In the San Juan Canyon, the trail winds between an ancient ancestral canal and the majestic agricultural terraces of Yucay—masterpieces of Inka engineering built with finely carved stone masonry brought from the high plains of San Juan and the famous Cachicata quarries in Ollantaytambo. These impressive walls reach an average height of 5 to 10 meters (16 to 32 feet) and stretch along approximately 800 meters of monumental terracing that remains active and cultivated by local farmers to this day. Throughout the trek, lush native vegetation surrounding the aqueduct and local fruit orchards line our path, creating a profoundly fertile, living, and harmonious landscape.
- Difficulty level: Moderate-intermediate
- Altitude: 2,900 meters (9,514 feet)
- Hiking time: 4.5 hours
- Departure time: 8:00 AM
- Return time: 3:30 PM
Itinerary:
We will pick you up from your hotel at 8:00 AM via private transportation to travel toward the picturesque district of Yucay. We will begin our hike ascending from the monumental terraces, walking along ancient pathways accompanied by the relaxing sound of the stream and the stunning Andean terraces that characterize the San Juan Canyon. As we move forward, we will venture deeper into a landscape sheltered by mountains, abundant vegetation, and fruit trees, opening our senses to connect with the constant murmur of flowing water and the deep peace of nature. Before beginning our main ascent, we will share a local breakfast and a traditional Andean permission ritual with sacred coca leaves to harmonize with the environment.
Continuing along the canyon trail, we will arrive at a beautiful, hidden waterfall of pristine glacial water—a sacred sanctuary perfect for resting and contemplating the environment. Those who wish to can enter into direct contact with the element, taking a refreshing, purifying dip in the waterfall pool. In this setting of high energy and calm, we will share a light snack at around 11:30 AM, followed by an intimate offering ceremony to Pachamama (Mother Earth) in gratitude for the purity of the water and life.
We will begin our descent back through the canyon at approximately 12:30 PM, enjoying panoramic afternoon views of the valley floor. We will reach our starting point and board our private transportation at 3:30 PM to begin our return journey to the city of Cusco.
Includes:
- Hotel pick-up and private transportation (Cusco–Yucay–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 waterfall
- 1 ancestral offering ceremony to Pachamama
Does not include:
- Lunch
- Tips
- Personal expenses not mentioned in the itinerary