These are our premier treks for those wanting to experience the incredible beauty and rich culture of the Andes by taking the less-traveled route. Authentic encounters with Quechua communities and the spectacular scenery that surrounds them give these treks a wonderful blend of tradition and splendor.
Passing through the rich pastoral regions of the Cordillera Urubamba, we traverse high mountain peaks and sub-tropical valleys, stopping along the way to enjoy scenic lagoons, natural hot springs, and Inca remains. The remoteness of the area has allowed its people to preserve traditions of llama and alpaca herding, potato cultivation, and colorful weaving dating back to the Incas. These fascinating treks offer a first-hand look at the life of the Andean farmer and a journey into a region of outstanding beauty .
Itinerary
day
1
Cusco to Cancha Cancha Distance: 9K / 5.4 miles
We leave Cusco early morning by bus and travel through the Sacred Valley for approximately 1 ½ hours to Huaran (2900m.) Our hike begins here in a fertile valley and follows a small river up through the mountain corridor. After walking roughly 4 ½ hours, we begin to see the glacial peaks of Cancha Cancha Casa (4984m.) and Chicon (5530m.) We know we have reached camp when we see the thatched-roof stone houses of the Cancha Cancha village (3900m.)
Cancha Cancha to Quisuarani Distance: 13.5K / 8 miles
Shortly after beginning our trek in the morning, we reach two brilliant glacial lakes, Suirococha and Yuraccocha. Here we can see several bird species, including Andean Ibis and Andean geese. From the lakes, the trail climbs steeply for about 2 ½ hours to the first pass, named Pachacutec (4700m.). Nearing the top, we enjoy a spectacular view of the snow-covered peaks of Pitusiray (5750m.) and Chicon (5530m.). An original Inca stone path will lead us along the ridge down into the opposite corridor. We follow a series of cascading waterfalls to the village of Quisuarani, where we camp for the night.
After a hearty breakfast and interaction with the community, we begin our hike upward through the high puna to the Huillquicasa pass (4400m). From this high mountain perch, one can behold the extensive Vilcanota range and the pastoral farmland and lagoons below. The well-marked trail forms a zig-zags down to these greener pastures, where llamas, alpacas, and sheep graze alongside flocks of Andean water birds. The rare Peruvian Viscacha, a medium-sized rodent related to the Chinchilla, can be seen bounding in and out of the rocky mountain crags. Continuing down even further, we reach the picturesque village of Cuncani (3700m.), where we’ll have dinner and set up camp for the night.
Cuncani to Lares Hot Springs to Ollantaytambo or Cusco Distance: 8K / 4.8 miles
On the fourth day campers wake to a crisp morning, and if the sky is clear, the mammoth white face of Mount Colque Cruz (5818m.) will be looming in the nearby horizon. The trail follows the spouting river down through the valley for approximately 3 hours as the vegetation becomes greener and thicker and large rock formations divert the winding path. Entering a more sub-tropical climate, small farms and adobe houses signal our arrival to the village of Trapiche and finally the hot medicinal baths of Lares (3100m.) A relaxing soak in these thermal pools is an excellent way for trekkers to rest their tired bodies after such a challenging and exhilarating trip. From the village of Lares, our private transport will be waiting to take us back to Cusco or to Ollantaytambo for those who want to do the Machu Picchu extension.
(Optional): Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu to Cusco
After spending the previous night in a comfortable hostel in Ollantaytambo, we board the train in the morning for approximately 1 ½ hours to Aguas Calientes. From here we take the bus up to Machu Picchu and enjoy an official tour of these spectacular Inca ruins. There is time to explore on your own before the afternoon train departs Aguas Calientes. We arrive to Cusco at approximately 8:00pm.
Meals provided: Breakfast
Andina Travel Peru
Plazoleta Santa Catalina Nº 219 Cusco - Peru
Tel/Fax: +51 84 251892 / andinatravel@terra.com.pe
WE CAN ESTABLISH NEW FIXED DEPARTURE DATES WITH A MINIMUM OF 3 PERSONS.
POOLED SERVICE (Trek only):
Minimum 6 persons where others may join your group - see above fixed departure dates
Price per person: $300.00
The Prices are calculated to the type of currency change in “Soles” S/.2.90 (Peruvian Currency)*
*The price can change in agreement to the type of change of the day at the moment that you pay.
PRICES PER PERSON – 4 DAY TREK:
Pooled or Group Service (Minimum 6 persons – see fixed departure dates: $300.00)
Private Service (No group minimum and clients choose their departure date)
The Prices are calculated to the type of currency change in “Soles” S/.2.90 (Peruvian Currency)*
*The price can change in agreement to the type of change of the day at the moment that you pay.
MACHU PICCHU EXTENSION :
Optional Machu Picchu extension (Includes overnight hostel stay in Ollantaytambo, Round-trip train, Entrance fees to Machu Picchu, Round trip bus tickets, Professionally-guided tour of Machu Picchu, and transfer Cusco.
The Prices are calculated to the type of currency change in “Soles” S/.2.90 (Peruvian Currency)*
*The price can change in agreement to the type of change of the day at the moment that you pay.
Available Discounts:
Trek only:
SAE members: 5%
Machu Picchu extension:
Students with vaild ISIC cards:
$18 (University ID or Youth Travel cards NOT valid)
Teenagers up to 15 y.o.: $18
Children up to 10 y.o.: $53
NOTE: Please send scanned or faxed copy of ISIC cards or passports at time of booking for these discounts.
Included:
Hotel collection and transport to trailhead
Professional English-speaking guide and camp staff
Plentiful, nutritious meals (Vegetarian option available) and snacks
Drinking water provided throughout trek
Hot water for washing in the morning
High quality, double-occupancy tents and equipment (includes dining tent, kitchen tent, and latrine tent)
Pack animals (horses and llamas) to carry baggage and equipment
Emergency horse(s) for riding in case of illness or injury
