Destination: Cusco

In Quechua language, Choquequirao or Choquekiraw means “Cradle of Gold”. It is another “Lost City of the Inkas” “Choquequirao is the city which demonstrates the inspiring Inca ceremonial center. A city dedicated the adoration of the “Pachamama” the Andean mother Earth “the Apus” Mountain gods and divinities like the water and the elements of Nature.”
Now our focus in this Area is the Andean people, who are living in these amazing mountains, with ancestral traditions, the Inca’s descendants. The Choquequirao trail is for real trekkers who want to get into the remote western Vilcabamba range and still end up at Machu Picchu.

Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Level: Basic

In Quechua language, Choquequirao or Choquekiraw means “Cradle of Gold”. It is another “Lost City of the Inkas”. Choquequirao is dedicated to the adoration of the “Pachamama” the Andean mother Earth, “the Apus” Mountain gods and divinities like the water and the elements of Nature.”

Now our focus in this area is to hike on well preserved Inka trails and see the last stronghold of the Inca after the Spanish took over Cusco. Many Andean people, who are living in these amazing mountains have ancestral traditions from the Incas. We will cross the Vilcabamba mountains from the Apurimac to Urubamba river, visiting the most important cities of the Incas: Machu Picchu, Choquequirao and Vilcabamba.

Full Day Tour

The Rainbow Mountain of Peru, also known as Winicunca, are beautiful rock layers with different colors in the foothills of the spectacular Vilcanota Mountain Range Southeast of Cusco.

On this trek you will see quaint villages, beautiful adobe style houses, herds of llamas and alpacas and you will have magnificent views of the Ausangate Mountain (6,384 m / 20,939 ft.), the highest mountain in Cusco region.

One or more nights.

Would you like to see how a local family live in the high Andes?

Pacchanta is an Alpaca herding community of the high Andes, at the foot of the great Nevado Ausangate, the highest mountain in the Cusco area. For years we have done expeditions in the area to climb the high mountains. Our good friends the Crispin family have their farm and pastures at the base of the mountains where they live with their alpaca herds, Luis and Eustakia have 5 kids and have worked with us for years. They live at 4,300m above sea level, where the harsh environment has shaped their way of life, living mainly on potatoes and alpaca meat for sustenance.

You can stay at their home for a night or two in comfort, and see how the people of the high Andes live! They have private rooms with comfortable beds in an incredible setting, they are also great cooks and you will have the chance to try authentic local Andean food like alpaca, trout or cuy (guinea pig).

Some activities you can do here are:

Hike 1.5 hours to the lagoons at the foot of Ausangate, several blue – green lagoons at the foot of the mountain that make incredible photos. There are many trails through the pastures where you can see the alpacas grazing.
Shop for local alpaca wool gifts, scarves, hats and Eustakias’ special alpaca pants, that you wont find in Cusco
Relax at the thermal baths of the village, with beautiful views of Ausangate. The baths are some of the hottest in the Cusco area.
There are many good options for bouldering, with large rocks just behind the village.
Learn about the way of life for Quechua speakers in the high Andes

4 Days / 3 Nights

The Complete Cusco Tour Package is the easiest way to visit all the important attractions with everything included. Our private tour service is based from years of experience living in the city of Cusco and knowing where travelers will have an authentic, comfortable and no hassle experience. This is as much a gastronomic tour, as well as cultural, the perfect trip to the city of Cusco and Machu Picchu with all the highlights you are looking for!

Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
Level: Intermediate (AD/D)

Nevado Veronica pyramid shaped mountain that towers the Sacred Valley of the Incas, it is the highest peak in the Cordillera Urubamba. Veronica is a name the Spanish used, but the Original name in Quechua is “Weqewillka”, which means “sacred tears”. The first ascent in 1956 was led by the famous French mountaineer Lionel Terray. Access to the mountain is relatively easy. You do need some technical ability and experience to climb this peak. Before the glacier starts there is a rope length of rock climbing. There is roughly 450m of terrain steeper than 50°.

Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
Level: Basic (PD)

Pumahuanca rises above the city of Urubamba in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The perfect peak if you are short on time but still want to get up a peak close to Cusco. This is a great climb for beginners, technically easy and a good workout over two days. You will enjoy this side trip from the busy tourist areas to see the Sacred Valley from above!

Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
Level: Beginner (PD)

If you have not climbed a mountain before, Soray peak is a perfect choice if you are using crampons for the first time. On the summit you have spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and mountains including Salkantay and Humantay. You can combine it with the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. Or you can climb it as an acclimatization peak before attempting Salkantay.

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Level: Advanced (D+)

The great Apu Salkantay is one of the more difficult mountains to climb in Peru and is rarely attempted. Salcantay is the highest mountain close to Machu Picchu. The first ascent was in 1952, and until 1988 about eighteen teams had made the summit of Salkantay.  For many years after, no teams were able to climb the mountain. Some people disappeared or died while trying in the attempt, giving this peak its savage reputation. 

Since 2013 Sky High Andes has led five successful expeditions to the summit of Salkantay, being the only guides in Peru that are experts on this mountain. The easiest route is the North Face, but you still get over 800m of exposed ice/snow climbing mostly around 60-70°. I have also made the summit by the East ridge which is more difficult. Salkantay is for mountaineers who want a challenge and wish to climb the most sacred of the Andean summits.

Duration: 4 Days/ 3 Nights
Level: Intermediate (AD/D)

The north face of Mariposa offers you over 8 rope-lengths of sustained snow climbing of 50 to 80 degrees. This mountain has another name: “Santa Catalina” in Andean lore is the oldest of the three daughters of Apu Ausangate. But due to its form like the shape of a butterfly, it is known as “La Mariposa”.  This is an excellent climb for you to raise your level and gain valuable experience on steeper terrain. You can even climb by the north face and descend by the south face directly to the Ausangate Base Camp.