Sacred Highlands Hike with Silvio Tunqui – A Journey Through the Heart of the Andes
Join us on one of the most breathtaking routes in the highlands of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, guided by the experienced and knowledgeable Silvio Tunqui, a local expert with deep roots in the Andean traditions and environment. This immersive journey takes you through ancient trails, remote communities, and untouched natural beauty, offering a perfect blend of culture, ecology, and stunning landscapes.
Our day begins with a scenic drive to the rural community of Sapacto, perched high in the mountains of Lamay. Here, surrounded by dramatic peaks and vast open skies, we’ll begin our hike.
We start on a gentle uphill trail that winds its way into the puna — the high-altitude grasslands of the Andes — and into a region of rich wetlands. This unique ecosystem is a vital source of life and tradition for the local people.
As we hike, you’ll likely encounter herds of alpacas, llamas, and sheep, tended by local families who have lived in harmony with this land for generations. Keep an eye out for stone corrals and traditional houses built from stone and straw, which speak of centuries-old ways of life still preserved today.
With Silvio’s expert guidance, we’ll cross the Yanalomayoc Pass, a natural high point that marks our transition from the Lamay region into the Paru Paru community in the district of Pisac. As we pass through this dramatic gateway, the terrain shifts, and we begin our descent toward the mystical lakes of Kinsacocha.
Our descent takes us past a series of picturesque highland lakes and seasonal wetlands, which come alive during the rainy season. Here, we’ll stop for a healthy and delicious lunch, lovingly prepared with local, organic, and highly nutritious ingredients—a true taste of Andean tradition.
We take our time to enjoy the serene atmosphere, surrounded by panoramic views and the peaceful sounds of nature. It’s a moment to relax, breathe in the highland air, and connect with the land.
After lunch, we continue our hike toward the mythical lakes of Kinsacocha — meaning “Three Lakes” in Quechua. These sacred waters are nestled in a unique high-elevation ecosystem teeming with life.
As we walk, the towering Apus — the sacred mountain spirits of the Andes — reveal themselves in full glory. Silvio will share stories and insights into the spiritual significance of these peaks, making this more than just a hike — it’s a cultural and spiritual journey.
The wetlands and lakes are a haven for Andean wildlife. You may spot a variety of bird species including:
Silvio’s keen eye and knowledge of the area’s fauna will help you get the most from this incredible opportunity to experience nature up close
Our day begins with a scenic drive to the rural community of Sapacto, perched high in the mountains of Lamay. Here, surrounded by dramatic peaks and vast open skies, we’ll begin our hike.
We start on a gentle uphill trail that winds its way into the puna — the high-altitude grasslands of the Andes — and into a region of rich wetlands. This unique ecosystem is a vital source of life and tradition for the local people.
As we hike, you’ll likely encounter herds of alpacas, llamas, and sheep, tended by local families who have lived in harmony with this land for generations. Keep an eye out for stone corrals and traditional houses built from stone and straw, which speak of centuries-old ways of life still preserved today.
With Silvio’s expert guidance, we’ll cross the Yanalomayoc Pass, a natural high point that marks our transition from the Lamay region into the Paru Paru community in the district of Pisac. As we pass through this dramatic gateway, the terrain shifts, and we begin our descent toward the mystical lakes of Kinsacocha.
Our descent takes us past a series of picturesque highland lakes and seasonal wetlands, which come alive during the rainy season. Here, we’ll stop for a healthy and delicious lunch, lovingly prepared with local, organic, and highly nutritious ingredients—a true taste of Andean tradition.
We take our time to enjoy the serene atmosphere, surrounded by panoramic views and the peaceful sounds of nature. It’s a moment to relax, breathe in the highland air, and connect with the land.
After lunch, we continue our hike toward the mythical lakes of Kinsacocha — meaning “Three Lakes” in Quechua. These sacred waters are nestled in a unique high-elevation ecosystem teeming with life.
As we walk, the towering Apus — the sacred mountain spirits of the Andes — reveal themselves in full glory. Silvio will share stories and insights into the spiritual significance of these peaks, making this more than just a hike — it’s a cultural and spiritual journey.
The wetlands and lakes are a haven for Andean wildlife. You may spot a variety of bird species including:
Silvio’s keen eye and knowledge of the area’s fauna will help you get the most from this incredible opportunity to experience nature up close
