TREK TO WAKRA PUKARA 2 DAYS AND 01 NIGHT

OVERVIEW

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.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Cusco – Wayke –  INC Campsite Waqra Pukara

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

Maximum Altitude: 4087 masl / 13408 ft 
Minimum Altitude: 3296 masl / 10813 ft 
Distance Travelled: 7.80 km / 4.84 ml 
Approximate Walking Time: 6 hrs   

Day 2: Waqra Pukara – Wayke – Cusco

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

Maximum Altitude: 4087 masl / 13408 ft 
Minimum Altitude: 3296 masl / 10813 ft 
Distance Travelled: 7.80 km / 4.84 ml 
Approximate Walking Time: 6 hrs

PRICE

Services included

• Private transportation Cuzco – Wayke
• Guide service in Spanish/ English
• Sleeping Bag per person (-10 ºC), mummy form (our sleeping bags are cleaned after every use)
• Sleeping liner
• Pillow
• Inflatable sleeping pad
• Cook and assistant
• Cooking equipment
• Snacks
• Daily tea service
• Dining equipment including chairs and tables
• Cooking, eating and bathroom tents
• Food (1 breakfast, 2 lunch, 1 dinner)
• Vegetarian menu at no extra cost
• Two person tents (3-people capacity tent used as doubles– 4 seasons), single tents available for extra cost
• Mule-handlers
• Mules
• Saddled horse (for every 6 passengers there is one saddled horse)
• First-aid kit
• Emergency oxygen bottle
• Private transportation Wayqe- Cuzco

Services not included

• Extra food
• Optional tip for field staff
• Extra costs

DETAILS

We recommend that you bring

• Water-resistant trekking shoes and sandals
• Warm clothing (thermal underwear, fleece, hat, gloves, socks)
• Waterproof clothing (poncho)
• Synthetic or cotton clothing (socks, trousers, shorts, t-shirts)
• Sunhat and sunglasses
• Sun cream and insect repellent
• Water bottles such as Nalgene
• Basic medications
• Walking sticks
• Swimsuit and towel
• Personal items
• Personal snacks
• Previous acclimatization in Cuzco city, for at least 2 days and general good health. Pachatusantrek offers easy one day and half day routes which can be completed before the main trek
• DNI / Original Passport

PLEASE NOTE

• For the group prices
• We apply the 4 – 10 range price when we open a group
• We need 4 persons to open one group
• In case you are less number of persons and there is no any group open we will apply the price according to the number of persons.

Important Environmental Note

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.