Hatun Hampa Trek

Start with an early morning departure from Cusco along the fertile Vilcanota Valley to the town of Checacupe. After a visit to the colonial temple of the Immaculate, start ascending the Pitumarca Valley along the spectacular Japura Gorge that leads to Chillca, where you will be greeted by the community.

From the village, it is a short and easy walk to the first tambo. Once at the lodge there will be time to relax and enjoy the music provided by the locals of Chillca.

After breakfast, escorted by your guide, you begin the ascent to Yanacocha Lake. After a picnic lunch, you will return to the lodge over the vista trail, which has some of the most spectacular views of the Vilcanota range. You will arrive at the lodge in time to take a hot shower and enjoy a delicious dinner.

Today’s hike begins at 8:30 in the wide valley of Upis where impressive glaciated mountains loom above the valley offering majestic views. The trail narrows as you make your way towards the waterfalls descending from Santa Catalina Mountain. This path is mostly used by the wandering llamas of the area.

Once you reach the small Paloma Lagoon the countryside will be dotted with llamas, as well as lots of alpacas. After hiking along a second lagoon and crossing a long series of moraines you will reach Machuracay Tambo Lodge, located right at the bottom of Apu Ausangate.

After a demanding ascent of the Palomani Pass at an elevation of 5,200m, you will descend to Ausangatecocha. Breathtaking views of the glaciated south face of the “Apu” will inspire you as you continue towards the red sandstone formations of the Nevado Del Inca.

A spectacular part of the trail finds us hiking in the middle of mountains with red, ochre, and blue strata like Vinicunca (recently known as the “Rainbow Mountain”). This section offers us a glimpse of a marvelous geological wonder of natural beauty. Be on the lookout for groups of fascinating vicuñas, as they are frequently spotted in this isolated area. You will sleep that night in the Huampococha Tambo, in the heart of large rock formations near a lagoon where “huallatas” (Andean geese) make their nests.

After the final climb over the Anta Pass, you will gradually make your descent. In this section, the first crops and houses come into view. The landscape changes quickly as the red sandstone formations are followed by the carsten erosion of limestone, forming a one-of-a-kind stone forest and a perfect habitat for “vizcachas” (members of the chinchilla family).

By the time you get down the valley, your bus will be waiting for the return trip to Cusco.