ITINERARY 

Duration: 2 days 

Day 1: Cusco – Seven Colors Mountain (Vinicunca).

Very early in the morning, we move to the district of Cusipata, to take a detour to the community of PHULAWASI PATA. In this place we start our hike. We will make a progressive ascent from 4750 m until we reach the first viewpoint of the mountain of colors over 5000 m. The road is a progressive ascent that is accompanied by magnificent landscapes, llamas and small lakes. The effort is worth it to reach the first point where we will have the image of this beautiful mountain colored by natural oxides that have formed over millions of years. In order to have the best views, we will make a last effort to reach 5036 m. From here, the view is splendid over the entire Vilcanota mountain range and part of the red valley. The most imposing mountain is the Ausangate, which exceeds 6300 m, being the highest mountain in the region. 

After panoramic photos and several minutes to observe the scenery and regain strength, we will return to the parking lot to retake the vehicle that will return us to the town of Checacupe, where we will spend the night in an old hacienda. 

Day 2: Palcoyo – Ananiso Canyon – Machupitumarca 

We leave Checacupe in the direction of an unfrequented landscape that allows us to have direct contact with Andean populations that keep their traditions almost intact. Arriving at Palcoyo, at an altitude of 4,900 m, we will make a short hike to appreciate the various viewpoints of this mountain range full of colors. Then we will hike for 3 and a half hours, mostly downhill to reach the village of Ananiso. Then we will discover another place little frequented by hikers, a small canyon that surprises with its unique beauty. To finish this day of discoveries, we visit an archaeological site also little frequented called Machu Pitumarca. The site is located at an altitude of 3465 meters. The site was inhabited during the 15th and 16th centuries by the pre-Inca civilization called Canchis and later occupied by the Incas. Overnight and dinner in a Hacienda. 

Day 3: Checacupe – Huacra Pucara – Cusco  

Early in the morning we will cross the Vilcanota River to begin the ascent to an altitude of 3,600 meters. Then we will arrive at the beautiful spot of the Pumacanchi lagoon, where many villages are dedicated to agriculture. The lagoon is home to a great variety of flora and fauna.  We continue our journey to the starting point of the hike. The journey takes 2 hours up to 4,500 meters with Inca trail trails. Upon reaching the summit, we will enjoy a view of the Vilcanota mountain range and, on the other side, the department of Apurimac, both slopes separated by the majestic Apurimac River. Then, we will visit the archaeological site of Wacra Pucara which is a ceremonial and strategic control center in Inca times. It is impressive how the walls adapt to the capricious shape of the mountain. The view is simply exceptional, it is difficult to describe the feeling of being at this point and dominate the inter-Andean valleys as did the ancient Peruvians. The return is done by the same road and then take the vehicle to the city of Cusco.

What is included?

• Guide trained in intercultural issues 
• Meeting with an Andean family willing to share their knowledge and traditions. 
• Transportation adapted to the number of participants (No more than 12 people) 
• Entrance fees to the places indicated in the itinerary.

What is not included?

• Travel insurance
• Tips

Recommendations for visitors

• Our experiences are respectful of the local population, their customs and traditions, therefore we recommend following the instructions of your guide in order not to break the intercultural harmony that we preserve. 
• The best way to avoid the consumption and production of plastics is to avoid using them. Therefore we recommend having a canteen or a bottle that can be reused. We provide water to fill your bottles