This high altitude trek takes you into the breathtakingly beautiful mountain range of the Vilcanota. You get to see enormous snow-capped peaks, clear glacier lakes with highland flamingos searching for food along the lakeshores and Alpacas and Lamas grazing along the steep slopes. In spite of the solitude of this region you will meet some extremely friendly people of the Andes who will give you a glimpse of their lives in these high mountains.
Day 1: Departure towards the Vilcanota Mountain Range and first short hike / driving time 3-4 hours / hiking time 2 hours
Day 2: Visit the hot springs of Pacchanta and get your first glimpse of the impressive mountain Ausangate / hiking time 6 hours
Day 3: Hike from the majestic lake Comercocha to the Jampa Pass with an unbelievable panoramic view / hiking time 6-7 hours
Day 4: Choose between ascending the peak of the Huayruru Puncu (18.000 feet) or if you prefer a more relaxing hike to Quilleta / hiking time with the peak 9 hours without peak 3 hours
Day 5: Experience the incredible vastness of the Vilcanota with the largest inland ice of the tropics / hiking time 6 hours
Day 6: Enjoy the most beautiful camp site at the shores of the Sibinacocha Lake which lies at an altitude equal to the Mont Blanc / hiking time 6 hours
Day 7: climb the peak or take a day to relax – you decide / hiking time for the peak 6-7 hours
Day 8: Say farewell to the solitude, today you head back to Cusco / hiking time 3 hours / driving time 5-6 hours
On your drive towards the Vilcanota mountain range you get to see the fascinating panorama of the Andes which will already give you an idea of the type of landscape you will enjoy for the next couple of days. Near the small town of Tinqui we meet up with the rest of our crew. The horse drivers will set up the first camp site while you will head out to your first short hike to get accustomed to the altitude. Our cooks start preparing dinner so that when you get back, you can enjoy a hot meal. (camp site at 13.130 feet)
Today we start our trek across the high plains of Pacchanta towards the lake Comerchocha. After our lunch break you may relax some more in the hot springs of Pacchanta. The following ascent brings us closer to the mountain god Ausangate (20.905 feet) while lamas and alpacas are grazing on the hill sides. (campsite 15.091 feet, hiking time 6 hours)
After a challenging ascent to the Jampa pass at 16.570 feet, you will be rewarded with an unforgettable panoramic view of the Andean glaciers around you. Passing small glacier lakes and huge moraines you will reach your camp site in the valley of Acero. (camp site at 15.750 feet, hiking time 6-7 hours)
Today you can climb the Huayruru Puncu with its peak at 18.050 feet. The view from up here is stunning (no special equipment is needed for this ascent). If you prefer, you can hike directly to the next camp site on a more relaxing path till you reach some small farms near Quilleta. The local farmers enjoy visiting the campers and will tell us more about their solitary life so close to heaven. (camp site at 15.090 feet, hiking time with the peak 9 hours, without the peak 3 hours)
Today´s ascent to the Condor pass at 17.060 feet should no longer be too challenging, since our bodies have adapted to the altitude. Just before crossing the pass, you will be able to enjoy another amazing panoramic view. The Sibinacocha lake sparkles deep blue within a huge plain. Numerous snow-capped peaks of up to 20.000 feet are lined up in the distance. At the horizon the inland ice of Quelcaya can be seen. With a size of almost 15.000 acres it is the largest inland ice field within the tropics. On our way to the camp site “Cabezera Sibinacocha“ we will be able to see the shy Vicuñas, relatives of the Lamas and Alpacas. (camp site at 16.500 feet, hiking time 6 hours)
We will circle the northern point of the Sibinacocha lake and pass another ridge which offers us a wonderful view of the Ccasccana lake. We will set up camp here for two nights which is by far one, if not the most beautiful camps site in the Andes. (camp site at 16.080 feet, hiking time 6 hours)
Today´s hike is up to you. You may climb the peak of the Yayamaris (no special equipment needed) at 17.880 feet or just take a day off to relax in the fantastic landscape of the Andes. The snow-capped mountains are being reflected in the Ccasccana lake and flamingos are looking for food along the lakeshores. Plenty of other birds come to visit and the day passes rapidly… (camp site at 16.080, hiking the peak 6 -7 hours)
After about a half day hike you will reach the small town of Finaya. Here you will have to say good bye to the crew and the horses. By car we will head down a gravel road to Sicuani. From here we return on paved roads to Cusco. (hiking time about 3 hours)