Comfortable hiking shoes, warm layers, a rain jacket, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, water, snacks and a camera.
A full-day Waqrapukara expedition from Cusco — a striking horn-shaped Inca fortress crowning dramatic cliffs above the Apurímac Canyon, reached by a short, rewarding hike.
Uncover Waqrapukara, a striking horn-shaped Inca site nestled in the rugged mountains of Acomayo. With INKANET ADVENTURE you explore this hidden gem — once a ceremonial hub of the Canchis culture, later claimed by the Incas — set amid breathtaking Andean landscapes.
Trek through dramatic rock formations, deep canyons and sweeping mountain vistas, guided by experts who share the rich history and mystical legends of this ancient fortress. Ideal for nature lovers and history buffs, the journey blends vibrant Andean culture, stunning scenery and a real sense of adventure in Peru’s wild heart.
Marvel at stunning landscapes and dramatic geological formations above one of Peru’s deepest canyons.
Explore an extraordinary horn-shaped Inca site amid striking Andean scenery, far from the crowds.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and traditions of the local people.
Enjoy breathtaking vistas, rugged terrain and serene natural beauty throughout the hike.
Hear the legends and history of this ceremonial fortress from expert local guides.
One of Cusco’s most spectacular yet least-visited archaeological sites.
A rewarding off-the-beaten-path day — scenic drive, a short 1.5-hour ascent to the horn-shaped fortress, box lunch and return to Cusco by evening.
04:30 AMDeparture from Cusco. Hotel pickup between 4:30 and 5:00 AM, then a 3-hour bus ride toward Santa Lucía, with a breakfast stop in Cusipata.
08:00 AMArrival at Santa Lucía. A short detour along a winding road brings us to Punta Carretera, the trailhead, where we prepare for the hike.
09:00 AMAscent to Waqrapukara. A 1.5-hour ascent of about 2.5 km leads to the fortress, where your guide explains the significance of this remarkable site.
11:00 AMExplore & free time. Enjoy a guided tour followed by free time to explore the area and take photos.
12:30 PMBox lunch. We enjoy a delicious box lunch before retracing our steps to Punta Carretera.
06:00 PMReturn to Cusco. Transport takes us back to Cusco, arriving around 6:00 PM.
Exactly what is covered in your Waqrapukara tour — and what to budget separately.
A few essentials we recommend to make your Waqrapukara day the most rewarding possible.
Spend 2–3 days in Cusco before this expedition. The short hike sits around 4,300 m. Hydrate, pace yourself and bring warm, waterproof layers — oxygen is carried throughout.
The hike is rated moderate: 3 hours uphill + 1.5 hours back down. If you can walk steadily for 4–5 hours at home, you'll be fine. Horses are available at the trailhead (~ US $20) if needed.
Dry season: April to October. Skies are clearer, trails firm, colors most vibrant. Avoid the rainy season (Dec–Mar), when colors mute under cloud cover. We run tours year-round but recommend the dry months.
The Andean sun is intense at 5,000 m. Bring sunscreen SPF 50+, a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, lip balm with SPF, and dress in layers. Pre-dawn is below freezing; midday can hit 18°C in the sun.
Free cancellation up to 30 days before the tour. In case of dangerous weather (snowstorms, road closures), we'll offer a free reschedule or full refund. Safety always comes first.
Travel light but smart. Here's exactly what we recommend bringing for a comfortable, safe day at altitude.
Transparent pricing — no hidden fees. The more travelers in your group, the lower the price per person.
| Group Type | Group Size | Price / Person | What's Different |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Group Most popular | 2 – 14 travelers | US $50 / pp | Mixed international group · set departure |
| Private Group ★ Best experience | 2 – 6 travelers | US $120 / pp | Your group only · personalized pace |
| Family Package | 4+ adults & kids | US $48 / pp | 5% discount for adolescents & children |
| Group of 8+ | 8 or more travelers | From US $45 / pp | Automatic group discount at checkout |
Pay with Visa, MasterCard, American Express. All transactions SSL-encrypted via Izipay.
Full refund for cancellations 30+ days before. 50% refund 15–29 days before. Weather-related cancellations from our side = full refund or free reschedule.
Quick answers to the questions we hear most often. More? See the full FAQ page or reach us on WhatsApp.
Waqrapukara guides