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WaqraPukara Trek
Waqrapukara Trek is a spiritual ceremony in an ancient temple; it’s the chance to experience Andean culture while high in the mountains that were sacred to the Inca. Since the guided Waqrapukara hike and ceremony are customized to your group, you’ll have the flexibility to walk at your own pace and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere in the lesser-known Inca site.
Overview
Overview:
Waqrapukara Trek – Waqra is “horn” Pukara is equivalent to the force. The “horns” rise to 4,300 meters / 14,107 feet, at the top of a great ravine covered with forests that crown the abysses that dominate the Apurimac River canyon. The archaeological monument is surrounded by impressive platforms, squares and a forest of stones that resemble thrones with mythological giants that contemplate the Andean landscape.
Private hiking tour ensures personalized service
Stay energized with a provided breakfast and lunch
Join the guide for a spiritual ceremony at Waqrapukara
Convenient pickup and drop-off at your Cusco hotel
By booking WaqraPukara Trek with Cusco Journeys you are choosing the best. Don’t believe us? Check out our reviews onTripadvisor.
Itinerary
Pre-trek briefing:
You will have a thorough briefing with your guide 1 or 2 days before your WaqraPukara Trek. Your guide will meet you at our office in Cusco and you can take this opportunity to ask questions and make any final preparations.
Day 1.- Cusco – Huayqui – Waqra Pukara – Cusco.
We pick-up very early in the morning, at 4 am since we have a long ride before us. So, you get on our private van and we head to the Cusipata village (3,319 m) southward of Cusco. At Cusipata, we have breakfast at the restaurant La Montana (at 6 am).
Then, we continue appreciating the Pomacanchi Lagoon on the way. Later, we pass through the Acos District (3,096 m) within the Acomayo Province to get to the village of Huayqui (3,390 m). There, we get off and start trekking for around 3 hours (7,5 km). Upon arrival at Waqrapukara, you receive a guided tour of this mysterious and by tourists undiscovered archaeological site.
During the tour, your tour guide shows you “Inti Punku” (Sun Gate), the main square, towers (“Torreones”), platforms and premises of the god Wiracocha. From the top, we are given impressive views of the surrounding landscapes of the Apurimac River and the Andes. We also take an advantage of being at this ancient mystical and religious site so we make an offering to Pachamama (the Mother Earth in the native language).
Afterwards, we began our return hike to the village of Huayqui admiring cave paintings illustrating lamas during the way. At Huayqui, we eat a box lunch to regain our energy. Then, we get on the van and head back to Cusco passing by the Acos Disctrict and the Acomayo Province again.
At around 5 pm, we make a stop at the restaurant in Cusipata to enjoy a tea break. After warming us up, we continue the ride reaching Cusco at approximately 6 pm. In the end of the tour, we drop you off at your hotel.
Maximum altitude: 4,140 metres / 13,580 feet
Minimum altitude: 3,096 metres / 10,157 feet
Duration of the trek: 6 hours
Trekking distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Weather: Cold
Includes
Included:
Pre-trek briefing.
Pick-up from your accommodation and drop-off near the main square
Round trip transportation between Cusco and Waqra Pukara
English/Spanish-speaking professional guide
Breakfast and lunch box (vegetarian option available)
Entrance fee to Wakra Pukara
First aid equipment
Exclusions:
Snacks and other meal nos described
Travel insurance
Gratuities
Another excursion not described in the itinerary
Tips for your tour guide and driver
What to Bring:
We suggest only bringing the essential to enjoy the tour and leaving the rest in your hotel
Hiking boots
Small daypack or backpack (approximately 20L)
Comfortable, lightweight trekking clothes or activewear (layers recommended)
Waterproof, sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support and traction
Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
Warm coat
Hat and gloves
Hand sanitizer
Sun hat or cap
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Insect repellent
Water (at least 1L)
Personal medications
Muscle relaxers
Painkillers or anti inflammatories
Bandaids (especially those designed for blisters)
Toilet paper
Camera
Cash (in small denominations of Peruvian nuevo soles)
Permits are needed for your chosen start date. Prices are valid from March 2024 through January 2025. All prices quoted are $USD
Daily Departure
U$D 99.00
Per person
* We need a minimum of 2 people to run the tour in group service for guarantee that your tour.
Rentals:
Hiking poles – US$10.00
A horse (USD 45 extra)
FAQ's
1.- Health and Safety:
All of our participants are required to inform us of any illness or injury which could affect them or the group during the tour. Although our guides carry first aid kits, we strongly recommended that you bring any personal medications you may need. We also suggest that you consult your doctor before reserving this tour.
2.- Where to Store Your Things:
Anything you do not want to bring with you on the tour can be safely left in your accommodation. Most hotels and hostels have safes to protect your belongings. However, if you do not feel comfortable leaving your things there, you may also bring them to our office for safekeeping during the tour.
3.- Where is Wakra Pukara located?
Wakra Pukara is located about three hours south of Cusco by car, in Apurimac Canyon.
4.- Are all activities on the tour mandatory? How flexible are itineraries?
We are committed to providing your ideal experience in Peru. Therefore, if there are any adjustments you would like to make to reflect your fitness level, lifestyle, or personal interests, we are happy to help! Our itineraries are reasonably flexible and activities can be removed or substituted as necessary.
5.- Should I bring extra water?
Water is provided at meals. However, you should also carry a refillable water bottle with you to prevent dehydration.
6.- How far in advance should I book my tour?
We recommend that you book your trek approximately one to two weeks in advance. This allows us to arrange for you to have the best possible transportation, guides, and meals during your tour.
7.- How much time will I need to acclimate to the altitude before my tour?
We recommend at least two days in Cusco to sufficiently acclimate before the tour begins.
8.- What meals are included? Are there vegetarian options?
Breakfast and lunch on the trek are included. Vegetarian options are available; however, vegan options are not.
9.- Should I tip the guides? How much is appropriate?
A tip is customary, but the amount is at your discretion. Whatever you feel is appropriate based on the service you have received is fine; please remember to always be courteous and respectful with our guides.
10.- Do I need to speak Spanish?
All of our guides are bilingual and speak both Spanish and English.
11.- What is the highest point on this hike?
The highest elevation on this hike is 4,500 meters above sea level.
Terms & Conditions
By booking or participating in a tour and any related products or services (a “Tour”) with Cusco Journeys, you agree to these Terms & Conditions.
Booking:
Your booking is confirmed and a contract exists when the Tour Operator or your travel agent issues a written confirmation after receipt of the applicable deposit amount. Please check your confirmation carefully and report any incorrect or incomplete information to the Tour Operator or authorized agent immediately. Please ensure that names are exactly as stated in the relevant passport.
You will pay a deposit which is completely non-refundable in any situation. There are no exceptions.
You will be required to show the original passport (not a copy) that you booked with, at the checkpoint to enter the Inca Trail. If you originally booked with an old passport and then renewed your passport, you must also bring your expired passport along with your new, valid passport to permit entry or they will refuse your entrance to the trail.
The only acceptable ID to receive a Student Discount is your University Card with a clear expiration date that must be the same year as trek. IDs with expiry dates the following year, even though clearly valid, will not be accepted by the Peruvian government. You must submit a copy of this card at time of booking.
Cancellations:
Cancellations: In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 40% is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing (we do not accept medical notes of any kind) as our out of pocket expenses are non-refundable to us.. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
ONCE BOOKED, DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. CHART BELOW OUTLINES WHAT FURTHER FEES WILL BE DUE.
Cancellation By
Terms
91 days or more before departure
we will retain 50% of your deposit.
90 – 30 days before departure
we will retain 75% of the total tour cost.
29 – 0 days before departure
we will retain 100% of the total tour cost.
Inca Trail Tours:
Permits: Permits for the Inca Trail are in your name and can not be transferred to anyone else under any circumstances. Change of dates is also not possible once a permit has been purchased. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. The deposit will be forfeited. Please note that this is a regulation of the Peruvian government and not Cusco Journeys (or any agency).
In extreme cases when the “Inca Trail to Machu Picchu” is declared closed for safety reasons, Cusco Journeys will replace your trek with an alternative trek.
Those who booked PERMITS with a Student ID must bring that ID with them on the trek. If they fail to show this card to the Park Rangers, they will not be allowed entry onto the trail.
Medical Information:
You must advise Cusco Journeys of any medical problems or allergies you may have. You need to be in good physical health, and if your health is questionable, then you should consult a doctor. If you are over the age of 70 years old, then you will need to present us with a current good health medical certificate.
You are responsible for assessing whether a Tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions. The Tour Operator does not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the Tour based on your own unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level and medical requirements.
Cusco Journeys reserves the right to deny you permission to travel or participate in any aspect of a Tour at any time and at your own risk and expense where the Tour Operator determines that your physical or mental condition renders you unfit for travel or you represent a danger to yourself or others.
Pregnancy is considered a medical condition and must be disclosed to the Tour Operator at the time of booking. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry pregnant women over 24 weeks. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry anyone with certain medical conditions if reasonable accommodation or alternatives cannot be arranged.
It is strongly encouraged to purchase Travel Insurance to protect you in case of medical emergency or any tour cancellations.
Tours and Treks:
All balances need to be paid in either cash, Western Union, Transfer Bank or PayPal (in full) prior to the briefing which will be held the night before your tour. Visa incurs a 5% service fee and if you need to use another card, it must be through PayPal which incurs a 5.5% service fee. You must advise your guide if you wish to leave the group or the camping area for independent walks or sightseeing. If you are experiencing any problems with the services of the guide or tour, please advise the guide in that moment, so that he can resolve any problems.
All Adventure Treks include transportation to Cusco. The return train route depends on train availability.
If you become ill or injured on the trail and are unable to continue, a porter will be provided to accompany you back to an area with emergency assistance capabilities. Helicopter air lifts and medical assistance are at the expense of the trekker. If you are unable to complete the tour due to illness, we will assist you in meeting your group at Machu Picchu to recommence your tour at that point. There will be no refund of the original payment. However, we will prepare a document to certify illness which can be presented for your travel insurance.
Cusco Journeys will take all reasonable care in providing to our clients avoidance of accident, illness, and loss of personal property, and will only employ suitably qualified staff. We accept responsibility for the actions of our own employees. Cusco Journeys cannot, however, be responsible for any action of third parties. You are totally responsible for your own personal property and rented equipment.
Cusco Journeys does not take responsibility for unfavorable weather conditions, natural catastrophe, strikes, accidents, illness, injury, loss of personal ítems, etc. It is the client’s responsibility to carry insurance to cover these types of events. We reserve the right to modify or cancel the program due to any of the unforeseen conditions listed above.
Cusco Journeys may modify your itinerary where reasonably required in its sole discretion.
Group tours might be as large as 16 participants. Groups are open to everyone no matter skill or age. By accepting a Group Tour you acknowledge that others might change the speed and timing of the tour.
All tours are done in English.
Delays:
Any costs, whether direct or incidental, incurred by the Customer as the result of delays caused by bad weather, trail conditions, river levels, road conditions, transportation delays, sickness, government intervention or other contingencies which are beyond the control of southern explorations will not be reimbursed.
Thank you so much for choosing Cusco Journeys!!!
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