WAQRAPUKARA: A TREASURE TO DISCOVER

Hidden treasure full of magic, culture and mystery located in the department of Cusco. The landscape that surrounds Waqrapukara is one of the most spectacular in the Andean world.

Waqrapukara in Quechua means Waqra which means horn and Pukara which means Fortress, so Waqrapukara would come to mean “Fortress of the horns”, however, the people of the Waqrapukara area also know it as “Llamapukara” this because they do not consider that it has horns, but that they look more like the ears of a llama.

Waqrapukara is an archaeological site built by the Qanchis to later be conquered by the Incas; It is located at 4300 meters above sea level in the district of Acos, province of Acomayo, department of Cusco. In July 2017 it was declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation by the Ministry of Culture.

Unlike other destinations with a large influx of tourists, in Waqrapukara you can camp in the surroundings, it is an unforgettable experience and we would undoubtedly understand why the ancient builders chose this magical place full of mystery and mysticism. The curves in the carved stone terraces seem to hold the Waqra, which resembles a double-peaked crown. In the middle of it, there is a natural cave with an Inca touch and a small window that overlooks the abyss, which allows a magnificent view of the night sky, populated with constellations, planets and stars of enormous value in the Inca worldview.

In Waqrapukara we will find steep stairs duly signposted that will help us climb and tour this magnificent archaeological complex of impressive platforms, squares and a stone forest. The best season to visit Waqrapukara is from April to September, where we will not find rain, however you can visit it all year round.

Waqrapukara is ideal for those seeking adventure, walks and experiences full of magic and culture. We can find full days with departures at approximately 05:00 AM to programs with camping in the surroundings, where you can enjoy the wonderful night sky and mysticism of the area, it is a great alternative for those seeking new cultural experiences. Without a doubt it is a trek that will leave more than one wanting to return. We must bear in mind that it is not recommended for pregnant women, children under 15 years of age, or passengers with health problems since the climb is steep and can be quite exhausting.

Without a doubt, tourist attractions such as Waqrapukara can be the epicenter of new circuits of experiential tourism, for walks and even for mountain bikes. The best thing about camping in this wonderful place is that you can do it without the massive influx of visitors, without schedules and with the possibility of enjoying that feeling of discovering a wonder.

In Waqrapukara it is usually cold in the mornings and at night, but at noon the sun is strong and intense. That is why we give you some recommendations on what to take to Waqrapukara.

What should I bring?
Original identity documents.
Warm clothes.
Waterproof jacket.
Chullo or winter hat.
Gloves.
Trekking shoes or sneakers.
Sunscreen.
Sunglasses.
Repellent.
Hat.
Canteen or bottle of water.
Snacks (Chocolates, fruit, etc.)
Trekking sticks.
Photo and / or video camera.
Personal medicines.
Cash.

As you can see, Waqrapukara is a great trek, ideal for those seeking adventure, culture, and hiking. We hope you liked this post, tell us here what you thought about this new experience.