Waqrapukara Trek 1 day

GENERAL INFORMATION

TRAVEL STYLE: Full Day Trek

MINIMUM GROUP: 02 persons

DEPARTURES: Subject to availability

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Description:

How does the idea of escaping the city and large crowds to visit a unique off-the-beaten-path site sound? The Waqrapukara One-Day Trek is the ultimate choice for some peace and quiet and to discover an incredible site that very few people get to visit—locals and tourists!

Join us on an epic hike to the majestic pre-Inca construction of Waqrapukara or Fortress of Horns located in the mighty Apurímac canyon. This beautiful sacred place combines advanced architecture and impressive natural formations in a wonderful landscape—almost like something from a dream—surrounded by small crystalline lagoons. The gigantic horns rise as high as 4,140 m / 13,583 ft.

 

Full itinerary:

Day 01: Cusco | Chuquicahuana – Acomayo – Waqrapukara – Cusco

Your one-day adventure starts today bright and early. We’ll pass by your accommodation to collect you at 4:00 am. We’ll then be on our way on a two-and-a-half-hour drive to the town of Marcaconga. We’ll continue to Pitumarca district for our tasty breakfast.
Once we’re full and ready to go, we have a final thirty minutes of driving along an unpaved, zig-zag road to get to our hike’s starting point. You’ll have a bit of time to get your things together before we set off. The first stretch is two-and-a-half hours long, and you’ll be able to observe magnificent landscapes studded with small glacial lakes along the way.
When we reach the Waqrapukara viewpoint, you’ll be able to rest a little and take your first photos of the impressive fortress that sits on the edge of a canyon.
Next, we’ll descend for about forty minutes along a steep path on the edge of a cliff towards the site itself while the Apurimac River flows rapidly downwards. You’ll get to explore the archaeological site for about an hour and a half, climbing through the remains of the temple and taking photos against the incredible landscape of the canyon. The amazing scenery will take your breath away.
Finally, when the group is ready, we’ll begin the ascent back the way we came. We’ll arrive at the private transport after about three hours of walking, and we’ll return to Cusco at 7:00 pm approximately.

Included

• Pre-Trek briefing the night before the trek to go over the itinerary, meet your guide(s) and answer any questions
• Collection from your Cusco hotel in the morning Private transport to starting point of the trek
• English speaking professional guide
• Light box breakfast, 1 Liter of water, snacks, and  box lunch
• Dietary needs: able to cater to any dietary preference/need
• First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
• Entrance to the trail
• Private transport back to your hotel in Cusco

 

Not included

• Flights
• Hotel before/after trek
• Dinner on the last day
• walking poles (poles must have intact rubber bottoms)
• Travel interruption & travel medical/evacuation insurance (required)
• Tip for your guide(s) and trek staff are optional but highly encouraged if you enjoy your trek

Recommendations:

•  walking poles (poles must have intact rubber bottoms)
• Sunscreen: the sun is very strong in Cusco
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Lip balm
• Hiking shoes/boots with good, grippy tread
• Optional: microspikes in case of excessive snowfall (rare)
• Hiking pants (or shorts) and shirts (layers)
• Hand warmers if you wish
• Warm hat, gloves, scarf and thick warm socks (or you can buy a traditional Peruvian hat and scarf – they are beautiful!)
• Daypack and rain cover
• Rain gear – rain jacket and rain pants (optional for the pants), can buy an inexpensive poncho before the trek
• Cash for tipping  (USD or Peruvian Soles are fine)
• Extra snacks if you wish (beyond snacks provided by us)
• E.g. if you have a favorite protein bar as Cusco doesn’t sell items like this
• Personal medication and toiletries you might want/need
• Camera, extra memory cards, batteries and solar panel/power bank
• Water bottle or water bladder to refill
• Small quick-dry pak towels and/or compostable wipes for a quick wipe down at the end of the day

A minimum of 2 trekkers required for this trek. Maximum of 10 trekkers in a group.

Private treks, single trekker, custom treks, large groups, and packages welcome, Please email us to customize.

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What to carry – Daypacks

On the trail you should carry a day pack with your camera, water bottle or bladder, snacks, cold weather clothing and rain gear or poncho in case of rain (unlikely in dry season – May to October) . A recommended packing list is sent after you book the trip and can be found below under the “what to pack for your trek” . Your bag will be waiting for you at every campsite. Yes, we can store your luggage for you during the trek. Most hotels/hostels also provide this service.

• For more information you can write to us by email [email protected].