A Cultural & Scenic Day Hike with Llamas, Lakes, and Local Wisdom Led by Andean Expert Guide: Silvio Tunqui
Discover one of the Sacred Valley’s hidden gems on this unforgettable high-altitude trek from Lamay to Calca, guided by Silvio Tunqui, a native of the Poque community and a highly respected local guide deeply rooted in Andean traditions. This immersive full-day hike combines pristine landscapes, unexplored lagoons, traditional llama caravans, and authentic cultural storytelling – all set in the breathtaking highlands of the Andes.
Journey Highlights:
Our adventure begins with a scenic drive from the Sacred Valley floor up to Sapacto, a peaceful rural village nestled in the Lamay Mountains. Surrounded by dramatic Andean peaks and wide open skies, Sapacto marks the gateway to the puna – the high-altitude grasslands of the Andes.
Here, we’ll meet our llama companions, gentle and strong animals traditionally used for transport in the Andes. These llamas will carry some of our gear as we hike, allowing us to walk light and enjoy the journey.
We begin our trek on a gently ascending trail, winding through golden grasslands and rich wetlands. The route offers incredible opportunities to observe herds of llamas, alpacas, and sheep, often accompanied by local herders. Along the way, Silvio will explain the importance of this land – both ecologically and spiritually – and share how communities have lived in harmony with these highlands for centuries.
You’ll pass ancient stone corrals and traditional houses made of earth, stone, and straw – silent witnesses of enduring Andean life.
A highlight along the way: the Qocha Prison Lagoon, a mysterious and seldom-visited lake with a powerful presence that locals consider sacred.
Reaching Pallchayoc Pass – the highest point of the trek – we are greeted with panoramic views of the Andean plateau. This natural pass is not just a physical threshold between Lamay and Calca, but a symbolic one as well – marking our transition into deeper layers of Andean culture and landscape.
From here, the trail begins to descend, and the terrain transforms.
As we descend into the Calca region, we encounter a chain of hidden high-altitude lagoons, untouched and vibrant with colors that reflect the changing sky. These tranquil lakes are surrounded by seasonal wetlands and snow-fed streams, offering a haven for Andean wildlife and water birds.
In the heart of this serene landscape, we stop for a picnic lunch prepared with fresh, organic, locally sourced ingredients – a delicious reflection of the Andean diet, rich in superfoods like quinoa, native potatoes, and mountain herbs.
After lunch, we continue our hike through the foothills of Pampallacta, a highland community steeped in tradition. As we walk, Silvio shares stories from his childhood – where he grazed animals and lived close to the Apus, the sacred mountain spirits revered by Andean people.
The towering presence of Apus like Pitusiray and Sawasiray surrounds us, their snowy peaks watching over the valley. Here, nature and spirituality merge, and you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the Andean worldview – where the mountains are alive, and the land is sacred.
Our trek gently winds down toward the lower slopes of Calca, completing a full day of rich exploration, cultural immersion, and stunning natural beauty. By journey’s end, you’ll carry not only the memory of vast vistas and quiet lakes but also the wisdom shared by Silvio – a guide, a storyteller, and a living bridge to the Andean way of life.
Journey Highlights:
Our adventure begins with a scenic drive from the Sacred Valley floor up to Sapacto, a peaceful rural village nestled in the Lamay Mountains. Surrounded by dramatic Andean peaks and wide open skies, Sapacto marks the gateway to the puna – the high-altitude grasslands of the Andes.
Here, we’ll meet our llama companions, gentle and strong animals traditionally used for transport in the Andes. These llamas will carry some of our gear as we hike, allowing us to walk light and enjoy the journey.
We begin our trek on a gently ascending trail, winding through golden grasslands and rich wetlands. The route offers incredible opportunities to observe herds of llamas, alpacas, and sheep, often accompanied by local herders. Along the way, Silvio will explain the importance of this land – both ecologically and spiritually – and share how communities have lived in harmony with these highlands for centuries.
You’ll pass ancient stone corrals and traditional houses made of earth, stone, and straw – silent witnesses of enduring Andean life.
A highlight along the way: the Qocha Prison Lagoon, a mysterious and seldom-visited lake with a powerful presence that locals consider sacred.
Reaching Pallchayoc Pass – the highest point of the trek – we are greeted with panoramic views of the Andean plateau. This natural pass is not just a physical threshold between Lamay and Calca, but a symbolic one as well – marking our transition into deeper layers of Andean culture and landscape.
From here, the trail begins to descend, and the terrain transforms.
As we descend into the Calca region, we encounter a chain of hidden high-altitude lagoons, untouched and vibrant with colors that reflect the changing sky. These tranquil lakes are surrounded by seasonal wetlands and snow-fed streams, offering a haven for Andean wildlife and water birds.
In the heart of this serene landscape, we stop for a picnic lunch prepared with fresh, organic, locally sourced ingredients – a delicious reflection of the Andean diet, rich in superfoods like quinoa, native potatoes, and mountain herbs.
After lunch, we continue our hike through the foothills of Pampallacta, a highland community steeped in tradition. As we walk, Silvio shares stories from his childhood – where he grazed animals and lived close to the Apus, the sacred mountain spirits revered by Andean people.
The towering presence of Apus like Pitusiray and Sawasiray surrounds us, their snowy peaks watching over the valley. Here, nature and spirituality merge, and you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the Andean worldview – where the mountains are alive, and the land is sacred.
Our trek gently winds down toward the lower slopes of Calca, completing a full day of rich exploration, cultural immersion, and stunning natural beauty. By journey’s end, you’ll carry not only the memory of vast vistas and quiet lakes but also the wisdom shared by Silvio – a guide, a storyteller, and a living bridge to the Andean way of life.
