Day Highlight: Conquering the high mountain pass with sweeping views across multi-tiered ecological microclimates.
Pick up from the hotel at 06:00 am, transfer to the archaeological site of Tambomachay, the hike will begin at this point and continue through puna landscapes and over the Soccllaccasa pass (4,020 m. / 13,186 ft.). We walk along a trail that leads to the Ccauca ravine, where we find archaeological remains and wild crops, such as tarwi, and a lot of cactus. We continue to the Queullococha pass (4,185 m. / 13,727 ft.), which surrounds the area with grand views of the snow-capped peaks of Veronica, Pitusiray and Chicon.
We walk along the Queullococha lake, where we can see huallatas, ducks and small fish and then climb to the Challu Challu pass (4,220 m. / 13,842 ft.). From this point, we observe the plains of Chinchero and the lagoons of Piuray and Qoricocha. Then we ascend to the fourth pass at Rumicruz (4,230 m. / 13,874 ft.). Then we head to the Inca rock quarry (4,220 m. / 13,842 ft.), which was the place where the rocks were extracted to build Huchuy Qosqo.
Day Technical Data:
- Timing: Early morning start with well-spaced afternoon transitions.
- Terrain: Variable mountain stone paving, compacted soil paths, and loose gravel slopes.
- Physical Effort: Moderate to demanding exertion adapted to traveler acclimatization.
- Transport Profile: Private van pickup from Cusco hotel and dedicated linking transfers.
