After arriving at the airport in Cusco, we will meet you and take you by private transport to the hotel. Once checked in, you are free to rest from traveling or explore the city on your own. Tomorrow is when the adventures begin so be sure to get a good night’s sleep.

After breakfast, it is time for our first adventure. Today, we will be traveling to some archeological sites and towns in and around the Sacred Valley. Our first stop will be in the town of Chinchero, famous for its archaeological center and recognized internationally for its textiles. In Chinchero, we will visit a textile center that also offers a privileged view of the spectacular archaeological site located just outside the town. Also in Chinchero, we can participate in a demonstration of ancient textile weaving techniques.

Our next stop will be in Moray, a formidable archaeological complex consisting of various circular terraces that were used by the Incas as a laboratory for agricultural experimentation.

Next, we will make a brief stop at the well-known salt mines of Maras, made up of more than 3,000 pools that are fed by a saltwater channel. In this place we will learn about the production and extraction process of the pink salt of Maras, recognized for its medicinal properties.

After a long day, it is time to head back to Cusco where we will retire at the hotel for the evening.

After a wonderful breakfast, we will pack our day packs and head out for the Cusco City Tour. The Cusco City Tour starts by visiting the Qorikancha or Golden Temple, considered the most important religious center of the Incas. We will also visit the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral of Cusco, to admire its beautiful architecture and colonial paintings before we go by private transport to visit four nearby archaeological centers: Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.

After the tour, you are free to return to the hotel to rest or continue exploring the city of Cusco on your own. You will also have plenty of free time to explore the city as you wish and stock up on some gifts for friends and family back home. Also, be sure to ask our bilingual guide for some stellar restaurant recommendations or for a good place to grab some Peruvian desserts. Tonight, we will sleep in Cusco.

In the morning we will pick you up at your hotel to head out to the Cordillera Vilcanota, the second-largest glacier system in Peru. This impressive mountain range includes the powerful Nevado Ausangate, which stands at an elevation of 6,372m.

We will travel in our transport to the town of Ocongate and continue to Tinke until we reach the community of Upis, the starting point of the trek. Here you will enjoy a tasty breakfast.

We start our first day of walking on some flat terrain with a direct view of the great Ausangate, we will arrive at the Upis thermal baths where we will have our lunch, and if there is time, we can go for a quick dip in the hot springs before heading out in the afternoon.

In the afternoon we will walk to the Huayna Ausangate Lagoon. Here we will have some incredible views of Ausangate as we make camp near the glaciers. Once camp is set up, we can enjoy a delicious dinner and go to bed early for an early morning departure tomorrow.

• Total trekking distance: 10 km/6.21 mi
• Total trekking time – approx. 5 hours
• Start elevation – 4,250 m / 14.000 feet
• Highest elevation – 4,480 m / 14.700 feet
• End elevation – 4,400 m / 14.400 feet

After having our breakfast, you will enjoy a walk next to the great Ausangate towards the Abra Arapa. Once we pass the Abra Arapa, we will descend to the beautiful Yanacocha lagoon, then we will follow the trail until we reach Hatun Pucacocha where we will have lunch.

Later, we will explore the surroundings of the lagoons, and learn more about the various flora and fauna that live in the area, and at night, you will have a nutritious dinner before finally going to your camp to rest. It is pretty cold at night, but if you brought thermals, you may want to layer up and head out of your tent to take a look at the night sky. The stars above Ausangate are incredible!

• Total trekking distance: 11 km/6.84 mi
• Total trekking time – approx. 6 hours
• Start elevation – 4,400 m / 14.400 feet
• Highest elevation – 4,800 m / 15.700 feet
• End elevation – 4,500 m / 14.800 feet

After your breakfast, we will ascend to Abra Ausangate, the immensity of the mountains will exceed all your expectations.

Next, we will continue the descent route to the Ausangate Cocha Lagoon, where you will have your lunch.

Later, we will ascend to Abra Palomani, the highest point of the entire route. After a brief rest, we will walk until we reach the community of Huchuy Phinaya. At Huchuy Phinaya, we will learn from the local population about their lifestyle in that is in complete connection with mother nature.

Today will be the most challenging day, but it will be worth it. After some time in Huchuy Phinaya, we will ascend to Sorapata where we will camp and have dinner to finally have a well-deserved rest before retiring for the evening. 

• Total trekking distance: 16.5 km/10.25 mi
• Total trekking time – approx. 9 hours
• Start elevation – 4,500 m / 14.800 feet
• Highest elevation – 5,200 m / 17.000 feet
• End elevation – 4,700 m / 15.400 feet

Our hike today will ascend to Abra Jampa, where you will be able to appreciate the landscape of several snow-covered mountains.

Next, we will descend to the Pacchanta camp where we will have lunch and carry out a small ceremony of gratitude to Mother Earth next to one of the beautiful and mystical lagoons of the area. After the ceremony we will have the afternoon free to enjoy the thermal baths of Pacchanta, have a beer or two, and talk with fellow travelers. 

After a few hours in the geothermal baths, it is time to feast on a delicious dinner before turning in for the night. 

• Total trekking distance: 11 km/6.84 mi
• Total trekking time – approx. 5.5 hours
• Start elevation – 4,100 m / 13.500 feet
• Highest elevation – 5,070 m / 16.600 feet

In the morning, you will have the option to relax again in the thermal baths, and after our breakfast, we will begin a walk to the small community of Tinke. In Tinke, we will learn about its customs and traditions and what everyday life is like for the local people. Finally, we will have lunch in the community before boarding our transport back to Cusco and to the hotel.

• Total trekking distance: 7 km/4.35 mi
• Total trekking time – approx. 3 hours
• Start elevation – 4,100 m / 13.400 feet
• Highest elevation – 4,100 m / 13.400 feet
• End elevation – 3,400 m (Cusco) / 11.100 feet

After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to your guides and continue on with your travels solo. If you have a flight to catch, make sure you prearrange transportation with us to take you to the airport. If you are continuing to travel in Peru on your own, we wish you a safe journey. Also, be sure to talk to us if you would like to book an additional tour to take you to Puno and Lake Titicaca, Arequipa and the Colca Canyon, or Iquitos and the Amazon Rainforest. We are always here to help!