Waqrapukara 1 Day

OVERVIEW

Discovering the majestic Inca construction of Waqrapukara or “horn-shaped fortress”, located in the canyon of the mighty Apurimac River, will be an unforgettable experience, as it is a hidden treasure for travelers looking for something different and with few people. This beautiful sacred place combines incredible stone work with spectacular natural formations and small lagoons all around.

Waqra is “horn” in Spanish. Pukara is equivalent to strength. The “horns” rise to 4,300 meters above sea level, at the top of a huge forest-covered ravine crowned with abysses that overlook the Apurimac River canyon. The archaeological monument is surrounded by impressive platforms, squares and a forest of stones that resemble thrones with mythological giants contemplating the Andean landscape.

Itinerary

This day it is necessary to leave early, at 5:00 a.m., for a bus trip to the Acomayo district, until finally arriving at Cocha 4000m / 13123f, where the 2½-hour hike to Waqrapukara will begin. The geography is rugged with incredible natural rock formations and small lagoons, where you can observe the wild fauna of the place, such as condors, llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, wild horses and wild ducks.

During this walk we will be able to observe a lot of flora and fauna typical of the area to reach our destination Waqrapukara, where we will have a guided tour visiting the following places: Intipunku (Puerta del Sol), main square, towers, terraces, Wiracocha enclosure and cave paintings with representation of flames.

The archaeological complex is located sinuously along a rocky promontory, built around two horn-shaped mountain peaks, the site has eight Inca terraces with retaining walls and stone stairs.

It will take you three hours to walk back through an old road to the town of Waqui, before meeting your private bus that will take you back to the city of Cusco.