Starting from
1 Day
4,140 m / 13,583 ft.
Driver Team + Local Guides
Difficulty Moderate
Moderate
Min 2 Persons
Embark on an unforgettable Andean adventure tour to a hidden gem. The 1 Day Tour Waqrapukara takes you far from the crowds. You will discover an incredible Inca fortress tour destination. This site is perched high above the stunning Apurimac Canyon. Known as the horn fortress, this Cusco archaeological site was once a sanctuary for pre Inca culture. This high altitude trek Peru is a fantastic hike from Cusco. We recommend reading about Navigating Cusco’s Altitude: Tips for First Timers! before you go.
Your Waqrapukara trek 1 day begins before dawn with a pickup in Cusco. Our journey will take us south to the trailhead. There, we begin our hike to the magnificent horn fortress. You will have plenty of time to explore this magical place. We will then walk back to our transport. You can expect to return to Cusco in the evening after an amazing day.
This off the beaten path Peru experience is a fantastic choice. It complements other iconic adventures perfectly. Many travelers do this trek in addition to the Humantay Lake Full Day tour. Or they pair it with the beautiful Rainbow Mountain Hike . It can even be a great prelude to the world famous Inca Trail Classic 4 Day . Book your adventure to one of Peru’s best-kept secrets today.
Your Andean adventure tour begins very early. We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 AM. From there, we journey south of the city for about three hours. Our first stop is the town of Pitumarca for a local breakfast. This stop helps us energize for the hike from Cusco region. This entire experience is truly one for lovers of epic trails, as detailed in A Hiker’s Dream: The Majestic Trails of Cusco, Peru .
After breakfast, we drive thirty more minutes to the trailhead. Here, your Waqrapukara trek 1 day officially begins. The hike to the main site takes about two and a half hours. You will walk along an off the beaten path Peru trail. The route offers breathtaking views of pristine Andean landscapes tour scenery. Before reaching the main complex, we will pause at a viewpoint. This is a perfect spot for photos of the incredible horn fortress.
Once we arrive, you will explore the magnificent Cusco archaeological site. This Inca fortress tour allows you to see its finely crafted stone structures. You can discover terraces, platforms, and ceremonial buildings. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of the Apurimac Canyon trek valley. In the afternoon, we will begin our walk back to the transport. The return journey brings us back to Cusco in the evening. This Cusco day hike is a challenging but rewarding adventure.
It is important that travelers are in good physical condition. Proper acclimatization to the altitude is also essential for this trek. We strongly recommend you read our guide on How to Avoid Altitude Sickness in Peru? . This trek is different from gentler experiences like a Full Day Sacred Valley Tour . It is a true high altitude challenge, similar to the Humantay Lake Full Day adventure.
Day 1 Statistics: Waqrapukara Full Day Hike:
Pickup Time: Approximately 4:30 AM from your hotel in Cusco.
Driving Time: Approximately 3.5 hours each way from Cusco.
Hiking Time: Roughly 5 hours total (2.5 hours each way).
Highest Altitude: Approximately 4,200 meters (13,780 feet).
Meals Included: Breakfast in the town of Pitumarca.
Drop off Time: Approximately 6:00 PM in the city of Cusco.

Peru Hikers promotes responsible and sustainable tourism in the Andes while benefiting local communities.

We provide unforgettable adventure and cultural destinations such as Machu Picchu, Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Rainbow Mountain.

Traveling in small groups offers genuine and unforgettable experiences, building personal relationships and forming cherished memories.

Our tour guides are passionate storytellers who love showcasing their hometowns and taking visitors beyond the obvious.
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