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ESAusangate And Rainbow Mountain Trek 6 Days
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$1,740.00 pp
This stone fortress called Waqrapukara derives from two Quechua words: WAQRA, meaning “horn,” and PUKARA, meaning “fortress.” When combined, they give the meaning “Fortress of Horns,” due to the peculiar shape of its mountains that resemble two horns. It is believed to have been a religious and military center. From its ruins, you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding canyons and valleys. To reach the site, you embark on a challenging yet rewarding hike that offers breathtaking natural landscapes. Waqrapukara is a little-explored archaeological gem, ideal for those seeking a more intimate experience with history and nature.
The fortress is located at the summit of a massive ravine covered in forests that crown the cliffs overlooking the Apurímac Canyon. This monument is surrounded by impressive terraces, plazas, and a forest of rocks that resemble thrones, as if giant mythological figures were contemplating the mountainous landscape.
We begin the tour by picking you up from your hotel in Cusco (city center) at approximately 4:30 AM. From there, we will take a tourist transport for approximately 2 ½ hours until we reach a restaurant in the town of Cusipata, where we will have our tourist breakfast. We will then continue the trip for about 1 hour and 30 minutes to the community of Santa Lucia, where we will start a 2 km (1.2 miles) hike, which will take approximately 1 hour to reach the Waqrapukara archaeological complex. Along the way, we will see stunning landscapes, abundant flora, and local wildlife.
Upon arrival at the archaeological site, we will enjoy a delicious box lunch. Afterward, our guide will provide a guided tour, exploring the most important places of this archaeological center. We will visit Intipunku (Sun Gate), the main plaza, towers, terraces, the Viracocha enclosure, Uña Waqrapukara, Intihuatana, and we will then have free time to take photos. We will return along the same path to Santa Lucia, take a short rest, and then board our transport back to Cusco, arriving at approximately 7:00 PM.
IMPORTANT:
PRICE PER PERSON – REGULAR OR SHARED SERVICE
Private Tour Pricing
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OPTIONAL
The Waqrapukara tour lasts a full day and includes hotel pick-up in Cusco, breakfast, tourist transport, entrance tickets, a hike to the Waqrapukara archaeological complex, guided explanations, free time for taking photos, a box lunch, and return to Cusco.
It’s important to understand the difficulty level of the hike to be physically and mentally prepared. The hike to Waqrapukara is of moderate difficulty, and along the way, you will enjoy stunning landscapes, canyons, and the typical flora and fauna of the Region.
Knowing what to bring is essential for a comfortable and safe experience. It is recommended to bring a small backpack, water, light and comfortable clothing, warm layers, hiking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat or cap, a camera, fruit, snacks, and personal medication.
During the visit to Waqrapukara, you will explore the remarkable structures of the site and learn about its history and cultural significance through the explanations provided by the guide.
The hike takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on the group’s pace and weather conditions.
Yes, a box lunch is usually included to enjoy at the Waqrapukara archaeological complex.
The weather in Waqrapukara can vary, with cold mornings, sunny afternoons, and chilly evenings. It is recommended to bring clothing for different weather conditions.
Yes, the Waqrapukara tour is a full-day excursion that can be done in a single day, departing early in the morning and returning in the afternoon.
The best time to visit Waqrapukara is between May and September, during the dry season, when the weather is more stable and there is less chance of rain.
Yes, Waqrapukara is an Inca fortress believed to have been a ceremonial and strategic site, located in an elevated position with spectacular views of the valley.
We are Inca Perú Travel certified tour operator, we offer tours to different destinations in Peru, as well as cultural experiences, adventure tours, gastronomic tourism and our most recent experiential and community tourism tours.
