Waqrapukara Trek 1 Day

20+ Years of Experience

ISO 9001 Certified

Locally Based in the Sacred Valley

Waqrapukara · Cusco Region

A Full-Day Trek from Lake Qenterococha to Waqrapukara


The Waqrapukara trek in 1 day starts early, with a drive from Cusco to Acomayo and a walk from Lake Qenterococha to the Waqrapukara archaeological complex. Along the way you can spot the local flora and wildlife, and once you reach the site, your guide shares the details while you explore and take photos. Then a semi-flat and downhill walk leads you past large stone figures shaped by time, down to the village of Huayqui above the Apurímac River. Choose a shared or private service, because we tailor-make every detail to your travel style, needs and budget.

  • The Waqrapukara archaeological complex

  • The four lagoons of Acomayo

  • Led by a professional tourism guide

  • Breakfast, packed lunch and transport

Route and Itinerary

Your Day on the Trail

From the lagoons of Acomayo to the final descent to Huayqui, here is how your day unfolds.

Distance
18.9 km
Highest point
4,471 m a.s.l.
End
3,323 m a.s.l.
Pickup
3:30 a.m.

Route map

Trek startHuayqui roadWaqrapukaraLagoonN

Elevation profile

3,4003,6003,8004,0004,2004,400Highest pointTrek startLagoonWaqrapukaraHuayqui road0 km18.88 km

Altitude comes from the route’s GPS track, while distance is measured along the trail, so every value is in m a.s.l.

Itinerary

Your day begins around 3:30 a.m., when we pick you up at your hotel and drive about 2.5 hours to the province of Acomayo, where the circuit of the four lagoons awaits. From there, we continue for another 30 minutes to Lake Qenterococha, at 4,330 m a.s.l. (14,138 ft). After breakfast, we start walking toward the Waqrapukara complex.

Along the trail, your guide helps you recognize the local flora and wildlife. At the first viewpoint of Waqrapukara, we pause to rest, and then we continue until we reach the site itself. Once there, you catch your breath, explore the archaeological center with your guide, who shares detailed information, and enjoy free time to wander and take photos.

Afterwards, a semi-flat and downhill walk of about 3 hours leads you past great stone figures shaped by time, toward the village of Huayqui, tucked into the mountains above the impressive Apurímac River. Finally, we drive you back to your hotel.

Your price

What's Included

Guide and safety

  • Professional tourism guide.
  • First-aid equipment.

Meals

  • Breakfast and packed lunch.

Transport and entrance

  • Tourist transport from your hotel and back.
  • Entrance ticket to Waqrapukara.
What’s not included
  • Tips for the guide.
  • Riding horse (optional extra, ask us for pricing).

Important Notes

  • Shared or private service, tailored to your dates and group size.
  • We pick you up at your hotel around 3:30 a.m.
  • Bring a little cash in soles for tips and personal expenses.
  • However, times are approximate.

FAQ

Difficulty and altitude

Packing and booking

Before and after the trek

Pack light

What to bring

The bag you carry yourself while walking.

Sun and rain

  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Warm jacket

Daypack essentials

  • Small backpack
  • Comfortable trekking shoes (not new sneakers)

Documents and health

  • Personal medication

Camera and power

  • Camera

Pack snacks and walking poles, and keep your camera and sunscreen in your small backpack. Bring a little cash in soles for tips.

Tripadvisor · 2026 Reviews

What Our Travelers Say

Recent Tripadvisor reviews of Santu trips in Peru, posted in 2026.

This is Santu’s overall rating, not a rating specific to this walk.

“The experience was incredible; we were 3 families and we loved it. The level of food, the tents, the guides. A ten.”

Edgardo C · Toledo, Spain
Written 4 August 2026 · Translated from Spanish by Tripadvisor

“… Giuliana exceeded our expectations. She did an amazing job listening to our wants/needs, make recommendations and take care of all the steps along the way. We felt fully informed.”

Carrie G · Family trip
Written 16 July 2026

“Giuliana who is an amazing travel agent who planned everything for Us and give us lots of great ideas and she came with an amazing package that it took care of all our needs …”

Kuro G · Burlington, Canada
Written 9 July 2026

See all Santu reviews on Tripadvisor →

Plan your Waqrapukara trekShared or private,
tailored to you

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