The Shepherds’ Trail Trek

Begin with an early morning departure from Cusco along the fertile Vilcanota Valley to the town of Checacupe. After a visit to the colonial temple of the Immaculate Conception, start ascending the Pitumarca Valley along the spectacular Japura Gorge that leads to Chillca, where you will be greeted by the community. From here, it is a short and easy walk to the first tambo.

Once at the lodge there will be time to relax and enjoy the music provided by the locals of Chillca.

After breakfast, begin the ascent to Yanacocha Lake, which is full of trout. These highland lake trout are very fast and give a lot of fight! The sustainable management of this fish has been organized by the community. Fishermen use hooks without barbs to avoid damaging the fish, and they use specifically measured buckets for the catch. Small fish are promptly returned to the lagoon.

After your picnic lunch, you will return to the Lodge on the vista trail, which has some of the most spectacular views of the Vilcanota range. You will arrive at the lodge in time to take a hot shower and enjoy a delicious dinner.

Today’s hike begins in the wide valley of Upis where impressive glaciated mountains loom above the valley offering majestic views. The trail narrows as you make your way towards the waterfalls descending from Santa Catalina Mountain. This path is mostly used by the wandering llamas of the area.

Once you reach the small Paloma Lagoon, the countryside will be dotted with alpacas. After hiking along a second lagoon and crossing a long series of moraines, you will reach your tambo, which is located right at the base of Apu Ausangate.

Your Machuracay lodge was built right in the foothills of the snow-capped Mount Ausangate, and it could very well be one of the highest in the world. Today, you will start your hike heading towards the foothills of mounts Ausangate and Mariposa. For this hike, it’s not necessary to have climbing experience or snow gear, but you will be able to enjoy the crispness of Andean snow.

After lunch, you´ll walk the couple of hours back to Machuracay Tambo.

After a demanding ascent of the Palomani Pass at an elevation of 5,200 metres, descend to Ausangatecocha. Breathtaking views of the glaciated south face of the Apu will inspire you as you continue towards the red sandstone formations of the Nevado Del Inca.

A spectacular part of the trail finds you hiking in the middle of mountains with red, ochre, and blue strata like Vinicunca (commonly known as the “Rainbow Mountain”). This section offers you a glimpse of a marvelous geological wonder of natural beauty. Be on the lookout for groups of fascinating vicuñas as they are frequently spotted in this isolated area.

Rest tonight in the Huampococha Tambo in the heart of large rock formations near a lagoon where “huallatas” (Andean geese) make their nests.

After your final climb over the Anta Pass, you will gradually make your descent. In this section, the first crops and houses come into view. The landscape changes quickly as the red sandstone formations are followed by the carsten erosion of limestone, forming a one-of-a-kind stone forest and a perfect habitat for “vizcachas” (members of the chinchilla family). By the time you get down the valley, your bus will be waiting for the return trip to Cusco.