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Rainbow Mountain Range (Palccoyo) & Q’eswachaka
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Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn More
12 Hours
Mobile ticket
Pickup offered
Offered in: English, Spanish
Overview
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.
What's Included
- Expert guide
- Lunch
- Hotel pickup & drop-off.Note: Some hotels are in areas where the access by vehicle is not permitted.
- Hiking gear and footwear
- Gratitudes
Meeting And Pickup
Start time
06:00 AM
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
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.
What To Expect
Depart from your hotel in the early morning towards the town of Palccoyo, located 3 hours south of Cusco. As you make your way through Cusco’s Southern Valley, you will have the chance to see the Willkamayu, or Vilcanota, River, which originates in the heights of the Vilcanota Mountain Range. After arriving at the town of Pitumarca, you will begin your ascent up a narrow dirt path lined with stunning views of the surrounding mountains, which takes you through the town of Palccoyo, to the base of the Seven-Colored Mountain network. From here, hike up a path that takes you to the top part of the mountain, where you can take some time to admire the marvelous views of the colorful mountains. Palccoyo offers easy access for those who wish to enjoy the site without having to endure exhausting hikes. After spending some time connecting with the surrounding nature and powerful Apus, descend and head to the Canas province in the Quehue district. Here, you will have the chance to see and learn about the last Inca Bridge that sits over the Apurimac River, a river named for the Quechua words Apu and Rimac, which mean “the oracle,” or “great speaker.” The Q’eswachaka Bridge is made with ichu, a straw from the high Andes, and was declared an Intangible Cultural Heratige by UNESCO. Each year the bridge, which forms part of the incredible Inca network of paths and roads known as Qhapac Ñan, is renovated using ancient Inca techniques. Q’eswachaka’s unique beauty and the traditions surrounding its upkeep, which are maintained to this day, are testaments of the rich history and unique personality that this archeological gem holds and continues to represent.
Additional Info
- 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
Operated by VIPAC Travel
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
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