic Andean cultural experience
Travel through traditional communities and experience the real Andes beyond typical tourist routes.
🦙 Unique Andean wildlife scenery
Along the route you may see alpacas, llamas, and native birds typical of the high Andes.
👨🏫 Professional bilingual guides
Learn the history and importance from knowledgeable local guides.
⭐ Perfect alternative to crowded tours
If you already visited Machu Picchu or Sacred Valley, this is one of the best alternative adventures near Cusco.
FAQs – Waqrapukara Full Day Tour
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about the Waqrapukara Full Day Tour, including altitude, entrance fees, safety information, and travel recommendations.
❓ Is Waqrapukara worth visiting?
Yes. It is one of the most impressive hidden archaeological sites near Cusco and offers incredible landscapes with fewer tourists.
❓ How difficult is the Waqrapukara hike?
The hike is considered moderate difficulty, mainly because of the altitude rather than the terrain.
❓ How high is Waqrapukara?
Waqrapukara is located at approximately 4,100–4,300 meters above sea level.
❓ Do I need to acclimatize before going?
Yes. It is recommended to spend at least 1–2 days in Cusco before doing this tour.
❓ Is Waqrapukara better than Rainbow Mountain?
They are different experiences:
Rainbow Mountain 🌈 → Colorful landscape
Waqrapukara 🏛️ → Archaeology + canyon viewsMany travelers prefer Waqrapukara because it has fewer crowds.
❓ How long is the hike?
The hike usually takes between 1.5 to 2 hours each way depending on pace and route.
❓ What should I bring?
Recommended items:
🥾 Hiking shoes
🧥 Warm jacket
🧴 Sunscreen
🧢 Hat
💧 Water
🍫 Snacks
🌧️ Rain jacket
❓ What makes Waqrapukara special?
Its location on top of a mountain ridge above the canyon, combined with Inca architecture and low tourism, makes it one of Cusco’s most unique hidden destinations.
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