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Trekking along mountain pathways and crossing some interesting Quechua speaking high Andean communities. This trek has impressive views to the snow peaks, beautiful cascades, lakes and a diverse variety of flora and fauna. We will pass through a forest that is home to Peru´s native Queñua tree. On the last day you can relax in the hot springs, ideal for reviving those tired legs!
Itinerary
DAY 1: HUARÁN TO CANCHA CANCHA
Early morning our transport will pick us up and take us to Huarán Community at the Sacred Valley (2850 msnm / 9,186 ft). Here, we will meet our horses that will be carrying all our equipment and the muleteers who will lead us along the entire trek. We will walk by Huaran´s hacienda and then follow uphill along Cancha Cancha creek. We will then, pass the snow peak mountain of Sahuasiray and walk through the Queñua forests. Lunch will be prepared by the staff and shortly after we will continue our trek until we reach our first campsite in the community of Cancha Cancha. From here, we will experience the first view of Qolque Cruz peak, with 5800 msnm / 19,030 ft making it the second highest mountain in the Urubamba range.
DAY 2: FROM CANCHA CANCHA TO QUISHUARANI
After a healthy breakfast we will follow an uphill trail passing various lakes with a spectacular view to Sahuasiray and the Qolque Cruz. After a two to three hour hike we will reach Pachacutec mountain pass (4600 msnm /15,092 ft). From here we will start our descent, enjoying beautiful lakes, an impressive waterfall and a great diversity of birds, until we reach our second campsite at Quishuarani.
DAY 3: FROM QUISHUARANI TO CUNCANI
In the morning we will continue our trek enjoying views of various lakes, with a strong possibility of spotting vizcachas (Andean rabbits). We will head towards Huillquijasa pass (4200 msnm / 13,780 ft) and from here begin a marvelous downhill stroll, which spoils you with a view to a beautiful group of vivid coloredlakes and a great variety of birds. We will arrive at the community ofCuncaniwhere will be camping for the last evening.
DAY 4: FROM CUNCANI TO LARES
After breakfast we will start descending along Cuncani creek, as we go down in altitude we will be accompanied by the stunning view of flowers and trees. Finally we will reach the hot springs in Lares, the perfect place to enjoy lunch and to take a swim. Our transport will be waiting at Lares springs to take us back to the hotel.
Notes
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We recommend that you acclimatize yourself by staying in Cusco for at least 2 days prior to the trek.
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All our equipment will be carried by horses. Each person must bring a daypack with a camera, a light jacket and water bag or bottle.
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There will be spare horses provided for anyone who gets tired.
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You may find this trek quite challenging since it covers both up and downhill, so we do recommend it for the more experienced or adventurous trekker.
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It is always a good idea to wear-in your shoes before heading out on any trek to avoid discomfort and nasty blisters.
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Throughout the day the temperature doesn’t go below 10°C (50°F), during the night it can drop until -5°C (23°F). Depending of the time of the year, it could also rain.
