WAQRAPUKARA Tour 1 Day

Introduction

This tour is a direct route into the history of Cusco. The city was the capital of the Inca Empire and its layout is a mix of incredible Inca stonework and Spanish colonial buildings built right on top of the old foundations.

You are not just looking at separate ruins and churches. You are walking through a city that shows the clash and blend of two powerful cultures literally stone by stone. The precision of the Inca masonry is something you have to see up close to even believe.

The stones fit together without any mortar and have survived centuries of earthquakes that toppled the newer buildings around them.

We start at Koricancha the Inca Sun Temple. The Spanish built the Santo Domingo Church on top of its walls. This one site perfectly demonstrates the entire story of the conquest. From there we move to the main Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas. It holds a huge collection of colonial art and is a major religious site.

The tour then takes you just outside the city center to the fortress of Sacsayhuaman. The size of the stones used there is staggering. The tour wraps up back in the central square giving you a complete picture from the Inca heart to the Spanish core and back again.

Trip Details

Duration: 1 Day full out from dawn to dusk no overnights.
Activities: Hiking mostly with culture stops at the ruins and adventure vibes from the canyon climb.
Average Group Size: Up to 12 people keeps it intimate not overwhelming.
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging depending on your fitness that uphill tests legs for sure.
Accommodation: None since it’s a day trip you head back to your Cusco spot.
Tour Language: English and Spanish guides switch as needed.
Hiking Distance: About 10 km or 6 miles round trip give or take by route.
Starts/Ends: Cusco early morning and back by evening same city.
Minimum Altitude: Roughly 3000 meters that’s 9843 feet near the river start.
Max Altitude: Around 4140 meters or 13583 feet at the Inca City peak.
Age Recommended: Min 12 years old younger might struggle with the hike.
Is Necessary Acclimatization: Yes spend a couple days in Cusco first or you’ll feel it bad.
Tickets to entrance: Necessary buy in advance tours often cover but check or pay 5 to 10 bucks on site.

Trip Summary

4:00 AM Pickup from your hotel in Cusco van loaded quick. Drive south valley way about two hours chatting or dozing past fields.
6:00 AM Hit Pomacanchi lagoon area for breakfast simple stuff like bread cheese and tea watching sun rise over water. Fuel up cuz hike’s coming.
7:00 AM Short drive to trailhead at Marcaconga or similar spot gear up and start walking gentle at first along undulating paths spotting lakes maybe birds.
9:00 AM Push harder now switchbacks beside Apurimac River sweat building views opening wide canyon walls closing in.
11:00 AM Reach the lookout point above Waqrapukara snap photos breathe heavy from the climb altitude hitting.
11:30 AM Drop down steep trail forty minutes to the site wander in explore terraces chambers and those horn rocks guide explaining history.
1:00 PM Free time poke around on your own or rest then box lunch nearby fruits snacks energy boost.
2:00 PM Head back up from ruins then down the main trail three hours total knees jarring but faster than up. Doubt you’ll rush it though.
5:00 PM Meet van at trailhead tired legs board for the return drive three hours traffic depending.
8:00 PM Arrive Cusco drop off near plaza or hotel crash hard after that day.

Why you'll love this tour

That raw hike up the canyon walls gets your blood pumping like nothing else around Cusco and you end up at these massive horn rocks that feel ancient and untouched mostly. Guides spill facts on pre Inca builds turning the sweat into something meaningful plus the small group means no herds blocking views.
Exploring the Inca City up close with terraces hugging cliffs and chambers carved right in you sense the defense setup from centuries ago. It’s quieter than usual sites so your mind wanders to old battles or rituals while snapping pics. The descent rushes by fast almost fun if your knees hold and back in Cusco you crash knowing you nailed a hidden gem without multi day hassle.
Chatting with locals selling stuff along the drive or trail adds real flavor like hearing Quechua snippets or grabbing fresh fruit. Meals included keep energy up with simple but filling grub and the van ride lets you zone out to scenery changes from farms to wilds.
The views over Apurimac just explode especially at the viewpoint before dropping in wind howling and canyon stretching forever. You feel small yet pumped conquering the climb and the site’s layout surprises with hidden nooks. Group up to 12 keeps it chill no drama and English Spanish guides adapt easy.

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5.0 4.9 - 462 TripAdvisor Reviews

Discover what fellow travelers have to say about their journeys through Turkey. From breathtaking landscapes to rich cultural experiences, these reviews highlight the unforgettable moments that make each trip truly special.

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Oswaldo Luiz C

5.0

A Agencia primou pela qualidade. Tanto nas programações, excelentes guias, qualidade dos transportes, horários e pontualidade.

Ruan N

5.0

A agência Yacana foi perfeita! Organizou nossos passeios no Peru da melhor forma possível, nos deu todo suporte que precisamos, independentemente do horário, nos deu dicas valiosas para os passeios, sugestões, além do acompanhamento de tudo ao longo dos dias....

Sunshine60374635165

5.0

Experiência indescritível! Fomos em 2 casais para o Peru e contratamos absolutamente todos os passeios com a Yacana. Vale Sagrado, Machu Picchu, 7 lagunas, montanha colorida, city tour cusco e islas ballestas e oasis em Lima. Segurança impecável, pontualidade perfeita...

Diego R

5.0

Experiência incrível, passeios todos bem feitos com a Yacana. Guias muitos preparados e prestativos, em especial a Rosa. Recomendo!

Daniele P

5.0

A agência tem um excelente atendimento, faz adaptações e oferece os melhores passeios, além de todo o pós venda que captura os feedbacks de forma atenta e cuidadosa. Recomendo para todos que posso os serviços da Yacana.

Flávia F

5.0

Tivemos ótima experiência com nossos tour! Equipe pontual, muito organizada, guias bem preparados e simpáticos . Empresa de confiança!

Tamara F

5.0

Tivemos uma experiencia maravilhosa com o guia Robert e motorista Hernan no passeio a Wanacancha + Pisac! O Robert é uma simpatia e cheio de cultura - um professor!!! Recomendamos muito!!

Miliani Greco

5.0

Desde o início do atendimento até a execução do que contratamos, foram extremamente atenciosos e pontuais. Não precisávamos nos preocupar com nada, apenas em curtir o Peru e suas belezas.

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Included

Telephone briefing the day before the trek.
Hotel Pick-up and drop off in The Plaza de Armas.
Tourist Transport
Entrance to WaqraPukara (s/. 15 Soles Por per person. Paid directly in the destination.
01 breakfast, 01 lunch- vegan and vegetarian options available at no extra cost.
Professional bi-lingual guide
First Aid kit with oxygen tank.
Walking sticks.
Blankets.

Not Included

Horses (Optional) (25.00 USD Per person. Paid directly in the destination).
Tips (Optional).

What to Bring

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Your trip confirmation will be sent once you have paid for your service.
Comfortable clothing and with a warm jacket, gloves and woolly hat.
Sun protection and sun hat
Waterproof Jacket or Rain Poncho.
Comfortable hiking shoes/boots.
Water.
Snacks.
Camera.
Daily departures
Departure time: 03:00 – 03:30 am.
Trip Duration: 16:00 hours approx.

Is this trip right for you?

If you’re fit enough for a solid uphill push around 3 hours and cool with high altitude over 4000 meters then yeah this fits but skip if motion sickness hits on windy roads or you hate early starts at 4am. Acclimatize or risk headaches I did once and regretted not popping pills sooner. Teens 12 up join fine but parents watch the steep bits.
Love mixing hike with history? This tour’s spot on for culture buffs digging lesser known ruins but if crowds energize you more head elsewhere Waqrapukara’s peaceful almost too much sometimes. Groups small so introverts thrive yet social hikers bond over shared puffs. Weather’s iffy so flexible types only and if budget’s tight at 100 bucks check inclusions carefully.
Adventure seekers eyeing moderate challenge with some risk from heights or slips dig this but bail if bad knees or heart issues the trail’s no joke. Families test it with older kids but solos might feel the isolation intense in a good way. Prep physically or you’ll lag and guides adjust but don’t count on hand holding. Food’s basic so picky eaters pack extras. Suits travelers wanting authentic without luxury frills. (64 words)
If Cusco’s your base and you got a day free for something epic beyond markets this nails it but not if you’re rushed or hate dust from the drive. Altitude demands respect so yes acclimatize or nope.

Pricing

Updgrades

Private guide just for you or small group extra 50 bucks per person makes sense if you want deeper stories or slower pace without waiting for stragglers. Tours run groups but this amps personalization especially if altitude bugs you need more stops.
Horse rental for the uphill haul about 20 bucks gets a sure footed animal to carry your pack or even ride parts if legs give out. Useful for heavier folks or if acclimatization’s iffy saves energy for exploring ruins not just surviving the climb.
Oxygen bottle add on 15 bucks rental from operator pops pure air hits when dizzy strikes high up. Not always needed but peace of mind if you’ve had sickness before and don’t wanna bail early.
Combo with Qeswachaka bridge extra 30 bucks tacks on Inca hanging bridge visit en route adds more culture without extra day. Worth it if you’re bridge geek but skips some hike time so pick if adventure’s your jam over pure ruins.

Travel Guide

Recomendaciones: Book ahead especially dry season slots fill quick and confirm pickup spot cuz Cusco traffic messes times. Tip guide and driver 5 to 10 soles each they hustle hard. Stay hydrated sip slow altitude creeps. If solo join group for safety numbers help on remote trails. Pack light regret heavy bags mid hike. Check weather app but trust locals more flips fast.

Clima: Dry months May to October sunny days but nights drop cold to freezing pack thermals. Rainy November to April mud makes trails slick falls risk up so waterproof everything. Winds strong at top whip hats away. Around 10 to 20 Celsius day highs but feels cooler with breeze. Intense sun burns even short exposure

Temporada del año recomendada: Go dry season March to January best visibility and dry paths easier footing. Avoid February maintenance closes it roads wash out. Peak June to August busier but reliable weather. Shoulder April May or September October fewer crowds same perks. Summers hot but rains less predictable doubt you’ll love soggy boots.

Como vestir adecuadamente para el tour: Layers rule t shirt under fleece then waterproof jacket for versatility. Trek pants not jeans cuz wet sticks. Hiking socks wool blend prevent blisters. Gloves light for wind hat wide brim shades. Sturdy shoes no sneakers slip city. Change socks mid if sweat builds. Intense cold at dawn so start bundled.

Como prepararse físicamente: Walk hills daily weeks before build stamina that uphill’s no joke. Cardio runs or stairs mimic the climb. Strength train legs squats for switchbacks. Acclimatize Cusco 2 3 days light walks. Yoga for balance steep drops. Eat light night before avoid heavy. If out of shape consider horse upgrade or skip doubt you’ll enjoy gasping whole way.

Como son los pobladores locales: Friendly Quechua speakers farm alpacas sell woven goods or coca leaves along drive. Welcoming wave chat if you try Spanish basics. Traditional dress ponchos herds modest life. Respect no photos without ask. They guide sometimes know trails inside out. Intense poverty shows but pride in heritage shines through interactions.

Para quienes es recomendado este tour: Active travelers mid 20s to 50s craving off grid hikes. Families with teens 12 plus if kids tough. Culture nuts into ruins less touristy. Adventure types okay moderate challenge. Not beginners or low fitness bail on altitude. Backpackers budget wise at 100 bucks. Solos join groups easy. Intense for history buffs wanting real sweat equity.

Como es la comida en la ruta: Box lunches simple sandwiches quinoa salad fruit cookies hit after morning hike. Breakfast breads eggs tea at stop energizing. Snacks bars chocolate provided. Local flavors alpaca cheese maybe if lucky. No fancy but filling sustains energy. Hydrate with water bottles. Dinner back in Cusco your call. Vegetarians accommodated ask ahead. Intense hunger post trek makes it taste amazing though basic.

Faqs

What is Waqrapukara exactly?

Those horn shaped rock formations mark a pre Inca site later used by Incas as a fortress overlooking Apurimac Canyon. Built around 500 AD with terraces walls and chambers for defense or rituals. Not huge like Machu Picchu but impressive in isolation locals call it the horn fortress cuz the peaks look like that.

How long is the drive from Cusco to the trailhead?

Around three hours total with stops but unpaved bits slow it down to four sometimes. South valley roads twist past lagoons and villages dust kicks up in dry season. Early start means less traffic but van bounces yeah prepare for that rattle.

Do I need to buy the entrance ticket ahead?

Yeah most tours include it but if solo buy at site for about 5 to 10 soles advance online through parks service avoids lines. Some operators bundle so check your booking. Doubt you’ll get turned away but better safe especially peak times.

What’s the highest point on this trek?

Up at the ruins around 4140 meters that’s over 13500 feet air thin up there. Starting lower near 3700 but the climb feels it quick. Acclimatize or spin dizzy I tell ya.

Is there any wildlife to see?

Condors soar sometimes lucky spot foxes or deer in bushes. Birds aplenty hawks eagles. No big cats but llamas from locals wander. Bring binos if keen nature calls intense in that canyon wildness.

How tough is the hike really?

Moderate challenging three hours up steep switchbacks then down jarring on knees. About 10k total if fit you’ll manage but newbie huff a lot. Guides pace it but no easy mode. Wonder if porters help nah day tour no.

What meals are provided?

Breakfast at lagoon stop breads fruits tea. Box lunch mid trek sandwich salad snacks. Water too. Dinner not your own in Cusco. Simple keeps you going no gourmet but hey trail food’s trail food.

Can kids go on this tour?

Min 12 years old yeah tougher ones handle it families do. Younger maybe not the altitude or distance. Check with operator they adjust but steep bits scare little legs. Intense for teens though builds character.

What’s the group size like?

Up to 12 keeps it chill not mobbed. Mix ages fitness levels but guides herd everyone. Private option if you pay extra solos fit right in chatty bunch usually.

Do I need acclimatization for altitude?

Absolutely yes hang in Cusco 2 3 days first walk around get used to 3400 meters. Ruins way higher headaches nausea hit fast otherwise. Pop soroche pills too. I skipped once bad call.

Is rain a big issue?

Dry season fine but rainy months mud slides close trails. Poncho essential drizzles common. Check forecast but Peru weather lies intense storms pop sudden soak you good.

Are there bathrooms on the trail?

Basic at trailhead and site outhouses squat style no paper bring your own. Nature calls mid hike privacy bushes. Guides point spots but yeah roughing it.

How much does the tour cost?

Around 80 to 120 USD per person group rate drops with numbers. Includes transport meals guide ticket. Private bumps to 200. Budget for tips extra 10 soles. Worth it for the haul.

Can I combine with other sites?

Yeah some add rainbow mountain or Inca bridge for extra fee about 30 bucks more. Skips some Waqrapukara time though pick one focus. Doubt you’ll want overload first day.

What if I get sick from altitude?

Guides carry oxygen first aid kit descend if bad. Tours have insurance but your responsibility meds. Stop push listen body. Intense but rare with prep

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