Day 1 CUSCO – TAMBOMACHAY – QORICOCHA – PATABAMBA
Early in the morning, we will pick you up at Maras or Cusco and depart for Tambomachay, an archaeological complex composed of a series of ceremonial water fountains. The day’s hike will begin at this point, and continue through puna landscapes and over the Sicllaccasa pass at 4100 masl / 13186 FASL where we will have spectacular views of two valleys. To your right, you will see the capital of the Incas, Cusco, with impressive mountains surrounding it.
From the pass, we will follow the side of the valley, making our way to the top to cross to the other side. It is a 45-minute hike to the upper end of the valley. Once we get there, we will cross a small stream that divides the valley and begin to reach our lunch spot, the Qoricocha Lake (Golden Lake), where it is possible to see a great variety of birds, such as Andean geese, lapwings and partridges, among others. After lunch, we still have about 3 hours of hiking through the mountains to the village of Patabamba, where a group of locals will welcome us and are always happy to receive us in their community. After settling in and having a cup of coca tea, we will visit one of the local families to learn about their lifestyle. Then comes dinner and resttime. Cusco (3330 m) – Qoricocha (3800 m) – Patabamba (3800 m).