Rainbow Mountain Range (Palccoyo) & Q’eswachaka
Description
Despite receiving less attention than its more popular northern counterpart, Cusco’s southern valley contains its very own array of wondrous and impressive attractions. This end of the valley is irrigated by the Willkamayu River, which means sacred river in Quechua. Today, the river is better known as the Vilcanota or Urubamba, a powerful waterway that eventually turns into the Ucayali River, before travelling down into the jungle and giving way to the great Amazon River. The waters of this sacred river come from the Vilcanota Mountain range, some of the mountains in Peru that receive the most snow, and reach a maximum height of 6,372 meters above sea level with the revered Ausangate Mountain.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We will begin our journey early in the morning toward the Community of Palccoyo, located southeast of Cusco. Along the way, we’ll observe the evolution of the road system through three bridges: the Inca (15th century), the Colonial (17th–18th centuries), and the Modern (from 1895, made of railway lines). After a short stop for breakfast, we’ll arrive at Huallatakunka and start our hike. Just a few meters in, we’ll see the first of several colorful mountains, similar to the famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) but closer and more accessible. We’ll enjoy stunning views from three viewpoints, including sights of three rainbow mountains at once and a panoramic view of both Ausangate Mountain and the Vilcanota range. After the hike, we’ll travel to the district of Quehue in the Canas province to visit Q’eswachaka, the last Inca bridge. This handmade suspension bridge, rebuilt annually through a four-day ritual by local communities, spans 28 meters across the Apurímac River.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
This activity includes roundtrip transfer from your hotel, apartment or home. Some locations are in areas where the access by vehicle is not permitted. Send your details in order to arrange your pickup and drop-off in a nearby place.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(6)
The experience is unique. The beauty of the landscapes from before reaching the top of the mountain to getting there. Lisandro and Edgard accompanied us. Excellent guides who recommended and took care of us at all times, a 10 for them.
The views are spectacular, seeing the mountain, feeling the breeze, walking among them is a great experience.
It was a great experience, Lisandro and Henry, the guide and driver respectively, provided luxurious service, were punctual, and the vehicle was perfect for our needs, definitely highly recommended, the photos you take are incredible.
An excellent being, and since Lizandro passed through us, he has always been attentive to us and our comfort.
I had a very good experience visiting Palcoyo and Q' eswachaka. Both places are impressive and offer unique landscapes that are worth knowing. I also want to highlight the attention received during the tour. The guide was kind, attentive, and provided interesting information at all times. Additionally, the transportation was comfortable and punctual, which made the journey very pleasant. Overall, it was a well-organized service and an experience that I would 100% recommend.
