04:00 AM – Hotel Pickup in Cusco
Your day begins early with a 04:00 AM pickup from your hotel. As the city sleeps, we head south toward the highlands, watching dawn break over the Andean horizon.
05:30 AM – Breakfast in Cusipata
We stop in Cusipata for a warm Andean breakfast, the perfect energy boost before entering more remote terrain. Fresh coffee, local flavors, and a short rest before continuing deeper into the countryside.
06:15 AM – Visit to Pomacanchi Lake
Our journey continues to the tranquil Pomacanchi Lake, one of the high Andean lakes of the region. Here you’ll enjoy quiet views of surrounding Andean peaks and open puna landscapes — a serene moment before the adventure ahead.
07:30 AM – Arrival to Wayki (Huayqui) & Briefing
We reach Wayki (Huayqui), the starting point of the hike. Your guide gives a detailed briefing about the route, altitude, and key lookout points. From here, the real adventure begins.
08:00 AM – Start of the Hike toward Waqrapukara
The trail climbs steadily for about 550 meters over an average of 3 hours. Most of the route follows the dramatic edge of the Apurímac Canyon, offering big views and shifting ecosystems. Your guide will point out native plants, wildlife signs, and the ecological transitions unique to the area.
09:30 AM – Stop to See Ancient Cave Paintings
Along the way, we pause to explore ancient cave pictographs, surprisingly well preserved and offering a rare glimpse into early Andean expression long before the Inca Empire.
11:00 AM – Arrival to Waqrapukara
Reaching the top is a reward in itself: the fortress stands at 4,140 meters between two horn-shaped peaks. Here you begin a guided exploration of the complex — its terraces, ritual platforms, plazas, stairways, and lookout points — and learn how this sanctuary functioned in Inca times. After the tour, enjoy free time to explore, take photos, or simply take in the vast silence of the canyon.
12:30 PM – Lunch with a View
We begin our descent back toward Wayki, stopping en route for a well-deserved lunch in the open landscape, surrounded by cliffs, sky, and absolute quiet.
15:00 PM – Return to Wayki & Drive Back to Cusco
Once back at the trailhead, our vehicle waits for the return journey through the highlands.
18:00 – 18:30 PM – Arrival in Cusco
We arrive back in the city around 18:00–18:30 PM, completing a full day of Andean exploration and one of the most unique hikes near Cusco.
