Type: Trekking

Code: SST06

Visited Destinations: Cusco

Resume

A magnificent trek, the true image of the high Andes. One of the most spectacular Andean trekking adventures. You will have the chance to meet traditional, native Quechua Indians who live at 14,000 feet, tending their herds of llamas and alpacas. They live in an isolated region of the Cordillera Vilcanota among sparkling glaciers, colorful lakes and relaxing hot springs. You will also have a good chance of encountering condors, the worlds largest flying bird, and other Andean fauna such as vicuña, practically extinct elsewhere. Although you will be hiking at altitudes of 3,800 meters, once you are acclimatized, the trek is considered a moderate one. We have packed animals to carry all your luggage and a bilingual professional guide, plus camp crew that will tend to all your needs. Imagine going through a country of glacial lakes, deep red cliffs, sparkling glaciers and relaxing hot springs, all with in an Andean atmosphere. Most local inhabitants do not speak Spanish, only the ancient Quechua tongue. They dress in beautiful hand woven ponchos and take care of their herds of llamas and alpacas. You will also have close encounters with native fauna, such as the marmot like Vizcacha. You will catch sight of a herd of rare Vicuña, a wild relative of the Llama, high Andean birds such as geese, puna ibis, caracara hawks, torrent ducks and the majestic Andean Condor.

Itinerary

DAY 1 :

CUSCO / TINKI : Morning, drive to the head of the trail at the town of Tinki, 3,800 meters. Here we join our pack animals and camp.(L+D)

DAY 2 :

DAY 2 : TINKI / UPISPAMPA : You start the trek around Mt.Ausangante, camping by the hot springs of Upispampa with a spectacular view of the highest peak in the Vilcanota Range. (B+L+D)

DAYS 3,4,5 & 6:

UPISPAMPA/FINAYA/PACCHANTA : After a hearty breakfast, we continue our trek around this great mountain, regarded as an Apu (Great Spirit) by the local natives. These highlanders speak ´´quechua´´ the Incas dialect and dress in traditional colorful costumes taking care of their herds of llamas and alpacas. You'll pass pristine lakes, sparkling glaciers and a couple of 5,000 meter passes. The day before the end of the trek you will camp by the hamlet of Pacchanta where you can relax in the local hot Springs.(B+L+D)

DAY 7:

TINKY / CUSCO : After a 3 hour walk we arrive back to Tinki, where our transportation will be waiting to take us back to Cusco. Dinner on your own. (B+L).

Include

INCLUDED:

• Transfer from Cusco to the head of the trail..
• All meals during trek.
• Pack animals for bearing luggage.
• Saddle horse for emergency.
• Guide, cook, assistant.
• All camping gear, plus First Aid kit.

Not Include

NOT INCLUDED:

• International or local flights.
• Additional tours or meals in the cities.
• Laundry, liquor, tips.