Trekking

Trekking in Cusco

Cusco is a paradise for hikers. Virtually all of the sierra, including valleys, plateaus and massifs feature trekking circuits with varying degrees of difficulty.There are so steep paths that are lost in abysses breathtaking; zigzagging like giant snakes through the mountains; straight as you seem lost in the vastness of the desert; hidden and invisible amongst the thick vegetation of the Amazon forests.The ways of Cusco offer a number of possibilities and of course, more than one ideal for walkers of all levels and experience requirement combination.If it's walking the Inca Trail is the best choice for tourists. In two to four days, depending on your choice, you will arrive at Machu Picchu from Cusco. On the way you will enjoy the different archaeological seats by traversing the route.Also will enjoy the contact with people from small towns near the road.Height and winds in Cusco lover paragliding. Mountains of 4 or 5000 meters high, and thermal areas make this activity a delight when flying.

 Primary Routes and Walks programs:

Inca Trail

Throughout the year, thousands of travelers from around the world undertake the journey of the Inca Trail from Cusco to access the jungle Peruvian mountains, and ancient mysteries that still contain the stones of Machu Picchu.

Along the way there are several archaeological remains of various fortifications in relatively good condition, visually dominate all the valleys.

The tour starts in the town of Cori-huayra-china (Quechua: Quri Wayrachina, 'Venteadero gold'), to the kilometer 88 of the Cusco-Quillabamba railway, and takes three to four days of hiking arrive to Machu Picchu. At the crossing, passing through a stunning altitudinal gradient, with climates and ecosystems as varied as the high Andean plateau and cloud forests, must overcome two steps at high altitude (the eldest, Huarmihuañusca, 4,200 meters, aka "Dead Woman's Pass") and ends with the entrance to Machu Picchu through the Inti Puncu or "Gate of the Sun".

In the route the traveler will find a network of settlements carved granite found along the way (Huiñay Huayna, Puyupatamarca), immersed in natural settings.

As an ideal complement, visitors also will find a lush nature with unique landscapes, hundreds of species of orchids and colorful birds.

Salkantay Hike

Salkantay located in the Cordillera Vilcabamba, department of Cusco, rises over 6271 meters above sea level.

The Apu Salkantay is the guardian of Cusco and snow

To reach the beautiful Andean landscapes is crossed, you open 5,000 mts. and the possibility to observe Condors and Alpacas in their natural habitat. You can bathe in natural hot springs from the depths of the earth, different fruit and a variety of orchid plants.

The Cordillera de Vilcabamba, where the massif of Salcantay, is a beautiful and secluded area. Dominated by the same Apu Salkantay has numerous high snowy peaks, as Tucarhuay (5,910 m), the Veronica (5,682 meters) and Huacayhuilca (5,361 m), among others.

All of them are visible from the area Puyupatamarca during the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Geography is difficult and capricious all around this attractive complex of mountains. The Salkantay is surrounded by deep valleys and gorges, making yet exhausting its interesting journey.

Although the difficulty of this Trek is slightly higher than the Inca Trail, nor is it a high level Trek. Indeed, it is longer (five days instead of 4), higher, wilder but is also their interest.

This Trek does not disappoint even the most demanding and lovers of nature, hiking, emotions; those same emotions that make you feel invulnerable, alone in the world, on the roof of the world, in a nutshell ... feel alive !.

To make the trip you should contact a specialized travel agency.
SUGGESTED TOURS TO WALK SALKANTAY

    Salkantay Trek to 4 days / 3 nights.
    Salkantay - Camino Inka 7 days / 6 nights.
    Salkantay - Santa Teresa - Machupicchu 6 days / 5 nights.

Trek to Ausangate

Ausangate is a mountain located about 100 kilometers southeast of Cusco maximum altitude of 6,384 meters.

In Inca mythology of this mountain and nearby lakes, among which stands Sibinacocha- energy born male fertilizes Mother Earth Pachamama; after a long discourse, the waters are lost in the unknown lands of the Amazon to return to fill the lakes and glaciers every night turned into the river of stars or Willkamayu known in the West as the Milky Way's Community Chillca consisting of pastors llamas and alpacas is known as the guardian of these pristine places, where you can hike on a mountain trail called "Camino del Apu Ausangate"

Ausangate is the representative of Cusqueños Andes mountains. It is situated in the Cordillera Vilcanota with large gaps with a green / blue light. Walking through the mountain of Ausangate is an indescribable adventure, and it is impossible not to be impressed by the sheer beauty of the eternal snow. The route of Ausangate is one of the attractions of Cusco.

Each year the north side of Ausangate party Quyllur Rit'i (Quechua: "Snow Star") is made before the feast of Corpus Christi, during which thousands of Quechua pilgrimage to the Lord of the church Quyllur Rit'i of Sinakara.

To make the trip you should contact a specialized travel agency.
SUGGESTED TOURS TO WALK AUSANGATE

    Ausangate 5 days / 4 nights.
    Trek to Ausangate 6 days / 5 nights.
    Nevado Ausangate 7 days / 6 nights.
   

Trek to Choquequirao

Choquequirao is known as the other Machu Picchu. This archaeological site has recently gaining a high level of importance and both tourist and cultural curiosity.

Choquequirao is located in the jungle, which is the transition from the Andean valleys into the jungle. Life in this area belongs to those given in dry, montane and sub-tropical forests. The confluence of these environmental changes makes it constitutes an important attraction for visitors to observe various expressions of fauna and flora as the spectacled bear, condor, colorful butterflies and birds like the Trogon - like the quetzal bird.

From the Andean perspective is undoubtedly strategic location, allowing you to cover this unique settlement and have dominion over what could be considered one of the most extraordinary journeys altitudinal country.

Choquequirao comes from the Quechua word "chuqui k'iraw" meaning "Cradle of Gold", extends over an area of ​​2000 hectares, where a set of structures are located above 3100 meters, and is part of a series architectural complexes in the Vilcabamba Valley; Finally enclosure of the Inca resistance. Its geographical position and history make a nice and tempting Choquequirao site as an alternative form of cultural tourism.

The trip to Choquequirao is long and strenuous, but certainly memorable. It is part of Cusco by road to Abancay. At mile 154 should take the detour to the town of Cachora, the last village before reaching the archaeological complex. From there it goes on horseback or on foot. The road has been recently extended and fixed. You move about, is now more comfortable and safe. Getting to Choquequirao requires good physical condition and the right equipment. From Cachora (2,900 m) is required down to the Apurimac river (1,530 m) to camp. The second day rises to 3,085 m.s.n.m. altitude, where the resort is located. To return, the same path is used.

To make the trip you should contact a specialized travel agency.
SUGGESTED TOURS CHOQUEQUIRAO

    Choquequirao 4 days / 3 nights.
    Choquequirao 5 days / 4 nights.
    Choquequirao and Machu Picchu 8 days / 7 nights.

Huchuy Qosqo

Huchuy Qosqo was a population of height, located over 3,550 meters above sea level on a small plateau in the upper third of the mountain. From where you have a beautiful view across the valley you can see the incomparable beauty of the perpetual snow of Pitusiray the background the town of Calca is clearly visible.

The surest way to reach Huchuy Qosqo part of the city of Calca, exiting Minasmoqo sector, continue riding along a plateau to the base of the mountain. Hence, it follows walk down the hillside to monument and also Lamay, there are several routes.

According to the chroniclers was the Inca Viracocha, who founded Huchuy Qosqo about a place that was already populated. When the first Inca, Manco Capac, came to the valley of Cusco, found the area occupied by various tribes who were later defeated and annexed to the Empire. One of these nations was set on Huchuy Cusco.

Huchuyqosqo route is very cute, because it is a short route where you can visit the Andean communities, archaeological sites and scenic beauty.

To make the trip you should contact a specialized travel agency.
SUGGESTED TOURS TO WALK A HUCHUY QOSQO

    Huchuy Qosqo one day.
    Huchuy Qosqo 2 days / 1 night.
    Huchuy Qosqo and Machupicchu 3 days / 2 nights.

Lares Valley

Lares is the name of a small village north of Cusco, begins in the Sacred Valley (in Huarán) where you have the chance to see stone houses with thatched roofs surrounded by herds of llamas, alpacas and guinea pigs, communities where you can appreciate art and textile that is conserved in these places.

The trail is moderate compared to the Inca Trail and where you have stunning panoramic views of different peaks, as well as beautiful lakes, small waterfalls and then a path of Inca original stone.

When the Pachacuteq step is reached 4500m., Have wonderful views of snowcapped peaks Pitusiray (5750m.) And Chicon (5500m.).

This route is highly recommended because in their journey ud. vera beautiful scenery and meet typical of the area that still maintain their customs people and also has the final destination Machu Picchu.

To make the trip you should contact a specialized travel agency.
SUGGESTED TOURS TO WALK THE VALLEY OF LARES

    Lares Valley 3 days / 2 nights.
    Lares Valley - Machu Picchu 4 days / 3 nights.