Duration: Full Day
Min. People: 2 / Max. People: 15
Difficulty: Moderate
Availability: Every Day
Depart: Cusco
Destination: Waqrapukara

OVERVIEW

The Waqrapukara Inca ruins are one of the best full day treks you can do in the region of Cusco. There are no crowds, and you can admire the breathtaking landscapes and views. Dare to experience a tour off the beaten track, head towards the Apurimac river, and explore this incredible site!

We offer this trekking experience as a private session, which means that you decide how many people will be in your group, and no other travelers join your group (minimum: 2 people).

ITINERARY

WAQRAPUKARA TREK FULL DAY TOUR

We will begin the day very early and pick you up from your hotel in Cusco between 4:00 and 4:20 am. From there we will drive for 3 hours towards the village of Pitumarca, where we will enjoy a delicious and filling breakfast.

After breakfast we will begin our 8 kilometer trek. We will pass by lakes, glaciers, valleys, beautiful countryside views and also learn about the flora and fauna. Once we arrive at the highest peak of this trek, we will rest and take time to enjoy the incredible scenery and take lots of photos. Then we will continue towards our destination of Waqrapukara, which is believed to be a sanctuary of great political and religious power in the area. Here we will eat lunch and our guide will teach you all about the region and the history of this mysterious site. After lunch, we will have time to tour the archaeological site and take lots of photos before our return to Pitumarca, where we will take our vehicle back to Cusco. We will arrive in Cusco around 6:00 pm and drop you off at Plaza Regocijos.

INCLUSIONS

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

MEALS

Meals as indicated in the itinerary (1x Breakfast, 1x Lunch).
Meals can be accommodated for any dietary requirements such as vegetarian or vegan. Please let us know in advance if you have certain preferences, so we can plan ahead.

TRANSPORTATION

Pick-up from your hotel and drop-off in Cusco.

LOCAL GUIDES & TEAM

English/Spanish speaking professional guide, plus an assistant guide for groups over 12.
All our trekking guides have a minimum of 3 years of guiding experience and are certified. They carry a first aid kit with them, as well as an extra oxygen bottle in case of emergencies.

BRIEFING

Briefing: You will have a meeting with your guide in our office to go over all the details regarding your tour. The orientation will be between 5:00-7:30 pm at our office in Cusco the day before departure.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?

Meals, beverages or other snacks not mentioned in the program (for example: dinner not included)
Other activities or excursions that are indicated as optional or not mentioned in the itinerary

FAQ

When is the best time to trek to Waqrapukara?

We have two main seasons in the Andes Moutnains, the rainy season (November-March) and the dry season (April-October).

During the rainy, warmer season temperatures average around 15°C / 60°F during the day and 5°C / 40°F at night. However, these temperatures may feel a lot colder to you.

During the dry season the weather is sunny and clear, and on average 20° C / 70 °F during the day but much colder at night, around -3 °C / 26 °F.

How can I prepare for the hike and prevent altitude sickness?

The best way to prepare yourself for this trekking experiencee is easy: spend at least 2 to 3 days at a high-altitude place like Cusco, so your body gets used to the high altitude. If you have already been to a high altitude destination before arriving to Cusco, we still recommend you spend at least one full day in Cusco to rest, recuperate from your trip, and enjoy the beautiful views of the city before your trek.

Additionally, taking good care of your body helps deal with the extra pressures that altitude creates. We recommend you to eat healthy food, drink lots of water and stay away from alcohol. Chewing coca leaves, drinking coca tea helps to alleviate any discomfort associated with the altitude.