Duration: 5 days / 4 nights Type: ecological, cultural, archaeological, hiking and camping Start point. Cusco End point: Cusco Difficult: moderate difficult
ITINERARY
DAY 1: CUSCO - HUARAN - CANCHA CANCHA
We will leave Cusco early in the morning and travel by bus through the
Sacred Valley for approximately 1½ hours to Sayhuapata (2,800 meters/9,186
feet above sea level). Our hike will begin here in the fertile valley
and will follow a small river up through the mountain corridor. After a
4½-hour trek we will see the thatched-roof stone houses of the Cancha
Cancha community (3,350 meters/10,991 feet above sea level). Just past
the village, we will set up camp for the night.
L/D
DAY 2: CANCHA CANCHA - QUISWARANI
On Day 2, shortly after beginning our morning trek, we will reach two
brilliant glacial lakes, Suirococha and Yuraccocha. Here, we can see a
number of bird species, including Andean Ibis and Andean geese. From the
lakes, the trail climbs steeply for the next 2½ hours of trekking until
we reach the first pass, called Pachacuti (4,500 meters/14,764 feet
above sea level). Near the top of the pass, we will enjoy a spectacular
view of the snow-covered peaks of Pitusiray (5,750 meters/18,865 feet
above sea level) and Chicon (5,500 meters/18,045 feet above sea level).
An original Incan stone path will lead us along the ridge down into the
opposite corridor. We will then follow a series of cascading waterfalls
to the village of Quisuarani, where we will make camp for the night.
B/L/D
DAY 3: QUISWARANI - AGUAS TERMALES LARES
The morning of Day 3 will be a short downhill walk through increasingly
greener vegetation with a wide variety of flowers and hummingbirds. We
will reach the colonial town of Lares and will spend the rest of the
morning soaking in the natural hot springs. After lunch, we will
continue on a gentle path above the picturesque valley for roughly 2
hours to our campsite.
B/L/D
DAY 4: AGUAS TERMALES LARES - EPSAYCOCHA
On Day 4, we will continue trekking up through the valley until we
arrive at the community of Huacawasi. The people here produce some of
the finest textiles in Peru. Here, we will observe their great skill and
brilliant weaving techniques as they create ponchos, blankets, and other
garments. Passing the village we will begin climbing to the Condor Pass,
the second of the trip at 4,100 meters/13,451 feet above sea level. From
here, we will have a stunning view of the renowned Mount Veronica (5,750
meters/18,865 feet above sea level). Then, after a gentle 1-hour descent,
we will come to the beautiful Epsaycocha Lake, where we will make our
final campsite.
B/L/D
DAY 5: EPSAYCOCHA - OLLANTAYTAMBO
On the final day of our journey, the trail will lead us downhill to an
overlook facing a wide valley. Descending into the valley, we will
eventually arrive at the community of Huilloc, where a bus will take us
to Ollantaytambo. Situated in a fertile river valley and sheltered by
mammoth mountains, the ancient Inca village of Ollantaytambo is
considered one of the most important living museums in the world. This
is a perfect place to appreciate the vast archeological complex of the
village and a wide variety of flower and bird species. After visiting
Ollantaytambo, we will return to Cusco in the afternoon by private bus.
B/L
*Campsites are subject to change according to the size of the group.
Included
Private service
Professional English/Spanish Speaking guide
Private Bus in and out to the beginning of the trail
