1-Day Waqrapukara Hiking Tour from Cusco with Pomacanchi Lagoon

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Hike up to the archaeological site of Waqrapukara
• 02 Observe the cave paintings at the fortress
• 03 Visit the Puerta del Sol, the Main Square, and Wiracocha's enclosure
• 04 Stop by the Pomacanchi Lagoon on the return journey

Hike to the archaeological site of Waqrapukara, a defensive hilltop fortification also nicknamed the "Machu Picchu of the pre-Incas," and learn about its history and significance. Explore the Puerta del Sol, the Main Square, Torreones, Andenería, Wiracocha's enclosure, and cave paintings at the fortress. On the way back to Cusco, stop at the Pomacanchi Lagoon.

Hike to the archaeological site of Waqrapukara, a defensive hilltop fortification also nicknamed the "Machu Picchu of the pre-Incas," and learn about its history and significance.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Day

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Hike to Waqrapukara and Pomacanchi Lagoon

• At 03:50 a.m. to 4:00 a.m., get picked up from your respective hotel and start the tour.
• Head south to the Acomayo turnoff, where we will take the road to Santa Lucia.
• Continuing with the tour, we will first arrive at the restaurant where we will have breakfast.
• After breakfast, we will continue to the community of Santa Lucia, where we will begin the hike to Waqrapukara.
• During this 2-hour hike, we will appreciate a tremendous amount of flora and fauna in the area until we reach our destination, Waqrapukara, where together with your guide, you will visit the following places: Puerta del Sol, the Main Square, Torreones, Andenería, Wiracocha's enclosure, and cave paintings representing llamas.
• After visiting Waqrapukara for about 40 minutes, we will start our return journey to Santa Lucia with a 2-hour hike. Upon arrival, have lunch.
• After lunch, we will visit the Pomacanchi Lagoon on the way back, where you will have a short stop.
• Finally, return to the city of Cusco, arriving at approximately 19:00.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Professional bilingual guide in English and Spanish
• Transportation to and from the airport
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• First aid kit

What's Not Included

• Entrance fee (S/. 10.00 soles)
• Other additional expenses

What to bring

• A good camera to photograph the ruins and the beautiful surrounding landscapes.
• Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses for sun protection.
• If you are camping overnight, you should also bring enough food for dinner and breakfast.
• At least two litres of water. Carry double that amount if you are camping overnight.
• Good-quality hiking boots.
• A poncho or raincoat in case of rain.
• A cane with a rubber tip, if necessary.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Urb. Santa Rosa T1-2, Cusco 08002, Perú

Tour start

Urb. Santa Rosa T1-2, Cusco 08002, Perú

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.