If you’re looking to explore new routes, if you’re after itineraries that stray from the conventional, or if you’ve already visited all the traditional destinations, book our full-day tour to Waqrapukara now. This pre-Inca archaeological site is located in the Huayqui community, in the Acos district (Acomayo province).
HIGHLIGHTS
Meeting place
We will pick you up from your hotel at 4:30 in the morning, provided you are staying in the historic centre.
If you’re staying in another part of the city, we will arrange a meeting point.
If you have any questions or concerns, please refer to the Details and Notes tab.
From Cusco to Cusipata by road
Before starting the hike, you will travel by tourist bus to Cusipata. The distance between Cusco and this district in the province of Quispicanchi (3,400 m a.s.l.) is 82 km, and the journey takes approximately 3 hours.
Breakfast in Cusipata
You will have breakfast at a local restaurant in Cusipata around 7:30 in the morning, where you’ll find vegetarian options. It’s also a good idea to have a cup of coca tea to help alleviate the effects of the altitude and the journey.
From Cusipata to Santa Lucía by road
After breakfast, you will return to the bus for the final stretch of the journey. For about 2 hours and 30 minutes, you will travel from Cusipata to Santa Lucía (3,623 m a.s.l.), a rural community in the Pomacanchi district (Acomayo province).
On the way to Waqrapukara
You will start the hike to Waqrapukara (4,300 m a.s.l.) at around 11:00.
On the way, be sure to follow the guide’s recommendations. Don’t push yourself too hard, and don’t worry if other travellers in the group move ahead more quickly. Keep your own pace and step—this is the key to reaching the end of the trail.
After approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, you will reach your destination. Be aware that the path is steep, as Waqrapukara is located at the top of a mountain. We recommend doing this route only once your body is properly acclimatised to the altitude
Exploring Waqrapukara
Once at your destination, your guide will unravel the historical secrets of this archaeological legacy, initially built by the Canchis, a warrior people who predated the Incas. When the “Children of the Sun” expanded through the Andes, they took control of the area.
You will also learn that Waqrapukara means “fortress in the shape of a horn,” named after the silhouette of the mountain where it stands. After a brief yet informative talk, you will have approximately 35 minutes to explore the archaeological site.
As you explore, pay attention to the trapezoidal doors with triple jambs, a feature found only in significant locations. Make the most of your free time to enjoy the breathtaking mountain views and capture the best photos of your journey.
Return to Santa Lucía
Time to return to the community and then to Cusco. Be cautious on the descent. Take your time and don’t rush; it’s the best way to avoid slips or falls.
Lunch on the route
On the Waqrapukara-Santa Lucía stretch, the group will stop to have lunch outdoors, as there are no tourist restaurants in the rural community. Enjoy your meal and the beautiful landscape. Bon appétit!
Return to Cusco
In Santa Lucía, the bus will be waiting to take you back to Cusco along the same route. The return journey will begin around 14:00 The itinerary does not include any stops. The estimated arrival time in the city is approximately 18:30.
Ending place
The bus will drop you off near the Plaza de Armas in Cusco at the scheduled time (18:30). If you have booked a private tour, we will take you directly to your hotel.
PRICE
The prices shown in the table are:
- Per person in US dollars ($).
- Pple. = people.
- Group = group service, shared.
| Pple. | Type of tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Private | |
| 1 | $45 | $220 |
| 2 | $45 | $110 |
| 3 | $45 | $75 |
| 4 | $45 | $65 |
| 5 | $45 | $60 |
DETAILS
| Details | Type of tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Private | |
| Schedule | 4:30 to 18:30 | You decide |
| Days | Every day | Every day |
| Language | es/en simultaneously | en or es |
| Size | 15 to 20 pax. | You and your friends |
| Included | Type of tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Private | |
| Pick up from your hotel | ✅ | ✅ |
| Guide | ✅ | ✅ |
| Driver | ✅ | ✅ |
| Tourist vehicle | ✅ | ✅ |
| Breakfast and lunch – box lunch | ✅ | ✅ |
| First aid kit | ✅ | ✅ |
| Oxygen tank | ✅ | ✅ |
| Trekking pole (upon request) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Personalised service | ❌ | ✅ |
| Tickets for Waqrapukara: 10 soles pp | ❌ | ❌ |
| Drop off at your hotel | ❌ | ✅ |
Accessibility: This tour is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
What do I bring?
- Sweaters or jackets.
- Anti-slip shoes.
- Raincoats.
- Caps or hats.
- Sunscreen.
- Sunglasses.
- A bottle of water.
- Local currency for your entrance tickets.
WhatsApp:
NOTES
Pick-ups and timings
Group tours:
- All pick-ups and tour ending times are approximate.
- Pick-ups apply only for hotels located in the historic center.
- Your pick-up time will depend on your hotel location.
- If you are out of the historic center, we’ll arrange a meeting point.
- If it’s hard for the vehicle to make it to your hotel, we’ll arrange a meeting point.
- We don’t do pick-ups if there are festivals, strikes and car trafic.
- We’ll arrange all pick-ups and meeting points one day prior your tour.
Private tours:
- Pick-ups are sharp on time.
- Pick-ups apply for all Cusco city.
- We’ll arrange all pick-ups one day prior your tour.
- The tour ending time is still aprox; but, we’ll do our best to finish the tour as scheduled.
Vehicle type and seats
Vehicles:
- Authorized by the Ministry of Transportation of Peru.
- Clean and modern ones.
- Sedan looking auto, 4×4, H1, Van, Renault and Mercedez Benz (it will depend on the group size).
Seats – group tours:
- You reserve a seat in the bus, not a specific number of seat.
- If you get picked-up first, then you can choose some seats (your pick-up time will depend on your hotel location).
- Couples seat together to 95%; however, we can’t warranty this will happen to 100%.
Entrance ticket discounts
Kids, minors, students and Peruvians may have discounts but an official ID is required to show:
- Kids and minors: Bring their official passaports to prove their age.
- Students: Bring your offficial passport and goverment issued ID.
- Peruvians: Bring your oficial ID.
Operability and itinerary
This tour is subject to variation without any prior notice, due to weather conditions, strikes and any other event that doesn’t allow the normal tour operation. See also our terms.
CANCELLATIONS
Cancellation of the tour is free as long as you do so at least 48 hours in advance, otherwise we will charge 100% of the tour price. See also our terms.
REVIEWS
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REVIEWS
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