Waqrapukara Tour 1 day
Duration
1 Day
Type of Tour
Trekking, Cultural
Difficulty
Moderate
Gruop size
2 min. - 8 max.
Trip Highlights
The Horn Fortress: One of Cusco’s most striking Inca sites, built between twin natural rock “horns.”
Scenic Canyon Setting: Vast views over the Apurímac Canyon, one of the deepest in Peru.
Ancient Cave Art: Encounter well-preserved pictographs hidden along the route.
A True Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience: Remote, quiet, and perfect for travelers seeking something different.
Overview
Far beyond the crowds of Cusco, hidden between two colossal horn-shaped peaks, rises Waqrapukara, one of the region’s most dramatic and least-visited Inca sanctuaries. This is the kind of place that makes you pause, breathe deeper, and realize you’re standing somewhere genuinely special.
On this full-day adventure, you’ll journey into the southern highlands of Cusco and hike through shifting Andean landscapes until the canyon opens and the fortress appears, carved into the cliffs at 4,140 meters above sea level. Terraces, ritual platforms, stone stairways, and sweeping views over the Apurímac Canyon create a setting that feels both ancient and untouched.
This experience is designed not just to show you a place, but to connect you with its story. With our local specialist guides, you’ll uncover the meaning, symbolism, and traditions that have kept Waqrapukara sacred since pre-Inca times. It’s a raw, powerful, and authentic encounter with the Andes.
Who Is This Trip For?
This adventure is ideal for travelers who want to escape the typical routes and experience a more remote, authentic side of Cusco. It’s perfect for hikers who enjoy nature, culture, and dramatic landscapes, and for anyone seeking a powerful Andean experience away from the crowds. A good level of acclimatization is recommended due to the site’s high altitude at 4,140 meters.
Itinerary
69 Explorer Machu Pichu Guaranty :
We promise your entry to Machu Picchu Citadel or we’ll refund your money.
Note: Bookings made with 8 or less weeks in prior to the trip, may require adjustments in the itinerary to ensure validity of the ticket including earlier start or rescheduling of certain activities. In order to guarantee your whole experience.
04:00 AM – Hotel Pickup in Cusco
Your Waqrapukara Tour 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.
5
Reasons Travelers Choose Us in 2026
Authentic & Expertly Curated Adventures – We design unique experiences across Peru, carefully planed to match your interests, pace, and travel style.
Seasoned Local Guides – Our experienced guides are trained professionals. They are locals who are proudly knowledgeable on culture, history, and hidden gems.
Small Groups, Big Connections – Traveling in small groups means a more personal, safe, and enriching experience, fostering genuine connections along the way.
Dedicated Care from Start to Finish – Our experienced team handles every single detail to assure a top experience with 69 Explorer.
Unmatched Value for Quality – Our exceptional service & comfort, during authentic experiences promise unforgettable moments. Best price guaranteed — no hidden costs, just real value.
What’s included?
Transportation
Round-trip transportation is provided from Cusco to the Q’eswachaka Bridge site. Comfortable vehicles equipped for the mountain terrain ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.
Professional Bilingual Guide
You will be accompanied by an expert guide fluent in both English and Spanish. Your guide will provide insightful, commentary, and answer any questions about the bridge, local culture, and history.
Entrance Fees
All entrance fees to the Q’eswachaka Bridge and any other sites included in the itinerary are covered.
Traditional Andean Lunch
Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring local Andean cuisine, offering a taste of the region’s culinary heritage.
Guided Tour of the Q’eswachaka Bridge
An in-depth guided tour of the Q’eswachaka Bridge, including detailed explanations of its history, construction, and cultural significance.
Cultural Interaction
Opportunities to interact with local communities, providing a deeper understanding of their traditions and way of life.
Photography Opportunities
Numerous stops for photography, allowing you to capture the stunning landscapes and the unique architecture of the bridge.
Basic First Aid Kit
For safety, a basic first aid kit will be available throughout the tour.
Comfort Breaks
Regular stops for restroom facilities and to stretch your legs during the drive to and from the bridge site.
Frequently asked questions
Bring sunscreen, hats, comfortable walking shoes, water, snacks, and a camera. The weather can be variable, so dressing in layers is a good idea.
The annual reconstruction of the bridge is a significant cultural event, involving local communities in a ritual that dates back to Inca times. This usually takes place in June.
The tour is generally accessible to most people, but due to the altitude and the physical nature of the walk, it may not be suitable for those with serious health issues or mobility restrictions.
The tour typically lasts a full day, including travel time from and back to Cusco. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to September.
On our Waqrapukara Tour in 1 Day experience the groups go from minimum 2 persons to 8 persons.
Client Cancellation:
To cancel, send a written notice to “69 Explorer.” The initial deposit is not refundable. Check your insurance for potential coverage for cancellation reasons.
Cancellations more than 15 days before departure result in a 50% deposit forfeiture. For cancellations between 7 and 15 days before departure, if full payment has been made, 50% of the total cost will be refunded. No refunds are given for cancellations less than 48 hours before departure or for partial tour cancellations.
Alterations/Cancellations by Us:
In the event of unforeseen circumstances such as technical issues, adverse weather, strikes, government actions, or civil disturbances, “69 Explorer” will try to provide alternative arrangements or equivalent trips, without offering refunds. Itinerary adjustments may be necessary, but we will aim to maintain the agreed services.
Significant changes will be communicated before your trip, with comparable alternative plans offered. Any additional costs from these changes are the client’s responsibility. We cannot compensate for expenses like international flights, visas, vaccinations, etc.
If “69 Explorer” cancels a tour, a full refund will be provided.
All 69 Explorer trips are guided by Local Experienced, English-speaking guides familiar with the trail and Incan history.
For our Group Experiences we recommend 18 – 65 years old.
Families with kids or seniors can opt for a Private Trip Experience.
Yes, we can arrange customized trips in Peru.
We offer an extensive range of experiences in Cusco, like hikes or treks, Salkantay & Humantay, Machu Picchu, Inca Trail & Alternative Inca Trail, South Valley & Sacred Valley, Ausangate & Vilcanota Range experiences and recently we added E-biking to our brochure.
Contact us for tailored experiences, we can arrange the perfect plan for your Peru Vacation.
Yes, we count with all the legal permits and the experience to make your dream trip to Peru a reality.
Plus, all of our local guides have degrees in tourism and a minimum of 2 years experience. They all speak English and Spanish and many also speak Quechua, the native language of Peru.
