Your adventure begins early, with a 5:30 a.m. pickup from your hotel in Cusco (3,399 m / 11,152 ft). To fully enjoy the experience, it’s highly recommended to acclimatize at least one day in advance — giving your body time to adjust to the altitude and making the journey much more comfortable.
From Cusco, you’ll travel south for about 90 minutes to Cusipata (3,310 m / 10,860 ft), where you’ll enjoy a traditional Andean breakfast — the perfect way to fuel up for the day ahead. The journey then continues toward Combapata (3,475 m / 11,400 ft), where you’ll pause to admire and photograph its charming colonial bridge, a quiet and authentic glimpse into local history.
As the road unfolds, the landscapes become even more spectacular. You’ll pass through Checacupe, another historic stop known for its beautiful colonial bridge, before following the scenic route along the Salka River. Along the way, keep an eye out for alpacas grazing freely — a classic Andean postcard moment.
Finally, you’ll arrive at the Palccoyo community (4,100 m / 13,451 ft), where your trek begins. Unlike other high-altitude hikes, this one is short, accessible, and incredibly rewarding. In about one hour, you’ll reach the main viewpoint, where three stunning colorful mountains unfold before you — a peaceful and panoramic alternative to the more crowded routes.
From here, you’ll also have the option to explore the fascinating Stone Forest, a surreal natural formation that adds an extra layer of adventure. For those who want to go a bit further, your guide can lead a light 40-minute walk to higher viewpoints, revealing even more breathtaking angles of the landscape — including views of the majestic Ausangate Mountain in the distance.
After spending 2 to 3 hours enjoying the scenery, taking photos, and simply soaking it all in, you’ll return along the same route. A well-deserved traditional lunch in Cusipata awaits, giving you a chance to relax and enjoy local flavors before heading back.
You’ll arrive in Cusco around 6:00 p.m., ending the day with unforgettable memories of one of the Andes’ most peaceful and magical landscapes.
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Optional Highlight: The Stone Forest Experience
For those feeling good at altitude, there’s a short but rewarding extension — a 10-minute uphill walk to the Stone Forest. The trail may be a bit steep, but the reward is worth it: a panoramic viewpoint where you can see the three rainbow mountains and the towering Ausangate glacier all at once. Plus, this route creates a circular trail, adding variety to your hike.
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Trek Details
- Hiking Distance: 3 km / 1.8 miles
- Altitude Gain: 163 m / 534 ft
- Altitude Loss: 165 m / 541 ft
- Starting Altitude: 4,770 m / 15,649 ft
- Highest Point: 4,920 m / 16,141 ft
A perfect experience for travelers seeking natural beauty, fewer crowds, and a more authentic connection with the Andes.
