To plan your day efficiently, here is the short itinerary with key times for the route:
We begin the day with direct pick-up of passengers from their respective hotels in Cusco or the central Plaza Regocijo. We will settle into our tourist transport to begin this exclusive journey.
We will travel towards the picturesque Limatambo valley in a comfortable one-and-a-half-hour trip. During the road trip, you can rest while we watch the first rays of light begin to illuminate the Andean mountain range.
We will make our first stop at a cozy local restaurant to enjoy a nutritious buffet breakfast. This meal is specially selected to provide the calories and energy you will need for the hike.
We will continue our journey by land transport to the starting point of the hike at Waywakunka, located at 4,774 masl. Here, the professional guide will provide technical instructions, and we will perform a brief physical warm-up to acclimate the body to the high altitude.
We begin the upward trek along the Salkañan Route. In this initial section, we will focus on a steady and progressive ascent toward our main destination, enjoying the imposing high-Andean landscapes that surround us.
We reach the heart of the adventure. We will stop in front of the spectacular Inkachiriasqa Lagoon, a sacred place with turquoise waters nestled under the imposing presence of the Salkantay, Humantay, and Qoyllor Apus. In this unique spot of absolute peace, we will conduct a guided meditation session to connect with the Andean nature, asking for protection, health, and peace. We will also take the opportunity to see the beautiful Concepción Lagoon, also known as the Fertility Lagoon.
With a clear mind and recharged heart, we will begin the descent back along the path toward the Waywakunka terminal. During this return stretch, we will make a very special visit to the mystical Qoyllor Lagoon via a short walk of approximately 5 minutes, ideal for those travelers who still have the energy to keep exploring.
We will board our private tourist transport to leave the high mountain behind, starting a very comfortable return journey that will take us downhill back to the Limatambo valley.
We will enjoy a hot, comforting, and well-deserved lunch at the local restaurant. It is the perfect time to rest, share photographs of the stunning lagoon landscapes, and celebrate the day's achievements as a group.
We will undertake the last leg of the trip in our transport, arriving back at the center of Cusco at approximately 05:30 PM. We will finish the tour with spirits completely renewed thanks to the magic of Inkachiriasqa and the mysticism of its sacred lagoons.
The SALKAÑAN Route – The Untamed Path is a full-day experience designed to explore the Andes away from crowds, connecting adventure with the Andean worldview. During the journey, you will visit three iconic lakes: the Sacred Qoyllor Lake, where a purification ritual takes place; the Lake of Conception (or Fertility Lake), linked to ancient beliefs of abundance; and the breathtaking Inkachiriasqa Lake, a turquoise mirror situated at the foot of the majestic Salkantay Snow Peak, ideal for a meditation session.
The trek reaches a maximum elevation of 4,837 m s. n. m. (15,869 ft) at its highest point and is rated at difficulty level 3 (moderate). It consists of a hike on Andean terrain with moderate slopes covering approximately 3.8 km (2.36 miles) in total round trip, representing an accessible physical effort adapted to the demands of high-altitude mountain environments.
Unlike traditional tourist itineraries, this journey deeply integrates spirituality and Andean history by providing spaces for ancestral purification rituals and moments of meditation facing sacred mountains. Additionally, along the trail, hikers can contemplate the natural monoliths of the Petrified Inca and the Inca Princess, eternal guardians described in local oral traditions that enrich the trip with legend and symbolism.
The program takes place within the Qoyllor Salkantay Conservation Area, a strategic territory designated to protect thousands of hectares of high-Andean vegetation, glacial water sources, and wildlife. The experience promotes low-impact tourism that is responsibly managed in collaboration with the local community to ensure ecosystem preservation.
This proposal stands out by offering an exclusive trek in small groups along uncrowded trails, allowing visitors to enjoy nature in absolute tranquility and far from mass tourism. It is conceived as a journey of personal transformation that combines a physical challenge with a disconnect from urban noise to reconnect with the pure energy of glaciers and sacred Apus.
Because the hike takes place in a glacial environment with cold high-mountain weather, it is essential to wear appropriate warm clothing, thermal layers, and trekking boots with good traction. Additionally, it is recommended to bring a small daypack, full sun protection, a rain poncho, personal altitude medication, and cash in Peruvian Soles to pay the local community entrance fee of S/ 20.00.
