Cusco, Perú
4 days
15 people
18 yo
Hotel (Historic Center)
We'll pick you up from your accommodation at 5:00 am to start our rural adventure and drive for 3 hours, in our private transport, to the town of Upis. Upis is situated in the middle of the Cusco highlands and offers you impressive views of the horizon.
When we get there to the small town, we'll introduce you to the rest of your trekking team of cooks and horsemen. We'll then be on our way and start by hiking up a wide, ascending path to the northeast face of the impressive Ausangate mountain.
After three-hour walking amidst farming fields and beautiful traditional houses in a gentle up, we'll reach Upis camp where we'll enjoy lunch. Later in the afternoon, we'll have the option to walk in a two-hour round trip to Wayna Ausangate Lake. Happy hour (tea time) will be ready at your return and then dinner.
We'll camp surrounded by the sacred mountains of Ausangate who'll watch over you while you sleep.
We'll wake you up today with a hot herbal tea of coca leaves or coffee in your tent to give you the energy boost you need to get going. Then, we'll savor a delicious breakfast in the cold of the high mountains that'll warm you through.
We'll begin our walk today for two hours and a half through a beautiful high Andean valley towards the Arapa pass with the spectacular Ausangate glacier as a constant companion. From the top of the opening (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), the landscape's beauty will be multiplied, and you'll stare in awe at Mother Nature's humungous creations.
You'll observe the size of the mountain range and, if you're lucky, the condor's beautiful flight- the largest flying bird in the entire world. Our guide will also explain a little more about the impressive local flora and fauna.
Next, we will descend to discover the beautiful crystal clear Yanacocha Lagoon (black lagoon); then, we will follow the trail for another hour until we reach Hatun Pucacocha to appreciate the fantastic scenery. Be sure to have your camera ready throughout the day to take some fantastic photos to remember your epic journey.
At this point, we will have a delicious lunch. Then, we will arrive at our campsite at Hatun Pukaqocha (4,500 m / 14,764 ft). Later, we will explore the surrounding lagoons and relax with a delicious mate.
In the evening, a nutritious dinner will be waiting for you and you can discuss the day's trek with your fellow travelers and the team. You will then head to spend a comfortable night at your campsite.
There's nothing better for your body than waking up to a hot herbal tea of coca leaves (it's been drunk since the Inca times and is a great natural way to get an energy boost). You'll get up early this morning to start one of the most beautiful days of the entire excursion.
After a hearty breakfast, we'll go uphill for 2 hours to Puka pass (4,870 m / 15,978 ft). Along the route this morning, you'll be amazed by the stunning views of the glaciers and deep green valleys. Feel the impressive presence of the Apu Ausangate and take photos of its beautiful turquoise lagoons.
Once you reach the top, you'll spot the giant face of the Apu Ausangate right in front of you. You're sure to feel the immense energy it boasts and see why it means so much to the people in the Andes. You'll also observe the extended beauty of the Chilca Valley, where llamas and alpacas will be wandering around and grazing quietly.
You'll already be able to see the beginning of the Rainbow Mountain range with its striking stripes of colors from this opening. After taking some more photographs, we'll start with a gradual descent for one hour and a half to our lunch spot, located in Anantapata (4,750 m / 15,584 ft ). Once we've filled our hungry stomachs, we'll take the opportunity to rest and relax a little before continuing with an ascent for 2 hours to the Warmisaya (4,985 m / 16,355 ft ).
From there, you'll feel like you're a bird flying through the mountains and can observe the vastness of the horizon. We only have to descend one hour to Surineqocha lagoon, where our night's camp will be waiting for you. You'll be able to observe the incredible sunset behind Rainbow Mountain that'll fill you with tranquility and a wonderful feeling of inner peace. After another excellent dinner, it'll be time to head to bed.
After a tasty breakfast at 4:00 am, we'll make our way over to the Rainbow Mountain to contemplate this colorful valley lit by the golden light of dawn. You'll have time to enjoy this paradise for 1 hour before the large crowds begin to arrive.
Our expert guide will take you directly to the key places so you can get the best pictures and make the most of your time on this beautiful site.
Your guide will explain in detail why this mountain has such unique colors and why it was only "discovered" in recent years. It's one of the most amazing places in South America and one of Peru's main natural attractions. The only other colored mountains that are remotely similar can be found in China.
After enjoying this gem from the Peruvian Andes, we'll begin our trek towards the spectacular Red Valley. Very few tourists visit this place that seems to be taken from another planet-almost like Mars. You'll be surprised not only by its incredible beauty but also by the immense tranquility that'll surround you.
Take a deep breath and feel the joy of being alive. It only takes 45 minutes of walking to get to the viewpoint from where you'll get the best views of the valley. Finally, we'll make a two-hour descent through ancient Andean communities and herds of llamas. You'll notice these small communities still preserve ancient traditions to this day.
After a delicious last lunch, a bus will be waiting for you to take you back to your accommodation in Cusco.
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