Waqrapukara: the "Inca Throne" Few Tourists Know

Waqrapukara (meaning "horn-shaped fortress" in Quechua) is an archaeological complex built atop a cliff with two rock formations resembling horns — hence the name. It's about 3-4 hours from Cusco and receives a fraction of the visitors Machu Picchu or Rainbow Mountain get.

What can you see there?

• Ceremonial structures and carved stone walls in classic Inca style.
• Views of the Apurímac River canyon, with rock walls hundreds of meters high.
• Agricultural terraces and remains believed to have been a regional ceremonial or administrative center.

How it's visited

It's done as a full-day excursion from Cusco:

• Vehicle transfer (approx. 2.5-3 hours) to the trailhead.
• 2-3 hour hike in (moderate to demanding, with uphill stretches).
• Time at the archaeological site.
• Hike and vehicle back to Cusco (long day, early departure).

The real difficulty

It's a moderately difficult hike: not technical, but with sustained uphill stretches above 3,800 m. Requires good fitness and prior acclimatization in Cusco.

Why it gets so few visitors

Unlike Machu Picchu or Rainbow Mountain, Waqrapukara doesn't have the same tourist infrastructure or international promotion — which in practice means walking the site with almost no other tourists around, something increasingly hard to find in the region.

Best season

May to September (dry season), like most trekking excursions in the Cusco highlands — dirt trails get slippery in the rainy season.

Looking for an excursion different from the well-known circuits? Contact us to arrange a visit to Waqrapukara.

Frequently asked questions

Is it suitable for beginners?

Requires medium-high fitness due to altitude and elevation gain; not ideal as a first hike without prior acclimatization.

How long does the full excursion take?

It's a full day, with a very early departure from Cusco and return in the late afternoon or evening.

Are there facilities (restrooms, food) at the site?

It's a remote site with no tourist infrastructure; most operators include a picnic-style or box lunch.