LARES 3 DAYS TREK
3 DAYS - 2 NIGHTS / DIFFICULTY LEVEL: MEDIUM - HIGH
1 /
A trek through high Andean mountain paths, a look at various communities, impressive views of snow peaked mountains, beautiful lagoons and wonderful waterfalls. We will cross queuña forests, (the endemic tree of Peru) and appreciate the great variety of flora and fauna. With a stroke of luck we may even be able to see birds and mammals only to be found at this altitude.
Itinerary
DAY 1. CUSCO QUISHUARANI CUNCANI (L + D)
Early morning the transport will pick us up in Cusco and take us to Calca in the Sacred Valley and then to Quishuarani community (3 hours car). Here we will meet our horsemen and horses, carry the equipment and start our trek. We will start with an uphill of approximately 2 hours and a half until we cross Huilquijasa mountain pass (4,400 msnm / 14,432 ft), to continue on a downhill with a spectacular view to a group of colorful lakes and a wide variety of birds and vizcachas; and reach our first campsite near Cuncani community (3800 msnm / 12,467 ft).
DAY 2. CUNCANI - IPSAYCOCHA (B + L + D)
After breakfast we will start our day with an uphill with an overwhelming view to the snow capped mountains until we reach Huacahuasi mountain pass (4200 msnm / 13,779 ft). We will descend into Huacahuasi community and continue an uphill to reach Ipsaycocha mountain pass, and downhill to the lake Ipsaycocha where we will settle the last campsite (3,800 msnm / 12,467 ft).
DAY 3. IPSAYCOCHA – PATAPAMPA - OLLANTAYTAMBO (B + L)
Early morning we will continue our trek along a mild downhill path that will lead us to Patacancha and Huilloc community. Here, we will enjoy lunch and meet our transport that will take us to Ollantaytambo and finally to the hotel.
Notes
-
We recommend that you acclimatize yourself by staying in Cusco for at least 2 days prior to the trek.
-
The support of horses will transport all of our equipment. Each person must bring a daypack with a camera, a light jacket and water bag or bottle.
-
There will be spare horses provided for anyone who gets tired.
-
You may find this trek quite challenging, it covers both up and downhill, so we do recommend it for the more experienced or adventurous hiker/trekker.
-
It is always a good idea to wear-in your shoes before heading out on any trek/hike to avoid discomfort and nasty blisters.