Waqrapukara
An Inca site on the rim of the Apurímac canyon, at 4,140 m, reachable only on foot.
- Duration
- 1 day (approx. 13 h)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Maximum altitude
- 4,300 m
- Group size
- Maximum 12 people
- Acclimatisation needed
- 2 days in Cusco
- Best season
- April to November
An Inca archaeological site built on the rim of the Apurímac canyon, between two natural rock formations that give it its name: waqra means horn in Quechua, and pukara, fortress.
Visiting means a walk of four to five hours there and back across open puna, with sustained climbing and a final descent to the viewpoint. There are no technical sections, but it all happens above 4,000 m, so arriving with two days of acclimatisation in Cusco is advisable.
It receives no mass transport because no vehicle can reach the site, and unlike Machu Picchu it has no daily capacity and no assigned entry time: you go in when you arrive on foot and walk it without a fixed circuit.
Next departures
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays
These are the dates this route runs, worked out from its schedule. Availability is confirmed when you enquire: in high season some departures are already closed.
Itinerary
04:30
Pickup in Cusco
Heading south on the Acomayo road. About three hours of driving with a breakfast stop.
08:00
Start of the walk
The trail begins at Santa Lucía or Huayqui, depending on the state of the track. Open puna terrain looking out over the Apurímac canyon.
4,300 m above sea level
10:30
Waqrapukara
Arrival at the fortress, perched on the canyon rim between the two rock formations that give it its name — waqra is horn in Quechua. Guided walk around the platforms, the terraces and the viewpoint.
4,140 m above sea level
12:30
Back to the vehicle
Return along the same trail, with the climb back up, and lunch before setting off for Cusco.
16:00
Arrival in Cusco
Drive back, arriving around 17:30.
What's included
- Hotel pickup in Cusco
- Return tourist transport
- Breakfast and lunch
- Certified professional guide
- Entrance to the archaeological site
- First aid kit with oxygen
Not included
- A support horse, if you need one
- Drinks outside meals
- Tips
What to bring
- Hiking shoes with good grip
- Warm layers and a windproof shell — the ridge is permanently windy
- High-factor sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
- Water for five hours
- Rain poncho
- Cash in soles in case you hire a horse
Frequently asked questions
Why does hardly anyone know it?
Because it is three hours from Cusco on a road that is not the Sacred Valley one, and because you have to walk to it. That kept it off the bus circuit, and that is precisely what makes it worth doing: you get a complete Inca site practically to yourself.
How hard is the walk?
Four to five hours there and back, with sustained climbing and a descent to the rim. It is not technical, but it happens above 4,000 m and that tells. Two days of acclimatisation in Cusco is enough.
What exactly is Waqrapukara?
An Inca site built on a rock formation overlooking the Apurímac canyon. The name means fortress of horns, after the two natural rock towers between which the platforms and walls were raised. It is thought to have been ceremonial rather than military.
Can children or older travellers do it?
It depends on how used to walking you are more than on age. It is five hours of mountain trail. The community keeps horses for the hard stretches, hired on the spot.
Can it be combined with another site?
Not on the same day — the walk fills it. It pairs well with the South Valley, which lies in the same direction, as a two-day programme.
When not to go: January to March — the path down to the viewpoint gets slippery