The Ausangate 7 lagoons tour allows you to visit the mountain of the same name that is the highest in the Vilcanota mountain range and which was also considered “sacred mountain” by the ancient civilizations that inhabited the region. This 2-day hike takes place above 4600 m.a.s.l. and allows to appreciate up to 7 lagoons during its entire journey The tour of the Ausangate Valley is recognized for having the best views of snowfall in Peru, it is also surrounded by the colorful valley, and also presents a fauna and flora typical of the Andean heights.
“The Spaniards, upon arrival in the territory of Tawantinsuyo, were amazed and surprised to find themselves in front of a vast network of Inca roads and within them the quality and variety of the bridges. Special mention was given to the suspension bridges made of vegetable fiber or straw that caused not only admiration but also a deserved recognition of the technology used. This admiration caused that throughout the history diverse chroniclers and travelers describe with enthusiasm the Inca work of the straw suspension bridges. The admirable thing is that tradition has kept this ancient technology together with its rituals and the community work system that make it possible for us to have the joy of observing after more than 500 years the validity of the intangible culture of the Incas until I presented". The Inca bridge is located in the peasant community of Huinchiri, in the district of Quehue, province of Canas, Cusco Region.
We will start first with the pick-ups starting at 3:00 am (private service) and at 4:00 am (pull service) where we will pass by your hotels, after concluding the pick-ups we will travel for a time of 1 hour and a half to our restaurant (Cusi pata), along the route we can see the sacred river or willcamayu river, which is part of the sacred valley of the Incas. Upon arrival at the camp we will have a rich breakfast (buffet), then we will take the transport again to continue with the tour for 1 hour and arrive at the bus station, where the trek to the mountain of 7 colors (5029m) will begin, Our guide will give you a talk and recommendations to reach the top, after 4km of walking (2 hours), we will reach the top and we will be able to appreciate all the natural attraction of the area, we will have a talk with the guide about why the colors and landscapes in the area and then we will organize the trip to the red valley (optional) to appreciate the beautiful landscape that it offers (5089m), then take the return route to the bus station, once the whole group in the transport, we will return to the camp to have lunch (buffet), and then return to the city of Cusco at approximately 18:00 pm. Rainbow Mountain
Each year, in a remote corner of the Peruvian Andes, four Quechua communities renew a five-century-old bridge During the time of the Incas there was a great network of roads called “Camino Real” to unite the Inca empire. However, due to its rugged geography many places were joined by suspension bridges made of vegetable fiber.
The Qeshuachaca is the only bridge that has been renovated from generation to generation by the families of Cusco until today. The bridge is located in the department of Cusco, over the Apurimac River at 3,700 m.a.s.l. About a thousand people from different communities, near the bridge, meet for four days to renew it. Now, we will know the four days of tradition that delays the reconstruction of Queshuachaca: On the first day, the inhabitants of the communities leave in search of a solid straw of vegetable fiber called Ichu in Quechua. Once the necessary amount of Ichu has been collected, the women weave this solid straw to form the ropes of the bridge, and the men are responsible for joining the rope from end to end and then braid it. When the second day arrives, the structure of the old bridge is taken apart, the stone nails that support the bridge are removed, and four ropes are placed that are the base of the structure of the new bridge. Tired, but with strength, on the third day, the villagers conclude with the assembly of the handrails and the bridge surfaces where the communities will cross. And finally, on the fourth day, they celebrate the reconstruction of the bridge to the sound of music with native dances, given that the work is considered as a holiday by Peruvian ancestors. Therefore, if you travel to Cusco do not hesitate to visit this hidden place in the Andes: A destination little known to travelers that evokes amazement and tradition. Do you dare to cross it?
Unlike the Inca Trail, the Salkantay trek can be done without a tour, on your own and without a tour guide. To make this walk you must take all necessary precautions.
Follow these recommendations to make the Salkantay trek on your own:
Book the Machu Picchu tickets in advance before making the Salkantay trek. Otherwise, you can return without knowing the Wonder of the World.
The route to follow is the same as the Salkantay trek with tour. The journey on your own may take more or less days, depending on the visitor's ability.
The first step is to reach the town of Mollepata from the city of Cusco. Cars are taken at the ‘Arcopata’ bus terminal, in the city of Cusco.
From Mollepata the ascent begins. It is advisable to carry what is strictly necessary (food for 5 days and sleeping equipment) to avoid carrying excessive luggage. What to wear for the Salkantay trek?
Sleeping bags.
Cap or hat
Trekking shoes
Trekking backpack
Waterproof jacket
Trekking pants
Poncho for the rain.
Canteen with water.
Water purifying tablets.
Sunscreen.
Personal toiletries.
Snacks
Cash.
What does a tour to Salkantay trek include?
In general, tours to Salkantay trek include the following:
Transportation by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
Bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
Horses to transport luggage (5 kilos).
When is the best time to do the Salkantay trek?
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is in the dry season (from April to October). During those months, there is less chance of rain so the roads are in better condition.
In the dry season, however, the days are sunnier and the nights colder. According to mountaineering experts, June, July and August; It is the best time to do the Salkantay trek. Tips for the Salkantay trek Acclimatize one or two days in the city of Cusco before performing the Salkantay trek. Avoid alcoholic beverages or high fat meals. The altitude sickness or soroche in Salkantay and Machu Picchu is one of the greatest difficulties. Perform some exercise prior to Salkantay trek. You don't need to be in excellent physical shape but a little exercise will help. No matter what part of the year, he wears warm clothes during the Salkantay trek. The nights are especially cold in the first two days. Plan up to the smallest detail the Salkantay trek on your own.
