Majestic snow-capped Salkantay and the most important snow-capped mountains of Cusco

The snow-capped mountains in the Cusco region are considered magical. There is a popular belief that each snow-capped mountain possesses a spirit. In Inca times, they were called Apus. Due to being visible from great distances, they were venerated since ancient times. In Cusco, there is an immense number of snow-capped mountains and mountains that were part of the Andean cosmology. In this blog, I will tell you about the most important and highest snow-capped mountains found in the Cusco region.

Salkantay Mountain

It is a majestic mountain, considered the most important in the region. This is the highest snow-capped mountain in the Vilcabamba mountain range, standing at 6,271 meters above sea level. It is believed that the name «Salkantay» comes from the Quechua words «sallqa,» which means «powerful» or «strong,» and «kantay,» which means «mountain.» The mountain has been sacred for a long time to the indigenous peoples of the region, who have revered it as a place of power and protection for centuries. During the Inca era, the Salkantay Mountain was one of the most important mountains in the Inca Empire and was considered one of the main mountains for offering sacrifices. Nowadays, the Salkantay Mountain is an important tourist attraction, and the hiking routes to the summit are very popular among adventure and nature lovers. It is a beautiful and spectacular place that offers a unique experience for those who decide to undertake this journey.

Ausangate Mountain

It is believed that the name «Ausangate» comes from the Quechua word «ausangate,» which means «white bird» or «white vulture,» referring to the snow-covered peak of the mountain. Ausangate Mountain is a mountain in the Andes Mountain Range in the province of Cuzco, southeastern Peru. It is a majestic mountain, considered one of the most important in the region, standing at 6,372 meters above sea level. The Ausangate Mountain, besides being an important tourist attraction, is also a sacred site for the indigenous people of the area, who revered it as a place of power and protection. Like the Salkantay Mountain, Ausangate is a majestic mountain that offers a variety of attractions for those who decide to hike to its summit. These include the natural beauty of the landscape, the hiking route, the indigenous communities, and the fauna and flora.

Callangate Mountain

Also known as Collpa Ananta. The Callangate Mountain is a mountain in the Cusco region in southeastern Peru. This is the second highest snow-capped peak in the Vilcanota Mountain Range, standing at 5,989 meters above sea level. It is believed that the name «Callangate» is derived from the Quechua words «callan,» which means «bird» or «bird,» and «kantay,» which means «mountain.» Callangate is a mountain that, together with the Salkantay Mountain, offers a variety of activities for those who decide to hike to their summits. Some of the activities that can be done in the Callangate Mountain are hiking, nature observation, and visits to indigenous communities.

La Verónica Mountain

La Verónica Mountain is a mountain in the Andes in the Cusco region. It has an altitude of 5,782 meters. Also known as Wakaywillque (Sacred Tears), it is the highest and one of the main peaks in the Urubamba Mountain Range. The hiking route to the summit of La Verónica Mountain traverses a unique and varied landscape with breathtaking views of mountains, valleys, lakes, and rivers. La Verónica Mountain is an important tourist attraction, and the hiking routes to the summit are very popular among adventure and nature lovers.

Chicón Mountain

Also known as the «veil of the bride.» Located in the Urubamba province in the Cusco region of southeastern Peru. At 4,722 meters above sea level, together with the Salkantay Mountain, it is considered one of the most important mountains in the region. It is located in the Urubamba Mountain Range and can be seen from various places in the Cusco region. Some places where Chicón Mountain can be observed are the city of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the villages near the mountain.

Humantay Mountain

Considered the best son of Salkantay Mountain. Humantay Mountain is located approximately 45 kilometers south of the city of Cusco, in the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, Anta Province, Mollepata District, at an altitude of 5,220 meters. Humantay Mountain is surrounded by green landscapes, while Salkantay Mountain is surrounded by forests and located in the most mountainous region. When Humantay Mountain melts, it forms a crystal-clear lagoon that spectacularly reflects the entire landscape.

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Location: Cusco

Type of Trip: Trekking

Dificultad: Moderate

Group size: Maximo 15 people

Sites visited: Cusco , Mollepata , Challa cancha, Soraypampa, Abra Salkantay, Wayracpunko , Chaullay, Santa Teresa, Hydroelectric , Aguas Calientes, MACHUPICCHU

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