Overview
The Vinicunca and Waqrapukara Tour from Puno to Cusco combines two of southern Peru's most striking landscapes into a single overland journey. Rather than rushing between Lake Titicaca and Cusco on a direct bus, travelers spend two days exploring a mountain famous for its mineral bands and a hidden archaeological site, before arriving in Cusco at a relaxed pace.
The first day is built around Vinicunca, better known as Rainbow Mountain, accessed via the town of Pitumarca — the shorter and gentler of the two main routes up the mountain. Its reddish, ochre and turquoise stripes come from mineral deposits exposed over thousands of years. From there, the route continues toward Checacupe, a quiet Andean town along the Vilcanota valley, where the group spends the night.
On day two, the journey turns toward Waqrapukara, an Inca fortress perched on a horseshoe-shaped cliff above the Apurímac river valley. Unlike Machu Picchu or Sacsayhuamán, Waqrapukara sees only a handful of visitors each day, so the trail and the ruins themselves feel remarkably quiet. After the hike, the group continues the overland route into Cusco, arriving in the evening.
Along the way, the road passes small Andean towns, herds of alpaca grazing at altitude, and colonial churches that rarely make it onto standard itineraries. It's a tour built for travelers who want more than a transfer between two cities — a chance to actually see the highlands in between.
What to Bring for the Vinicunca and Waqrapukara Tour
Both hikes climb above 4,600 meters, so proper preparation makes a real difference in comfort and safety. Here's what to pack:
- Warm layers (temperatures can drop below freezing early morning and after sunset)
- Waterproof jacket or poncho, since weather changes quickly at altitude
- Comfortable hiking boots with good ankle support
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat — UV exposure is intense at this elevation
- Reusable water bottle (1.5–2 liters recommended per day)
- Small daypack for cameras, snacks and personal items
- Cash in soles snacks or optional horse rental
- Personal medication and any altitude sickness remedies (coca leaves or tea are available locally)