Our Waqrapukara Hiking Guide has everything you need to know about visiting the mysterious Inca ruins of Waqrapukara. Keep reading to find out more about this amazing place and how to get there from Cusco.
As the former capital of the Inca Empire and the closest city to the fortress sanctuary of Machu Picchu, Cusco has no shortage of mysterious and beautiful Inca ruins. Sacsayhuaman, Coricancha, Ollantaytambo and Moray are just some of the famous sites included in typical tours of Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Aside from these well-known options, people don’t realize that there are dozens of lesser-known ruins scattered all throughout the Cusco region that are well worth exploring.
One of our favorites is Waqrapukara, an enigmatic mountaintop fortress located to Cusco’s south. A trek to the mystical Waqrapukara with a knowledgeable guide can be completed in only one day from Cusco. This trek is perfect for those who want to get far off the beaten track and experience a scenic and secluded archaeological site that remains somewhat shrouded in mystery.
Waqrapukara Info & History
Waqrapukara is an impressive Inca fortress perched atop a rugged mountain plateau in the remote countryside of the Cusco region in southern Peru. The name Waqrapukara means “Horn Fortress” in the native Quechua language, a reference to the two distinctly horn-shaped peaks which dominate the site. Unlike more famous ruins like Machu Picchu or Coricancha, the fortress of Waqrapukara has only recently been studied extensively by archaeologists, so the full significance of the complex is just beginning to be uncovered. The discovery of triple-jambed doors at the site is an indication of its particular importance, as the Incas only placed this style of door at seats of great religious and political power.
Much like Machu Picchu, the Inca builders of Waqrapukara merged finely-crafted stonework with the nearby rock formations to create buildings that both stand out from and blend in with their surroundings. Along with the main fortress complex, the site is also home to a series of eight Inca agricultural terraces with retaining walls. Waqrapukara is in many ways just as majestic as the more famous sites of southern Peru, except with an added bit of mystique due to its isolated location and a lack of formal research at the site thus far. As archaeologist Miguel Cornejo recently told La República (one of Peru’s highest circulation newspapers): “Waqrapukara is an Inca sanctuary of the first order that denotes immense political and religious power, as-yet undeciphered.” A visit to this magical place would be an absolutely unforgettable way to spend a day or two on your trip to Cusco.
How to Get to Waqrapukara
The mysterious ruins of Waqrapukara are located near the Apurímac River in Cusco’s Acomayo province. The hike to Waqrapukara usually begins in one of two places: the town of Santa Lucia or the small native farming community of Huayqui, both located about two and half hours from Cusco by car. The fortress complex is located roughly halfway between these two settlements and there is a trail leading up from either starting point. The hike up to the top will take about two hours if you decide to depart from Huayqui, or three hours if you are following the trail from Santa Lucia.
Following the trail to the Waqrapukara ruins, you’ll pass through the quechua, suni and puna ecological zones as you ascend to 10,000 feet above sea level. If luck is on your side, you’ll have the chance to encounter a number of different types of native Andean wildlife such as vicuñas, guanacos or condors. The scenery along the way is extraordinary, with panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Planning Your Trip
It’s always a good idea to travel with a knowledgeable guide who can explain the historical context of your destination as well as keep you from getting lost, especially since this trip involves hiking through an extremely rural part of the country where the only nearby settlements are small Quechua-speaking farm communities. Your guide will also be able to help you decide which trailhead it’s best to start at.
Once you’ve reached the top of Waqrapukara, you’ll have the option to hike back down on the same day or stay at the summit and camp for a night. A tour to Waqrapukara can also be combined with visits to other tourist attractions of the so-called “southern circuit” such as Andahuaylillas and Tipón. A group of scenic lakes known as the “four lagoons” is also an emerging attraction located nearby.
Hiking to Waqrapukara
Waqrapukara can be visited year-round, but certain times of year can offer a more pleasant experience. The wet season lasts from November to April and during these months it’s possible to experience heavy rainfall in the region. Since the weather in Peru’s highlands is often unpredictable, it’s recommended to come prepared with clothes for both rain and sunshine. It’s important to bring plenty of water as well since physical exercise at high altitudes can lead to dehydration.
What to Bring:
- A good camera to take pictures of the ruins and the beautiful surrounding landscapes.
- Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect from the sun.
- Snacks or lunch if you’re only visiting for the day. If you’re camping overnight, you’ll of course need to carry enough food for your dinner and breakfast as well.
- At least two liters of water. Bring double that amount if you’re camping overnight.
- Good quality hiking books.
- Poncho or raincoat in case you encounter any rain.
- A rubber-tipped walking stick if necessary.
Visit Waqrapukara on Your Trip to Cusco
If you’re looking to get off the beaten track on your trip to Cusco, you should definitely consider visiting the ruins of the “Horn Fortress” known as Waqrapukara. This special place is just as impressive as some of Cusco and the Sacred Valley’s more famous sites, but with none of the crowds. If you want to really feel a sense of mysticism and connection to the past while exploring an ancient sanctuary, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Waqrapukara.
Header Image: Modified from Flickr / DAVID MENDOZA
1st Blog Image: Modified from Flickr / DAVID MENDOZA
2nd Blog Image: Modified from Flickr / pink_hippy
3rd Blog Image: Modified from Flickr / pink_hippy
