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 to Aguas Calientes 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 down to Ollantaytambo where we will be boarding a train that will take us the final stretch to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a hotel for the night.
After spending the previous night in a comfortable hostel, we can take the earliest bus up trom Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, arriving around 6:00 am. After having an interesting 2 hour guided tour of the ruins, you will have some extra time to explore the ruins on your own. You will board a train in the late afternoon that will take you back to Cusco, where you will arrive to in the evening.
Meals provided: Breakfast
Andina Travel Peru
Plazoleta Santa Catalina Nº 219 Cusco - Peru
Tel/Fax: +51 84 251892 / andinatravel@terra.com.pe
