Qelqaya Trek 7 Days

Today we start at 7:00 am after our breakfast then we take the transport to the starting point of the walk At 7:45 am. we start the ascent passing through the Ruyta wetlands, after two hours we will arrive at the Ch’allpa lagoon, from where we can see the Ausangate mountain range.

After two more hours we arrive at the Quelccaya glacier lagoon, and from there we will explore the glacier in all its magnitude, then we will continue to the other viewpoint where we can see two more lagoons and the bottom of the great snow-capped Quelccaya.

After to eat our box lunch, we begin the descent to the Ruyta Valley, we’ll across large plains where it is inhabited by vicuñas and alpacas. Today we finish our hike between 4:00 to 5:00 pm. Tea time and dinner at our campsite.

Hiking distance: 11 miles

Today the trail is smothered and easier because we hike by the Sibinacocha Lake; but still quite long, so this time more views about the andes. Lunch on the way and our campsite in the area known as Cabecera

Time hiking: 10 – 12 hours

Distance: 11 – 12 miles

Early start in the morning we start our hike to Murmurani, along the way we get spectacular views of the mountaing ranges next to Ausangate Mountain, in the way our crew wait with a delicious lunch, then continue our hike to the camp site nearby Quillita

Distance: 12 miles

Hours trekking: 10 to 12

Today we follow the Hampa Valley, nestled just between Ausangate and our newly discovered mountains. We set out from camp hip-hopping amongst mountain meadows that, depending on the time of year, can be near fully absorbed in mountain run- off.

We hike up in direction to the Pass 17 000 ft in direction to our camp in Condor Paso place, our lunch at Hampa.

Camp site: At Huchuy Finaya

Distance: 12 miles

Hours trekking: 10 to 12

Today, we explore the Machuwasi Valley, which sits between Ausangate and the mountains we recently discovered. Our hike takes us to the Palomani pass. In roughly 1.5 hours, we reach the peak of the Pucaqocha Pass.

This spot showcases the brilliance of our route choice. As we crest this pass, the vast, icy expanses of Ausangate Mountain loom impressively before us. From our elevation at 16,200ft, the towering massif seems almost within arm’s reach. This sight underscores our humble size in the vastness of nature. Afterward, we descend, winding our way down the slopes.

We pause for a late snack beside a moraine at Ausangate’s base. We then move on, ascending moderately to another pass at 15,300ft. From this point, we take a steep descent to one of our trek’s prime camping locations.

Distance: 16.75 miles

Hours trekking: 10 to 12

After an early breakfast, we set out towards the Warmisaya pass. Along the way, we pass by the serene Warmisaya lagoon. Roughly an hour into our hike, the breathtaking Vinicunca, also known as the Rainbow Mountain, greets us. We pause to take in the vibrant hues of the mountains. Subsequently, our path leads us to the Red Valley, where a contrasting landscape unveils itself.

After soaking in the Red Valley’s unique beauty, we circle back to the Rainbow Mountain. Our descent takes us to the Kairahuire campsite, where a sumptuous lunch awaits. With our appetites sated and memories made, we bid our farewells and embark on our journey back to Cusco City. 

Distance: 7 miles

Elevation gain: 1,450ft

Elevation loss: 1,180ft