Waqrapukara: Cusco’s Hidden Wonder – 7 Scenic Routes to Reach It

🏞️ Waqrapukara: The Horned Fortress in the Heart of the Andes

Waqrapukara, derived from the Quechua words waqra (horn) and pukara (fortress), translates to “horn-shaped fortress.” This breathtaking archaeological wonder is nestled in the Acos district, within the Acomayo province of Cusco, perched near the Apurímac River at a staggering 4,300 meters (14,100 ft) above sea level.

Originally built by the Qanchis people, led by the legendary chief T’ito Qosñipa and supported by the Qanchimachu, Waqrapukara was later integrated into the Inca Empire during the reign of Inca Yupanqui. In recognition of its cultural significance, it was officially declared a Cultural Heritage of the Nation by Peru’s Ministry of Culture in July 2017.

An Inca Sanctuary of Power and Mystery

According to archaeologist Miguel Cornejo, Waqrapukara is far more than a fortress — it is a sacred Inca sanctuary that reflects political and spiritual power. Built upon terraces and surrounded by plazas and dramatic rock formations, it showcases a level of architectural mastery that remains unmatched. The site features an elaborate platform structure, ceremonial niches, and a unique stone forest carved by wind and time.

Approaching Waqrapukara feels like entering another world. The landscape, shaped by centuries of river and wind erosion, prepares visitors for the sacred and extraordinary. One of the sanctuary’s highlights is a ceremonial niche with three corners, a feature reserved for places of the highest spiritual importance.

🌌 A Place to Camp Beneath the Stars

Modern-day travelers can camp near Waqrapukara, allowing for an unforgettable night under the dazzling Andean sky. Many believe that, under the stars, surrounded by silence and ancient stones, you may just discover why the Incas chose this awe-inspiring location — a site imbued with energy, mystery, and spiritual resonance.

How to Get to Waqrapukara: Trekking Routes and Tips

Reaching Waqrapukara requires a hike of 3 to 5 hours, depending on the route. There are seven different access points, each offering a unique landscape and cultural experience.

Route 1: Cusco – Wayki – Waqrapukara

• 🚗 Drive: From Cusco to Wayki, the journey takes approximately 3.5 hours — about 2.5 hours on a paved road, followed by 30 minutes on a dirt road.

• 🥾 Hike: From Wayki, the trek begins with 1 hour uphill, then transitions into a 2-hour inclined path leading directly to the site.

• ⛩️ Bonus Stops: Along the way, you may pass through Sangarará and Pitumarca, which are alternative routes and offer additional scenic viewpoints.

Route 2: Cusco – Campi – Waqrapukara

A Scenic and Gentle Trek Through the Heart of the Andes

This route offers one of the most accessible and visually stunning journeys to Waqrapukara. Departing from Cusco, you’ll head south along a well-paved highway for approximately 2.5 hours by car. From there, you continue another 40 minutes along a rural road until reaching the community of Campi, where the trek begins.

What makes this route special is its flat terrain, making it ideal for travelers seeking a less physically demanding hike without compromising on scenery. The 2.5-hour trek from Campi to Waqrapukara takes you through breathtaking Andean landscapes, surrounded by wide-open skies, ancient rock formations, and a serene highland environment unlike anywhere else.

The peacefulness of this trail, combined with its extraordinary views and minimal elevation gain, creates a meditative experience that allows hikers to fully absorb the spiritual atmosphere of the region. It’s a great choice for photographers, families, and those acclimating to high altitude.

The return journey follows the same trail back to Campi and takes approximately the same amount of time.

Route 3: Cusco – Huascar – Waqrapukara

A Balanced Trek with Panoramic Views and Cultural Charm

This route combines a short uphill challenge with a rewarding and varied landscape, perfect for those seeking a moderate hike with unforgettable scenery.

The journey begins with a 2.5-hour drive south from Cusco along a paved road to the village of Huascar. From there, you’ll drive uphill for around 35 minutes on a dirt road until you reach the starting point of the hike.

The trek begins with a 20-minute uphill climb, after which the trail levels out and gently descends through the rolling Andean highlands. The total hiking time to Waqrapukara is approximately 2.5 hours, offering spectacular views, open grasslands, and moments of silence that connect you with nature and the ancient spirit of the land.

On the return journey, hikers retrace their steps — with a combination of gentle uphill and flat terrain leading back to the starting point.

This route is perfect for travelers who want a less crowded trail, a mix of inclines and flat walking, and a chance to experience a more authentic Andean environment.

Route 4: Cusco – Pitumarca – Waqrapukara

A Scenic Descent Through Highland Wildlife and Lakes

This route to Waqrapukara is ideal for nature lovers and photographers, offering incredible biodiversity, peaceful lagoons, and the chance to witness Andean wildlife in its natural habitat.

From Cusco, the journey begins with a 2-hour and 40-minute drive to the picturesque town of Pitumarca, located deep in the southern highlands. Once in Pitumarca, a 30-minute drive along a rural trail will bring you to the trailhead, where your hike begins.

The trekking route starts on flat terrain, making it easy to find your rhythm. Shortly after, the trail transitions into a gradual descent that leads you through wide open valleys, with views of the snow-capped Andes in the distance. The total hike to Waqrapukara takes around 2.5 hours, depending on your pace.

Along the way, you may encounter crystal-clear lagoons, herds of alpacas grazing freely, and even vicuñas, the elegant wild relatives of llamas, roaming across the hillsides. This trail offers a rare opportunity to see Andean wildlife up close in its natural environment.

The return hike, while scenic, involves an uphill climb followed by flat sections to bring you back to the starting point — so be sure to pace yourself and stay hydrated.

This route is perfect for those looking for a peaceful, nature-focused trek with rewarding views and a rich ecological experience.

Route 5: Cusco – Sangarará – Waqrapukara

A Tranquil Trek Through Andean Wildlife and Highland Beauty

This route offers a perfect blend of mild trekking and rich natural scenery, making it a favorite for travelers seeking a peaceful journey into the highlands with chances to spot native animals and serene lagoons.

The adventure begins with a 2.5-hour drive from Cusco to the traditional town of Sangarará, a charming highland community surrounded by mountains and rural landscapes. From there, it’s another 30-minute drive along a rural road to the starting point of the hike.

The trail starts with a short uphill section, but after about 20 minutes, the path levels out and gradually begins to descend toward the Waqrapukara archaeological complex. The hike takes approximately 2.5 hours, passing through a landscape dotted with sparkling lagoons, herds of alpacas, and possibly vicuñas — a rare and graceful wild camelid native to the Andes.

As you make your way to the site, you’ll be surrounded by the tranquility and raw beauty of the Andean puna ecosystem, where silence and open skies offer a deep connection with nature and the region’s ancient past.

The return trek involves a gradual uphill climb, followed by flatter sections that lead you back to the trailhead. While a bit more challenging on the way back, the rewarding views and fresh mountain air make every step worthwhile.

This route is ideal for those who want a moderate hike combined with scenic wildlife encounters and a peaceful atmosphere.

Route 6: Cusco – Chosicani – Waqrapukara

A Balanced Trek Through Andean Grasslands and Wildlife

If you’re looking for a scenic and moderately challenging trek, the Chosicani route offers a rewarding journey through rolling Andean landscapes rich in native wildlife and breathtaking views.

The journey begins with a 2-hour and 40-minute drive from Cusco to the rural town of Chosicani, a peaceful highland village surrounded by mountains and traditional Andean life. From the village, a short 30-minute drive or walk brings you to the trailhead where the adventure begins.

The hike takes approximately 3 hours, with a mix of gentle ascents and descents as the trail winds through the highlands toward Waqrapukara. Along the way, you’re likely to encounter alpacas, llamas, and possibly even vicuñas, roaming freely in their natural habitat. The route is relatively quiet and uncrowded, offering a serene trekking experience for those who enjoy solitude and open landscapes.

As you approach the Waqrapukara archaeological site, the majestic views become more dramatic, revealing the fortress-like rock formations and sacred energy that make this place so unique.

The return trek involves a gradual uphill walk, followed by flat sections until you reach the starting point. While it requires some stamina, the panoramic surroundings and wildlife encounters make it well worth the effort.

This route is ideal for hikers looking for a moderate challenge combined with authentic natural beauty and wildlife observation.

Route 7: Cusco – Santa Lucía – Waqrapukara

A Remote Route Rich in Wildlife and a Call for Sustainable Exploration

This route offers one of the longest drives, but also some of the most untouched natural scenery on the way to Waqrapukara. From Cusco, the journey by car to the rural town of Santa Lucía takes approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes, bringing you close to the starting point of the hike.

The trail begins with a moderate uphill ascent, leading hikers through highland terrain as they climb toward the ancient site. The total hike takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on pace and weather conditions. While the way up may require some effort, the return journey is easier, as the trail gently descends all the way back to the starting point.

One of the most remarkable features of this route is its rich biodiversity. Waqrapukara lies at the intersection of three districts — Acos, Pomacanchi, and Sangarará — within a fragile ecosystem that is home to native wildlife such as pumas, vizcachas, vicuñas, and even the majestic Andean condor.

However, this route also highlights a growing concern. Some local authorities are proposing to extend roads closer to the archaeological site to increase accessibility. While intentions may be good, such developments pose a serious risk to the delicate natural balance and the wild animals that still inhabit the area. Paving roads too close would disrupt this sacred landscape and compromise its authenticity and ecological integrity.

For that reason, we strongly encourage travelers to explore Waqrapukara in the most sustainable and responsible way — by foot. A 2 to 3-hour hike not only preserves the environment but also allows visitors to fully connect with the beauty, silence, and spirit of the Andes. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot a condor soaring overhead, or catch a glimpse of wild vicuñas and vizcachas as you walk.

🌱 A Note on Sustainable Travel

Waqrapukara is more than just a destination — it’s a living, breathing sanctuary of culture and nature. Let’s protect it by promoting eco-friendly trekking experiences that honor its sacred energy and safeguard its future.