- WAQRAPUKARA
- AN EXCITING ADVENTURE
Waqrapukara despite its almost impregnable location at the top of a peak over the chasms of the Apurimac canyon, it is a first-class Inka sanctuary, which denotes immense political and religious power not yet deciphered for archaeologists, it represents the architecture of power. It is surrounded by impressive platforms and squares; to this we must add the beautiful landscape and spectacular stone formations molded by fierce gusts of wind that form capricious figures on the summits of the ravine (a forest of stones that resemble thrones with mythological giants contemplating the mountain range landscape). The Inkas architects sought to dominate the landscape without transforming its spectacularity; the whole natural environment warns from afar that it is reaching a special place, out of the ordinary and of incomparable beauty.
The Archaeological Complex of Waqrapukara is located in the district of Acos, province of Acomayo and department of Cusco, at a height of 4 300 meters above sea level; at least there are four old roads that lead to this fortress. Waqrapukara is a fortress of pre-inka and Inka construction. In the Pre-inka era (1 500 to 1 000 BC), it was a small citadel, for this reason they called it "Llaqta Pukara" where the Qanchi lived; The current construction is from the Inka era and was made during the Inka Wayna Qhapaq period, which was also used as an astronomical observatory; It had a sanctuary to God Illa Teqci Pachakamaq Wiraqocha.
The name Waqrapukara comes from the Quechua voices: Waqra = horn and Pukara = Equivalent to Fortress
Seeing the photograph of the place, the name is more than eloquent; so we can deduce that Waqrapukara means "Fortress of the horns"; but there is an observation to this interpretation by the locals who indicate that the fortress has no horns; rather, they would be the ears of a lama that is always alert to the presence of foreigners and what is happening around them; therefore, they call it "Llamapukara". Undoubtedly both, ears or horns were cause for sacralization among their builders.
The curves on the carved stone terraces seem to hold the Waqra, which resembles a double-billed crown. In the middle of it, there is a natural cave with Inka intervention and a small window that overlooks the abyss, which also allows you to have a magnificent view of the night sky populated with constellations, planets and stars of enormous value in the Inka worldview. It is admirable how the rock formations were integrated, as part of the whole, building walls on the edge of the precipice and making shores to natural rocks. Apparently, due to their architectural characteristics, they would correspond to buildings of eminently ceremonial use, with the presence of a triple jamb cover (very sacred place). The walls, stairs, terraces and rooms were finely carved in the best style (Inka classic).
Waqrapukara is made up of two groups of buildings.
ITINERARY:
This tour starts early, we will pick you up from your lodging between 3:45 - 4:15 am; to then be transferred in a private mobility for 02 hours through the southern valley of Cusco to the community of Yanapampa where we will take our breakfast and then continue by vehicle for 01 more hours to the community of Wayki. From Wayki we will start the uphill walking for 40 minutes, then to this, the 01:30 hour walk way becomes flat, thus arriving at the archaeological center of Waqrapukara which we will explore for approximately 40 minutes. After enjoying and relaxing, we will enjoy our lunch; then start with the walk back to Wayki where our mobility awaits us that will bring us back to the city of Cusco, arriving at approximately 06:30 pm.
THE SERVICE INCLUDES:
THE SERVICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
RECOMMENDATIONS:
MAPA - WAQRAPUCARA - PERU MYSTERIES
Español