Adventure in Cusco: the 4 must-see

At 3,400 meters of altitude, Cusco is a city that catches the visitor from the first minute. The historical capital of Peru generates an extraordinary visual impact for the scenarios that it has. The best way to know a destination is by walking.

Below we share a brief guide on the alternative trekking trails in the region that you can not miss.

Return to Ausangate
This demanding and complex walk around the perpetual snow of the Ausangate can take several days, but the route stands out for the singular charm of its landscapes in the middle of lagoons, hot springs, pastures valleys of llamas and wild vicuñas, canyons and snowy peaks.
The Ausangate is considered a sacred mountain because they attribute the origin of water to it. Its inhabitants offer ritual ceremonies such as payment to the land. Depending on the access you could also visit the mountain of "seven colors", in the Vilcanota mountain range. Its peculiar pigmentation is related to the presence of minerals and sedimentary stones.
Recommendations: it is advisable to do a previous acclimatization, of 4 or 5 days, in Cusco and surroundings. Waterproof clothes, warm clothes, sunscreen, food and water are essential.

Lares
It is one of the least known roads and has an average difficulty. However, it has an unforgettable experience. This route, also known as the Weavers Circuit, starts in the district of Lares, north of the city of Cusco. There are also other accesses from the Sacred Valley of Urubamba. From the beginning of the hike, the Andean landscapes of the snow-covered Veronica, Sahuasiray, Pitusiray and Chicon alternate with archaeological vestiges and Quechua-speaking peoples. The route also proposes an approach to traditional customs such as the grazing of llamas and alpacas, the cultivation of tubers and, of course, the textile production.
Recommendations: make a 3 or 4 day acclimatization in Cusco and surroundings. Bring sleeping bag, water, purifying sunscreen pills, insect repellent, flashlight, hat and sunglasses.

Return to Salkantay
Its name, in Quechua, means "wild mountain". Considered as a path of high difficulty, the slopes of this snowy mountain are known for their complexity, which attract mountaineers from all over the world every year.
The best-known four-day trek can be started in Limatambo, Mollepata, or in Soraypampa. Two imposing peaks, Humantay and Salkantay, dominate the landscape. This destination also offers the possibility of knowing the native fauna - from vizcachas and alpacas, to condors. On an alternate route to reach the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, following part of the Inca Trail.
Recommendations: it is suggested to make a prior acclimatization. Also bring water, flashlight, hat, sleeping bag, water purifier tablets and insect repellent.

Choquequirao: the last Inca citadel
The imposing archaeological complex is known as "the sacred sister of Machu Picchu" due to its architectural similarities. Choquequirao has become in recent years a more accessible alternative for tourists, since in addition to being a Cultural Heritage of the Nation, it was chosen as the best destination in the Best in Travel 2017 list, published by the Lonely Planet guide.
They are hard walks that involve lowering and unevenness with little oxygen. The way to get there is by walking a lot and camping. The favorite tour of the tourists is the one that leaves from the town of San Pedro de Cachora (to four and a half hours of Cusco in terrestrial transport). There are 30 kilometers, which are traveled in a day and a half to reach Choquequirao. The walk requires good physical condition since the hidden city reaches 3035 meters above sea level.
Recommendations: the climate is similar to that of Cusco, so it is advisable to prepare the heights before the hike. Bring sleeping bag, water, purifying sunscreen pills, insect repellent, flashlight, hat and sunglasses.