Transfer by bus to the village of Pashpa (3,500 m), where the trek begins along a natural balcony with stunning views of Mount Copa and Huascarán to the north. The trail enters a forest of quenuales (a typical high-Andean tree), leading into the deep and gradually ascending Ishinca Valley. Along the way, we enjoy views of the majestic Ishinca Towers. After crossing open grasslands, we arrive at Ishinca Refuge (4,350 m), nestled beneath a circle of towering peaks.

From Ishinca Refuge, we head into the Palcaraju Valley, dominated by its impressive 6,100-meter peak. We begin ascending along the ancient moraine that gave rise to Tocllacocha Lagoon, with its green and turquoise hues. The trail follows a morainic ridge facing the hanging glaciers of Palcaraju.

We then reach the second and third lagoons. These lakes, according to Modesto Sánchez—a mule driver and one of the valley’s first trekking guides—were named the “Three Wishes Lagoons”. He claimed that each lagoon fulfilled a wish: to love, to live a long life in good health, and to have a humble but fulfilling life as a farmer. He passed away of old age, having seen all his wishes come true.