Waqrapukara 1-Day Tour: Is the Breakfast & Lunch Option Worth It?

Okay, so you’re thinking about checking out Waqrapukara, that pretty cool ancient fortress, right? And you’ve probably seen tours advertised, especially those that include breakfast and lunch. This review, it gives you the lowdown on what you really get with one of these 1-day tours, particularly if it’s worthwhile to add those meal options. You might wonder, with such a relatively remote location, if handling the food side of things is better left to the tour operators. We look at that question, too.

What is Waqrapukara, anyway?

Waqrapukara, in case you didn’t know, is basically a pre-Inca fortress sitting way up high, like way, way up there – over 4,100 meters (that is around 13,500 feet!). Because it sits way up in the sky, the views are amazing! Think massive cliffs, impressive stonework, and just a generally awe-inspiring landscape. The site holds a lot of mystery; basically, history buffs are really excited, and are still working to fully understand its story and its purpose. Some parts might actually predate the Inca civilization! Getting there is something like a moderate hike; basically you need to plan on a pretty early start. That being said, the whole effort of going to see it is absolutely worth the trouble.

Booking Your Tour: Finding a Good Deal

A tip when thinking of getting a tour is, Cusco’s Plaza de Armas is kind of loaded with tour agencies; honestly you will run into them just walking around. Don’t necessarily grab the very first tour you see, you know? Like, wander around a bit and compare a little. Most tour operators, they’ll offer Waqrapukara trips, some including just transportation, and then other companies are going to give you transport and meals. Talking to a couple of outfits will let you see who’s offering the most awesome plan, for a fee that’s, in a way, not crazy expensive.

Another thing, consider checking out online tour platforms. A lot of times you’re going to get access to previous customer reviews and see ratings; sometimes discounts could happen too! So, keep an eye out, particularly if you, say, plan to travel during less touristy months.

The Breakfast Situation: Before the Hike

So, with most tours including a breakfast, keep your expectations grounded. You likely won’t be getting a gourmet spread. Often, a pretty classic arrangement gets provided: think bread (maybe a roll), a little bit of jam, possibly some cheese, a juice drink or maybe some mate de coca (coca tea) to fight the altitude, right? This happens usually, at some scenic spot on the route before the heavy hiking actually begins.

It’s worth packing something more too, basically just a little granola bar, or some fruit; especially if you’re like me and breakfast actually IS the most super important meal of your whole entire day. That little something could honestly help give you a decent energy boost up the trail. The key element is, this pre-hike meal just is something to hold you over and gets you ready. You’re there for a real hearty, and a proper, meal later on.

Lunch at Waqrapukara: What’s Cooking?

Now, lunch. This, basically, is where things could become truly impressive. Many tours try their best, like, they really put on something you might appreciate. Typically, you get what someone might describe as a quite ‘typical’ Peruvian spread: think things along the lines of chicken or maybe some beef with rice, potatoes (cause of course!), and a little salad. Some tours go further, that is, if they happen to be more boutique operations, and might surprise people with something especially regionally local; such as pachamanca (a traditional Andean dish cooked underground).

That’s a thought: packing extra snacks never actually hurt someone! That is, it can happen that, after that big hike to get there and maybe after the walking around exploring those ruins, appetites may well still run high. Think fruit, trail mix, basically anything that rides happily in your backpack and provides quick-ish energy, would basically do the job perfectly.

The Hike Itself: Are you Ready for the Climb?

Let’s talk about that hike, now. Depending upon the route a certain operator chooses, you may be considering anything from an easy-going stroll, sort of, to a solid trek. No matter what route you pick, expect some solid uphill climbing. Remember, this site’s altitude is no joke: 4,100 meters (like I was mentioning), and basically even people in decent shape can get winded. Hydration, just for that reason, is ultra-super important. Basically bringing, and continuing to sip on water during the whole climb really does help manage the height. Take it really quite easy. Stop, breathe, basically take loads and loads of pictures – lets you catch your breath but without someone feeling lazy. Actually invest in acclimatizing to Cusco for, say, a day or so prior to your trek to allow your system to adjust before any crazy climbing starts. Basically all of this, that improves enjoyment big time.

What to Bring: Packing Essentials

Okay, so packing for Waqrapukara, think layers! Things change fast at those heights; you could very easily be comfortable in a tee-shirt one minute, shivering in a wind the next. Have something rainproof; a lightweight jacket gets you by very well. Good, broken-in hiking boots just almost make it compulsory: you absolutely don’t want blisters ruining the trek. Sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, shades (you want all these) for sun. Bring loads of water; and small snacks really could go a long way. Take a camera, that is, naturally – photo ops are available constantly. Pro Tip: carry coca leaves, and chew on them! A thing you can do basically all over that area, for a reason – fight that altitude. Or just have coca candies, if someone doesn’t care for chewing leaves.

The Scenery: Prepare to be Amazed!

The real highlight, anyway, almost surpasses the historical importance of the site itself. The area is a visual knockout. So there is jagged mountains, so there are deep canyons; basically you have that wide open Andean sky, really very pretty. That light! Like seriously, especially around sunrise or sunset, it gives almost a golden feel. Just soak all this scenery up, that’s my suggestion; that memory outshines pretty much any old lunch. Even the hike up provides pretty excellent views, constantly rewarding the person who puts themselves in the path of these scenes. Keep those cameras handy. Also that respect is maintained – that location is something you wish to remember as vividly as entirely possible. That’s something people appreciate.

Is the “Breakfast and Lunch” Tour Option Worth It?

Alright, so really to the question at the top: Do these meals basically earn you something worthwhile? So you will get a tour including meals which mostly provides convenience. Rather than have some bother dealing with finding and carrying all the food, someone else took charge. Take that as convenience. Food standards aren’t something too elegant though; don’t assume amazing quality dining. But considering the hike level and where one is (outdoors basically) , things should suffice, you might think.

Another calculation someone might keep in mind? If bringing packed meals appeals not one little bit, those all inclusive packages relieve tension completely. Considering you hate fussing over the details? This alternative becomes quite sensible. And finally consider, is basically everything costing a fortune. So doing price shopping pays benefits for everyone.

Overall: My Personal Take

Personally? Getting to see Waqrapukara was something that absolutely stuck with me. You feel something as someone stands way up above everything, watching all that. That is truly very special; honestly, it goes absolutely past whether a sandwich happened to taste really great or something. Would absolutely endorse finding a tour; the comfort, knowing logistics, are handled does improve experience.

You want meals within your arrangements? Think really clearly, honestly; that matters completely relative of one’s traveling character type/ budget. But actually, make absolutely positively sure, to witness some gorgeous spot in the Peruvian mountainside somewhere: it provides memories to stick strongly later onwards!

• Convenience is Key: Opt for tours including meals to eliminate the stress of food prep.
• Manage Expectations: Food is simple but satisfying, offering nourishment during a demanding trek.
• The Views are the Prize: Focus on experiencing the incredible scenery.
• Be Prepared: Pack layers, hiking boots, sunscreen, and plenty of water for a smoother experience.

Okay, So did you get what to expect, should you go to Waqrapukara; a choice most everyone seems extremely glad doing sometime during any trip down South. It just, as many travel locations should happen, brings something memorable later!

So, let the world wait! Go book it, what did hold your attentions?!