Overview
EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
- Hike to the impressive Waqrapukara Archaeological Site in the southern Andes of Cusco.
- Enjoy panoramic views of the Apurímac Canyon and surrounding mountain landscapes.
- Walk through scenic high-altitude valleys, rolling hills, and traditional rural scenery.
- Discover the history and architecture of Waqrapukara with a professional local guide.
- Admire the site’s distinctive horn-shaped rock formations and dramatic natural setting.
- Reach approximately 4,140 m / 13,583 ft at Waqrapukara.
- Complete approximately 5 km / 3.11 miles of hiking during the experience.
- Enjoy opportunities for landscape and archaeological photography.
- Enjoy breakfast and buffet lunch during the full-day excursion.
- Travel with organized round-trip transportation from Cusco.
JOURNEY OVERVIEW
FULL DAY
Cusco – Cusipata / Santa Lucia – Waqrapukara – CuscoDepart Cusco early in the morning and travel through the southern Andes toward the Santa Lucia route. After breakfast, continue to the trailhead and hike through high-altitude landscapes to Waqrapukara. Explore the archaeological site with your guide, return along the same trail, enjoy a buffet lunch, and travel back to Cusco.
Itinerary
Cusco – Cusipata / Santa Lucia – Waqrapukara – Cusco
Your adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 4:00 a.m. Pick-up is available from hotels located in or near the Historic Center. From there, travel through the southern Andes, passing traditional villages, fertile valleys, and impressive mountain landscapes on the way toward Waqrapukara.
During the journey, stop at a local restaurant for a buffet breakfast before continuing along the Santa Lucia route. This road passes through peaceful Andean countryside and leads toward the starting point of the hike.
Upon arrival at the trailhead, your guide will provide a brief orientation, explain the route, and share important safety information before beginning the hike. The trail follows mountain paths with gradual ascents and views of the Apurímac Canyon, rugged cliffs, and the surrounding highland scenery.
Your guide will maintain a comfortable pace, allowing time for breaks, photographs, and explanations about the landscapes and history of the area.
After approximately two hours of hiking, reach the Waqrapukara Archaeological Site, dramatically positioned above the canyon and surrounded by distinctive horn-shaped rock formations. Explore the site with your guide, learn about its history and architecture, and enjoy panoramic views from the surrounding viewpoints.
After visiting Waqrapukara, return along the same trail toward the vehicle. Continue to a local restaurant, where you will enjoy a buffet lunch and have time to rest after the hike.
Finally, begin the scenic drive back to Cusco through the Andean countryside. Arrival at your hotel is expected between approximately 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., depending on traffic, road, and weather conditions.
- Walking Distance5 km / 3.11 miles
- Walking Time3 hours
- Starting Elevation3,700 m / 12,139 ft
- Waqrapukara Elevation4,140 m / 13,583 ft
- MealsBreakfast and buffet lunch
- DifficultyModerate to Challenging
Inclusions
We carefully organize every aspect of your experience from transportation and professional local guides to the services and activities included in your itinerary allowing you to relax and fully enjoy your adventure.
Because every tour is unique, included services may vary depending on the itinerary you choose. We encourage you to review each program carefully before booking to ensure you have all the information you need and can prepare for an unforgettable experience in Cusco and Peru.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Permits & Entrance Tickets
- Entrance to the Waqrapukara Archaeological Site.
Quality Service & Safety
- Experienced Tour Guide: Our guides are selected for their professionalism, experience, responsibility, and commitment to providing a safe and comfortable experience.
- Trekking poles.
- Medical kit or first aid kit.
- 24/7 customer service.
Meals
- Breakfast.
- Lunch.
Transportation
- Round-trip transportation from Cusco.
- Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco at the beginning of the tour.
- Return transportation to your hotel in Cusco after the tour.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
- Dinner.
- Personal hiking gear.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips for our staff.
- Additional costs or delays beyond our control, including landslides, severe weather conditions, itinerary modifications required for safety reasons, illness, pandemics, changes in government regulations, political unrest, strikes, force majeure, or other unforeseen circumstances.
To ensure the smooth operation of your tour, we secure entrance tickets, transportation, staff, and other logistical services well in advance. As these services are prepaid and confirmed before departure, any additional expenses resulting from unforeseen events or changes beyond our control will be the responsibility of the traveler.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation should any exceptional circumstances arise. Our team will make every reasonable effort to minimize disruptions and provide assistance throughout your journey.
Before you go
Please read the following details carefully, as they will help you have a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
Hotel Pick-Up Information
Hotel pick-up is available within Cusco city. For better accessibility, we recommend staying in the historic center or areas with easy vehicle access.
Our team will confirm your exact pick-up time one day before your tour begins.
Due to traffic conditions and the location of your accommodation, pick-up times may vary slightly.
Cusco is a historic city with narrow streets, cobblestone roads, and some steep areas. Certain hotels or accommodations may not have direct vehicle access, which can make transportation with luggage more difficult. We recommend choosing accommodation with convenient access.
Group Tours
Our group tours bring together travelers from different countries, backgrounds, ages, and physical conditions. Each participant has their own hiking pace and level of experience.
During the tour, everyone is encouraged to enjoy the route at their own rhythm while following the recommendations of our guides.
Any changes to the planned itinerary must be evaluated by the guide, considering weather conditions, safety, and the agreement of the group members.
Strikes, Protests, and Unexpected Situations
In Peru, occasional strikes, demonstrations, or road closures may affect travel plans. These situations can sometimes impact transportation routes, access points, or scheduled activities.
Our operations team will always work to provide the best possible solution and maintain your itinerary whenever conditions allow. In some cases, schedules may need to be adjusted to guarantee your safety and the quality of your experience.
Your safety is our main priority, and all decisions will be made with your well-being in mind.
Lost or Forgotten Items
Please take care of your personal belongings throughout your trip. Before leaving transportation, campsites, restaurants, or any visited location, make sure you have collected all your items.
Experience Colibri Peru is not responsible for lost, forgotten, or damaged personal belongings during the tour.
Packing list
Essential
Valid Passport
Extra money (recommended soles)
Personal medication
Water bottle or CamelBak
Sunblock: factor 70 or more
Insect repellent
Clothing
Hiking boots or shoes (preferably waterproof)
Trekking pants
Trekking socks
Long sleeve t-shirts
Rain poncho
Sun hat
Equipment
Trekking poles
Medium trekking backpack (15 – 25 liter)
Recommended
Camera and charger
Power bank
Snacks: Energy bars, chocolate, candies, dried fruits, etc.
Pricing
Waqrapukara One Day Trek
Request a personalized quote for your group.
Enquire now
Our PledgeYour privacy is respected and protected. Experience Colibri will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
