A mere three hours from Cusco lies a stunning, little-known Inca site, perched high above the Apurimac Canyon at 4100 metres/ 13450 feet. Its name means the ‘horned fortress’. Our two-day Waqrapukara Trek is a must for anyone wanting to visit this stunning archaeological site before it is discovered by the crowds. Camping close to the ruins, under the star-filled Andean sky, far from the crowds, this is a truly spectacular option to see a hidden jewel of Peru.
Did you know: We plant two trees per person, per day when you travel with us- making us the sustainable choice.
Leaving early you drive through Cusco’s South Valley past Urcos, before climbing up past beautiful Lake Pomacanchis and taking a dirt road to the small village of Sangarara and climbing further to the road head at just over 4000m.
Here you meet your muleteers and load up your trekking gear to start the hike to Waqrapukara, following an ancient Inca trail and passing small lakes with big views back to the Ausanagate mountains and even the mountains above the Sacred Valley.
A mainly flat trail brings you to your camp for the night, high above the Apurimac Canyon, next to Waqrapucara itself. The name means “Horned Fortress”, though it is thought to have been a ceremonial centre.
Whilst camp is being set up, you can explore this impressive site. While part of the site is Inca, they built on top of the work of the Canchis culture. There is also evidence to suggest this site was used by cultures long before them.
After a hearty dinner, you camp under the stars. There is no light pollution here, making it ideal for seeing the Andean Milky Way.
Trek Details: 3 hr drive, 11km hike, 4 hrs hiking.
In the morning, you have time to explore Wakra Pukara with it’s impressive views of the Apurimac canyon bellow. Later you continue your hike, through a mainly flat and downhill trail, to the small village of Campi. Your path passes beneath huge rock walls, and has a real canyonlands feel to it and there are big views across the mountains throughout.
You arrive at Campi to meet your vehicle in time for lunch. Then you can relax for the drive back to Cusco.
Trekking Kitlist
Trekking Kitlist
