Waqrapukara Trek | Peru's Most Incredible Inca Site in 2 Days | CM Maps Routes Manager

(0)

Author: Megan Anderson
Created: February 26, 2021 12:00 pm
Updated: June 9, 2023 4:15 pm

Categories:

Tags:

Route type: Multi-Day Trek

Difficulty grade: Adventure Hike

Copy the following HTML iframe code to your website:

<iframe src="https://www.packing-up-the-pieces.com/maps-routes/waqrapukara-trek-2-day/?embed=1" name="cmmrm_map_iframe" class="cmmrm_map_iframe" style="width:100%; height:500px; border:solid 1px black;"></iframe>

Distance Instructions

Label

Distance 15 miles
Time 5 h 54 min
Speed 2 mph
Min altitude 11155 ft
Peak 14984 ft
Climb 4396 ft
Descent 5548 ft

This is a basic overview of how to complete the Waqrapukara trek in 2 days. This hike can be done as a LONG full day trip from Cusco, or better yet, include an overnight at the actual Waqrapukara Archaeological Site.

There are many different Inca trails that reach this sacred site, but this itinerary follows the 2 day Waqrapukara trek that begins in the village of Sangarará and ends in the community of Huayqui. The trailhead for this Waqrapukara hike route is easy to reach via public transportation from Cusco Peru.

This trekking guide overview is for those looking to visit Waqrapukara Archaeological Park without an organized city tour. However, there are plenty of day tours that depart from Cuzco that advertise this route as an alternative to the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Here's a basic 2 day itinerary and map for the Waqrapukara trek for independent travelers.

⁉️ If downloading the map, please verify that the map is correct and follows the waypoints. Oftentimes, there are daily updates to the site, map platforms, and other external issues that may cause a bug in downloading. Be mindful that this map is solely for entertainment purposes. See my full disclosure here. Always hike responsibly and respect the mountains by following a no-trace philosophy, avoid hiking alone, be conscious of the weather and personal limitations, and do not stray from the visible trail

Waqrapukara Trek Overview & Logistics

Point-to-Point Trail

2 Day Trek
- Starts near the village of Sangarará & finishes in Huayqui

Mileage: 14 miles

Difficulty: Moderate - Challenging, depending which route you take and how you get there

The altitude at Waqrapukara is almost double of that of Machu Picchu

Trail Markers: The trails are fairly well-marked with white arrows. Many of these white arrows are emphasized with a dark red background and are found throughout the trail. Additionally, arrows can be found on rocks and cliff facing. There are many points along the trail that have official red and white sign posts for top Peru Archaeological Parks.

Utilize the free camping facilities. Right next to the Waqrapukara ruins is a free campground. Here, find basic toilets (bring your own toilet paper and soap), a water source, and a garbage drop.

Gear Essentials
- Hiking Shoes
- Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Pad, & Liner, Camping stove, & tent for those spending more than one day and camping
- Water Filter
- First-Aid Kit
- Offline Hiking Map
- Food & Snacks for 2 days
- From the Best Peru Treks like the Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, Colca Canyon, and beyond, I utilize this complete Peru Packing List for Adventures and Multi-Day Treks

Schedule | Waqrapukara Trek | 2 Day

Day 1 | Sangarará to Waqrapukara Archaeological Park | 9.25 miles

Day 2 | Waqrapukara to Huayqui | 4.75 miles

➯ Detailed Cusco Travel Guide | Unique Cusco Itinerary & Top Things to Do

Day 1 | Cusco to Waqrapukara Ruins

This 2 day Waqrapukara trek begins in the village of Sangarará. Reach this small village by a combination of public buses and a reasonable taxi ride.

Once you reach Sangarará, head out of town and look for the gravel road to the left. There is an official signage board for Waqrapukara Archaeological Park, so follow along the gravel road. If you don't wish to hike this section, ask a taxi how much it costs to drop-off at the Waqrapukara trailhead. Those visiting as a full day trip from Cusco should utilize the taxi to the official trail pictured on the Waqrapukara map above.

This section of the Waqrapukara trek is scenic and passes by a few small farms in the mountains. Soon, see a white sign that diverges traffic and hikers. Cars can stay on the gravel path to the left, while hikers should take the grass path on the right. It's possible for hikers to walk along the road as well, but it will take longer and is not as scenic. The trail will merge back to the main road in a bit. Follow the uphill footpath. There will be white arrows leading the way.

This is where the "official trailhead" begins and it is marked with a large red and white Archaeological Park sign. Follow the path up to a mountain pass. After a while, you'll get those first glimpses of the incredible Waqrapukara ruins carved into the unique mountain cliffs of the Apurímac Valley.

Follow the trail down into the park. The site of Waqrapukara now costs 10 PEN to explore, but included is access to the campground. Simply check-in with the gatekeeper. However, as the site gains popularity, I can see the small entrance fee increasing.

Waqrapukara Ruins | Entrance Fee: 10 PEN ($2.50 USD)

Overview Waqrapukara Trek Day 1

Distance: 9.25 miles

Duration:6 - 7 hours, dependent on weather, breaks, and fitness level
- Remember, if visiting as a day trip from Cusco, take a taxi further to the "official trailhead"

Day 2 | Waqrapukara to Cusco

Leave the camp early in the morning and continue to exit the park past the gatekeeper's lodge. Follow along the well-trotted Waqrapukara trek trail past the incredible rock formations and rock paintings all the way to the village of Huayqui. It's important to note the the trail splits to either head to Huayqui or Campi, but there are lots of rocks painted with trail markers.

Once in Huayqui there are no buses or collectivos. Many people of the village will offer taxi services to the transit hub village of Acomayo.

Taxi Logistics Huayqui Community to Acomayo | Fare: 30 PEN ($8.25) | Duration: 30 + minutes | Negotiation is hard and must be done before entering the taxi

If you can't find a taxi, there is a guesthouse in Huayqui that offers simple rooms and breakfast. Check-in with the guesthouse, but there is a chance of an early morning collectivo to Acomayo.

Morning Collectivo Logistics Huayqui Community to Acomayo | Fare: 8 PEN ($2) | Departs Huayqui between 7 - 8 a.m. | Duration: 30 + minutes | Check-in the village to verify that the collectivo runs EVERY morning

Overview Waqrapukara Trek Day 2

Distance: 4.75 miles

Duration: 3 hours

How to Get to Cusco from Acomayo

In Acomayo, buses depart frequently to Cusco, but the last bus to Cusco is at 17:00. Buses to Cusco cost around 10 PEN ($2.50) and are extremely slow! Plan for the bus to take around 3 hours or more.

More Things to Do in the South Valley of Cusco

There's more things to do in the underrated Cusco South Valley. Some top things to do in Cusco South Valley includes the stunning Ausangate Trek, considered by some as one of the World's Most Beautiful Treks. The 6 Day Ausangate trek circuit includes a stop at the incredible Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley. As part of the Cusco Tourist Ticket, visit the incredible sites of Tipon, Pikillacta, and the grand Rumicolca Gate. There's also the "Sistine Chapel" of the Americas, the baroque church in Andahuaylillas.

Waqrapukara Trek | The Best Kept Secret

Want all the logistics that accompany this itinerary for the Waqrapukara Trek? Get more detailed information on how to reach the trailhead, useful tips and tricks for completing the Waqrapukara trek, a complete packing guide, and how much this 2 day hike costs. Follow along with this complementing blog post:

Waqrapukara Trek | The Most Epic Inca Site You've Never Heard of