Inspiration and information for your new adventure
I would never get tired of going back to Cusco. It is one of my favorite destinations because there is always something to do, in the city as well as in the surroundings., if you love adrenaline, here are 5 tours you will love for sure. Tell me in the comments if you have ever done any of these activities.
If you are planning a trip, be assured that in Cusco you will find the perfect activity for you. Make sure not only to visit our wonder Machu Picchu or the 7 colored mountain, but to make this new adventure, the Waqra Pukara Trek.
This Inca fortress was built by the Qanchis and then conquered by the Incas. In 2017, it was declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation by the Ministry of Culture. It is located in the canyon of the Apurimac River, at 4,300 m.a.s.l. in the small rural community of Huayqui, annex Percca, district of Acos, province of Acomayo.
Waqrapukara is a Quechua word, which means “fortress in the shape of horns”. However, the local people call it Llamapukara, since the iconic form of this fort would have the silhouette of a llama in an attitude of alertness.
According to the studies of the structure of this space, many experts believe that Waqrapukara was an Inca sanctuary of the highest order. It was the residence of the nobility of this place, with astronomical observatories, and it functioned as a religious center protected with watchtowers and subway paths.
This archaeological complex offers visitors an impressive natural landscape, and along the way, you can enjoy the beauty of the mountains, streams, and lagoons.
If you go on your own, you can choose one of these three routes:
Route 1.- Cusco – Acomayo – Huayqui – WaqraPukara
Route 2.- Cusco – Sangarara – Waqrapukara
Route 3.- Cusco – Pomacanchi – Santa Lucia – Waqrapukara.
However, I think that the best option is to visit this tourist attraction through a travel agency, not only because they will be in charge of organizing the whole tour, but also because by going with a guide you will be able to learn more about the history of this fascinating place. Believe me you will enjoy it 100%!
Your adventure begins very early at 04:30 a.m., you will take private transportation to the district of Pitumarca where you can have a hearty breakfast to energize yourself, use the restrooms or do some shopping such as water or snacks.
After this stop, the tour continues along a zigzagging unpaved road to the place called Punta Carretera, located in the town of Santa Lucia. From this point, the two-and-a-half-hour hike to the WaqraPukara fortress begins.
This trekking has moderate difficulty. The road is slightly flat with small ups and downs, passing by beautiful stone formations, lagoons, and streams. You will make several stops to rest and listen to the stories that the guide will tell. He will explain the history of this archaeological center. Arriving at Waqrapukara you will be able to walk around the ceremonial center for an hour and a half. You can also go to the viewpoint to have the iconic photo.
Waqrapukara is not a well-known destination, but It has been becoming popular for its beautiful landscapes and history. It is a trekking that you can’t miss on your next visit to Cusco!
