Waqrapukara Hike Full-Day
1 Day from $ USD 100.00
Waqrapukara Hike Full-Day
Waqrapukara Hike Full-Day
43 Reviews | Min Altitude: 2200msnm (3545 fasl) | Max Altitude: 2200msnm (3545 fasl) | 5 Days from $ 1 900.00
Introduction
Waqrapukara is a new and recently promoted tourist attraction in Cusco located in the province of Acomayo near the Apurimac river at 4,300 masl. (13,123 feet), south of the city of Cusco.
Waqrapukara is a Quechua word: Waqra = Horn, Pucara = Fortress, a sanctuary or an astronomical observatory. It was initially built by the Quincha and then conquered by the Incas. This tour will take you to a different and unusual destination, where you will enjoy the spectacular landscapes, different lagoons, chasms of the Apurimac Canyon, and also connect with the nature and energy of this amazing place.
Meet one of the most recent tourist attractions of Cusco. The archaeological site of Waqrapukara combines beautiful high Andean landscapes with impressive architecture. The tour includes everything you need to enjoy the trip without mishaps: round trip transportation, breakfast, lunch, entrance to all sites and tour guide service. The trip includes a spectacular hike where you will appreciate the beautiful landscapes of the place. Take advantage now that not many visitors come to this incredible place.
Trip Details
- Modality: Adventure, cultural and ecological trekking.
- Duration: 1 day
- Degree of difficulty: Moderate, with ascents and descents,
- Languages: English, Spanish
- Departure time: From 4:00 a.m. to 4:30 a.m.
- Return time: 18:00pm approximately
- Periods: All year round, recommended April – November
- Maximum altitude: 4,200 masl
- Temperature: Cold in the mornings, hot during the day and with many icy winds during the afternoon.
Highlights
The most important thing about this new adventure is that it is a good option for people who like nature, trekking and have many days available. In this route we will observe beautiful landscapes typical of the high Andean zones, where you will have a connection with nature.
Itinerary
Cusco - Waqrapukara - Cusco
Very early around 4:30 am we will pick you up from your hotel to go to the starting point of our hike 2 and a half hours drive to the province of Acomayo, where we will enjoy a breakfast accompanied by a privileged view of the Pomacanchi lagoon, we continue the journey for 1 hour more to the picturesque village of Santa Lucia. we will begin our hike to the complex of Waqrapukara. Along the way, we will be able to identify the flora and wildlife of the area.
Once we reach the first viewpoint of Waqrapukara, we will take a break and then continue until we reach our goal. Finally we will arrive to this incredible place, we will rest, to explore the archaeological center with our guide who will give us all the detailed information, then you will have some free time to explore and take pictures. we will start walking back. But we will take a different trail that is easier and also has different views of the Apurimac Canyon. We will return to the beginning of the trail, where our lunch and private transportation will be waiting for us to return to Cusco.
Physical Level
1, Easy
What to Bring
- Una mochila personal para el día que le permita introducir todas las cosas que usted llevará consigo,le recomendamos unos 20 a 30 litros.
(ropa adecuada para caminata: zapatos impermeables y cómodos para caminatas largas, pantalones cortos y largos, camisetas deportivas dry fit, chaqueta de lluvia o poncho de lluvia) . - Un cantimplora con agua (mínimo 2 litros).
- Papel higiénico, gel desinfectante de manos. Estos dos artículos son muy importante.
- Medicamentos personales, dentro de esta lista también incluye relajantes musculares, tabletas para mal de altura y el dolor de cabeza
- Benditas para los rasguños, ampollas en los pies que se puedan generar después de varias horas de caminata.
- Un protector solar, lentes oscuros, sombrero o gorros.
- Batería extra para la cámara.
Recomendations
- Wear comfortable shoes of recommendation sneakers or trekking tennis shoes.
- Carry walking poles.
- Sunblock or sunscreen.
- Hats and sunglasses.
- Warm or thermal clothing.
- Carry personal medicines in case you have them.
- Bottle of water or moisturizer.
Pricing List
What to Bring
- Una mochila personal para el día que le permita introducir todas las cosas que usted llevará consigo,le recomendamos unos 20 a 30 litros.
(ropa adecuada para caminata: zapatos impermeables y cómodos para caminatas largas, pantalones cortos y largos, camisetas deportivas dry fit, chaqueta de lluvia o poncho de lluvia) . - Un cantimplora con agua (mínimo 2 litros).
- Papel higiénico, gel desinfectante de manos. Estos dos artículos son muy importante.
- Medicamentos personales, dentro de esta lista también incluye relajantes musculares, tabletas para mal de altura y el dolor de cabeza
- Benditas para los rasguños, ampollas en los pies que se puedan generar después de varias horas de caminata.
- Un protector solar, lentes oscuros, sombrero o gorros.
- Batería extra para la cámara.
Travel Guide
Waqrapukara was a fortress during its foundation and witnessed several battles. It is believed that initially the Canchis built the foundations and roads to this fortress. After the Canchis joined the Incas to fight together against the Chancas, the fortress became a sacred complex where they probably performed many religious acts for the gods.
Some legends attributed to this place refer to an attempted rebellion. It is said that during the reign of the Inca Huayna Capac, one of his generals, after gathering a large army, rebelled against the empire. This man’s name was T’ito Qosñipa and he was cornered by the Inca army in Waqrapukara. Finding it difficult to break through the natural barricade, the commander of the Tawantinsuyo army decided to cut off his water supply. T’ito Qosñipa surrendered soon after, as punishment one of his ears was cut off and he was pardoned as a great general. After that, he continued to win battles for the Incas.
This sanctuary is divided into two sections. An upper and a lower part. In the upper area there are representations and constructions that identify it as a sacred place. There are also some passages, doorways with double posts and ceremonial niches. In this area you can see how the two rocks, which have the shape of horns, have been naturally integrated.
The lower zone consists of eight platforms with a length of about 153 meters and a height of 1.80 meters. As is known, these platforms are suitably complemented with the topography of the place. Very close to this area there are other installations that also fulfilled a ceremonial function.
Faqs Waqrapukara Hike Full-Day
What is Waqrapukara?
It is a fortress from the pre-Inca and Inca construction period. In pre-Inca times it was a small citadel, so it was also called “Llaqta Pukara”, where the cacique Qanchi and his family lived. It also served as an astronomical observatory and had a sanctuary dedicated to the god Teqci Pachakamaq Wiraqocha.
Who built Waqrapukara?
It was first built by the Qanchi ethnic group in the Auqaruna period, between 1500 and 1000 BC. The current building dates from the Inca period, it was built in the time of the Inca Wayna Qhapaq with the participation of architects of this government, also participated Qanchimachu and Ttito Q’osñipa.
Why did they turn it into a fortress?
Because already in the time of the Auqarunas it was necessary to train male warriors and places to defend the conquered territory of the ethnic group and the tribe. Not only to defend their territory and their leader. In the pre-Inca and Inca periods, these leaders were called curacas, and in the colonial period, caciques. In the Purunruna period, there was no need for pucaras because they lived wherever they wanted.
How do I make a reservation?
Choose the desired date (preferably 48 hours in advance) and fill out the form that Aventuras.pe asks you to fill out on the same page. The confirmation is immediate.
What do I do if I am not in range of the hotels to be picked up?
When you contact our travel assistants they will indicate you a pick up point.
Will there be any additional charge for entrance and/or food when I take this tour?
No. Entrance tickets and food services are included in the price.
Do you recommend this tour if I am traveling with children and/or senior citizens?
It is not recommended to take children under 12 years old on long trekking tours.
It is recommended to take the tour with people who can do long walks and who are in good physical condition.
When is the best time to take this tour?
It is recommended to take the tour after 24hrs. It is suggested to first take the circuit of the city or the Sacred Valley so that you can acclimatize and not get altitude sickness.
Mario Ordoñes Quispe Salvida
In Cusco, I am your travel specialist, with more than 10 years of experience organizing adventure trips.
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