Cusco is recognized as the 'Archaeological Capital of America'.
Cusco, Cuzco or Qosqo are the names by which the ancient capital of the Inca Empire is known. It is a center for archaeological scholars from all over the world who come to Peru to discover the wonders of Machu Picchu and the other ruins scattered throughout the valley.
It was an important administrative center for the Spanish Empire (Viceroyalty of Peru), and can be seen in the large number of manifestations of colonial art and architecture that can be found throughout the city and especially its Plaza de Armas. Today, Cusco is the largest tourist center in the country, receiving more than one million visitors a year.
Cusco is the oldest urban settlement in all of the Americas, more than 3,000 years old, but pre-ceramic samples have been found as old as 5,000 years. The origins of the first inhabitants of the city are lost in legend. Inca legends say that the founders of the city were Manko Qhapaq and Pachakuteq.
At the top of the mountain, large and impressive stone blocks joined together, the most important political and religious center of the Inca empire: Machu Picchu.
Located in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, the sacred Inca citadel built around 1450 and discovered in 1911, still hides enigmas and mysteries about its real purpose that remain hidden to this day and arouse the interest of both visitors and archaeologists from around the world.
Due to its strategic location on top of a high mountain, there are several theories about what it could have meant to the Incas. Some argue that it was built as a great mausoleum for the Inca Pachacutec, while others claim that it was an important administrative and agricultural center whose cultivated areas were used for the sustenance of its inhabitants. However, it is also considered that it was used as a necessary link between the Andes and the Peruvian Amazon or as a resting place for the Inca governor.
The truth is that Machu Picchu is one of the greatest symbols behind the impressive architecture and engineering of the Inca Empire. Although its origin is still under study, the value and transcendence it represented in its time, as well as its imposing design, have earned it to be considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world.
The tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Cusco, is one of the most classic and incredible tours, where you can explore small villages outside the city of Cusco and also its archaeological sites.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is located 15 km (9 miles) north of the Inca capital of Cusco at 2,800 meters (9,186 feet). The Sacred Valley was once the Inca empire’s main point for the extraction of natural wealth, and one of the most important areas for corn production in Peru.
We have to admire the advanced agricultural techniques of the Incas and their system of andenería (terraces): system of platforms composed of small groups of farmland, arranged in the form of tiers on the hills, where crops are planted. The valleys were also a place of worship to the Pachamama (mother earth).
The Sacred Valley is a must-see destination in Peru and has become one of the most important tourist centers in the country. There are numerous impressive Inca ruins, such as Ollantaytambo, Pisaq and Moray. The Sacred Valley also has two of the most important handicraft markets in the Cusco region: Pisaq and Chinchero.
The Inca Trail is not the only route to Machu Picchu. The city of Machu Picchu was connected by a network of roads known as Qhapaq Ñan.
The great adventure of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is for those who live passionately, always looking for a new experience!
The Inca Trail is a fascinating dream to fulfill and is the most famous trek in all of South America. The beauty of the views and the archaeological sites surrounding the Inca Trail are unsurpassed.
This tour is ideal for those who are full of energy to hike to Machu Picchu on the trip of a lifetime with the Classic Inca Trail 4 days 3 nights.
The Inca Trail Peru is a well established trek that takes travelers from km. 82 (the starting point 40 minutes from the town of Ollantaytambo) to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (also called Inti Punku).
Se trata de la montaña de los Siete Colores, también conocida como Vinicunca o Arcoíris.
Also known as the “Hill of 7 colors”, vinicunca, and colorful mountain, gift of nature for the enjoyment of our eyes. This unique mountain is located more than 100 km from the Imperial City of Cusco, belonging to the town of Pitumarca, is one of the main tourist attractions of Peru recently discovered and made known in 2016.
Vinicunca means “mountain of colors”. It is also known as Rainbow Mountain, Cerro Colorado or in English as Rainbow Mountain. It is located at 5200 meters above sea level and belongs to the Ausangate snow-capped mountain in the Vilcanota mountain range, it is the fifth highest mountain in Peru.
Its coloration is natural due to the large amount of sedimentary stones in erosion, what makes it so beautiful and impressive is how these stones are formed to give it the appearance of a rainbow (7 colors).
Although it is commonly called Rainbow Mountain (Cerro Colorado or Seven Colors Mountain), its real name is Vinicunca, which comes from Quechua.
If you are looking for a hike out of the ordinary, here are the hikes you are looking for
In Cusco you will find countless activities and tourist routes that you can explore; many of them include a visit to Machu Picchu, whether you are looking for a quiet and classic tour or adventure experiences with a touch of immersion with the coexistence with local people.
Live exciting moments in real contact with nature that remains untouched by the hand of man, all well preserved; walk in contact with nature, and the local fauna; if you are patient you will see many animals that come out to walk trusting; since each one is prohibited.
Enjoy hikes of 2 to more days; enjoy good food along the route; professional local guides and discover the magic of visiting this beautiful country that awaits you.
Exciting adventures, all over Peru, wide variety of experiences.
Peru has become in recent years the most fashionable destination in South America. There is no shortage of reasons: an impressive variety of ecosystems, breathtaking landscapes, beautiful cities full of history, culture, traditions, beaches, fauna, flora… and, of course, its delicious and famous gastronomy.
From the Amazon to the desert, from the high peaks of the Andes to the Pacific, passing through the valleys and high plateaus, the country enchants with its incredible contrasts. Although the reasons to visit the country are really endless, we want to show you some compelling arguments for you to embark on the exciting adventure of discovering it. Are you up for it?
Every place on Earth is fascinating and unique, but Peru is one of those countries that manages to be above average. This place has so many natural and cultural treasures that have fascinated people for hundreds of years, and still fascinate them today. There are thousands of reasons to go to this great destination, here are just some of the reasons why you should visit Peru.
3 Days from $ USD 100.00
Ausangate Trek 3 Days
Cusco not only has archaeological sites to be visited but also has a variety of places for hiking in its different circuits. This is due to the increase of tourists from all over the world throughout the year who seek to be in contact with nature and the customs of the locals. For this reason, Cusco offers a variety of options for short and long walks that can be developed as the possibility of practicing various adventure sports such as zipline, rappelling, mountain biking and other activities. But there is no doubt that the most popular sport is hiking. Here we tell you how these trails are so you can choose your favorite hike.
Our tour begins with a pick up from your hotel at 06:00 in a private minibus to the start of the walk that is part of the municipality of Upis. This trip lasts about 3 hours and passes through beautiful and colorful towns such as Urcos, Ocongate and Tinki. And finally we arrive at the town of Upis where we meet our muleteer and have breakfast.
Then we continue the walk with spectacular views of the Nevado de Ausangate until we reach our camp with the Upis cabins at an altitude of 4200m where our lunch prepared by our cook will be ready, then we can go to the thermal baths or go to Ausangate. Laguna 2 hours of walking there and back but today it is better to save energy for the next day.
1, Easy
wake them up very early around 5 am with our traditional coca tea or coffee in their respective huts then have breakfast. At the beginning of our trip we will see local alpacas herders on the way, the snowy Ausangate on your left, flora and fauna. If we are lucky we will see condors, chinchillas and vicuñas.
In addition, we will enjoy colored lagoons, we will also pass two passes or the first open pass of Arapa that is located at 4,989 m above sea level (16,567 feet). We continue the trip to Pucaqocha where our lunch will be served in our dining room of the South Winds Peru company, located in front of the lagoons. After some photos and some rest, we head to our second camp, Ananta, where we will camp for the night. We also have our own camp with cabins and huts. We set up the tents in the shelters, our bivouac is at an altitude of 4700m
1, Easy
Today is the day we wake you up very early at 03:45. After breakfast, we start the first climb to Ananta Pass (15,090ft – 4,500m – 14,000ft) from where you will see this amazing mountain arch in the sky also called 7 – Rainbow Mountain. In the distance we begin to descend to surround a small lagoon until we reach the last climb to the Rainbow Mountain where it is possible to have a 360 degree view, dive and enjoy the place. Then drive 30 minutes downhill to Red Mountain or Red Valley, then drive to the train station where you will take our private transport to Ttio, a small town where you will have lunch and arrive at your hotel around 6 pm.
1, Easy
This service is an exclusive way to carry out this trip where the service is much more personalized, the prices vary according to the number of people in your group:
Number of persons | Price per person | |
2 Persons | $ USD 689.00 | Inquire Now |
3 Persons | $ USD 645.00 | Inquire Now |
4 Persons | $ USD 585.00 | Inquire Now |
5 Persons | $ USD 505.00 | Inquire Now |
6 Persons | $ USD 485.00 | Inquire Now |
7 Persons or more | $ USD 420.00 | Inquire Now |
Most tour operators and accommodation establishments allow you to leave your suitcases or large bags in their lockers while you are in Ausangate and pick them up on your return.
One of the reasons why the trek to Ausangate is considered difficult is precisely the route at high altitude. It is probably not suitable for hikers who have recently decided to do this activity. Therefore, it is advisable to take moderate walks at first.
The locals established the camp system, which created jobs and opportunities for economic growth through tourism. Reciprocity, therefore, makes walking an increasingly attractive activity on this site.
As a relatively new system, the campsites are still basic and located in remote areas, so you don’t have to rely on finding shops or other services. There is mainly a place for camping and the sanitary facilities are completely rustic.
There is no potable water in the camps and showering has to be postponed until the end of the trek (note: if you are doing a fully guided trek, they will probably give you a bowl of hot water for your morning bath).
If you’d rather rent your gear in Cusco than travel the world, we recommend renting two sets of camping gear and walking half a block to the main plaza.
Put your smartphone in airplane mode. There are no connections along the avenue.
When hiking at high altitude, it is important to drink enough water. It is recommended to drink at least two or three liters more a day. There are many streams and rivers along the way, but we recommend bringing water purification tablets. Due to the large number of alpacas and llamas in the mountains, the cleanliness of the water is not clear. There is nothing worse than getting sick at high altitude or having a working stomach.
Pay special attention to the weather. Conditions in the Andes and especially at high altitudes can change at any time. Bring warm clothing and waterproof jackets. This is especially important when climbing and crossing high passes.
Keep a first aid kit, tool repair kit, and blister pack handy in your backpack.
Bring plenty of sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses, and wear a neck brace and splint to protect yourself from the wind.
Because the Ausangate Trek includes daily stages in high mountains. At least three acclimatization walks are recommended before embarking on the great adventure. The best way to achieve this is to climb the Cristo Blanco in the city of Cusco (3700m) and the area of Maras Moray, both higher than Cusco.
The best season for hiking in the Ausangate area is from April to November. This is to maximize the number of clear days as most of the activities we recommend are outdoors. However, the favorable climate attracts hikers more and if you just want to enjoy these beautiful places, we recommend you hike in the last days of March or in December. Do not forget that you can do the Ausangate trek at any time of the year (if you do it yourself) and that the prices (in the agencies that offer the trek) increase due to low demand because every day there are more difficult descents. .
Due to the geographical conditions of the Andes, the weather here can be, and almost always is, unpredictable and the Ausangate Trek route expects temperature variations of between 10-20ºC during the day and up to 5-10ºC during the day. . Day when the sun does not shine. It is not hot at altitude, but the sun is very strong, which makes this condition the most difficult. On the other hand, the temperature drops sharply in the afternoon and especially at night, down to -10°C or even less in the dry season. Therefore, warm clothing is required for this hike.
You have to take a public bus from Cusco to Tinki. The terminal of these buses is 10 minutes (by taxi) from the walls of Cusco. The company is called SIWAR, there is a bus every 20 minutes and the prices are reasonable. Make sure the bus destination is Ocongate, which is a bigger city than Tinki, before you arrive.
Among the rewards that Ausangate offers each day above the tree line and along the way are panoramic views of beautiful mountain scenery. Clearly a wonderful opportunity for photography enthusiasts.
The briefing is very important as this is where you will meet your guide. During this meeting, your guide will share with you important details about the trip. If you participate in one of our excursions, you will receive a travel bag for your luggage. You will receive a map of our offices with the details of your reservation.
Yes, you can store your luggage in our offices.
You can take it to the briefing or pick it up in the morning for excursions. The driver will take you back to our offices. You can also choose to be dropped off at your hotel when you return from the Ausangate Trek.
Yes, please bring your own water for the first morning of your trip. Then we will provide you with water. Don’t worry, the water will be clean and drinkable!
Yes, it is very important! We recommend you bring between 300 and 400 Peruvian soles. You may not need this money, but in an emergency, make sure you have enough money. If you encounter difficulties along the way, you can use the money to buy other means of transportation, such as cars, horses, and trains.
Tipping is at your discretion, but is always welcome.
Groups are usually made up of 10 to 12 people. It also depends on the season. The maximum is 12 people and the minimum is 2 people.
We provide you with a duffel bag for all your trips. You can carry about 7 kilos in your sports bag. These bags are carried by horses during the journey. Just pack a small backpack with the things you need for the day, like sunscreen, bug spray, jackets, or snacks.
Yes, you can charge your devices in all our campsites. However, in some places it is not possible to charge devices overnight. The second and third night you have access to WiFi for an additional 10 Peruvian soles.
If you choose a private tour, the tour will be customized according to your needs. Determine the size of the group yourself. You can determine exactly who is traveling with you. It is perfect for couples, families or groups of friends. You have your own personal chef and guide, which means the tour is more personalized and tailored to your personal needs.
If you have doubts about the ride, you have the option of renting another horse. The cost is $80.00. For the first two days, you can only ride while driving. In the last few days you sometimes have the option of walking parts of the boardwalk and taking the car or the train. Also keep in mind that the first day you will be taking a different route than those who choose to walk. You don’t have to pay it in advance.
Our guides are trained in case of illness. Unfortunately, it is illegal for us to give you medication at high altitude, but we do our best to make you feel better in other ways. For example, we often make coca tea and the guides carry oxygen tanks with them.
No Unfortunately, our company does not have a refund policy. All $200.00 deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. We recognize that contingencies are out of your control, but we cannot make exceptions. You can find more information in our terms and conditions.
The weather is very unpredictable, changes rapidly and varies with the season. It is impossible to say exactly what kind of weather you will encounter during your trip. In general, however, the first night will be quite cold. It can go down to about 5 degrees Celsius. At the end of your journey, you will find yourself in the Peruvian jungle. It can get very hot in these parts of the coast, up to 25 degrees.
Unfortunately, the 6% fee is completely out of our control. These costs will not be reimbursed to us, but to PayPal and VISA. There’s really no way around it.
In Cusco, I am your travel specialist, with more than 10 years of experience organizing adventure trips.
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru operated by South Winds Peru. Please take a moment to complete our short form so that one of our friendly adventure consultants can provide you with all the information for the best trip of your life in Peru.
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