Day trip to Waqrapukara
Tour Information: Day trip to Waqrapukara
One-day excursion to the fascinating pre-Inca fortress
Cusipata – Pomacanchi Lagoon – Santa Lucía – Waqrapukara
What do you think about leaving the city and the crowds behind to visit a unique and off-the-beaten-path destination? The one-day tour to Waqrapukara is an excellent option to enjoy peace and relaxation. You will visit an amazing place that very few tourists and locals get to explore.
Discover a unique Inca fortress and sanctuary at Waqrapukara.
Admire its wide agricultural terraces, perfectly preserved walls, stairways, and stone enclosures carved in the classic Inca style.
Walk through stunning Andean landscapes and capture spectacular photos.
Observe local flora and fauna while learning about them with a specialized guide.
Get to know the traditional rural Andean way of life up close.
Enjoy a different experience, far from mass tourism and large crowds.
Join us on this unforgettable hike to the impressive pre-Inca construction of Waqrapukara, also known as the “Horn Fortress,” located in the majestic Apurímac Canyon. This sacred site combines advanced architecture with striking natural formations, creating an almost magical setting surrounded by small crystal-clear lagoons. Its massive horn-shaped structures reach 4,140 m / 13,583 ft in altitude.
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Day trip to Waqrapukara Tour Includes
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Day trip to Waqrapukara Tour Details
Day 1Cusco - Cusipata - Pomacanchi - Waqrapukara - Cusco
Get ready to be amazed by the impressive Inca fortress of Waqrapukara
This exciting one-day adventure begins very early. We will pick you up from your hotel around 4:00 a.m. and start a two-hour drive to the town of Cusipata, where you will enjoy breakfast to recharge. We will then continue along the road bordering the beautiful Pomacanchi Lagoon, surrounded by vast grasslands and farmland. This lagoon is considered the second largest in the Cusco region.
Afterward, we will continue for another hour on an unpaved road toward the village of Santa Lucía, enjoying incredible scenery along the way and even distant views of the lagoon. From there, we will take a final drive to the starting point of the hike, where you will have time to prepare your gear.
The first section of the hike lasts about one and a half hours, crossing the impressive Apurímac Canyon, one of the deepest in Peru, surrounded by cliffs and stunning natural landscapes.
Upon reaching the Waqrapukara viewpoint, you will have time to rest and take your first photos of this majestic fortress standing at the edge of the canyon. We will then continue ascending along a cliffside trail until reaching the archaeological site, while observing the Apurímac River far below.
You will explore the archaeological complex for about one and a half hours, walking through ancient structures, photographing the iconic horn-shaped rock formation, and admiring the incredible canyon scenery. Waqrapukara also preserves enigmatic pre-Inca and Inca constructions, agricultural terraces, and a fascinating history, making it an ideal place to learn about Andean culture. Without a doubt, this destination will leave you amazed from start to finish.
When the group is ready, we will begin the return hike along the same trail. After about one and a half hours, we will reach the private transport and finally return to Cusco, arriving around 5:00 p.m.
