Day 1: Cusco – Ocongate – Tinqui – Upis Lake – Upis

We’ll pick you up at 6:00 am from your hotel and drive in a private van for approximately 2 hours to Tinqui, where we’ll stretch our legs and visit the village of Tinki, observing locals in their traditional attire. Then, we’ll drive for about 1 hour on dusty and bumpy roads to the starting point of our trek. Upon arrival, enjoy a delicious breakfast and meet our horsemen.

The trek begins from Upispampa, passing remote villages and crossing streams before arriving at the small village of Upis. The trail is mostly flat with occasional ascents and descents. After approximately 3 hours of hiking, we’ll reach our campsite, where private cabins await for your overnight stay. A delicious lunch will be served, and in the afternoon, you’ll have the option to hike to Upis Lake, a 2-hour round trip. The trail to the lake is flat for 40 minutes, followed by a gradual ascent. After returning, relax in your cabin with tea while enjoying breathtaking views of Ausangate through the window. Dinner follows, and the night ends with stargazing under a brilliant night sky.

• Elevation gain: 330 m / 1,082 ft

• Elevation loss: 56 m / 183 ft

• Distance: 8 km / 4.9 miles

• Hiking time: 3 hours

• Trailhead elevation: 4,179 m / 13,710 ft

• Campsite elevation: 4,432 m / 14,540 ft

• Highest point: 4,432 m / 14,540 ft

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Accommodation: Cabins

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Day 2: Upis – Arapa Pass – Yana Cocha – Puca Cocha

Wake up at 5:00 am with coca tea or coffee delivered to your cabin, followed by a hearty breakfast. Begin the trek toward Arapa Pass (4,968 m / 16,295 ft), passing local farmers, alpacas, and the majestic Ausangate Mountain. Along the way, your guide will share insights about the flora, fauna, and landscapes. You may spot condors, chinchillas, and vicuñas if lucky.

After crossing colorful lakes, we’ll arrive at the Puca Cocha campsite, surrounded by towering mountains and hanging glaciers. Listen to the glaciers crashing into the lakes below! Tents will be set up inside mountain shelters for changing, resting, and enjoying lunch. Visit Puca Cocha lagoon in the afternoon to see Andean ducks, geese, and other bird species. Dinner will be served in a rustic dining room built of stone and clay.

• Elevation gain: 490 m / 1,607 ft

• Elevation loss: 294 m / 964 ft

• Distance: 10 km / 6.21 miles

• Hiking time: 5–6 hours

• Campsite elevation: 4,577 m / 15,016 ft

• Highest point: 4,740 m / 15,551 ft

• Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult

• Accommodation: Mountain shelters

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Day 3: Puca Cocha – Apacheta Pass – Ananta – Surini Pass – Queulla Cocha

Today is challenging. Start with the ascent to Puca Cocha Pass (5,051 m / 16,564 ft), surrounded by colorful mountains. Enjoy spectacular views of Ausangate and vibrant glacial lakes. Enter the untouched Red Valley, a vivid landscape of llamas grazing nearby.

After lunch, climb Warmi Saya Pass (4,500 m / 15,090 ft), offering distant views of Rainbow Mountain. Descend to a plain and continue to Queulla Cocha campsite. If weather permits, visit Rainbow Mountain for a stunning sunset.

• Elevation gain: 723 m / 2,372 ft

• Elevation loss: 468 m / 1,535 ft

• Distance: 8 km / 4.97 miles

• Campsite elevation: 4,864 m / 15,958 ft

• Highest point: 4,918 m / 16,135 ft

• Hiking time: 7–8 hours

• Difficulty: Difficult

• Accommodation: Tents

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Day 4: Queulla Cocha – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Cusco

Wake up at 6:00 am with coca tea delivered to your tent. Hike for 45 minutes to Rainbow Mountain, where you’ll have ample time to explore and take photos. Spend 30 minutes to 1 hour enjoying the views (weather permitting).

Next, hike to the Red Valley (30 minutes) for more incredible scenery. Afterward, head to the bus station for a return to Cusco. Bid farewell to your horsemen and chef before arriving at your hotel around 3:00 pm.

• Elevation gain: 194 m / 636 ft

• Elevation loss: 435 m / 1,427 ft

• Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles

• Trailhead elevation: 4,864 m / 15,958 ft

• Highest point: 5,040 m / 16,535 ft

• Hiking time: 2 hours

• Difficulty: Easy

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