Waqra Pukara Trek 2D/1N
The Waqra Pukara Trek 2D/1N adventure that offers a captivating journey through stunning natural landscapes. This trek includes one camping night facing the ancient archaeological site of Waqrapukara, providing a unique blend of outdoor exploration and historical discovery.
Waqrapukara: It is an archaeological fortress whose shape is a horn, located high above the Apurimac River at 4,400 meters above sea level. Located 115 kilometers from Cusco in the province of Acomayo in the district of Acos. The archaeological monument is surrounded by impressive platforms, squares and a forest of stones that resemble thrones with mythological giants contemplating the Andean landscape. “Waqrapukara has nothing to envy to the best cultural, adventure and high mountain tourism destinations”, come and dare to explore this magical place.
Summary
- Modality: Adventure, cultural and archaeological
- Duration: 2 days/1 night
- Degree of difficulty: Moderate, with ups and downs
- Languages: English, Spanish
- Departures: Private (minimum 3 people)
- Periods: All year round, recommended April – November
- Minimum group required: 3 people
- Maximum height: 4,300 meters above sea level
Itinerary
Waqra Pukara Trek 2D/1N full Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Pitumarca – Wakra Pukara
The day begins with the pick-up from your hotel in Cusco between 06:00 a.m. to 06:30 a.m. to board our tourist transport heading south of the city, following the Cusco – Puno highway, until reaching the sector called Chuquicahuana to do The detour and entering the province of Acomayo a few minutes we will witness an immense lagoon called Pomacanchi lagoon, known as one of the second largest lagoons in the Cusco region, where we will make a brief stop for photographs, continuing with our tour we arrive to the district of Sangarara where we will also make a stop to explain about the temple of the Virgen de las Nieves, this temple keeps a lot of history because in this place Tupac Amaru II gets the victory against the rebels, where we will also have our first breakfast, continuing our trip we arrive at Pitumarca. Place where our concentration point will be to start our walk towards Waqrapukara, on the way we will observe the ruggedness of the geography, the natural anthropomorphic and zoomorphic formations in the rocks, and small existing lagoons, we will also observe the diversity of flora and fauna high Andean. We will be in contact with ourselves, the natural life and the Andean man
- Distance to travel: 10 km
- Walking time: From 4 to 5 hours including rest and stop for lunch
- Camp height: 4,300 meters above sea level.
- Difficulty: Moderate.
- Temperature: Cold and windy in the afternoon
Day 2: Wakra Pukara – Santa Lucia – Cusco
After a resplendent sunrise in the middle of a surrounded nature we will have our delicious breakfast, then we will have our guided tour of the archaeological center of Waqrapukara, this place surprising us with its enigmatic construction, we will be able to appreciate the main door called INTIPUNKU OR PORTADA DEL SOL, enclosure of the sun and the moon, Wiracocha enclosure, two towers, main square, grandstands, to the side we will also see a system of terraces, and we will be surrounded by the immense rock formations around us, finished with the guide we will go to observe the cave paintings of the Qanchi ethnic group being able to see representations of the llamas, the llama considered one of the very important camelids since pre-Inca times which is located a few minutes from the fortress, returning we will have our expected lunch after eating we will begin to walk to arrive to the district of Camping and thus return to the city of Cusco and We will be in Cusco at approximately 7:00 pm.
- Distance to travel: 14 km
- Walking time: From 6 to 7 hours including rest and stop for lunch
- Difficulty: Moderate.
- Temperature: Cold and windy in the afternoon
Price
600 soles per person
Inclusions
Included in the Waqra Pukara Trek 2D/1N:
- Round trip transportation from Cusco to Pitumarca
- English/Spanish-speaking professional guide
- Personal sleeping pad (double foam)
- Personal tents: two people in each 4, people-capacity tent, to allow for higher comfort and a safe keeping of backpacks
- Cook and cooking equipment
- Two lunches, one dinner, two breakfasts
- Vegetarian food available on request with no extra charge
- Wake up tea at the campsite
- First aid equipment
- Horses and wranglers to carry 7kg of your personal belongings and camping equipment
Not Included in the Waqra Pukara Trek 2D/1N:
- Snacks
- Entrance ticket to Wakra Pukara 20 soles per person
- Tips for the guide, cook, driver, and wranglers
What to Bring for the Waqra Pukara Trek 2D/1N:
- Hiking boots
- Small daypack or backpack (approximately 20L)
- Comfortable, lightweight trekking clothes or activewear (layers recommended)
- Waterproof, sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support and traction
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
- Warm coat
- Hat and gloves
- Hand sanitizer
- Sun hat or cap
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Water (at least 1L)
- Personal medications
- Muscle relaxers
- Painkillers or anti inflammatories
- Bandaids (especially those designed for blisters)
- Toilet paper
- Camera
- Cash (in small denominations of Peruvian nuevos soles)
FAQS
Should I bring extra water for Waqra Pukara Trek 2D/1N ?
Water is provided at meals. However, you should also carry one or two refillable water bottles with you to prevent dehydration.
How far in advance should I book my tour?
We recommend that you book your tour approximately two weeks in advance. This allows us enough time to arrange your transportation, meals, and campsites to your satisfaction.
How much time will I need to acclimate to the altitude before my trek?
We recommend at least two days in Cusco to sufficiently acclimate before the trek begins.
What meals are included? Is there a vegetarian option?
You will receive two lunches, one dinner, and one breakfast included in your tour. Vegetarian options are available, vegan option are not.
Should I tip the guides? How much is appropriate?
A tip is customary, but the amount is at your discretion. Whatever you feel is appropriate based on the service you have received is fine; please remember to always be courteous and respectful with our guides.
Are sleeping bags included?
No, sleeping bags are not included in the cost of this tour. However, they are available to rent for 20 soles from our agency.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
All of our guides are bilingual and speak both Spanish and English.
What is the highest point on this hike?
The highest elevation on this hike is 4,300 meters (14,103 ft) above sea level.
How warm are the sleeping bags that you rent?
Our sleeping bags are rated for temperatures as low as -10°C, but are more suitable for temperatures of about -5°C. Since you won’t find temperatures as low as this on the trek, we rate them as very warm and cozy! We charge US$20 per person for the whole trek.
If I am travelling alone, can I have my own tent?
If you are travelling alone and are willing to share a tent with a member of the same sex, then there is no additional cost. If, however, you would like your own tent, then there is an additional supplement of US$40.
Do you recommend a rain poncho, or is a rain jacket okay?
The rainy season in Cusco is generally from November to April, when there are near-daily showers and the ground—especially in trekking areas—is wet and muddy. However, there are occasional showers throughout the rest of the year; you should always pack a rain jacket, regardless of when you plan to visit. For treks, a rain poncho is highly recommended—since you will be walking through rain for potentially several hours without shelter, a poncho will be much more effective at keeping all of your belongings and your base layers warm and dry. Waterproof shoes are also strongly recommended.
Do I need walking poles?
Although not required, walking poles are recommended for any trekkers worried about joint stress or balance. They also are quite helpful in providing stability and leverage on especially steep climbs and descents. If you do not have poles or are unsure how to use them, we are able to rent them to you and provide instruction.