Waqrapukara | The Most Incredible Inca Site You’ve Never Heard of | 2 Day Trek
Move over Machu Picchu, Waqrapukara is an epic Inca site that sees hardly any tourists and is most definitely worth the trek. The distinctive rock which is covered in ruins is more than dramatic. The towering stone is perfectly nestled in a river valley surrounded by pronounced cliffs. This hidden gem Inca site is still gaining popularity as it was only just recognized as a natural heritage site in 2017.
The name Waqrapukara comes from the Quechua people who inhabited these lands far before the Incas. The word translates from “waqra” (horn) and “pukara” (fortress), so it is also commonly referred to as the “Horned Fortress.” The name itself a mystery, since there were no cattle or horned livestock until the Spanish conquistadors arrived.
To really savor this place, plan on an adventurous overnight hike. It’s quite easy to reach the Waqrapukara Archaeological Park from Cusco region. Trek high into the Andes mountains, like as in over 13,000 feet, to catch those literal breathtaking first glances of the hilltop fortress.
The energy at this sacred site is high, and feels as if the veil to the other-side is a little thinner. (Or, maybe it’s the lack of oxygen…) Waqrapukara is free to enjoy and the campsite is basic, but also complementary. There are few people here, so spend the night to experience its true magic.
This complete hiking guide includes a free Waqrapukara Trek map, all the logistics to reach the trailhead, helpful tips, how to visit Waqrapukara without a tour over two days, and the total cost of this adventure excursion. For those ambitious traveler’s trying to visit this site as a day trip from Cusco, look for some essential tips.
Here’s all you need to know about hiking to Waqrapukara Archaeological Site, Peru’s best kept secret.
Table of Contents
Disclosure: This is part of my Hikes & Adventures series, which means these treks can be strenuous and challenging. These are my experiences and I am not an expert. Please have all the proper equipment, verify the weather conditions, use professional resources, do your own research, and take into consideration your own physical abilities and/or limitations. These guides are for entertainment purposes only. Please see my full disclosure for more information here.
- Map & Overview | 2 Day Trek to Waqrapukara
- Useful Tips for Visiting Waqrapukara
- How to Get to Waqrapukara from Cusco
- Detailed Schedule | Waqrapukara Trek
- Waqrapukara Archaeological Site
- How to Get to Cusco from Huayqul
- 2 Day Trek to Waqrapukara Cost
- Final Thoughts | Waqrapukara Ruins, Peru’s Best Kept Secret
✈ Peru Travel Planning | 32 Unique & Famous Peru Landmarks You Need to Visit
Map & Overview | Waqrapukara Trek 2 Days
This is a map itinerary for a 2 day hike to Waqrapukara. Although this trek can be done as a SUPER LONG day trip from Cusco, it’s best spend the night here.
It’s important to note that there are many different Waqrapukara trekking routes. This specific Waqrapukara trek begins in the village of Sangarará and ends in Huayqui, both accessible via public transportation from the Imperial City of Cusco.
⁉️ 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. 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.
Daily Schedule | Waqrapukara Trek
Waqrapukara Trek Overview
- 2 Day Trek Point to Point
- 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
- Waqrapukara Trail Markers: The Waqrapukara trails are fairly well marked with white arrows. Many of these white arrows are emphasized with a dark red background. Additionally, arrows can be found on rocks and cliff facings. There are many points along the trail that have official red and white sign posts.
- Utilize the camping facilities. Right next to the site of Waqrapukara there is a campground included in the entrance ticket. Find basic toilets (bring your own toilet paper and soap), a water source, and a garbage drop.
- Gear Essentials
- Hiking Shoes with good ankle support
- Hiking Poles if you love them
- Water Filter
- First-Aid Kit
- Long sleeve layered clothing, rain jacket, baseball cap, buff
- Sunscreen & bug spray
- Offline Waqrapukara Trek Map
- Chargers, battery pack, cords, ect
- Food & Snacks
- Small Bills for Entrance Fees & Taxis
➯ Hey… don’t forget your Travel Insurance! I love SafetyWing
Useful Tips for Visiting Waqrapukara
From when to hike, tips on altitude, and finding a hiking buddy, here’s an overview of important things to know before visiting the sacred site of Waqrapukara.
When is the Best Time to Hike to Waqrapukara
Waqrapukara Archaeological Park can be reached any time of the year; however, keep in mind that Peru has two very distinctive seasons, dry and rainy. In general, dry season is from May to October, while rainy season is from November until April. During the dry season, there is less rain, but the nights are much colder than the rainy season. With the rainy season comes the vivid green coloring, but also muddy trails and higher possibilities of mudslides.
Remember, at these altitudes the weather is wild, volatile, and can change in an instant.
Waqrapukara Altitude
Waqrapukara is nestled in the beautiful rocky cliffs and sits at 13,580 feet (4,150 m), and to put it into a shocking perspective, it is almost double the altitude of Machu Picchu (7,972 feet / 2,430 m). If coming from the village of Sangarará, the tallest mountain pass is 14,925 ft. The Andes Mountains are no joke, so you must be properly acclimated before setting out on the Waqrapukara trek, or any other in Peru.
Carry coca tea and coca leaves to help alleviate altitude sickness. It’s also a common practice to leave “offerings” of coca leaves to the mountains, for safe passage and gratitude.
Hike with a Buddy
Carry the proper gear. At these extreme elevations, the weather can be a beast and storms roll in fast. It’s best to hike with at least one other person.
Need a hiking buddy or up to date trail advice? Check out Hike Club Cusco
Visiting Waqrapukara Independently vs. Waqrapukara Tours
As Waqrapukara gains popularity and is becoming an iconic landmark in Peru, more tours are being offered from Cusco. There are Waqrapukara full day tours which is a great option for those travelers that don’t feel 100% comfortable navigating the Cusco bus system or are simply short on time. In my opinion, I would rather experience a Waqrapukara tour than miss out on it completely.
However, intrepid travelers will love experiencing the magic of Waqrapukara on their own time. With a straightforward path and frequent transports to and from the Cusco region, it’s possible to visit Waqrapukara without a tour.
Packing List for Camping at Waqrapukara
An overnight at Waqrapukara Archaeological Park is essential for understanding the magic of this place. I highly suggest spending more than one day at Waqrapukara. Here’s a more detailed packing list for those camping at Waqrapukara.
- Cold Weather Sleeping Bag & Liner: The Andes Mountains get chilly when the sun goes down.
- Sturdy Tent: It dumps during the rainy season, so have a tent that can withstand heavy rain. During the peak of rainy season a tarp can come in handy.
- First Aid Kit: Packed with all the essentials & at least one emergency blanket.
- Water Filter: There is a water source at the campground, and a few streams along the beginning of the route. A water filter is a must to stay hydrated
- Rain Jacket: light weight & quick dry
- Hat, Mittens, Warm Clothing: The weather changes fast, and the nights are cold at that altitude
- Fuel & Cooking Gear: Once you leave the village there is no where to eat until you arrive in Huayquil.
- Food and Snacks for 2 Days
- Battery Pack
- Headlamp
- Trekking Poles: To help with steep and slippery trails.
- Peruvian Currency of PEN (Soles): For buses, taxis, and food & supplies in the villages
- Reliable Offline Waqrapukara Trek Map: Optional waterproof offline map
- Coca Leaves: To help alleviate altitude sickness and to leave for offerings to the Apus (mountains)
- Steal my complete Peru Packing List for Multi-Day Treks from the Colca Canyon to an epic alternative Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
How to Get to Waqrapukara from Cusco
The bus company Transportes Ramos offers frequent buses to Sicuani. These buses depart near the Coliseo Cerrado, from the same building as the buses to that depart for the incredible Ausangate Trek with Rainbow Mountain.
Don’t take the bus all the way to Sicuani, rather exit at the village/ stop of Chiquicahuana. Make sure to verify this with the person selling tickets. Follow along on Maps.me, so that you don’t miss your stop, or incase the driver forgets.
Bus Logistics | Cusco to Sicuani | Exit Bus at Chiquicahuana Stop | Buses depart from here: Av. Huayruropata 1623 | Bus Schedule: 5:00 – 18:00, every 40 minutes | One-way Fare: 8 PEN ($2 USD) | Duration: 1 hour & 45 minutes
There isn’t much in Chiquicahuana, but there is a one small tienda selling last minute snacks, and a basic bathroom for 1 PEN (25¢). There is a line of a few taxis waiting in front of the tienda. Negotiate a price for them to take you to Sangarará.
Taxi Chiquicahuana to Sangarará | Fare: 5 PEN ($1.25) | Duration: 20 minutes
Detailed Schedule | Waqrapukara 2 Day Trek
On Day 1, leave Cusco early to reach the village of Sangarará. Explore Waqrapukara in the afternoon and the following day during the early hours of the morning. Day 2 is all downhill to the village of Huayqui, where you must take a taxi to the transit hub village of Acomayo. From there, catch a bus back to Cusco.
***Visiting Waqrapukara as a Day Trip from Cusco? Look for these gray boxes for tips and tricks
Day 1 | Cusco to Waqrapukara
To reach Waqrapukara at a decent time, leave Cusco early in the morning. You’ll be heading to the village of Sangarará by bus, so try to leave around 7 am.
Cusco Day trippers | Try to be on the first bus that departs Cusco at 5:00 a.m.
Sangarará Trailhead to Waqrapukara Ruins
Again, If you don’t wish to hike this section, ask a taxi how much to drop-off at the trailhead located at the end of the road. Negotiate is a must and can be tough. Make sure to agree on a price before stepping into the taxi. Prices can seriously vary and can range from 35 – 60 PEN ($9 – $15).
Day Trip from Cusco | To save time, but not money, ask the taxi driver how much to the end of the road to Waqrapukara. From Sangarará, the taxi will drop at the main trailhead. The more people you hike with, the cheaper the taxi costs and this cuts off a few hours off of the trek. Taxis can also wait here at the trailhead to return you to Chiquicahuana, for a cost.
Once you reach Sangarará, head out of town a little bit further and look to the left for official signage board for Waqrapukara Archaeological Park. This follows down a gravel road frequented by locals.
After walking on the gravel road for a bit, there will be a white sign with a black arrow that points to the left for “monumento arqueológico Waqrapukara.” Hikers can choose to follow the not as scenic gravel road, or continue to the footpath on the right.
The foot trail passes through a few small farms and sheep that call these mountains home. Follow the grass trail. There is a clear path that is marked with white arrows, but after a while, the trail becomes a lot less clear. Once this happens, head towards the ridge line to spot the road. You will eventually have to merge on the road again to reach the official trailhead. This section can be a little confusing, so check in with the offline map.
A good marker near the road is a lone house. (Reference the photo above). To the left there is another trail section that heads up the hill marked by white arrows on a rock. This is the trail that will lead to the main trail to Waqrapukara.
Official Waqrapukara Trailhead
This “official trailhead” is marked with a large red and white Waqrapukara Archaeological Park sign. This is where the taxi will drop those exploring Waqrapukara as a day trip from Cusco. Once here, the path is extremely well marked, as it is more commonly trekked.
Follow the path up to a mountain pass. This is the highest point on the whole trek at 14,925 feet! Savor the views and begin the mostly downhill trek into Waqrapukara.
Trail Logistics | Sangarará to Mountain Pass | 6.5 miles | 4 hours 45 minutes
Along the route, find horses and alpaca. There is one small hut where a friendly farmer lives. Can you image having this view every single day?
There is a stunning viewpoint right before entering the park. It’s easy to see why this place is nicknamed the “Horned Fortress.” After savoring those views, head down towards the gatekeeper’s building. Set up to camp before their simple lodge. These grassy areas are flat, so set-up camp close to the stone wall to protect from wind.
Cusco Day Trip | You won’t have so much time to explore the site, because there is still at least the 3 hour trek uphill back to the trailhead signage. Make sure to have a taxi waiting for you to take you back to Sagarará. You may have to sleep in Sangarará if there are no more buses running back to Cusco.
Waqrapukara Hike Logistics Day 1
- Distance: 9.25 miles
- Duration:6 – 7 hours, dependent on weather, breaks, and fitness level
- Option to take a taxi further to the “official trailhead” to shave off time
Exploring Waqrapukara Ruins
It’s so easy to fall in love with the sacred site of Waqrapukara. First off, the entrance fee is low compared to other Inca sites and barely any tourists visit it. How about those epic cliffs that surround it and the stunning Apurímac Valley that sits below it?
Waqrapukara Archaeological Site | Entrance Fee: 10 PEN ($2.50 USD)
It’s believed that this sacred site was built well before the Incas, quite possibly by the Pre-Colombian Qanchi tribe. Some whispers say that the original ruins could have first been built around 1,500 B.C! The Incas eventually conquered this sacred site during their empire and built the Inca fortress that we see the remains of. Of course, it’s only recently been rediscovered, so it will be exciting to see all the new information that follows once more archaeologists dig deeper.
☛ Travel Tip | Love this Inca Site then Discover these 35+ Inca Sites in Peru
Things to See in Waqrapukara
Although the Waqrapukara ruins itself are smaller, there is so much to see on the large and rocky cliff. Climb up the Inca staircase to sit in the space between the horns. See that along the actual horned cliffs there are structures built into them. There is a certain energy here, one that I can’t even begin to explain or understand. You just have to be here to experience it.
Follow the arrows along the walking path to small sector of Waqra, where you can get an even different perspective. Climb around and follow the trails to appreciate the many cave-like structures that make up this fortress. Be mindful of the steep drop-offs. Some sections have no railings and the trails can be narrow. The park creates a self-guided circuit with red and white arrows.
There is one section of trail that has been destroyed by a rockslide.
It’s easy to spend some serious time here. Watch the sunset, savor the views, and marvel at this incredible architecture feat before retiring to the campground for the night.
Don’t miss the nearby Inca terraces. Some of the terrace sections have small rock caves, interesting ruins, and of course those views.
The bottom trail leads directly back to the campsite with stunning views along the way.
Camping at Waqrapukara
There are multiple make-shift campsites near the gatekeeper’s shelter. Camping here is included in the entrance ticket and provides a basic water stream and bathrooms. There are hole in the ground bathrooms and a few toilets. Make sure to bring your own toilet paper and hand soap. There is no food or snacks for purchase here.
The camping area is grassy and flat. To better protect from the wind, set up close to an old Inca wall. There are garbage cans on site.
Waqrapukara Campsite Logistics | Included in the entrance ticket | Water Source | Basic Toilets | Garbage Drop
Day 2 | Waqrapukara to Cusco
Wake up early to appreciate Waqrapukara in the morning light. Today is a good day to take the alternative path up to Waqrapukara via the lower terraces, which are right next to the campsite. Try to leave before 10:00. The hike isn’t long, but you need to make it to Acomayo at a decent hour to ensure a bus back to Cusco.
When ready to leave, (I know it’s hard), continue to exit the park past the gatekeeper’s lodge. This is a well-marked trail and it offers a different perspective of Waqrapukara. The landscape of this trail is quite different from the previous day as it cuts through the rugged canyon cliffs.
There are some interesting cave paintings that can be seen along the route.
Continue along the trail, which eventually splits. There’s the option to either head to the small villages of Huayqui or Campi. There are lots of rocks with painted arrows that lead the way. Campi is a further hike, but in theory, is closer to Acomayo.
We chose the trail to Huayqui. It’s a steep downhill trail, but arrives right into the small mountain hamlet.
Waqrapukara Hike Logistics Day 2
- Distance: 4.75 miles
- Duration: 3 hours
How to Get to Cusco from Waqrapukara (Huayqui)
Huayqui is super small, but has a few tiendas and a grassy plaza. There are no buses that connect this village to the outside world. Many of the villagers offer taxi services into the transit hub village of Acomayo. It is important to negotiate price before entering a taxi. There are few tourists here, so the prices are quite firm. Don’t pay more than 30 PEN.
Taxi Logistics | Huayquil to Acomayo | Fare: 30 PEN ($7.75 USD) | Duration: 30 + minutes
If for some reason a taxi won’t run, there may be a morning collectivo from Huayquil. A reader reached out (thank you!) and said she spent the night in Huayqui (basic room 20 PEN / breakfast 10 PEN) and was able to hop on an early morning collectivo to Acomayo.
Check-in the village to verify that the collectivo runs EVERY morning.
Collectivo Logistics Huayqui Community to Acomayo | Fare: 8 PEN ($2) | Departs Huayqui between 7 – 8 a.m. | Duration: 30 + minutes
Acomayo to Cusco
Once in Acomayo, there are only a few buses a day that depart for Cusco with the last bus departing for Cusco at 17:00. The taxi driver will drop you right at the bus station. One of the bus companies is Expreso El Zorro and only has 4 departures. The local bus is slow and makes frequent stops along the route. Plan for it to take at least three hours with all the stops!
🚌 Bus Logistics | Acomayo to Cusco | Fare: 10 PEN ($2.75) | Duration: at least 3 hours | Buses drop at different locations, this one dropped by PlazaVea in Cusco
Psst… Verify the timetable with Expreso El Zorro a few days before your departure. Reach them on WhatsApp at +51 941009218
Heading Back to Cusco? More Things to Do in Cusco
2 Day Trek to Waqrapukara Cost
So how much did this epic trek to Waqrapukara cost?
Prices on the table are rounded to the nearest 25¢
| EXPENSE | PEN (S/) | USD ($) |
| Bus Fare | Cusco to Chiquicahuana (Sicuani) | S/ 8 | $2 |
| Taxi Fare to Sangarará | S/ 5 | $1.25 |
| Snacks & Food (Per Person) | S/ 30 | $7.75 |
| Small Fuel Tank (S/20 split by 2 people) | S/ 10 | $2.50 |
| Waqrapukara Archaeological Park & Camping | S/ 10 | $2.50 |
| Taxi Fare | Huayquil to Acomayo (S/30 split by 2) | S/ 15 | $4 |
| Bus Ticket | Acomayo to Cusco | S/ 10 | $2.50 |
| TOTAL | S/ 88 | $23 |
Waqrapukara can be visited for less than $25 for a 2 day trek!
This hike is popular with local Peruvians, but it is becoming more known on the tourist scene.
💬 Real Talk | Get to the sacred site of Waqrapukara before it becomes extremely popular! This is happening all over Peru including the impressive site of Choquequirao and the site of “Little Cusco,” or Huchuy Qosqo, in the unmissable Sacred Valley of the Incas. Both of these site are having cable cars being built to increase access which will ultimately bring in more tourists.
Final Thoughts | Waqrapukara, Peru’s Best Kept Secret
In short, Waqrapukara is an incredible Inca site that sits in the Apurímac River Valley. It is fairly simple to visit this site from Cusco, and it’s totally feasible to reach it without an organized tour. With its peculiar ruins on top of a distinctive cliff, this site easily topped one of my favorite Inca sites in all of Peru. To be honest, this place is almost more special than Machu Picchu. It feels as if you’ve stumbling upon a secret that not many people know about. The energy, scenery, and Inca ruins are incredible.
This guide is to help independent trekkers reach Waqrapukara by public transportation from Cusco, what to pack, and some helpful tips to make the most of your visit to this magical place. A two day trek costs under $25, so it’s a perfect budget alternative to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail.
With the secret starting to get out on how awesome this place is, Waqrapukara will become more and more popular and a famous landmark in Peru. I can see with rising popularity, the entrance fee increasing as well.
Go to Waqrapukara, savor in its beauty, feel the energy, and fall in love with this sacred space in South America.
Have you heard of the incredible site of Waqrapukara? Did you visit it while in Peru? Could you feel the magic that is Waqrapukara Archaeological Site? Let me know in the comments below!
Disclaimer: There’s a chance this post contains affiliate links, and I receive a small (but grateful) portion of the sale. There’s no extra cost to you, and I only promote things that I use and love.
I studied the Incas in high school but we didn’t learn about this site! I’ve always been fascinated by the Incas though so I am definitely adding this to my list.
Yes, you will love it! Waqrapukara is super special. ❤️
I didn’t know about this site, how interesting! Also, love that you included also the breakdown of the costs, super useful!
Thanks Val! I love showing that travel doesn’t have to be expensive. ☺️
I hadn’t heard of this hike before!! Also, if the cave you’re talking about is near Ollantaytambo, I’ve seen it! Unless it was a different burial site on another trail. I did a couple hikes while staying there and one had a small cave with human bones.
Hey Carla – this site is in the opposite direction of Ollantaytambo, but I think I know the cave you’re speaking of! Did you hike near Lares? Ollantaytambo is such a hiker’s paradise. I’m so glad you were able to do some epic hiking trails there! 🥾
Hey 🙂 Thank you so much for this super helpful iterinary! I also wanted to ask you if you know about a solution for people without a tent (I know that I can rent one). Is there any economic accommodation around the Waqrapukara? Thank you in advance!
Hey Nico-
Unfortunately, there is no accommodation options at the site of Waqrapukara, as for now. As it gains popularity, I can see a luxury hotel being built.
As for accommodation, you could take a taxi to the trailhead have them wait for a few hours and return you to Sangarará where there are a few guesthouses. Another option would be to take a taxi to the trailhead, spend a few hours at the site and hike down to Huayqui. A reader reached out to me and stayed the night in Huayqui where they were able to take a collectivo back to Acomayo.
It’s always best to reach out to the accommodations directly to verify they are accepting guests!
Enjoy Waqrapukara!
Megs
Thank you so much! I walked to Santa Lucia after visiting Waqrapukara, stayed there in a cheap accommodation and left for Cusco the next day. In Waqrapukara the keeper offered me a bed, so it is possible but nothing official 🙂 More details in my comment 💛
Hey Megs, thank you for this amazing blog! It was a huge inspiration and getting to this place was an amazing adventure with breathtaking landscapes and Waqrapukara is truly a magical place! I wanted to add some Infos which might be helpful (I am not sure if they are already in the blog if yes, then sry, I haven’t seen them :P)
1. It’s possible to reach Waqrapukara from Santa Lucia or to go back from there, the way of transporter is: Cusco – Chiquicahuana (8 Soles),
Chiquicahuana – Pomacanchi (5 Soles),
Pomacanchi – Santa Lucia (8 Soles),
Santa Lucia – Waqrapukara (a breathtaking 3 hours easy walk through the Cañón). To go back you need to be in Santa Lucia by 7am, the first transporter leaves at that time, I am not sure how many there will be. You can also sleep in a very (!) basic accommodation at a Hostal “Hospedaje Virgen Santa Lucia, +51984455096” at the main square of Santa Lucia for 10-15 Soles per night, without internet (there are Shops where you ask for internet). I personally loved the way and it’s a good option to do it vice versa: Santa Lucia – Waqrapukara – Sangarará since from Sangarará they are leaving until the night.
2. It’s possible to sleep in a bed in Waqrapukara for 20-30 Soles per night. The keeper of Waqrapukara is almost every day there and if you talk to him and ask him for accommodation he can help you out with it in case someone doesn’t habe a tent 🙂
These are my add ons. Thank you again and let me know if you need any Infos.
All the best,
Nico
Nico-
Thank you so much for all of this additional information! I appreciate you taking the time to forward me all of this. I didn’t use the route to Santa Lucia so this is extremely helpful! 🙏
That is good to know about the beds via the keeper of Waqrapukara. I am curious as to how many rooms and beds they offer. I am assuming you must bring food if you sleep there as there is no shop there unless that has changed?
I am so happy that you got to Waqrapukara. The energy here is fantastic and so ancient. It really is magic. ✨
I wish you the best in your continued travels,
Megs