Cusco and Around
Waqrapukara, the Castle of the Andes
- Duration: Full day · about 13 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Places you visit
- Sangarará
- Quenterococha
- Waqrapukara archaeological complex
Trip overview
Waqrapukara, «the castle of the horns», is an Inca archaeological complex built above a canyon, surrounded by rock formations that resemble the horns of a sacred bull. It is history, nature and adventure in a single destination.
We drive south along the Cusco - Puno route, stopping for breakfast in Sangarará before reaching Quenterococha, the starting point of the hike. The trails offer views of mountains, canyons and rock formations on the way to the archaeological complex, where a guided visit covers its history, architecture and natural viewpoints.
It is a full-day tour of about 13 hours, with pickup at 3:30 a.m. and return to Cusco in the afternoon or early evening.
Itinerary overview
Full day · 13 h- Hotel pickup (3:30 a.m.)
- Drive along the Cusco - Puno route
- Breakfast in Sangarará
- Hike from Quenterococha
- Guided visit to Waqrapukara
- Tourist lunch
- Return to Cusco
The route, step by step
Hotel pickup. We collect you from your hotel in the historic centre of Cusco at around 3:30 a.m. and set off by tourist transport, heading south along the Cusco - Puno route.
Breakfast in Sangarará. We stop in Sangarará for breakfast before continuing the drive.
Start of the hike. We arrive in Quenterococha and begin the hike along trails with views of mountains, canyons and rock formations.
Waqrapukara. A guided visit to the Waqrapukara archaeological complex, known as «the castle of the Andes», where you will learn its history, architecture and enjoy its natural viewpoints.
Return to Quenterococha. We hike back to the vehicle.
Lunch. A tourist lunch (with a vegetarian option available on request) to recover energy.
Return to Cusco. We drive back to the city, arriving in the afternoon or early evening.
Included8
- Pickup from hotels in the historic centre of Cusco.
- Tourist transport and professional driver.
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English).
- Breakfast and tourist lunch (vegetarian option available).
- Handmade walking sticks for the hike.
- First aid kit.
- Oxygen tank for emergencies.
- Card and payment-link processing fees.
Not included4
- Entrance to Waqrapukara: S/10.00 nationals · S/20.00 foreigners.
- Personal water and snacks.
- Tips.
- Services not mentioned in the itinerary.
What to bring
- Valid ID or passport
- Cash for the entrance fee and personal expenses
- Comfortable, warm clothing
- Trekking shoes or boots
- Windproof or waterproof jacket
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Water bottle
- At least one day of acclimatisation in Cusco
- Small backpack for personal items
- Steady pace suited to your fitness
Questions about this tour7
- What time does the tour start?
- Pickup starts at around 3:30 a.m. from hotels in the historic centre of Cusco.
- How long does the tour last?
- It lasts about 13 hours, returning to Cusco in the afternoon or early evening.
- What does the tour include?
- It includes tourist transport, a professional bilingual guide, breakfast, a tourist lunch (vegetarian option available), handmade walking sticks, a first aid kit and an oxygen tank.
- Is the entrance to Waqrapukara included?
- No. It is paid directly at the site's entrance point: S/10.00 for nationals and S/20.00 for foreigners.
- What is the difficulty level?
- The tour includes a hike along Andean trails. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended to enjoy the experience comfortably.
- What should I bring?
- ID or passport, comfortable clothing, trekking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, water and cash for the entrance fee and personal expenses.
- Is there a vegetarian option for lunch?
- Yes. It is available if arranged with the agency before the tour.
Booking, payment and cancellations
Booking confirmation
- The booking is confirmed only after payment is received and the receipt validated.
- To confirm the booking, the passenger must send full name, ID, passport or foreign resident card, nationality or place of origin, date of birth and phone or WhatsApp number.
- Bookings are subject to availability for the requested date.
Payment
- The tour must be paid before the service begins.
- The payment receipt must be sent to confirm the booking.
- We accept Yape, Plin, bank transfer, card or payment link.
Changes and cancellations
- Date changes are subject to availability.
- Cancellations made after the booking is confirmed are non-refundable, due to the advance organisation of the service.
- Any change must be requested in advance.
Important considerations
- The itinerary may vary due to weather conditions, road conditions or decisions by local authorities.
- Passenger safety is our priority throughout the tour.
