Overview
Designed specifically for dedicated hiking enthusiasts, this six-day expedition takes you deep into the rugged heart of the Vilcanota Mountain Range. Starting from the thermal baths of Pacchanta, you will hike alongside our expert team toward stunning turquoise waters, beginning with the serene Qomercocha Lagoon. Over the course of the trek, you will conquer formidable mountain passes—including Abra Q’ampa and the dramatic Condor Pass at 17,060 feet (5,200 m)—surrounded by vibrant mineral valleys and hanging glaciers.
Along the way, you will cross paths with traditional Quechua-speaking herding communities like Yayamari and Phinaya, where ancient ways of life remain beautifully preserved. Marvel at the sprawling waters of Sibinacocha Lagoon, fed directly by towering glacial peaks, and witness elusive Andean wildlife in its native habitat. Complete with delicious chef-prepared meals, comfortable mountain campsites, and private transfers to and from Cusco, this expedition seamlessly balances raw alpine challenge with world-class support.
Summary
CUSCO – QOMERCOCHA LAGOON
Leaving Cusco, we drive past communities, enjoy Pacchanta hot springs, meet our horses, and hike to Qomercocha Lagoon, camping with Ausangate views.
QOMERCOCHA LAGOON – YANAMAYO
We leave at 7:00, cross Abra Q’ampa (5000m), have lunch by the turquoise lagoons, and camp at Yanamayo.
YANAMAYO – CONDORPASO
We ascend to Black Lagoon, cross two volcanic passes (5050m and 5100m), traverse a colorful valley, and camp at Condorpaso.
CONDORPASO – SIBINACOCHA LAGOON
We climb to Abra del Cóndor (5200m), the highest point, descend to Sibinacocha Lagoon, and camp next to its nourishing glacier.
SIBINACOCHA LAGOON – CCASCANA
We walk along Sibinacocha Lagoon, pass Yayamari community, cross a plain, and ascend Ccascana Pass to our final camp.
CCASCANA – PHINAYA – CUSCO
After breakfast, we walk three and a half hours to Phinaya community for lunch, then take private transport back to Cusco.
Itinerary
DAY 1: CUSCO – QOMERCOCHA LAGOON
Early, we leave the city of Cusco in a private transport and drive along the Cusco – Puerto Maldonado highway in the direction of Pacchanta (4100m/13448ft). On the way, we pass through Urcos, where we may spot a beautiful lagoon with the same name, continue to Cattca, an agricultural and cattle-raising community where we can appreciate the region’s spectacular views, Ocongate, the capital of the district with the same name, and finally cross Tinki, a small community already enjoying impressive views of Mount Ausangate, located only half an hour away from our destination. After an approximate 4.5 to 5-hour drive, we arrive in Pacchanta, a rural community that boasts some well-known hot springs where we can enjoy a nice dip with awesome views of the face of Ausangate. At this point, we meet our wranglers and horses and enjoy a delicious first lunch. In the afternoon, we follow our hike through a slight climb up the Pacchanta valley, having the chance to spot llamas and alpacas, until we reach the beautiful Qomercocha lagoon where we set up camp and have dinner. Our campsite will be set in a spectacular spot with amazing views of Ausangate, Santa Catalina, Maria Huamantiqlla, Pucapunta, and Colquecruz snow-capped mountains.
DAY 2: QOMERCOCHA LAGOON – YANAMAYO
We leave at around 7.00 am and continue on towards the first mountain pass of our trek, the Abra Q´ampa at 5000m/16400ft, which we will reach after about 4 h. We then descend towards the Ticllaqocha Lagoons, a beautiful group of little turquoise lagoons next to which we have lunch. In the afternoon, we continue our hike for an additional 2-3 h until we reach Yanamayo, where we set up camp in an impressive valley overlooked by the stunning Tres Picos, Colquecruz and Pucapunta peaks.
DAY 3: YANAMAYO – CONDORPASO
Breakfast and on this day, we will ascend to Runkurakay at 3,860 m.s.n.m., contrary to the previous days our walk will be two hours more we will be able to visit another small complex, Sayacmarca and appreciate the valleys and snow-capped mountains, further on we will stop to visit the complex of Phuyupatamarca, and then descend 3 kilometers until we arrive to a place called Winawayna where we will visit its complex, finally at Intipata we will camp.
DAY 4: CONDORPASO – SIBINACOCHA LAGOON
Early morning breakfast; after, we will walk to Intipunku, called the Door of the Sun, where we will be able to observe the impressive Lost City of Machu Picchu, walk to the Sanctuary, and take a guided tour. At a suitable hour, we will walk down to the station and take the return train to Cusco, reception and transfer to hotel.
IMPORTANT: Government regulations will not allow reservations to be made unless accompanied by full passport details of the client and full payment of the entrance fee to the Sanctuary. This is to assist with the 500 people a day rule. Therefore, to guarantee your place on the Inca Trail, you must provide a scanned copy of your passport and a non-refundable deposit. Your reservation will only be confirmed when we have your entrance ticket in our hands. In case of a passport number change, this information must be relayed to us, or you will lose your booking. The original passport must be carried on the trail. All times noted are approximate.
DAY 5: SIBINACOCHA LAGOON – CCASCANA
Early morning breakfast; after that, we will walk to Intipunku, called the Door of the Sun, where we will be able to observe the impressive Lost City of Machu Picchu, walk to the Sanctuary, and take a guided tour. At a suitable hour, we will walk down to the station and take the return train to Cusco, reception and transfer to hotel.
IMPORTANT: Government regulations will not allow reservations to be made unless accompanied by full passport details of the client and full payment of the entrance fee to the Sanctuary. This is to assist with the 500 people-a-day rule. Therefore, to guarantee your place on the Inca Trail, you must provide a scanned copy of your passport and a non-refundable deposit. Your reservation will only be confirmed when we have your entrance ticket in our hands. In case of a passport number change, this information must be relayed to us, or you will lose your booking. The original passport must be carried on the trail. All times noted are approximate.
DAY 5: CCASCANA – PHINAYA – CUSCO
Early morning breakfast; after that, we will walk to Intipunku, called the Door of the Sun, where we will be able to observe the impressive Lost City of Machu Picchu, walk to the Sanctuary, and take a guided tour. At a suitable hour, we will walk down to the station and take the return train to Cusco, reception, and transfer to the hotel.
IMPORTANT: Government regulations will not allow reservations to be made unless accompanied by full passport details of the client and full payment of the entrance fee to the Sanctuary. This is to assist with the 500 people a day rule. Therefore, to guarantee your place on the Inca Trail, you must provide a scanned copy of your passport and a non-refundable deposit. Your reservation will only be confirmed when we have your entrance ticket in our hands. In case of a passport number change, this information must be relayed to us, or you will lose your booking. The original passport must be carried on the trail. All times noted are approximate.
Details
What Trip Includes
What Trip Excludes
Packing List
What to bring?
Additional articles
Frequently Asked Questions
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