Apu Mama Simona is located in the province of Cusco, northwest of the city, near the districts of Ccorca and Poroy, and close to the archaeological complex of Sacsayhuamán. Its smooth, gently rolling silhouette subtly resembles the profile of a reclining woman, which is why it is revered as one of the primary female Apus (sacred protector mountains) in Andean cosmovision. From its sacred summit, hikers can appreciate the Vilcabamba and Urubamba mountain ranges in all their splendor, alongside sweeping panoramic views of the entire Cusco Valley—offering a landscape of profound spiritual connection with the sacred geography of the Andes.
- Difficulty level: Moderate-to-high
- Altitude: 4,300 meters (14,207 feet) at the summit
- Hiking time: 4.5 hours
- Departure time: 8:00 AM
- Return time: 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Itinerary:
We will pick you up from your hotel at 8:00 AM via private transportation for a scenic 45-minute drive to the community of Quishuarcancha, the starting point of our trek, where we will share a local breakfast. We will begin our upward hike at 8:45 AM, and at approximately 9:15 AM, we will make a strategic stop at a natural viewpoint facing the sacred mountain. Here, we will perform a traditional Andean permission ritual using sacred coca leaves to harmonize with the energy of the Apu and ensure a safe, protected walk.
We will continue our gradual ascent through rolling landscapes of ichu grass and pristine high-altitude scenery. Around 11:30 AM, we will make a second stop dedicated entirely to mindfulness and introspection: we will take a few minutes for quiet meditation, allowing ourselves to connect deeply with the wind, the sun, and the pure sounds of nature. We will then resume our trek, reaching the sacred summit at approximately 1:00 PM.
At the summit, surrounded by absolute peace and with the entire valley of Cusco stretching below, we will perform an ancestral offering ceremony to Pachamama (Mother Earth) to express our gratitude for our life journeys and future endeavors. Afterward, we will share a light snack and enjoy free time to contemplate the stunning mountain ranges and take photographs. We will begin our descent down the slopes at 2:30 PM, reaching our private transportation between 3:30 PM and 4:00 PM, finally arriving back in Cusco around 4:30 PM.
Includes:
- Hotel pick-up and private transportation (Cusco–Quishuarcancha Community–Cusco)
- Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish) throughout the entire journey
- 1 local breakfast at the start of the route
- 1 light snack / refreshment at the summit
- 1 ancestral offering ceremony to Pachamama
Does not include:
- Lunch
- Tips
- Personal expenses not mentioned in the itinerary