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Waqra Pukará

The Horned Fortress

This is a long drive but absolutely worth it. Most tour agencies in Cusco offer Waqra Pukará as a full day trip. The hike itself is mostly flat, but it is at higher altitude than Cusco, so be sure to acclimatize before you head out.

Distance: 13km/8mi round trip Trailhead altitude: 4,500m (14,764ft) Highest point: 4,600m (15,092) Lowest point: 4,140 (13,583ft)

You can take a tent and make this an overnight hike but be aware that you need to have transportation arranged for the next day. There is no reliable public transportation in the area.

There are locals in the village of Sangarará that serve as taxi drivers to and from the trailhead, which is about half an hour drive from town. Read my article about the history of Sangarará here. If you stay in Sangarará, check out the Llanquepata Inca ruins & water temple.

Read why I recommend Waqra Pukará as an alternative to Machu Picchu in my article published by Frommer’s.

Practical Info Practical Info icon

Much more information and photos are on this blog I wrote about Waqra Pukará updated in June, 2023.

1200–1527: The Inca Era

Cusco Region Day Hikes

Machu Picchu Alternatives

Machu Picchu isn’t for everybody

Images by Heather Jasper