Highlight of the day: Walk in front of three colorful mountains and observe the formations of the Stone Forest on a high mountain route with less influx of visitors.

Pick up from the hotel in Cusco

Between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m., the Peceros Agency Travel team will pass through your hotel.

Cusco has narrow, pedestrian streets with steep slopes. If the vehicle cannot enter to the door of your accommodation, we will coordinate a nearby and safe point.

The departure is made during the early morning. The temperature may be low, so you should have your casaca available before you get on the transport.

The vehicle will take the road to the south of Cusco. During the first hours you can rest while leaving the urban area behind.

Breakfast in Cusipata

Around 7:00 a.m., we will make a stop at a local restaurant in Cusipata.

Breakfast will help to regain energy before continuing towards the higher altitude areas. Hot drinks, bread, eggs, fruit, cereals or other foods are usually served on site.

The composition may vary depending on the season and the restaurant assigned.

We do not recommend eating too much. A heavy meal can cause nausea or discomfort when the vehicle begins to gain height.

Before proceeding, you can use the hygienic services and buy water, coca leaves, snacks or other personal items.

Cusipata – Start of the walk in Palcoyo

After breakfast we will continue along a rural road to Palcoyo.

The vehicle will begin to rise by agricultural sectors, small communities and extensive pampas. As the altitude increases, vegetation decreases and grazing areas appear.

The last section can present dirt, stones, bumps and curves. During the dry season, dust is usually lifted. In the rainy months there may be mud, puddles and slippery sectors.

The duration of the transfer depends on the state of the road.

When approaching the starting point, you can observe alpacas, llamas and scattered dwellings. These animals belong to local families; they should not be pursued or fed.

We will arrive at approximately 8:30 a.m., as long as the road conditions allow.

Start of the walk

Before you begin, the guide will give instructions on the trail, height and recommended pace.

The hike is shorter than that of Vinicunca and does not present such a steep continuous climb. However, the altitude exceeds 4,700 meters from the beginning.

It is normal to feel that the body is moving more slowly. Some people experience shortness of breath even in almost flat sectors.

Walk with short steps. Don’t try to follow faster travelers and don’t turn the climb into a competition.

The road combines compact earth, loose stone and small earrings. During the rains, mud and accumulated water may appear.

Canes help to maintain balance, especially in return.

First Mountain of Colors

The first training appears shortly after the start of the walk.

From the trail you can see strips of different shades on a wide slope. The appearance changes according to light, humidity and the presence of clouds.

Colors are not always displayed with the same intensity as in edited photographs. for cloudy days the shades can look softer. Even so, the breadth of the environment and the absence of a strong slope make the stop comfortable.

The guide will explain in a simple way how the minerals present in the soil generate the visible colors.

Second and Third Mountain of Colors

We will continue on an open path to the following formations.

Unlike other places where there is a single observation point, Palcoyo allows you to change position and contemplate several mountains along the way.

The slopes show combinations of red, ochre, green, yellow and gray. The colors are due to the mineral composition and can be seen different depending on the season.

The tour offers space to stop without blocking other passengers. The fewest number of travelers allows you to take pictures more comfortably, although it cannot be guaranteed that the area is completely empty.

From certain sectors the snowy Ausangate is also observed. The mountain can be partially covered by clouds, especially during the rainy season.

Forest of Stones

At approximately 9:30 a.m., we will continue to the Stone Forest.

This sector is formed by vertical rock structures and eroded surfaces that take different shapes according to the angle from where they are observed.

The hike to the highest point is optional. Those who feel tired may remain in a lower gazebox next to the assistant guide or at the indicated point.

The wind is often felt stronger. Some areas have loose stone and require walking carefully.

From the high sector you get a wide view of the colorful mountains and the pampas that surround Palcoyo.

Time for photographs and observation

The guide will organize a period to tour the main points, take photographs and rest.

Palcoyo offers different angles, so it is not necessary to stay in a single viewpoint.

Avoid touching fragile surfaces or getting off the trail. Walking outside of enabled areas accelerates erosion and can affect areas used for grazing.

Do not use drones without authorization from the authorities and communities responsible for access.

If you want to photograph residents, apply for permission before doing so.

Return to the starting point

Around 11:30 a.m., we will begin the return to the parking lot.

The descent is usually faster, but loose soil can cause slips.

Use the canes and avoid walking too close to the person in front.

In rainy season, the guide can modify the trail to avoid sectors with deep mud or accumulated water.

When you arrive at the vehicle you will have time to change a layer of clothes, store the canes and organize your belongings.

Return vehicle to Cusipata

After we gather the group, we will board the transport.

The return road uses the same rural road. During rains, the descent may take longer due to mud or the traffic of other vehicles.

As we lose altitude, the temperature rises and breathing usually feels more comfortable.

You can rest during the journey.

Lunch in Cusipata

Around 2:30 p.m., we will arrive at the restaurant for lunch.

Lunch is served in buffet or menu format, depending on the property assigned.

Soups, rice, potatoes, pasta, vegetables, salads and meats are usually offered. Vegetarian options must be requested prior to departure.

Vegan, gluten-free or allergy-related diets require prior coordination.

After the walk, we recommend eating calmly and drinking water.

Return to Cusco

After lunch we will start the return to Cusco.

The trip is made by paved road. Arrival is scheduled between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m., but it can change due to traffic, weather or accumulated delays.

In group service, the tour can end near the center of Cusco. In private service, transfer to the hotel is made when there is vehicular access.

We do not recommend booking flights, inter-provincial buses or non-refundable dinners with very tight schedules.

Technical Details

• Pick-up time: Between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m.
• Transportation: Van, minibus or private vehicle
• Route: Cusco – Cusipata
• Track type: Paved road
• Initial altitude: 3,399 meters / 11,152 feet
• Technical difficulty: Low
• Food: Not recommended near viewpoints