The adventure begins very early with pickup from your hotel in Cusco or a meeting point indicated by the Vilcabamba Tours team (between 04:00 a.m. and 04:30 a.m.)
Short Itinerary
- 04:00 – 04:30 a.m. – Pickup and Departure: Pickup from your hotel in Cusco or indicated meeting point by the Vilcabamba Tours team, starting the journey south through the South Valley toward Cusipata.
- Morning – Breakfast and Scenic Route: Buffet/Andean breakfast in Cusipata. Scenic drive through the Palcoyo valley, observing local Quechua communities and herds of llamas and alpacas.
- Noon – Palcoyo Circuit, Stone Forest & Ausangate View: Gentle 45-minute walk along an accessible trail to admire the 3 Rainbow Mountains, the panoramic view of Nevado Ausangate, the majestic Stone Forest (Bosque de Piedras), and the Red River (Río Rojo, seasonal).
- Afternoon – Lunch and Checacupe Cultural Stop: Return to transport for a local lunch. Stop at Checacupe to visit its famous three historic bridges (Inca, Colonial, Republican) and colonial temple.
- 05:30 – 06:00 p.m. – Arrival in Cusco: Return trip to Cusco city and drop-off near the Plaza de Armas or designated meeting point.
Detailed Itinerary
04:00 – 04:30 a.m. | Hotel Pickup and Departure from Cusco
The adventure begins very early with pickup from your hotel in Cusco or a meeting point indicated by the Vilcabamba Tours team (between 04:00 a.m. and 04:30 a.m.). We will board our comfortable tourist transport heading south of Cusco, driving through the picturesque countryside and towns of the South Valley.
Breakfast in Cusipata
We will arrive at the town of Cusipata, where we will stop at a local restaurant to enjoy a hearty Andean breakfast, ideal for energizing and acclimatizing before reaching high altitude.
Scenic Transfer to Palcoyo Community
After breakfast, we continue our vehicle journey along a winding mountain road that follows the Palcoyo canyon. Along the route, you will observe traditional high-altitude Quechua farming communities, native flora, and large herds of grazing llamas and alpacas set against dramatic mountain scenery.
Gentle Hike through the Palcoyo Circuit
We will arrive at the main parking area located at approximately 4,900 meters above sea level. From here, we begin a gentle, low-incline hike lasting approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour along a well-defined trail. Unlike the steep climb of Vinicunca, Palcoyo offers a much more accessible terrain suitable for travelers of all physical condition levels.
Exploration of 3 Rainbow Mountains, Stone Forest & Nevado Ausangate
Upon reaching the viewing points, you will have ample free time to appreciate three distinct multi-colored mountains simultaneously visible in a single breathtaking panorama. You will also enjoy views of the sacred Nevado Ausangate (the highest peak in Cusco), explore the towering geological rock formations of the Stone Forest (Bosque de Piedras) at 5,000 m a.s.l., and during the rainy season, observe the distinctive Red River (Río Rojo) running through the valley.
Lunch and Cultural Visit to Checacupe
We will walk back to our tourist transport and head to a local restaurant to enjoy a traditional lunch made with regional ingredients. On our return journey to Cusco, we will make a cultural stop in the historic town of Checacupe to observe its three iconic bridges built side-by-side across different eras: the Inca suspension bridge, the Colonial stone bridge, and the Republican iron bridge, as well as its historic colonial church.
Return and Arrival in Cusco (05:30 – 06:00 p.m.)
We will complete the final leg of our drive back to Cusco, arriving at approximately 05:30 p.m. to 06:00 p.m. Transport provided by Vilcabamba Tours will drop you off near the main square (Plaza de Armas) or designated drop-off point, concluding our services.
Included
- Pickup from your hotel in Cusco or at a meeting point indicated by the Vilcabamba Tours team (pickups start from 04:00 a.m. for group tours).
- Professional bilingual tour guide service (Spanish and English). In group tours, explanations are provided in both languages.
- Conditioned round-trip tourist transportation equipped for high-altitude routes.
- Safety and health assistance equipment: First aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle on board.
- Trekking poles for the hike.
- Meals en route: Nutritious breakfast and local lunch.
Not Included
- Official entrance fee to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain (paid directly in cash and in soles at the local community control checkpoint):
- Entrance for Peruvians / Foreigners: S/. 15.00 soles.
- Small entrance fee / contribution for Checacupe bridges (approx. S/. 2.00 to S/. 5.00 soles).
- Extra drinks, bottled water, snacks, and personal expenses.
- Tips for the tour guide and driver.
- Travel and medical insurance.
