Waqrapukara Cusco Tour – Full Day
Waqrapukara Cusco Tour, located in the Province of Acomayo, south of Cusco. Dare to live this adventure in a different way...
From
US$ 40.00
per person
Waqrapukara Tour: Horn-shaped Fortress
- Duration: Full day
- Start: Cusco
- Maximum altitude: 4,300 m.a.s.l.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Guide: Spanish / English / Portuguese
Description
Waqrapukara, whose name in Quechua means "horn-shaped fortress," is an impressive archaeological site located atop a mountain in Acomayo, south of Cusco. This enigmatic construction combines pre-Inca and Inca architecture in a breathtaking natural setting: the Apurímac River canyon.
The Waqrapukara Tour not only takes you to discover a little-explored archaeological wonder, but also immerses you in an experience full of mysticism, biodiversity, and unique Andean landscapes. During the tour it is possible to spot birds such as hummingbirds, and observe wild animals such as deer, alpacas, or vizcachas. The hike is light and allows you to enjoy nature peacefully, ideal for travelers seeking culture, adventure, and connection with Pachamama.
Tour highlights
- Waqrapukara Fortress: Stone structures with terraces, plazas, and a ceremonial double-jamb doorway.
- Apurímac River Canyon: Impressive panoramic views from the archaeological site.
- Local fauna: Observation of birds, deer, and alpacas in their natural habitat.
- Andean landscapes: Rock formations and water bodies that enrich the experience.
Why choose this experience?
- Unique and authentic adventure. Waqrapukara is a little-known destination that will take you to an ancient pre-Inca fortress, surrounded by impressive landscapes and lush nature.
- Connection with history and culture. Explore an archaeological site of great historical and cultural relevance, where you can learn more about the civilizations that inhabited this region, such as the Qanchis and the Incas.
- Easy and accessible hike. The route to Waqrapukara is light and suitable for all types of people, allowing you to enjoy nature without complications.
- Panoramic views. From the top of Waqrapukara, you will enjoy spectacular views of the valley and rock formations that make this site a jewel of nature.
- Diversity of flora and fauna. Throughout the tour, you can observe native species such as hummingbirds, deer, and alpacas, adding a complete experience of connection with nature.
Detailed Itinerary
Itinerary
- Pickup from your accommodation
Tour starts between 4:00 and 4:30 am from your hotel in Cusco.
- Departure to southern Cusco
We travel in tourist transportation to the Acomayo area, enjoying the Andean sunrise.
- Stop for buffet breakfast
We enjoy a nutritious breakfast at a local restaurant to recharge energy before the hike.
- Transfer to the trailhead
We continue to Santa Lucía, from where the trekking begins.
- Hike to Waqrapukara
Route of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes along natural trails with spectacular views.
- Arrival and exploration of Waqrapukara
We tour the impressive archaeological complex, with a specialized guide who will explain its history and symbolism.
- Free time and photo session
Space to enjoy the landscape, take photographs, and relax.
- Outdoor lunch
We enjoy a lunch with local ingredients, facing the impressive view of Waqrapukara.
- Return hike
We return along the same route to Santa Lucía.
- Return trip to Cusco
We board our tourist transportation and return to Cusco.
- Arrival in Cusco
Tour ends in the city around 17:00 hours.
What's Included / Not Included
SERVICES INCLUDED IN THE EXPERIENCE
- Tourist transportation: Comfortable and safe tourist transportation for transfer to and from Cusco, with all safety protocols.
- Professional guide: Certified guides with extensive knowledge in history, archaeology, and local biodiversity.
- Buffet breakfast and lunch (box lunch): Energetic buffet-style meals prepared with fresh local products.
- First aid kit: Complete kit to attend to any minor medical situation during the tour.
- Oxygen: Availability of oxygen cylinder for cases of altitude sickness or breathing difficulty.
- Trekking poles: Includes poles to facilitate the hike and reduce physical effort.
SERVICES NOT INCLUDED
- Entrance to Waqrapukara: The entrance has a cost of S/ 10.00, payable directly at the archaeological site.
- Dinner: Not included in the service; only covers breakfast and lunch.
- Tips: Optional and at the discretion of the client, according to the quality of service received.
WAQRAPUKARA CUSCO TOUR - DAY
What to Bring on the Tour
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Dietary restrictions (veg/vegan)
If you follow a special diet, please let us know. This way we can ensure suitable options are available for you during the tour.
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Warm clothing
Temperatures vary greatly at altitude. Bring several layers to adapt to daytime and nighttime conditions.
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Sunglasses
UV radiation is stronger at altitude. Good sunglasses protect your eyes and make the trip more comfortable.
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Sunscreen
Mountain sun is strong, even on cloudy days. Wearing sunscreen prevents burns and protects your skin throughout the tour.
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Wool hat
Cold can be intense, especially mornings and evenings. A wool hat helps retain body heat.
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Wool gloves
Hands get cold quickly at altitude. Wool gloves provide the warmth needed for a comfortable trip.
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Appropriate footwear
Terrain can be uneven and rocky. Wear comfortable shoes with good traction to avoid slips and improve stability.
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Snack
Physical effort at altitude requires extra energy. Carrying a snack helps you stay active and avoid fatigue during the tour.
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Water
Staying hydrated is essential to avoid altitude sickness. Bring a reusable bottle to refill along the way.
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Personal documents
Some entrances require ID. Carry your ID or passport for access and for registration in case of emergency.
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Small backpack
A compact backpack lets you carry essentials comfortably. Ideal for water, snacks and personal items without excess weight.
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Cash (Peruvian Soles)
Some places don’t accept cards. Carrying Soles makes it easier to buy souvenirs, snacks or additional services.
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Camera
Landscapes are spectacular and worth capturing. A camera lets you take amazing memories and share your experience.
Tour Description
WAQRAPUKARA CUSCO TOUR – FULL DAY The Waqrapukara Tour takes you to the province of Acomayo, south of Cusco. This Inca and pre-Inca fortress, once inhabited by the Qanchis ethnic group, features impressive architecture. The hike is light and allows you to enjoy a natural environment with birds, deer, alpacas, and rock formations, in a mystical and little-explored destination.
Things you should know about this tour
Inca Route to Waqrapukara – Trekking All Day
Explore ancient trails to Waqrapukara on a trek steeped in history and unique landscapes.
Booking Form
Fill in the details to book your experience
- TOUR RECOMMENDATIONS
- Layered Clothing: Comfortable layered clothing (thermal, fleece, and windproof/waterproof). Mornings are cold but the hike is light.
- Footwear: Comfortable sports shoes or light trekking sneakers with good grip. Special high-altitude boots are not required.
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen SPF 50+, sunglasses with UV protection, cap or hat with visor.
- Cash: Bring soles for entrance to Waqrapukara (S/10 for everyone), voluntary tips, and personal purchases.
- Hydration: Water bottle of 1-2 liters. Staying hydrated is important during the hike.
- Small Backpack: Light backpack of 15-20 liters to carry water, snacks, camera, and personal items for the day.
- Camera or Cell Phone: Essential to capture the archaeological structures of Waqrapukara and the panoramic views of the Apurímac canyon. Bring extra battery.
- Medications: If you are sensitive to altitude, bring altitude sickness pills (Sorojchi pills) as a precaution. Also personal medications.
- Weather: Cold temperatures in the morning (5-10°C). During the day it can be sunny. Bring a warm jacket.
- Documents: Original ID or Passport (mandatory) and cash in soles to pay entrance.
- Acclimatization: Spend at least 1 day in Cusco before the tour. Drink coca tea and avoid excessive efforts the day before.
- Physical Condition: No special physical preparation required. The hike is light (1h 30min) and easy, accessible for all ages.
- Rainy Season: If traveling between November and March, bring a poncho or waterproof jacket. Trails may be wet.
- Snacks: Optional to bring chocolates, dried fruits, or light snacks. The tour includes buffet breakfast and lunch (box lunch).
- Binoculars (Optional): Binoculars for bird watching such as hummingbirds and local fauna.
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Is previous high-altitude hiking experience necessary? No, this tour has an easy difficulty level and is accessible for all types of people. The hike is light (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes) and does not require previous trekking experience or great physical effort.
- What does this tour include? It includes tourist transportation to/from your hotel in Cusco, certified professional guide (Spanish, English, Portuguese), buffet breakfast at a local restaurant, lunch (box lunch) outdoors, trekking poles, first aid kit, and oxygen cylinder.
- What services are NOT included? The entrance to Waqrapukara (S/10 for all visitors), voluntary tips for guide and driver, dinner, or personal expenses are not included. The entrance is paid directly at the archaeological site.
- How long does the tour last and what is the maximum altitude? The tour lasts 1 full day, approximately 13 hours. The maximum altitude is 4,300 m.a.s.l. at the Waqrapukara fortress. Pickup is between 04:00 and 04:30 a.m. and return to Cusco is around 05:00 p.m.
- How many days do I need to be in Cusco before the tour? It is recommended to be in Cusco at least 1 day before the tour to acclimatize to the altitude. Although the altitude is not extreme and the hike is light, it is important to be slightly adapted to better enjoy the experience.
- What places will we visit during the tour? You will visit the Waqrapukara fortress, an impressive pre-Inca and Inca archaeological site with stone structures, terraces, and a ceremonial door. You will enjoy panoramic views of the Apurímac River canyon, observation of local fauna such as hummingbirds, deer, alpacas, and vizcachas, and unique Andean landscapes with natural rock formations.
- IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE BOOKING
- Total duration: 1 full day (approximately 13 hours).
- Departure: Between 04:00 a.m. and 04:30 a.m. with pickup at your hotel in Cusco.
- Maximum altitude: 4,300 m.a.s.l. (Waqrapukara Fortress).
- Difficulty level: Easy (light hike of approximately 1 hour 30 minutes).
- Documentation: It is mandatory to carry original ID or Passport.
- Acclimatization: Recommended to spend at least 1 day in Cusco to adapt to the altitude.
- Guide language: Spanish, English, and Portuguese according to availability.
- Service type: Group or private with comfortable tourist transportation.
- Meals: Buffet breakfast and lunch (box lunch) included.
- Entrance fees: The entrance ticket to Waqrapukara (S/10) is NOT included and is paid on-site.
- Restrictions: Accessible for all types of people. Does not require great physical effort.
- Weather: Cold temperatures in the morning; bring warm and waterproof clothing.
- Clothing: Comfortable layered clothing; trekking or sports shoes recommended.
- End: Return to Cusco at approximately 05:00 p.m.
Explore ancient trails to Waqrapukara on a trek steeped in history and unique landscapes.
Sigue los antiguos caminos incas hasta la imponente fortaleza de Waqrapukara. Este mapa guía tu aventura por valles, miradores y paisajes que conectan historia y naturaleza.

Tour rates and options
This tour is offered in shared and private service depending on the size of your group.
"Check 24 hours before to confirm availability and avoid setbacks".
Schedule office appointment
Urb. Dolorespata, Jr. Paititi F 3ª 270, Santiago-Cusco
1 WHY CHOOSE THIS EXPERIENCE?
- ● Breathtaking panoramic view of the Sacred Valley
- ● No prior experience required
- ● Safe activity: favorable topography and certified equipment
- ● An exciting and different experience
- ● Perfect for adventure, nature and unforgettable memories in Cusco
- ● Horseback or trekking options
- ● Daily departures all year round
- ● Oxygen support and first-aid kit
2 WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
- ● We are tour operators in Cusco
- ● Professional and responsible work
- ● 100% tourist vehicles
- ● Safety for our visitors
- ● Your trip will be the best experience
- ● 100% responsible
- ● Care for the environment
- ● Commitment to service quality
Tour Gallery
Waqrapukara: The "Horn Fortress"
Located at 4140 m.a.s.l., its name means "Horn Fortress" (Waqra and Pukara). This Inca and pre-Inca sanctuary was a ceremonial center dedicated to deities like Wiracocha, the Sun, and the Moon.
Architecture and Inca Ceremonial Center
The complex features impressive architecture with double and triple-jamb doorways, characteristic of Inca temples. It was a site of great political and religious power with enclosures, plazas, and an altar for offerings and astronomical rituals.
Agricultural Engineering and Andean Landscapes
Waqrapukara sits on extensive terraces and agricultural walls that demonstrate the advanced engineering of the time. The moderate-difficulty trek crosses beautiful Andean landscapes and the Apurímac Canyon.
Adventure and High-Altitude Challenge
The tour is a Full Day adventure and culture hike with a moderate to challenging difficulty. It is an ideal destination for travelers seeking unconventional places and panoramic views.
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What our travelers say
Verified reviews from real travelers. Our reputation is backed by thousands of authentic experiences.
Excellent guide and unforgettable experience
Cristian Flores was an exceptional guide who shared extensive knowledge about the mountain and local culture. His professionalism and friendliness made the experience truly unforgettable. I highly recommend this tour for future visitors and will definitely book his services again on my next trip to Cusco.
Rainbow Mountain ATV Adventure
Everything was perfectly organized from the schedule to transportation. Our guide Jimy was excellent throughout the day. I highly recommend this amazing ATV experience - it was both thrilling and safe. The landscapes are simply breathtaking and worth every minute of the journey.
Spectacular tour with knowledgeable guide
The Rainbow Mountain tour was spectacular. José José, our guide, was extremely knowledgeable about the area and explained everything about the geology and local culture. The team was attentive at all times and transportation was comfortable. Thanks also to my group members who made the experience even more enjoyable.
Dreamlike nature worth every step
An unforgettable experience where the effort is totally worth it. The ascent can be challenging but our guide motivated and helped us at all times. The views are simply stunning and photos don't do it justice. I recommend bringing warm clothes and good shoes.
Unforgettable Quad adventure
The excursion to Vinikunka Mountain was spectacular. Excellent assistance and detailed explanations from guide José José and his assistant Wilfredo. The quads were in perfect condition and safety instructions were clear. We enjoyed every moment from sunrise to return.
SPECTACULAR - Exceeded expectations
Thanks to the quads I was able to enjoy the tour without problems. The guide was very attentive and knowledgeable about the area. What I appreciated most was the punctuality and organization of the tour. They provided all facilities and the team was attentive at all times.
Wonderful experience with the best guide
Guide Jose José proved to be a great person and exceptional professional. From the first moment he cared about our well-being and made us feel safe throughout the tour. His knowledge about local culture and geology greatly enriched the experience.
Beautiful experience with excellent service
Great experience from start to finish. Guide Jose Jose was very friendly and professional, explaining every detail of the tour. What I valued most was his patience when some of us needed to go slower due to altitude. The agency team was attentive at all times.
THE BEST EXPERIENCE on our Peru trip
The entire team was friendly and professional from start to finish. Hotel pickup was punctual, transportation comfortable and safe. Our guide demonstrated extensive knowledge and passion for his work. I highly recommend this company for their seriousness and organization.
Exceptional service
Excellent attention from booking to the end of the tour. The guide was very professional and knowledgeable. Highly recommended for everyone visiting Cusco.
Amazing experience
One of the best tourist experiences I have had. Everything was perfectly organized and the team was very attentive at every moment.
Highly recommended
The tour exceeded our expectations. Friendly and professional guides. We would return without hesitation. Transportation was comfortable and punctual.
Excellent organization
From the first contact to the end everything was perfect. The guide showed great knowledge and passion for his work. Very satisfied with the service.
Wonderful adventure
An unforgettable experience. The landscape is spectacular and the service is first class. Thank you for making our trip something special.
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Waqrapukara Cusco Tour – Full Day
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