Highlights
- Walk approximately two hours each way, depending on the access used and the pace of the group.
- Tour high Andean roads with pajonals, small lagoons, rocky areas and views towards the mountains of Acomayo.
- See Waqrapukara from the natural viewpoints that appear before arriving at the complex.
- Walk between terraces, staircases, enclosures and walls integrated into the geography of the place.
- See the slopes of the Apurímac River Canyon from authorized sectors.
- It has a bilingual guide during the walk and archaeological explanation.
Itinerary
Pick up from the hotel in Cusco
Highlights: Early departure to complete the tour during daylight hours.
Pickup will start between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m., depending on the location of the hotel and the order assigned by operations.
The passenger should wait prepared at the reception with his backpack, water and warm clothes.
Before leaving, the guide will check:
- Full name.
- Number of passengers.
- Food restrictions.
- Medical conditions reported.
- Rented canes.
During the first hours you can rest inside the vehicle.
Flora and fauna
During the tour you can see:
- ICHU
- High Andean plants.
- Small seasonal flowers.
- ALPACAS
- You’re calling.
- SHEP
The presence of wildlife is not guaranteed.
Technical Details
- Transportation: minivan or tourist bus.
- Initial altitude: approximately 3,399 meters.
- The route combines urban areas, agricultural fields, populations and sectors near the Vilcanota River.
- The duration may vary by:
- Vehicle terrain: asphalt and rural road.
- Distance: variable according to access; short routes are around 5 kilometers total.
- Difficulty:
Important Service Information
Pick up from the hotel The pickup is between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m. The exact time will be communicated the day before. When the vehicle cannot enter, a nearby point will be established.
Availability
The tour can operate throughout the year, subject to:
- Transportation available.
- State of the road.
- State of the trail.
- Weather conditions.
- Access to the site.
- Minimum number of passengers.
- Provisions of the Ministry of Culture.
It can be requested up to 24 hours before when there are places.
We recommend booking several days in advance.
During the rainy season, cancellations or access changes may occur.
In 2025, the Regional Government of Cusco and ProInversión announced studies for a future cable transport system between Saint Lucia and the Waqrapukara viewpoint. This corresponds to a project under development and does not mean that there is currently an operating cable car.
Transport information
The tour uses a minivan or tourist bus for the sections:
- Cusco–Cusipata.
- Cusipata–Saint Lucia.
- Saint Lucia-parking.
- Return to Cusipata.
- Cusipata–Cusco.
The final stretch depends on the state of the road.
During rain, the vehicle can park before and increase the hike.
Travel restrictions and participation
Altitude
The route exceeds 4,000 meters.
The height may cause:
- Quick breath.
- Lack of appetite.
Communicate immediately strong symptoms.
Medical restrictions
It is not recommended without professional evaluation for people with:
- Uncontrolled heart disease.
- Serious respiratory problems.
- Uncontrolled hypertension.
- severe anemia.
- Recent surgeries.
- Serious knee injuries.
- Major balance problems.
- Risk pregnancy.
- A serious history of altitude sickness.
Seniors should consult with their doctor.
Climate
The activity may be modified by:
- Heavy rain.
- Electric storms.
- Strong wind.
- Growing waterways.
The guide can order the return before arriving at the site when there is a risk.
Strikes and demonstrations
Blockades can affect the southern route.
Peceros Agency Travel may:
- Overtaking the exit.
- Change the pick-up point.
- Modifying the route.
- Use another access.
- Cancel the tour.
Safety will take precedence.
Forest fires
Fires can affect roads, visibility and ecosystems close to the site.
In recent years there have been fires in sectors near Waqrapukara, although authorities reported in specific cases that archaeological constructions were not affected.
It is not allowed to light fire or throw butts.
Lost objects
Each passenger is responsible for their belongings.
Review:
- Archaeological site.
- Box lunch area.
The agency will help to make consultations, but does not guarantee recovery.
Prohibited conduct
Not allowed:
- Go up on walls.
- Remove stones.
- Enter closed sectors.
- Shed waste.
- Light fire.
- Damage plants.
- Annoying animals.
- Using drones without authorization.
- Get away from the group.
- Approach dangerous edges.
- Take archaeological or natural elements.
Full content in Markdown format, with original prices and up-to-date technical data.
Inclusions
- Accommodation before or after the tour unless it is expressly listed in the package.
- Meals not specifically indicated in the itinerary, including personal orders and upgrades.
- Bottled water, snacks and additional drinks purchased during the route.
- Personal refrigerations.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Trekking poles.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Horse service, which is hired and paid directly to the local provider when available.
- Personal travel insurance, including medical care, evacuation and trip interruption coverage.
- Personal medicines and treatments prescribed for the traveler.
- Tips for guides, drivers, cooks or support staff; gratuities are voluntary.
- Personal purchases, souvenirs and other expenses chosen by the traveler.
- professional photographs.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- ; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Medical expenses.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Professional medical care or evacuation expenses required during the trip.
- Transfers outside the operational area.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Services not mentioned.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Expenses caused by road closures.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Expenses caused by strikes.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Camp teams.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Frontal lantern provided by the agency.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
Upgrades
- Trekking poles; Reference Price: From USD 10 per pair
- Emergency Horse; Reference Price: Subject to local availability
- Personal Portable Oxygen; Reference Price: From USD 25
- Box special lunch; Reference Price: From USD 10 additional
- Guide in another language; Reference Price: Previous quote
- Additional private transportation; Reference Price: From USD 30
- Travel insurance; Reference Price: According to coverage
- Photo shoot; Reference Price: From USD 80
- Room in Cusco; Reference Price: According to category
- Child seat; Reference Price: Previous quote
Additional services must be requested prior to the trip.
The presence of horses is not guaranteed, since it depends on residents, access, condition of the path and availability of the day.
Discounts
- Students from 18 to 25 years old: check out available promotions.
- Minors: rate subject to transportation, food and entry.
- Children under 11 years old: must travel accompanied and have experience in high altitude walks.
- Groups of five or more: private price of USD 80 per person, depending on the structure provided.
- To request a child fee, a copy of the document must be sent.
- Discounts must be included in the confirmation before payment.
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PeruRail Trains Comparison
| Feature | Expedition | Vistadome | Observatory | Hiram Bingham |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Standard Panoramic | Full Panoramic (Roof & Walls) | Full Panoramic (Roof & Walls) | Large Classic Windows |
| Seating Layout | Seats facing each other with table | Leather seats, facing each other | Leather seats, spacious | Plush armchairs, elegant dining tables |
| Food & Drinks | Available for purchase | Light snack & non-alcoholic drinks | Light snack & non-alcoholic drinks | Gourmet Lunch/Dinner & Open Bar |
| Entertainment | Ambient Andean Music | Cultural Dance & Fashion Show (Return) | Live Music & Cultural Show | Live Band in Bar Car |
| Special Features | - | - | Access to open-air balcony car | Includes bus, citadel ticket & guide |
| Estimated Price (One-way) | Desde $65 USD | Desde $85 USD | Desde $110 USD | Desde $490 USD |
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