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The Waqrapukara Full Day Tour is a new tourist attraction that remains almost unknown to this day, but which retains great beauty and charm. The tour is suitable for those seeking spirituality immersed in the sea of commercial tours. Waqrapukara is a pre-Inca archaeological complex located in the province of Acomayo in the Cusco region, near the Apurimac River.
The main construction is located on platforms, squares and the so-called “Stone Forest”. From its altitude of 4,140 meters above sea level, it offers spectacular views of the Apurimac River and the Andes Mountains.
It was built by the pre-Inca Qanchis culture within the period called “Auqaruna” (1500 BC – 1000 BC). During this period, the complex used to be a city called “Llaqta Pukara” and the seat of a Qanchi leader. In addition, it served as an astronomical observatory and sanctuary of the god “Teqci Pachakamaq Wiraqocha” (Creator of all created things).
Later, it was conquered by the Incas, who adapted the constructions to the geography during the reign of Wayna Qhapaq. Later, it became a first-rate Inca sanctuary that symbolizes immense political and religious power that has not yet been conflictive. In 2017, the complex was declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation by the Ministry of Culture of Peru.
In the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel at approximately 4 am. If your hotel or hostel is not located in the city center, we will pick you up outside our office building. We will begin the two and a half hour trip to the town of Marcaconga, then continue to the district of Pitumarca, where we will have breakfast.
After breakfast, we will return to the car to travel another thirty minutes along a zigzagging, unpaved road, until we reach Punta Carretera. Here we will have ten minutes to stretch, organize our things and make the last preparations for our hike. We will walk through gently undulating terrain for approximately two hours, taking in beautiful landscapes dotted with small glacial lakes along the way.
Once we reach the Waqra Pukara viewpoint, we will take a brief break to take our first photos of this incredible fortress perched on the edge of a canyon. We will then descend for about forty minutes along a steep cliffside trail towards the site itself, as the Apurimac River rushes swiftly below.
We will explore the ruins for about an hour and a half, climbing through the temple remains, taking photos in front of the incredible canyon scenery, and resting on top of the cliffs in the shadow of the stone walls. When the group is ready, we will begin the ascent back the way we came. We will arrive at the car after about three hours of walking and we will return to Cusco at approximately 6:00 pm.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and easy as possible. In this section you will find quick answers to all those questions you had about Waqrapukara Full Day Tour in one place. Please read the following information carefully; will help you with any questions about our services.
All briefings take place at your hotel at 6:30 p.m., one night before the tour begins. If you cannot attend, you must coordinate another schedule at the (Peru Travel Luxury) offices. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes and there they will give you a small canvas bag, in which you will store all the belongings that you intend to take on the walk and that will not be in your backpack.
The trek has to be paid for in full by at least 7.30 pm two days before departure. For example, if your tour departs on a Wednesday, then you must come to our office before 7.30 pm on Monday.
It would be much appreciated if you pay the trek balance in cash US dollars or local currency. You can withdraw some money from several ATMs along Avenida Sol (either in US dollars or local Peruvian Soles). You can pay by credit card or PAYPAL online, but you will have to pay an 8% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. We do not accept bank checks or payment of the balance by traveler’s checks.
Of course! During the travel, your main luggage can be stored at our office(you can organize briefing day or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment that you are not going to need on the trek can be stored safely in your hotel. Nearly every hotel will provide this service. Don’t leave items of value with your bags, put them in the hotel safe and obtain an itemized receipt (In the unlikely case of theft many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt itemizing all the items). Best put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Peru Travel Luxury company can pick you up from your hotel, as long as it’s in the Historic Center of Cusco. The pickup time will be coordinated with your guide in the briefing. The pickup time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes due to traffic. Cusco is a very old city, therefore, it has many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs may be located on streets without access to cars or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. We strongly recommend that you book accommodation with good access.
Group tours are made up of different types of people. Physical conditions and ages can vary. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you also accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route. It may be the case that a group wishes to modify the tour; however, it will be the guide who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if said modifications can be made.
Strikes and demonstrations are usually frequent in Peru and this may interrupt some of our tours. Roads can be blocked and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will try to keep your excursion as planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date. Under these circumstances, tours may also be cancelled. In case of changes or cancellations, all situations will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our highest priority and our decisions will be made to protect it.
You’re responsible for your objects during the tour. Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to take everything once you leave our trucks, tents, or restaurants.
Waqrapucara is simply very very beautiful, I did this hike alone and it was most incredible and the team in general is very attentive and friendly, I really recommend this travel agency.
