Waqrapukara

The expedition day begins extremely early (approximately 4:00 a.m.) with pickup from your hotel in Cusco, necessary to cover the long journey south.We travel by vehicle via the South Valley route to the Cusipata or Pitumarca area (depending on the chosen route), where we make an essential stop to enjoy a hot and nutritious breakfast that provides energy for the hike.We continue the journey by transportation to the village of Santa Lucía or Huayqui, depending on the chosen route, the starting point of our trek at an altitude close to $4,000$ m / $13,123$ ft a.s.l.From the starting point, we begin the hike toward the Waqrapukara archaeological complex. The route is considered of moderate difficulty, with sections of gentle descent and ascent at the beginning and a final segment with some difficulty before reaching the top.The total hike lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours, offering spectacular views of the Apurímac Canyon and the high-Andean puna landscapes throughout the route, often with the presence of local fauna.Once at Waqrapukara ($4,300$ m / $14,107$ ft a.s.l.), your expert guide provides a detailed explanation of its origin (Canchis culture) and its later use by the Incas as a ceremonial and political center. You will have free time to explore the plazas, the double-jamb terraces, and the impressive natural viewpoints that offer dramatic scenery.After the visit, we descend along the same trail back to the transportation, where we enjoy a box lunch before starting the return journey to Cusco, arriving in the city in the afternoon.