For centuries, these great mountains have been central to Andean religion as the two most important Apus, or mountain gods, of the Inca empire, and in fact Cusco itself lies on a direct line between them.

The white peak of the sacred mountain of Salkantay (6,271 metres), wreathed in the white clouds which rise from the jungle lowlands, dominates Machu Picchu and its approach via the world famous Inca Trail, accompanying hikers for much of the four day trek to this enigmatic lost city.

Dominating the horizon south of Cusco, the magnificent peak of Ausangate (6,333 metres) is the highest and most sacred mountain in southern Peru. For centuries it has been central to the religious beliefs of the Andean people and pilgrimages to its icy slopes - which since the Spanish conquest have become a hybrid of indigenous and Catholic rites - are still made by local people.

Treks in the Ausangate area take from eight to twelve days. The scenery is spectacular. Snowcapped peaks and glaciers look down impassively on seemingly endless grasslands studded with turquoise lakes and thermal pools.

Herds of llamas and alpacas graze under the watchful eyes of their owners, who live in the same isolated and picturesque villages their ancestors founded countless generations ago.

Complete Itinerary

Day 1:

Cusco - Cruzpata.

Day 2:

Cruzpata - Soray Pampa.

Day 3:

Soray Pampa - Suyroccocha.

Day 4:

Suyroccocha - Collpapampa.

Day 5:

Collpapampa - Playa.

Day 6:

Playa - Llactapat.

Day 7:

Llactapata - Aguas Calientes.
(Intihuatana / Machu Picchu)