Day 1: Cusco to Qomerqocha Lagoon.
Very early we leave the city of Cusco in a private transport and head by the Cusco – Puerto Maldonado road towards Pacchanta (4100m / 13448ft). On the way we pass through Urcos, where we can see a beautiful lagoon with the same name, continue to Cattca, a farming and ranching community where we can appreciate the spectacular views of the region, Ocongate, capital of the district with the same name and finally, cross Tinki, a small community that already enjoys breathtaking views of Mount Ausangate, located just half an hour from our destination. After approximately 4.5 to 5 hours by car, we arrive at Pacchanta, a rural community that has some well-known hot springs where we can enjoy a nice bath with breathtaking views of the Ausangate faces. At this point, we meet our wranglers and horses and enjoy a first delicious lunch. In the afternoon we continue our hike through a slight ascent through the Pacchanta valley, having the opportunity to observe llamas and alpacas, until we reach the beautiful Qomercocha lagoon, where we camp and have dinner. Our camp will be located in a spectacular place with breathtaking views of Ausangate, Santa Catalina, Maria Huamantiqlla, Pucapunta and Colquecruz, snow-capped mountains. Meals: L, D
Day 2: Qomerqocha Lagoon to Yanamayo.
We leave around 7.00 am and continue to the first mountain pass of our trek, the Abra Q’ampa at 5000m / 16400ft, which we will reach after approximately 4h. We then descend to the Ticllaqocha lagoons, a beautiful group of small turquoise lagoons next to which we have lunch. In the afternoon we continue our hike for an additional 2-3 hours until we reach Yanamayo, where we set up camp in a stunning valley overlooking the impressive peaks of Tres Picos, Colquecruz and Pucapunta.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Yanamayo to Condorpaso.
We leave the camp and begin a gradual ascent to Yanaqocha or “Black Lagoon”, whose name is due to the dark color of its waters. In this area we can appreciate a soil of volcanic origin, its color turns dark red and black, as well as moraines, showing the previous presence of glaciers in this region. We will pass through the Yanaqocha pass (5050m / 16564ft) to then discover a surprisingly beautiful valley with an explosion of colorful mountains, three spectacular lagoons and the presence of llamas and alpacas, which we will cross to head towards our next mountain pass (5100m / 16728ft). From this point, an additional hour of hiking takes us to Condorpaso, our next campsite, located very close to the mountain pass of the same name, which will be our challenge for the following day.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Condorpaso to Laguna de Sibinacocha spring.
After breakfast, we continue on a gradual ascent up the valley that takes us to the Abra del Condor mountain pass (5200m / 17056ft) after a hike of approximately two hours. From the pass, the highest point of our hike, we can not only enjoy spectacular views of the Vilcanota mountain range and the Sibinacocha Lagoon, our next milestone, but we also expect to see wild vicuñas. Immediately, we continue our hike for an additional 3 hours, crossing another mountain pass on the way and then descend into the valley of the source of the Sibinacocha Lagoon. We will camp next to the lagoon and very close to its source, where an impressive glacier rises that feeds the lake with its turquoise waters that contrast with the dark blue color of the lagoon. The lagoon has a great biological diversity, most likely we will be able to spot Andean coots, “Huallatas” or Andean geese, as well as Andean ducks from our camp. Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Sibinacocha Lagoon Fountain to Ccascana.
Today, we will leave early to hike along the shores of the Sibinacocha Lagoon for 3 hours until we reach the Yayamari community, next to the mountain of the same name, an impressive rocky peak overlooking the lagoon (5500 m / 18040 ft). Then we continue through a pampa where we will probably see hundreds of llamas, alpacas and, with luck, vicuñas, to then continue to the Abra Ccascana at 5000 m / 16400 ft, which will take us to the lagoon of the same name, in which area we will set up our last camp. In this remote place, surrounded by impressive snow-capped peaks like Montura and Chumpi, and inhabited by small rural communities, we may have the chance to see “Huallatas” or Andean geese and maybe even flamingos.
Meals: B, L, D
group’s requirements.
Day 6: Ccascana to Phinaya and return to Cusco.
Day 6: Ccascana to Phinaya and back to Cusco After our breakfast, we leave Ccascana to walk for three and a half hours to Phinaya. This is a small Andean community with a beautiful little church and no vehicles except bicycles and horses, where we will have lunch. In the afternoon, we meet our private transportation that will take us back to Cusco, where we expect to arrive after sunset. Meals: B, L
Day 7 ACORDO
A very challenging day of hiking with breathtaking views of the beautiful lakes and the Cordillera Vilcanota and Carabaya. We will cross two more passes at 5,152 m / 16,900 ft and 5,256 m / 17,240 ft and camp in Acordo at 4,908 m / 16,100 ft.
– trekking program
– number of people on the trek
– departure date
Discounts available:
SAE: 5% off the total program price (valid South American Explorers Club membership card required). This discount may not be applicable in case a promotional price is offered.
Daily departures are available throughout the year, although due to weather conditions, the recommended period for this trek is from April to November. All departure dates of the private service are adapted to your request. To suit the requirements of the group.
