2-Day Waqrapukara Trek to the Horned Fortress
Waqrapukara Trek- a new classic
A mere 3 hour from Cusco, lies a stunning, little known Inca site, perched high above the Apurimac Canyon at 4100metres/ 13450 feet. Its name means “The Horned Fortress”. Our 2 day/1-night 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.
Highlights
- Visit the little known ruins of Waqrapucara
- Glimpse life in traditional Andean rural communities
- Marvel at the stars free from light pollution
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, its origins go back to the Chanca culture, famous for their bloodiness in battle. Captured enemies were sometimes hung up and skinned alive, and their skulls made into drinking vessels.
After a hearty dinner, you camp under the stars. There is virtually no light pollution here, making it ideal for seeing the Andean Milky Way.
Drive time 3 hrs
Hiking distance 8km
Hiking time 4 hrs
Included: lunch, dinner, transport, entrance fees, camping equipment (except sleeping bag)
This morning you hike, 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.
Drive time 3 hrs
Hiking distance 7km
Hiking time 5 hrs
Included: breakfast, lunch, transport
