This two-day private tour pairs Pisac’s living market and sacred lagoons with the dramatic highland fortress of Waqrapukara. Expect cultural encounters, steep stone steps and a demanding high-altitude hike on day two.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You climb into a private vehicle before dawn, Cusco shrinking behind you as the Andes rearrange themselves into sharper ridgelines. By midmorning the town of Pisac opens its market and the air tastes of roasted corn and wood-fired empanadas; later, high on a limestone shoulder, Waqrapukara rises like a carved horn against the sky.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
2 days (approx. 8–10 hours of walking total)
Fitness Level
Good cardiovascular fitness; able to hike 6–9 km with sustained uphill at high altitude
Wildlife
History
Pisac combines Inca agricultural terraces and colonial architecture reflecting Spanish settlement; Waqrapukara is a pre-Columbian ceremonial-fortress complex built into a rocky ridge with a distinctive horn-like plan.
Conservation
These sites are sensitive to erosion and visitor pressure—stay on marked trails, avoid touching masonry and support local guides and markets to channel tourism benefits into community conservation.
Reserve your spot on the Discover Pisac and Waqrapukara in 2 days - Private guide today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize before you go
Spend 24–48 hours in Cusco to reduce altitude effects; hydrate and take it easy the day before the hike.
Start early for Waqrapukara
Day two begins pre-dawn with a long approach; bring a headlamp and warm layers for the first hour.
Grip and stability
Wear sturdy hiking boots with good tread—sections near the fortress have loose scree and uneven stone steps.
Bring small bills
Carry cash for artisan stalls, snacks and tips—ATMs in Pisac can be limited.
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and traction for stone steps and loose scree on the Waqrapukara approach.
Insulated wind shell and layers
Temperature swings are large at altitude—dress in layers for early starts and strong sun.
Hydration system (2–3L)
High-altitude exertion increases fluid needs; water sources are limited on the trail.
summer
Trekking poles
Useful for stability on steep ascents and descents, especially on loose or uneven terrain.