Waqrapukara Trek in Southern Peru is an off the beaten track experience. It takes you to the lesser known and secluded Inca site. The complex features eight farming terraces and fortresses.
Waqrapukara in Quechua means horn fortress. It is named after its appearance. The fortress is snuggled by two peaks. Unlike Machu Picchu, its existence was recently discovered. It sits at 4,300 meters, high above the Apurimac river canyon in Acomayo province near Cusco.
Not so long ago, local archaeologists found a triple jammed door. The Incas specially used such doors only in sites with supreme political or religious power.
This is a high altitude experience. We highly recommend you to spend atleast three days in Cusco before the trek to acclimate to avoid altitude sickness.
Our guides are locals from Cusco. They are trained on first aid and are aware of the culture and history of Incas.
| DEPARTURE | Cusco | ||
| ARRIVAL | Waqrapukara | ||
| INCLUDED |
|
||
| NOT INCLUDED | International flights to and from the place of arrival and departure Anything not mentioned under “Included.” Airport taxes Breakfast on the 1st day and evening meal on the 2nd day Tips Sleeping bag Night of 2nd day in Cusco Compulsory travel insurance (accident/repatriation) |
Your expenses on site
Allow an average of $25/day for meals (except when included) and drinks. This amount may vary depending on your choice of restaurant. Also include an amount for souvenirs that you would like to take away as well as for your personal expenses.
Additional information
| Promotion | Profitez de nos rabais pour les dates suivantes (groupes de max 10 personnes) |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 23/02 |
| 2020 | 30.03 / 27.04 / 8.06 / 6.07 / 3.08 / 14.09 |
Waqrapukara - 2 days / 1 night
Waqrapukara or the horned fortress in Quechua. A totally forgotten gem of the Cusco region that we propose you to discover over 2 days – 1 night. Perched above the Apurimac canyon, this site would have been, according to some historians, a military checkpoint during the Inca period. For others, it would be a former place of worship or a site that served as an astronomical observatory.
If there is any doubt as to the function of this place, one thing is obvious: these two days of trekking will leave you with an unforgettable memory and an unforgettable experience.
As you will note on the map in the introduction of this document, the site has several access routes. We will therefore adapt the path and the itinerary according to your desires and availability.
Whichever access you choose, we will leave Cusco in the early morning to reach Santa Lucia, Pitumarca or Acomayo through Sacred Valley of Incas. From one of these 3 villages we will then start a 3 to 5 hour walk through a ravine covered with forests (depending on our starting point) to reach the site of Waqrapukara. On our way, we will stop to see some cave paintings.
As we arrive at Waqrapukara, we will set up our camp before leaving to discover this fortress which has marked the history of the region. In the evening we will have dinner and sleep in the heart of this unique environment and landscape.
The next morning, after breakfast, we will start the second part of our guided tour of Waqrapukara. After a 3-4 hour walk we will arrive in Acomayo or Santa Lucia (depending on the chosen itinerary) where our driver will be waiting to take us back to Cusco.
End of our services when we arrive in Cusco.
Tourist season
The climate varies greatly according to the regions travelled through. From April to November, the sky is clear, although light rains are always possible. In altitude, it is pleasant during the day and cold at night. So bring warm clothes, even if you can walk around in a T-shirt during the day. Beware of the sun, which is strong at high altitudes, and bring a hat, sun cream and sunglasses.
Customs formalities
No visa is required for stays of less than 90 days. You must travel with a passport that is still valid for 6 months after your stay.
Health
When visiting high altitude areas, adverse effects such as headaches, nausea, insomnia and fatigue affect some people. However, the trip is designed to allow our body to adapt gradually (increase in red blood cells).
All major cities have modern private clinics with care comparable to what we have in Europe. However, you have to pay on the spot and then ask for reimbursement from your health insurance company.
We advise you to check whether your insurance covers medical costs in the countries you visit and if not, to seek reimbursement. Repatriation insurance is compulsory.
Currency / Credit Cards
Dollars and euros are accepted in the shops of the big cities. There are exchange houses everywhere. However, it is better not to carry large sums of money with you.
Credit cards are accepted in all ATMs (visa, mastercard, diners, american express). The commission of the bancomat is between 5 and 10USD.
Tips
In the service sector, it is normal to leave a tip when you are happy with the service. Between 5 and 10% of the value of the service is usual.
Physical preparation
Whenever you travel, remember to keep fit. Even for “Discovery” trips, by preparing yourself physically you will adapt more easily to the altitude and enjoy your discoveries.
For trekking trips, develop your endurance by running or practicing your endurance several times a week.
Material to take with you
| Passport and 2 copies | Visa (if necessary) | Travel Insurance (mandatory) and copy |
| Air tickets and copy | Certification Vaccination Yellow fever (if visiting the Amazon) | Currency in USD., Euros or local |
| 1 large bag and 1 small bag (preferably backpack or duffel) | Camera | Binoculars |
| Reading/writing materials | Flashlight | 2 comfortable trousers (trekking type) |
| 1 pair of shorts, 3 T-shirts, 1 big sweater | Warm underwear | Cap |
| Waterproof and warm jacket | Good shoes | Small towel and bath business |
| Toilet kit | Protection against sun and insects | Medications you usually take |
Basic first aid kit (bandages, disinfectant, tape, 1 pain reliever, 1 disinflammatory, immodium, broad spectrum antibiotic, mosquito repellent, lip stick)
Vaccines
You must be up to date with Tetanus, Hepatitis and Typhoid (Yellow Fever when visiting the Amazon).
We personalize all our trips according to your wishes! Tell us more!
Share this itinerary on your favourite social medias!
Tour Reviews
There are no reviews yet.
Leave a Review