Departure begins at 5:30 am from Cusco. The city is already active, but the route moves in the opposite rhythm of most groups. The drive heads south, gradually gaining altitude through valleys where small communities and grazing herds mark the transition into higher terrain.
Breakfast is taken in a local setting along the route—simple, warm, and timed without rush. From here, the road continues toward the trailhead, reaching it later than standard schedules.
The walk begins as the flow of visitors starts to descend. The trail climbs gradually across open slopes, with the altitude becoming the main factor. Movement is steady, with pauses defined by breath rather than distance.
As elevation is gained, the colored mountain begins to appear—bands of red, ochre, and green formed by mineral deposits exposed over time. By this point, the number of people on the trail has reduced significantly.
Arrival at the viewpoint comes with space. Without the earlier congestion, there is time to stand, move, and observe without pressure. The surrounding peaks remain exposed to wind and light, with Ausangate present in the distance when visibility allows.
Lunch is taken after the descent, in a quieter section of the route, prepared by the team and shared outdoors. The return to Cusco follows the same road, arriving in the late afternoon.
Details:
• Difficulty: Challenging (altitude dependent)
• Maximum altitude: 5050 m / 16,568 ft
• Walking time: 3 – 4 hrs
• Walking distance: 8 km / 4.9 ft
• Return to Cusco: approx. 6:00 pm
