Tour Waqrapukara is a new tourist attraction that remains almost unknown to this day, but retains great beauty and charm. The tour is suitable for those seeking a spirituality that is immersed in the sea of commercial tours. Waqrapukara is a pre-Inca archaeological complex located in the province of Acomayo in the Cusco region, near the Apurimac River. The main construction is located on platforms, squares and the so-called “Forest of Stones”. From its altitude of 4,140 meters above sea level, it offers spectacular views of the Apurimac River and the Andes Mountains.
Its name comes from Quechua, “WAQRA” means HORN while “PUKARA” means STRENGTH. Therefore, the meaning of the name translates as “STRENGTH WITH HORNS” given its typical shape. However, the locals also called it “LLAMAPUKARA” since they claim that the shape does not represent horns, but rather FLAME EARS.
It was built by the pre-Inca Qanchis culture within the period called “Auqaruna” (1500 BC – 1000 BC). During this period, the complex used to be a city called “Llaqta Pukara” and the headquarters of a Qanchi leader. In addition, it served as an astronomical observatory and sanctuary of the god “Teqci Pachakamaq Wiraqocha” (Creator of all created things). Subsequently, it was conquered by the Incas, who molded the constructions to the geography during the reign of Wayna Qhapaq. Subsequently, it became an Inca sanctuary of the first order symbolizing an immense political and religious power still unconflicted. In 2017, the complex was declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture.
: In the morning, we will pick you up from your accommodation at approximately 4am. If your hotel or hostel is not located in the city center, we will pick you up from the doorway of our office building. We will begin the two and a half hour drive towards Marcaconga village, then continue into the district of Pitumarca, where we will eat breakfast.
After breakfast, we will return to the car for thirty more minutes of driving along a zig-zagging, unpaved road, until we reach Punta Carretera. Here, we will have ten minutes to stretch, organize our things, and make any final preparations for our trek. We will walk across gently rolling terrain for about two hours, observing gorgeous landscapes studded with small glacial lakes along the way.
Once we arrive at the Waqra Pukara Overlook, we will pause briefly to take our first photos of this incredible fortress perched on the edge of a canyon. We will then descend for about forty minutes along a steep, cliffside path into the site itself, while the Apurimac River runs swiftly below.
We will explore the ruins for approximately an hour and a half, climbing through the remains of the temple, taking photos against the incredible canyon scenery, and resting on clifftops in the shadows of the stone walls. When the group is ready, we will begin the ascent back the way we came. We will reach the car after about three hours of trekking, and return to Cusco at approximately 6:00 pm.
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