We invite you to embark on a unique adventure with the Sibinacocha trek! This experience is perfect for those seeking something different and authentic in their journey through the Cusco region in Peru.
The Sibinacocha trek is an alternative route to the classic circuit around Ausangate, offering a one-of-a-kind experience. The trek begins alongside the spectacular snow-capped peak of Apu Ausangate (6,384 m) and takes you through breathtaking mountain landscapes. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to admire authentic Andean villages, relax in hot springs, and marvel at turquoise-colored lakes.
However, the highlight of the journey is when the trek veers towards the stunning Sibinacocha lake, an almost uninhabited place that allows you to commune with nature in its purest form. Here, you can marvel at the natural beauty of the lake and its surroundings, as well as the diverse flora and fauna encountered along the way.
The trek concludes in Phinaya, a small and remote community that offers an authentic and unique experience. There, you can enjoy the tranquility of this nearly forgotten place by the modern world and meet the friendly local residents, who will welcome you with open arms.
Commencing from the Pacchanta community (4334 m) to the remote Phinaya (4703 m), this challenging route in the Vilcanota mountain range stands out for the formidable Condor Pass at 5233 m. It offers breathtaking views of the 7 Ausangate lakes, majestic vistas from the summit, sightings of wild vicuñas, and numerous alpacas. Culminating at the extensive Sibinacocha Lake, this journey spans 30 km² in the Cusco region.
Total Distance: 65.27 km
Average Daily Walking Time: 6 hours on foot
Route Level: Moderate to Difficult
Maximum Altitude: 5233 masl
Accommodation: Camping Tents
This exciting expedition kicks off with a hotel pickup in Cusco at 4:30 a.m. Our route takes us south on the Peru-Brazil Highway, a three-hour journey to the charming village of Pacchanta (4334 m), nestled at the base of the imposing Ausangate (6384 m). This locale plays a pivotal role in alpaca breeding and is home to fascinating traditions in Andean weaving.
Upon arrival in Pacchanta, we'll share a delightful breakfast with our arrieros (muleteers) and cooks, who will be our companions for the next few days. During the day, we'll immerse ourselves in the world of alpaca breeding and participate in a textile workshop dedicated to dyeing alpaca fiber, where skilled local artisans will reveal their techniques.
In the afternoon, we'll relax in the stunning thermal waters of Pacchanta, offering a panoramic view of the majestic Ausangate snow peak. The evening will culminate with a campfire, providing us with an opportunity to engage in the local music and dance of Pacchanta, an enriching experience connecting us with the authenticity of this vibrant community.
Distance: 1.8 km
Walking Time: 30 minutes on foot (round trip to Pacchanta hot springs)
Route Level: Easy
Maximum Altitude: 4334 m.a.s.l.
Accommodation: Lodge
Camp: Pacchanta 4334 m.a.s.l.
We'll commence our day early with a gentle ascent through the picturesque Pacchanta valley towards the breathtaking Sibinacocha Lake. Friendly llamas and alpacas will accompany us, grazing freely on the undulating slopes around us. We'll reach the circuit of the 7 Ausangate lakes, ascending to the Pachaspata valley, where panoramic views of the majestic mountains Ausangate, Santa Catalina, María Huamantiqlla, Pucapunta, and Colquecruz await.
After 3.3 hours of trekking, we'll reach the Jampa or Q'ampa pass, located at 5052 meters above sea level. Here, we'll bid farewell to the Pacchanta community and embark on a one-hour descent to the Huchuy Phinaya camp, greeted by breathtaking views of the Three Peaks. We'll enjoy a delicious lunch and have the afternoon free, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the rich culture and local experiences of this fascinating area.
Distance: 17 km
Walking Time: 7 hours on foot
Route Level: Moderate
Maximum Altitude: 5052 m.a.s.l.
Accommodation: Tents
Camp: Huchuy Phinya 4600 m.a.s.l.
The morning begins with a gradual ascent to a magnificent viewpoint overlooking the Ausangate valley and the picturesque village of Quillita. This remote enclave is characterized by thatched-roof houses and walls of earth and stone, serving as the home to many alpaca herders in the region. Venturing into an exquisite valley, we are greeted by an explosion of colored mountains and meadows teeming with alpacas and llamas.
After crossing this idyllic valley, we ascend a path leading to the head of Quillita and the slopes of the Palomani pass, where we'll spend the night. This stretch offers the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the authenticity of local life, exploring the cultural richness and enjoying the majesty of the surrounding nature.
Distance: 11.6 km
Walking Time: 6 hours on foot
Route Level: Moderate
Maximum Altitude: 4917 m.a.s.l.
Accommodation: Tents
Camp: Quillita 4917 m.a.s.l.
The journey to Sibinacocha reserves our most challenging day, but well-rested and with satisfied stomachs, we are prepared to face the upcoming challenge: Condor Pass (5233 m), the highest point of our route and a rigorous ascent.
Upon reaching our first goal of the day, we will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Vilcanota mountain range, and perhaps even catch sight of some wild vicuñas. The glacier-fed Sibinacocha Lake, our next destination, looms in the distance.
From this point, three hours await us until we reach the headwaters of the Sibinacocha lake (4873 m), crossing another mountain pass and a valley. Upon arrival, we'll camp alongside the dark blue waters of the lake, not far from its glacial source. This region is rich in biodiversity, and with a bit of luck, we may spot red flamingos and ducks visiting the waters near our camp.
Distance: 10.9 km
Walking Time: 6 hours on foot
Route Level: Moderate - Difficult
Maximum Altitude: 5233 m.a.s.l.
Accommodation: Tents
Camp: Sibinacocha Headwaters 4873 m.a.s.l.
Departing from our lakeside camp, we embark on a hike along the shores of the expansive Sibinacocha Lake, one of the largest in the region, until we reach Yayamari at the foot of the imposing mountain of the same name. From this point, we traverse the pampa, where we may encounter hundreds of llamas and alpacas, and with some luck, even vicuñas, on our way to Yayamari Pass (5074 m).
Framed by the snow-capped peaks of Montura or Yayamari (6049 m), we'll reach the picturesque Ccascana Lake (4906 m), where we'll set up camp for the night. In this idyllic location, we may have the fortune of enjoying more Andean wildlife, including Andean geese and perhaps even the splendor of flamingos adorning the landscape.
Distance: 11.4 km
Walking Time: 6 hours on foot
Route Level: Moderate
Maximum Altitude: 5074 m.a.s.l.
Accommodation: Tents
Camp: Ccascana Lake 4906 m.a.s.l.
On our final day of the trek from Ausangate to the Sibinacocha Lake, we bid farewell to the tranquil Ccascana Lake and embark on a 4-hour hike to Phinaya. During this journey, we'll behold various mountains and have the opportunity to admire the imposing Qelccaya Glacier, considered the world's largest tropical glacier. Phinaya, a charming Andean village, welcomes us with its picturesque church and harmonious development.
Here, we'll enjoy lunch before embarking on our extensive journey back home in a private vehicle. We'll drive to the city of Cusco for approximately 6 hours, anticipating arrival around 7 p.m. This journey not only marks the end of our unforgettable trek but also allows us to reflect on the natural and cultural wonders we've experienced throughout this thrilling adventure.
Distance: 12.57 km
Walking Time: 4 hours on foot
Route Level: Easy
Maximum Altitude: 4906 m.a.s.l.
Note: Our camping equipment is guaranteed and washed after each trip.
Additional Horse: In case you encounter difficulties or are not prepared for the expedition pace, you can hire this service. It costs USD 20.00 per day as needed.
Personal Tent: If you need to have your own personal tent, you can hire it for a cost of $5.00 per night. A total cost of $20.00 for 4 nights.
Reservations are made in advance with a 30% payment of the total cost. The remaining balance is paid in cash in Cusco during the informational briefing.
Travel packages and programs include transaction fees for the 30% reservation payments.
Tour rescheduling is allowed with proper notice, except for Machu Picchu tours. Passenger no-shows will result in the total loss of the service. Cancellation or withdrawal from the service will not be eligible for a refund.
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