Waqrapukara Hike
From US$45 per person
Cusipata | Pomacanchi | Santa Lucia | Waqrapukara
Trip Summary
Total time
12 hours
Meals included
Breakfast and Box Lunch
Group size
Up to 18 people
Transportation
Bus
Why Pick This Tour
Venture to Waqrapukara, a unique Inca and pre-Inca archaeological site in Peru, perched at the top of a canyon above the Apurímac River. This full-day tour is for the traveler who seeks a combination of challenging trekking, high-impact scenery, and the discovery of a less-visited Inca ceremonial wonder compared to traditional routes. Its natural “horn” rock design is visually unmatched.
The best part of the tour: Guided tour of Waqrapukara Hike
Over View – Waqrapukara
This is an intense trekking and cultural experience of approximately 10 hours. The day begins with a hotel pickup and transfer to the south of Cusco.
The first stop is in Cusipata for a Buffet Breakfast (included). The journey continues through beautiful high-Andean landscapes, passing by Lake Layo, until reaching the trailhead at Santa Lucía (4,300 m.a.s.l. / 14,108 ft).
The uphill hike is of moderate to challenging difficulty and offers continuous views of canyons and lagoons. Upon arriving at the site, you will be able to admire the imposing horn-shaped structure (Waqrapukara). The guide will explain the historical and ceremonial significance of this fortress while you enjoy unparalleled panoramic views over the Apurímac Canyon.
After exploring, you will begin the hike back. Lunch (included, box lunch/picnic style) will be served at the return point, allowing you to recharge with the canyon view. The tour ends with the return to your hotel in Cusco.
Day 1 : Cusco - Cusipata - Pomacanchi - Santa Lucia - Waqrapukara - Return Cusco
We begin the tour with a hotel pickup by our guide. We will head to Cusipata for a delicious Buffet Breakfast (included).
After breakfast, we will continue toward Waqrapukara, passing through stunning scenery and the great Lake Layo. After a few hours of driving, we will arrive at a checkpoint in Santa Lucía, where we will pay the entrance fee.
Once at the trailhead, we will begin the hike. The trail will be filled with breathtaking views, natural rock formations, and small high-Andean lagoons.
Upon reaching the Waqrapukara viewpoint, we will take a first pause to take in the majestic fortress. We will continue ascending to the highest point of the archaeological site (4,300 m.a.s.l. / 14,108 ft) for a panoramic view of the Apurímac Canyon and snow-capped peaks. At the summit, the guide will provide an explanation of the historical, astronomical, and ceremonial significance of the site.
After this unforgettable experience, we will begin the return hike to our transport, where the driver will be waiting with our Lunch (box lunch style), which we will enjoy with the canyon views.
Finally, we will make our way back to the city of Cusco, ending the tour at your hotel.
What’s Included
- Transportation: Round-trip transfer by tourist vehicle, ensuring greater comfort and scheduling flexibility (Cusco – Santa Lucía – Cusco).
- Certified Professional Guide: Bilingual guide (English/Spanish) specialized in Inca history, archaeology, and Andean spirituality, who will provide an in-depth interpretation of the site.
- Energy-Packed Meals:
- Buffet Breakfast: Served at our partner restaurant in Cusipata to start the day with energy.
- Lunch (Box Lunch): A nutritious lunch designed to be enjoyed with the stunning view of the Apurímac Canyon.
- Comprehensive Safety: Complete first aid kit and permanent assistance from our adventure trekking expert team.
What’s Not Included
- Entrance Ticket: Waqrapukara fortress entrance fee (S/ 20.00 soles for domestic and international tourists). Payment is made directly to the local community of Santa Lucía.
- Travel Insurance: Not included. Due to the nature of high-mountain trekking, we recommend personal accident insurance.
- Route Extras: Additional beverages, personal snacks, and tips for service staff.
- Personal Gear: Mountain clothing, technical footwear, and hydration packs.
Trekking Recommendations Waqrapukara
I. Physical Preparation & Acclimatization
- Acclimatization Days: Waqrapukara is at 4,300 m.a.s.l. (14,108 ft). It is mandatory to have spent at least 2 or 3 days in the city of Cusco before this hike to avoid altitude sickness (soroche).
- Effort Level: This route is rated moderate to challenging. If you have no prior trekking experience, we recommend walking at a slow, steady pace and always listening to your body.
- Pre-Hydration: Drink plenty of water or coca-leaf tea in the days before. Hydration is key to better muscle performance at low oxygen levels.
II. Technical Gear & Clothing
- Specialized Footwear: Wear trekking boots with good grip and ankle support. The trail to the fortress has sections of loose rock where traction is vital.
- Layering System: The weather in the canyon is unpredictable. Bring a lightweight breathable base layer, a thermal layer (fleece), and a windproof/waterproof jacket, as gusts at the summit can be strong.
- Trekking Poles: Highly recommended for this tour. They will help distribute weight and protect your joints during the steep descent.
III. Protection & Health
- Sunscreen & Eyewear: UV radiation is extreme in the high-altitude areas of Cusco. Apply sunscreen every 2 hours and wear certified UV-protection sunglasses.
- Day Pack: Use a small backpack (approx. 20L) to carry only the essentials: your Box Lunch, water, personal documents, and camera.
IV. Logistics & Money
- Cash in Soles: Make sure to bring low-denomination coins and bills in Soles to pay the entrance fee at the Santa Lucía checkpoint. There are no ATMs or electronic payment coverage in this area.
2026 Rates : Waqrapukara (Full Day)
Discover one of the most exclusive and least explored destinations in Cusco. Our Waqrapukara rate is designed to offer you a superior adventure experience, with the safety and comfort that a trek of this magnitude demands.
I. 2026 Rates
- Adult Price: $45 USD per person
- Student Price: $45 USD per person
What makes our $45 USD rate special? Unlike other services, we operate this tour with Private Transportation, which guarantees scheduling flexibility, greater safety on mountain roads, and a more comfortable return to Cusco. We also include reinforced meals (Buffet Breakfast and Box Lunch) essential for the 4,300 m.a.s.l. (14,108 ft) altitude.
Booking note: To guarantee transport logistics and specialized guides, your reservation must be confirmed with an advance payment. This price reflects a balance between exclusivity, adventure, and complete safety in the Apurímac Canyon.
2026 Cancellation Policies – Waqrapukara Tour
The Waqrapukara fortress tour involves private transport logistics and specialized mountain staff. By making your reservation, you agree to the following conditions:
- Reservations & Payments
- Confirmation: An initial deposit per person is required to guarantee private transport and mountain logistics. This amount is non-refundable and non-transferable, as it is used for the immediate reservation of external services.
- Total Balance: The full tour payment ($45 USD) must be settled at least 1 day before departure.
- Cancellations by Passenger
- Less than 48 hours: Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the tour date are not eligible for any refund.
- No Show: If the passenger does not appear at the hotel at the time of pickup (or fails to notify in time), 100% of the contracted service will be charged.
- Voluntary Withdrawal: Due to the difficulty of the trek, if a passenger decides not to continue the hike to the fortress due to fatigue or personal decision, there will be no partial refund.
- Cancellations Due to Weather & Force Majeure
- Safety First: In the event of extreme weather conditions that put the group’s safety at risk (lightning storms or heavy snowfall in the canyon), the tour is non-refundable.
- Travel Alternatives: If weather prevents reaching Waqrapukara, our guide will offer options to visit similar destinations that cover the value paid, such as Palcoyo or Pallay Puncho, or tour rescheduling according to availability.
- Date Changes
- Date changes are permitted with a minimum of 1 week’s notice by emailing our official address: viajesperureservas@gmail.com. Changes are subject to private transport availability.
- Health & Responsibility
- The passenger acknowledges that this is a challenging adventure tour. It is the client’s responsibility to be well-acclimatized and in good health. The company is not responsible for incidents arising from pre-existing medical conditions that were not disclosed.
What does Waqrapukara mean and why is it so special?
The name comes from Quechua: Waqra (horn) and Pukara (fortress). It is the “Fortress of the Horns.” It is unique because, unlike other Inca sites, it is built on impressive natural rock formations at the edge of the Apurímac Canyon, offering landscapes you won’t find anywhere else in Cusco.
How difficult is the hike to the fortress?
The difficulty is rated Moderate to Challenging. The trail has flat sections, but the altitude and the final climb to the fortress require physical effort. It is not a technical hike, but it does demand endurance.
How long does the total hike last?
Depending on the group’s pace, the round-trip hike takes between 3.5 and 5 hours. We always go at our travelers’ pace, allowing stops for hydration and canyon photography.
Is it necessary to hire a horse for this tour?
Unlike Vinicunca, horses are not always available on the Waqrapukara route, as it is a less-trafficked trail. Therefore, we recommend this tour only to people who feel capable of completing the full trek on their own.
What altitude is Waqrapukara at?
The archaeological site is at 4,300 m.a.s.l. (14,108 ft). It is a considerable altitude, so it is vital to have spent at least 2 days in Cusco to be well-acclimatized before going.
What does the "Box Lunch" include?
Being an adventure tour, the Box Lunch is designed to give you energy: it includes a nutritious sandwich, seasonal fruit, dried fruit or cereal bars, a sports drink, and chocolate. We’ll enjoy it with the best view of the Apurímac Canyon.
Are there restrooms along the route?
There are only basic facilities at the beginning of the trek at the Santa Lucía control zone. Along the trail and at the fortress itself there are no restrooms, so we recommend planning accordingly.
Can I visit Waqrapukara if I have a fear of heights?
The fortress is located above a cliff. The trails are safe and wide enough, but if you suffer from severe vertigo, some parts of the viewpoint might be a challenge. Our guide will always be there to assist you!
Why is the price $45 USD when other tours cost less?
Our $45 USD rate is because we operate with private transport. This gives you greater safety on mountain roads, scheduling flexibility so there’s no rushing, and a more exclusive, comfortable group.
What is the best time to visit?
The dry season (April to October) is ideal for clear skies. However, Waqrapukara is a destination that can be visited year-round; even with rain, the mist over the canyon gives the fortress a mystical and epic atmosphere.
