For all hiking lovers who are looking for a different experience in Cusco, we present the experience of Wakrapukara hike, an incredible adventure that takes us over the Andes mountains, in the middle of the Apurimac canyon. In 2024 Auri Peru offers you the possibility of living this adventure, we know that the road, the natural landscapes and the view of the mountains will surprise you.
This is a natural wonder that still maintains its essence surrounded by mystery. Accompanied by a natural view it becomes an unmissable destination for those who need a disconnection from the routine. Wakrapukara hike will definitely make your trip unforgettable. This article shows you the most important reason why you should do the Wakrapukara Tour Cusco in 2024.
Wakrapukara View
1.- HISTORY OF WAKRAPUKARA CUSCO
Wakrapukara is a Quechua name that translated means camelid fortress and this is mainly due to the curious shape of the mountain (it resembles the silhouette of a llama), an archaeological center located in the province of Acomayo – Cusco. There is a theory that this beautiful place was built by the Inca culture, however currently it is still unknown what its purpose was. Thanks to a study of the enclosures that we found within the archaeological center of Wakrapukara Peru we deduce that the spaces were used with a ceremonial and religious function oriented to astronomy and clearly also linked to agriculture. Although also due to the location, it could be said that it had a military and control function.
Although today we still do not know what its main function was, it is precisely this mystery that gives the charm to the archaeological center of Wakrapukara Cusco, in addition to its other attraction, which is the height since it is located 4140 meters above sea level making it a challenge for many travelers. However, it is not compared with Rainbow Mountain (5200 masl).
Wakrapukara
2.- HOW TO GET TO WAKRAPUKARA PERU
The first thing we must take into account to be able to reach Waqrapukara from Cusco, is the distance, since we cannot directly reach the archaeological center by car due to its location, we must always arrive at one of the communities from where the Wakrapukara hike experience begins. It is better to do this hike with a specialized travel agency like us because we must consider many important aspects to guarantee your safety. We can organize a Wakrapukara Tour Cusco according to your free days without any problem.
Wakrapukara Cusco Peru
3.- WHAT ARE THE ROUTES TO GET TO WAKRAPUKARA PERU
There are many routes to get to Wakrapukara Cusco, however some are ideal for seasons. Remember that this area, being part of the Andes, can have very extreme climates such as snow, so it is always better to prevent it:
1st route: Cusco – Acomayo – Wayki – Waqrapukara
Our first route consists of starting in the city of Cusco where a transport takes us first to Acomayo town which is located at a distance of approximately 125 kilometers, from this point we continue to the community of Wayki, this trip will take us approximately 3 hours. Upon arrival we can leave our transportation and prepare our luggage that we will use during the hike. After a brief safety talk with the guide, our hike begins along a winding 3-hour path entering nature and the Andes until we reach the top of the mountain from where we have a privileged view of the archaeological center of Waqrapukara.
2nd route: Cusco – Santa Lucia – Waqrapukara
This is undoubtedly the best option for all travelers who have planned their trip to Waqrapukara Cusco. We start in Cusco where our transportation on this occasion takes us to the town of Santa Lucia located 51 km away and the trip lasts an average of 2 hours, from there we begin to hike with a shorter time of 1 hour, just keep in mind that on this route we will have to ascend a steep path, this is the version of Wakrapukara Tour Cusco that is offered in a traditional way.
3rd route: Cusco – Chosecani – Waqrapukara
This experience was designed mainly for travelers who are trekking lovers, since leaving from Cusco we will first arrive at Chosecani sector which is located 18km away and lasts 40 minutes. Then the challenge begins, a long journey of almost 5 hours awaits you to reach the archaeological center of Waqrapukara.
4th route: Cusco – Pitumarca – Waqrapukara
This is the least recommended option, so it is also the route that the least people take. However, if you are a serious hiker, it may be ideal for you. It begins with transportation from Cusco to the Pitumarca sector, which is 39 km away and has an average duration of one hour and 30 minutes. Upon arrival you begin to get ready and then discuss the tour plan with the guide, the almost six-hour walk begins to reach the dream destination. The experience usually combines hiking with camping since this route lasts two days and is ideal to take advantage of the incredible views of the sunset on the first day and the sunrise on the second. It is part of the longer routes to Wakrapukara Cusco.
5th Route: Cusco – Campi – Waqrapukara
We can consider that this route is a little more balanced, since we begin with the trip from Cusco to the Campi sector. The trip takes approximately three hours to get there, after preparing well we begin the walk that also lasts approximately three hours, which is ideal for travelers who like hiking but without so much effort.
6th Route: Cusco – Sangarara – Waqrapukara
This is one of the most recommended routes due to the beautiful views of the Andes, landscapes and the incredible canyons that give us a direct view of the Apurimac River. We begin with our trip from Cusco to the Sangarara Town. This takes approximately three hours, then our hiking experience begins to Wakrapukara for approximately two hours. The difference is that our outward journey is easier since it is a descent. However, the return will be difficult since we will have to climb a steep path.
Wakrapukara
4.- HOW LONG IS WAKRAPUKARA HIKE
There are many ways, as we already saw, to be able to do the Wakrapukara Tour Cusco. It can be distances of one hour, two hours, or even days. Knowing what characteristics represent you for the adventure, you can request a suggestion from Auri Perú to tell you which is the best route for you.
Hiking to Wakrapukara
5.- BEST TIME FOR WAKRAPUKARA HIKE
The entire sector where Wakrapukara Cusco is located is part of the Peruvian Andes and has the peculiarity of having a quite changeable climate. The best time to visit it is at the beginning of the dry season, when the rainy season ends and the natural area that surrounds the entire archaeological center looks much greener, thus giving us a more beautiful appearance and welcome. During the rest of the year we can also visit it but we will see how that green tone gradually changes to yellow until the next rainy season arrives. It is also important to take into account that during the rainy season it is possible that we can witness some drastic changes and adverse such as snow storms and heavy rain.
Important fact: The rainy season extends between November and April, while the dry season is between May and October.
6.- WAKRAPUKARA CUSCO HIKE DIFFICULTY
Taking into account a category from one to five in difficulty, we consider that the Wakrapukara hike has three, because depending on the route from which you start there are certain characteristics that make it so complex, we recommend that you can measure what your physical advantages and so you can choose the route that best suits you.
7.- CAN YOU HIKE WAKRAPUKARA CUSCO WITHOUT A GUIDE
It is possible to do it without a guide, however it is not recommended at all, since being a remote natural place it does not have proper signage on its paths, which is why we always require the support of a professional who can guide us along the way in addition to taking care of our safety, it is always ideal that we have a person prepared who can assist us in case an accident happens. Auri Peru is characterized by having one of the best staff of guides for this destination. You can plan your trip now with us.
Wakrapukara Signal
8.- CAN YOU HIKE WAKRAPUKARA IN DECEMBER
December is part of the rainy season so the trip can become a little complicated, however it also shows us a new perspective of what nature is like during that season that many mention as difficult, something peculiar as we previously indicated is that in this place it can snow, this is not common in the entire Cusco region, it only happens in the highest areas.
9.- CAN YOU HIKE WAKRAPUKARA IN ONE DAY
Yes, it is possible, regularly to be able to visit it for 1 day, the first thing you should do is hire the Wakrapukara Cusco tour with a formal agency. The second route that we show you is ideal for this (Cusco – Santa Lucia – Wakrapukara) since it allows us to have less walking time and more time to enjoy the archaeological center of Wakrapukara Cusco.
If you want to experience a different adventure during your trip to Peru 2024, choose Auri Peru, enjoy a unique sensation on the Andes and with each step disconnect from the routine you have.
“Life is a journey, traveling is living twice”
