Some places in the Andes still feel wild, quiet, and truly rewarding to reach. Our Waqrapukara Trek takes you to one of the most impressive hidden sites in the Andes. Set high above the Apurímac Canyon, Waqrapukara, known as the Horned Fortress, combines dramatic ruins, huge mountain views, and a quiet atmosphere that makes the whole experience feel special from the moment you arrive.
This full-day tour is perfect for travelers who want a true hiking adventure without giving up comfort. Travel in comfortable transportation, enjoy a buffet breakfast and buffet lunch, and hike with expert local tour guides along the scenic Santa Lucía route. With small-group service, breathtaking canyon views, and plenty of time to explore and take photos, this is one of the most rewarding and unforgettable full-day tours from Cusco.
Tour Type Small-Group Tour
Duration Full Day
Average Group Size 6 to 8 people
Difficulty Moderate
Hiking Distance 6–8 km / 3.7–5 mi
Tour Language English, Spanish
Meals Breakfast & Lunch
Season All year roundOverview of Waqrapukara Trek Full Day Tour from Cusco
Our Waqrapukara full-day tour is perfect for travelers who want something more adventurous than the classic day trips from Cusco. This is a real hiking day to a remote archaeological site, combining beautiful Andean scenery, expert guidance, and the quieter feeling of an off-the-beaten-path destination.
We leave Cusco early at around 4:00 a.m. and travel in comfortable transportation through the highlands toward Santa Lucía, one of the most scenic access routes to Waqrapukara. After a buffet breakfast, we continue to the trailhead and begin a steady hike with sweeping views of the Apurímac Canyon and the surrounding mountains. Once at the site, your guide will lead a guided visit of Waqrapukara, and you will also have free time to enjoy the viewpoints and take photos.
After exploring the Horned Fortress, we hike back and stop for a buffet lunch before returning to Cusco. This full-day experience usually takes about 13 to 15 hours, with around 6 to 8 km of hiking and a highest point of approximately 4,140 m / 13,580 ft. The trail is not technical, but the altitude and full-day schedule make it feel more demanding, so good acclimatization and a steady pace make a big difference.
Tour Highlights
- Small-group service for a more personal and better-paced experience
- Buffet breakfast and buffet lunch included
- Expert local tour guides in English and Spanish
- The scenic Santa Lucía route through quiet Andean highlands
- Stunning Apurímac Canyon views and a guided visit to Waqrapukara
- Comfortable round-trip transportation from Cusco
Waqrapukara Full Day Tour at a Glance
We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at around 4:00 a.m. and head into the highlands for a scenic drive and buffet breakfast. From there, we continue along the Santa Lucía route to the trailhead and begin the hike to Waqrapukara, with wide canyon views and plenty of time to walk at a steady pace.
At Waqrapukara, you will enjoy a guided visit plus free time to explore the site and take photos. After the hike back, we stop for a buffet lunch before returning to Cusco and dropping you off at your hotel around 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Included
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Cusco
- Comfortable round-trip transportation for the full day
- Expert local guide in English and Spanish
- Buffet breakfast and buffet lunch
- Waqrapukara entrance ticket
- Support and assistance from your guide throughout the day
- First aid kit and oxygen support for altitude assistance
Not Included
- Trekking poles (available for rent)
Full Itinerary of Waqrapukara Full Day Tour
Cusco – Cusipata / Santa Lucía – Waqrapukara – Cusco
04:00 a.m. pickup from Cusco & scenic drive into the highlands
We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at around 04:00 a.m. and begin the drive through the quiet highlands while the city is still asleep. Leaving early helps the day feel smoother and more relaxed later, and the landscapes quickly become part of the experience, with traditional villages, patchwork fields, and wide mountain views that most travelers never get to see.
Buffet breakfast and trek briefing
Along the way, we stop at a local restaurant for a buffet breakfast. This is a good chance to warm up, use the restroom, and get ready for the hike. Your expert guide will explain the plan for the day, share simple tips for hiking at altitude, and answer any questions before we continue toward the trailhead.
Scenic drive via Santa Lucía
After breakfast, we continue along the scenic Santa Lucía route, one of the most beautiful ways to reach Waqrapukara on a full-day tour. The road passes through quiet Andean countryside, with big open landscapes and a strong sense of how remote and special this area still feels. Depending on the season, some sections can be slow, but the scenery makes the journey part of the adventure.
Hike to Waqrapukara with Apurímac Canyon views
Once we reach the trailhead, we begin the hike at a steady pace. The trail is not technical, but the altitude can make it feel more demanding, so we walk slowly and take short breaks when needed. As you continue, the views open up over the Apurímac Canyon, with wide valleys, rugged cliffs, and the kind of dramatic scenery that makes this trek so memorable.
Arrive at Waqrapukara: guided visit and free time
Reaching Waqrapukara is the highlight of the day. Set high above the canyon and framed by its famous horn-shaped rock formations, the site feels dramatic, remote, and unforgettable. Your guide will lead a guided visit through the main areas of the fortress, explain what is known about its history, and then give you free time to walk to viewpoints, take photos, and enjoy the atmosphere at your own pace.
Hike back and buffet lunch
After exploring the site, we hike back along the same trail, keeping a comfortable pace on the descent. Then we stop for a buffet lunch at a local restaurant, giving you time to rest, warm up, and recharge after the trek.
Return drive to Cusco
After lunch, we begin the drive back to Cusco in comfortable transportation. We usually arrive and drop you off at your hotel around 06:30 to 07:30 p.m., depending on traffic, road conditions, and the day’s pace. By the end of the tour, you will have experienced one of the most scenic and least crowded treks near Cusco, with expert support from start to finish.
Price for Waqrapukara Hike from Cusco
Our Waqrapukara Hike is designed for travelers who want a smooth, comfortable, and well-organized day exploring one of Cusco’s most remarkable archaeological sites. Join our premium small-group tour for a more personal experience, or choose a private Waqrapukara tour if you prefer a slower pace, extra time for photos, or are traveling with family or friends. We will be happy to tailor the experience to your needs and help you plan a memorable day in the Andes.
Group tour: Price per person
- From US$ 180
Private tour: Price per person
- 1 participant: US$550
- 2 participants: US$320
- 3 participants: US$280
- 4 participants: US$260
- 5 participants: US$240
- 6 participants: US$220
- 7 participants: US$200
- 8 participants: US$190
- 9+ participants: Contact us for a special rate
Booking and payment
- To book the Waqrapukara Hike, click the BOOK NOW button, choose your travel date, select your preferred tour option (group or private service), and fill in the required details. Then complete your payment using your credit or debit card. Our team will contact you shortly to confirm your booking and share all the important details for your trip.
- We accept credit cards, PayPal, and wire transfers. Please contact us if you would like to check other payment options.
Cancellation and refund policy
- This tour is fully refundable up to 48 hours before departure.
- If you cancel between 48 and 24 hours before tour departure, 50% of the total price will be charged and the remaining balance will be refunded.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before tour departure, 100% of the total price will be charged.
Waqrapukara Full Day Tour Packing List
Cusco mornings can be cold, and Waqrapukara is high and windy, but the sun can feel strong once you’re hiking. Dress in layers and carry essentials in a comfortable daypack.
What to bring for the Waqrapukara Trek
Waqrapukara Tour from Cusco Travel Information
Location
Waqrapukara is in the Cusco region in a remote highland area above the Apurímac Canyon. You reach it by road from Cusco and then a guided hike. Services along the route are limited, so it’s best to bring your essentials (water, snacks, tissues, hand sanitizer) and pack the night before for an early start.
Weather
Conditions change rapidly in the Andes. Mornings are typically cold, while midday can feel quite warm under the direct sun; however, strong winds are common at the viewpoints. During the rainy season, the trail often becomes muddy. Regardless of the forecast, always carry a rain layer and apply high-factor sunscreen, as UV rays are intense at this elevation even on cloudy days.
Altitude
Altitude is the main challenge on this trek. Plan to spend 1–2 days in Cusco, drink water often, sleep well, and avoid heavy alcohol the night before. If you feel headache, nausea, dizziness, or unusual fatigue, tell your guide early so we can adjust the pace.
Difficulty
The hike is not technical, but it can feel demanding because of the elevation and the trail. A slow, steady pace with short breaks is the key to enjoying it. Trekking poles aren’t required, but they can help, especially on the descent when legs are tired. Connectivity can be limited, so download anything important in advance.
Waqrapukara Tour FAQs
What does “Waqrapukara” mean?
The name comes from Quechua and is commonly understood as “horn” (waqra) and “fortress” (pukara), referring to the horn-shaped rocks around the site.
How long is the hike and how far do we walk?
Most routes involve about 3–4 hours of walking total and roughly 6–8 km round-trip, depending on the access point used that day.
What is the highest altitude on this tour?
Waqrapukara sits around 4,140 m (13,580 ft). If you’re not acclimatized, you may feel the altitude on uphill sections.
Is this tour good if I want fewer crowds?
Yes. Waqrapukara is still far less visited than the classic day trips from Cusco, especially on weekdays and outside peak season.
Is the tour available in the rainy season?
Yes, it runs year-round. In the rainy season, expect wetter trails and possible road delays. Good rain gear and proper shoes make a big difference.
Can I book a private Waqrapukara trek instead of a shared group?
Yes. A private tour is ideal if you want your own pace, more photo time, or you’re traveling with family or friends and want a more flexible day.