Discovering the majestic Inca construction of Waqrapukara or horn-shaped fortress located in the canyon of the mighty Apurimac river. Book now the day tour
Description
Discovering the majestic Inca construction of Waqrapukara or "horn-shaped fortress", located in the canyon of the mighty Apurimac river, will be an unforgettable experience, since it is a hidden treasure for travelers who are looking for something different and with few people. This beautiful sacred place combines an incredible work in stone with spectacular natural formations and small lagoons around.
Waqra is "horn" in Spanish. Pukara is equivalent to strength. The "horns" rise 4,300 meters above sea level, on the summit of a huge ravine covered with forests that crown the chasms that overlook the Apurimac River canyon. The archaeological monument is surrounded by impressive platforms, squares and a forest of stones that resemble thrones with mythological giants contemplating the Andean landscape.
Days: 1
Max People : 10
All year
Min Age : 2+
Pickup : Hotel
Language:
What to Expect
Quick Itinerary:
04:30 We pick you from you hotel and drive to Acomayo
08:30 Starts the Waqrapukara hike
11:00 Waqrapukara guided tour
11:30 Back to the starting point of the trek
14:00 Transport back to Cusco
18:00 Arrival to Cusco
Important Information about the tour:
Maximum Height: 4 400 m / 14 436 f
Minimum height: 3 207 m / 10 521 f
Walking distance: approximately 12 km
Walking time: 7 hours approximately
Degree of difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Highlights of the Waqrapukara full day hike:
Explore the only Inca fortress and temple in Waqrapukara.
Enjoy a little crowded tour without the congestion of tourists
Walk through incredible andean landscapes
Observe the local flora and fauna
Itinerary Details
Waqrapukara hike
This day it is necessary to leave early, at 5:00 a.m., for a bus trip to the Acomayo district, until finally arriving at Cocha 4000m / 13123f, where the 2½-hour hike to Waqrapukara will begin. The geography is rugged with incredible natural rock formations and small lagoons, where you can observe the wild fauna of the place, such as condors, llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, wild horses and wild ducks.
During this hike we can see a lot of flora and fauna typical of the area to reach our destination Waqrapukara, where we will have a guided tour visiting the following places: Intipunku (Sun Gate), main square, towers, terraces, Wiracocha enclosure and cave paintings with representation of flames.
The archaeological complex is located sinuously along a rocky promontory, built around two horn-shaped mountain peaks, the site has eight Inca terraces with retaining walls and stone stairs.
It will take three hours of walking back along an old road to the town of Waqui, before finding your private bus that will take you back to the city of Cusco.
Already planning your Inca Trail dates? A few other departures still have discounted spots open this season. The Inca Path Tour combines Lima, Cusco, and the trail itself into one 9-day trip, while the Vilcabamba route offers a less-traveled path to Machu Picchu with the same final destination. Both are shown below with current pricing — reach out if you want us to check specific dates for your group.
Discover Peru’s highlights with our 9-day Inca Path package. Includes Lima city tour, Cusco, Sacred Valley, and the legendary Inca Trail. Permits sell out fast!
Four days, three mountain passes, and a sunrise arrival at the Sun Gate — the Inca Trail is the trek most people picture when they imagine Machu Picchu. Tierras Vivas runs it with licensed local guides and small groups, departures guaranteed for 2026.
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