Apu Pachatusan, whose Quechua name translates to “the one who sustains the earth,” is one of the most imposing and spiritually significant sacred mountains in the Cusco region, located southeast of the city in the South Valley. The trek winds along ancient Andean trails surrounded by majestic high-altitude landscapes, offering sweeping views of the valley and a profound connection with living nature. Revered as a structural pillar and protector of the Andean world since pre-Inka times, Pachatusan keeps the mystical tradition and sacred respect for Pachamama (Mother Earth) vibrantly alive.
- Difficulty level: High-intermediate
- Altitude: 4,842 meters (15,885 feet) at the summit
- Hiking time: 7.5 hours
- Departure time: 6:00 AM
- Return time: 6:30 PM
Itinerary:
We will pick you up from your hotel at 6:00 AM via private transportation for a 45-minute drive to the highland community of Huacoto, located in the San Jerónimo district. Upon arrival at the trailhead, we will begin our upward hike at 6:45 AM, ascending gradually toward the slopes of the mighty Apu Pachatusan.
At approximately 7:30 AM, we will make our first ritual stop next to the trail’s landmark cross. Here, we will share a local breakfast and perform an Andean permission ritual using sacred coca leaves (k’intu) to align ourselves with the mountain’s energy and ask for a safe journey. We will continue our steady ascent and, around 9:30 AM, pause at a strategic viewpoint to take in the spectacular panoramic vistas of the Sacred Valley, the San Salvador district, and the winding Vilcanota River far below.
We will resume our trek, maintaining a steady pace, until we conquer the sacred summit at approximately 12:30 PM. In this location of immense spiritual power, with the vast Andean horizon surrounding us, we will perform a traditional offering ceremony to Pachamama in deep gratitude for life, the paths we have traveled, and future endeavors. Afterward, we will share a light snack and enjoy free time to rest, take photos, and absorb the absolute peace of the peak.
We will begin our descent down the mountain slopes at 2:00 PM, enjoying the shifting afternoon light across the high-altitude landscape. We will arrive back in the community of Huacoto at approximately 5:30 PM, where our private transportation will be waiting to drive us back to Cusco, reaching your hotel around 6:30 PM.
Includes:
- Hotel pick-up and private transportation (Cusco–Huacoto Community–Cusco)
- Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish) throughout the entire trek
- 1 local breakfast along 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