Wakra Pukara
Day 1: Cusco – Wayke - INC Campsite Waqra Pukara
Day 2: Waqra Pukara – Wayke – Cusco
Impact of the landscape
Please ask the price for this service, the price per person depends on the group size.
Triple jamb doorway
This trek is categorised as moderate eventhough it is always recommendable to be in good physical condition.
Cave paintings at Llamaqpinta
Trail to Acomayo
Spectacular environment
Beautiful landscape
Agricultural activity in the area
The Incas occupied the site of Waqra Pukara (which means Horn Fortress, in clear reference to the rock formation), after their conquest of the ethnic group the Kanas. This Quechua word gives its name to the southern province of Cusco where this magnificent archaeological site is located.
Built on the top of the mountain, Waqra Pukara offers us a view of mountain ranges that disappear into the horizon, as well as gigantic rock formations which give depth to the valley of the Apurimac River. The ecological levels we will visit are Quechua, suni and puna, observing the characteristic flora and fauna of each one.
This archaeological site was linked to astronomical observation and rituals for the development of agriculture, as the buildings face the sun rise. We can also observe vaulted niches with three jambs, a detail only found in Mauka Llacta arquitecture, in the mythical Paqarektampu.
We leave the city of Cusco early in our private transport towards the south of the valley, following the path of the Watanay and Vilcanota rivers. On our way we will pass Pomacocha, a beautiful Andean lake where we can observe flora and fauna specific to this natural habitat.
Continuing our route, we stop for a few minutes in the town of Acomayo, on the way to the small population of Wayke (3296 masl) where we will begin our trek.
The climb begins right at the start of our trek, allowing us to observe gigantic pinnacles which rise from the Apurimac River. Spectacular.
We will stop in the Llamajpinta sector, where milenial cave paintings evidence man’s necessity to domesticate this cameloid as it was a provider of transport, food, clothing and other uses. This cameloid is also important as it is represented in the Milky Way, according to Andean cosmology.
We continue our walk to arrive at the INC campsite, where we will set up camp and have lunch.
In the afternoon we will have a short tour of the archaeological site to later return to the campsite to sleep.
Meals: lunch and dinner
4087 masl / 13408 ft
3296 masl / 10813 ft
7.80 km / 4.84 ml
6 hrs
We begin our day with a guided tour of the archaeological site of Waqra Pukara, which awaits us in its impressive location. The spectacular geography provides a frame for the magnificent Inca architecture, where triple jamb vaulted niches stand out.
We return to the Llamapinta sector to observe the paintings of immeasurable value representing the Andean Cosmo vision.
During our rest, we will have time to appreciate the vastness of the Apurimac river valley. We arrive at the town of Wayke where we enjoy our lunch, and later take our private transport to the city of Cusco.
Meals: breakfast and lunch
4087 masl / 13408 ft
3296 masl / 10813 ft
7.80 km / 4.84 ml
6 hrs
Pachatusantrek is committed to following the principles of ecotourism in our operations, and request the understanding and cooperation of trekkers, especially by not contaminating the waters and in the adequate disposal of non-biodegradable waste. We must also respect the customs and traditions of the local people.
“With the protection of mother earth and the permission of the apus …”
design by Gissel Enriquez - development by Jeronimo Design DDS