Overview
Departing Cusco in private transportation, you travel through scenic highland valleys toward Palcoyo, located in the Canchis province south of the city. Here, a gentle alpine hike reveals panoramic vistas of three distinct rainbow-striped mountains and a striking stone forest, framed by distant views of the sacred Ausangate glacier. Your guide provides trekking poles, oxygen support, and insightful commentary as you take in the multi-hued terrain at your own pace.
After recharging with a nourishing lunch, the journey continues toward the rugged Apurimac River canyon to visit Qeswachaka. Suspended high above the river gorge, this remarkable structure represents an unbroken lineage of Inca engineering, braided entirely from native q’oya fibers by local Quechua communities. You can cross the swaying bridge, take photographs, and gain firsthand perspective on an ancient tradition before relaxing on the comfortable drive back to your Cusco hotel.
Summary
Cusco – Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain – Qeswachaka Bridge – Cusco
Combination of cultural heritage and natural adventure. The expedition begins early from Cusco, taking you south to cross the historic Qeswachaka Bridge, the last hand-woven Inca suspension bridge spanning the Apurimac River. Following this cultural immersion, you will gear up to delve into the depths of the massive Qarañahui Cave to explore its stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations, concluding the adventure with an authentic Andean lunch before returning to the city.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain – Qeswachaka Bridge – Cusco
04:30 AM – Hotel Pick-up & Departure: Your journey begins with an early morning pick-up directly from your Cusco hotel. Relax in private, comfortable transportation as we drive south through the scenic Vilcanota Valley.
06:45 AM – Breakfast in Combapata: After passing through historic Andean towns, we stop at a local restaurant to enjoy a nourishing breakfast, perfect for fueling up before our high-altitude hike.
08:30 AM – Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Exploration: Arriving at the trailhead, your guide provides trekking poles and reviews safety guidelines. Take an accessible, gentle walk along the ridges to admire panoramic views of three distinct multicolored mineral mountains, the jagged Stone Forest (Bosque de Piedras), and the snow-capped peak of Ausangate reaching into the horizon.
11:30 AM – Scenic Highland Drive toward Canas: Descend from the mountain passes and drive across the high plateau of Canas, passing picturesque rural communities, herds of grazing alpacas, and tranquil highland lakes.
01:00 PM – Traditional Andean Lunch: Stop at a welcoming local countryside restaurant to savor a freshly prepared lunch, featuring regional ingredients with vegetarian and gluten-free options available.
02:30 PM – The Qeswachaka Bridge Experience: Arrive at the Apurimac River canyon to witness the iconic Qeswachaka Bridge. Learn about the centuries-old engineering traditions preserved by Quechua communities, and experience the thrill of walking across the world’s last hand-woven Inca suspension bridge made of braided q’oya grass.
04:00 PM – Return Journey to Cusco: Board our private transport for the scenic drive back north across the Andean valleys.
07:00 PM (approx.) – Arrival in Cusco: Arrive back in Cusco, where your driver drops you off safely at your hotel door.








