Rainbow Mountain Range (Palccoyo) & Q’eswachaka

Meeting Point

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.