This three-day adventure makes the most of the forgotten valleys in Peru. Exploring little-visited Rainbow Mountains, kayaking across lakes deep in the Sacred Valley, and discovering abandoned fortresses- all while sleeping under the Incan stars.
This adventure is suitable for all with a basic level of fitness and a thirst for new experiences. Kayaking experience is not required and you will be accompanied by an expert guide at all times. You will enjoy privacy throughout your adventures, as well as freshly prepared delicious meals from our chef.
Our day begins with a 2.5-hour drive to the village of Checacupe, where we take a moment to explore the town and its notable colonial bridge and church. After your legs are stretched and your eyes filled with the interesting architecture we continue via dirt road deep into the Andes. At an eye-water altitude of over 4,500m, we are ready to begin our trek to Rainbow Mountain.
Deep in the heart of the Vilcanota Mountain range, Palcoyo is a spectacular adventure and the ideal way to enjoy magical brightly colored mountains, valleys of multiple colors, and of course, the local alpaca herd.
Clear days will share the snowy peaks of the Ausangate Mountain Range, and those up for an extra challenge can explore the rock forest found above the trail- the highest point of the hike.
We will enjoy a carefully curated lunch box with a view of the Andes Mountain Range before returning to our vehicle and continuing on to camp for the night at Lake Pomacanchis. After the tents have been set up you can relax and enjoy a spectacular 3-course meal with sunset and stars like no other. Relax and enjoy the peace of solitude.
Hike details: Distance 4km, approx. 2-3 hours including time to explore
Ascent 150m, Descent 150m, maximum altitude 4970m
Included: Palccoyo entrance fee, transport, English-speaking guide, cook, camp assistants, camping equipment (except sleeping bag), cold beers, snacks & water, lunch, dinner, all white-water & safety equipment, Stand-up paddle board or sit-on-top kayak, paddle, wetsuit, boots, buoyancy aid, splash jacket
Morning:
After a comprehensive crash course in kayaking, we get each guest beautifully dressed up in the top-of-the-range kayak gear and push off across the crystalline waters. The sun is young in the sky, and the morning is ours, only for adventure.
Even those without experience will quickly get the hang of our sit on top kayaks, gliding through the water and spotting birds, breezes, and the startled stares of locals on the banks.
Pomacanchis lake is a truly stunning experience, and the feeling of independence and peace as you share a moment with yourself deep in the Andes away from modern civilization.
After a morning kayaking, we return to the vehicle and continue our journey, climbing higher into the mountains to the trailhead. As always with this trip, you will be surrounded by breathtaking scenery the whole way, and at the end of our short drive, we stop for lunch before the hike.
Afternoon:
First, we will meet our muleteers who load up your luggage onto their trusty steeds, and we begin the hike. The trail is mainly flat and leads you through a series of different landscapes each more beautiful than the last. We follow an ancient Inca Trail on our way, passing by small lakes and incredible views.
After a few hours of hiking, we reach the fortress of Waqrapukara. The name itself means ‘horned fortress’, and it is thought to have been a ceremonial center- although initially, it belonged to the Chanca culture who were famed for their bloodiness in battle. Waqrapukara was one of their final strongholds against the Incas.
You are free to explore the site while we set up camp and prepare a hearty meal- well deserved after a big day of adventure. As the sun sets, take the time to stargaze, as there is very little light pollution here, so the stars are incredible.
Drive time 3 hrs
Hiking distance 11km
Hiking time 4 hrs
Included: cook, camping equipment (except sleeping bag), transport, English-speaking guide, camp assistants, emergency horse, mule support, camping fees, breakfast, lunch, dinner, all white-water & safety equipment, Stand-up paddleboard or sit-on-top kayak, paddle, wetsuit, boots, buoyancy aid, splash jacket
As the sun rises on our final day, you will be greeted with a hot drink and a fresh breakfast. You will have another opportunity to explore the ruins if you wish, and then we begin our hike.
Today’s hike takes a different route, and winds along the side of the canyon, with 360° of incredible views for the whole route. We will pass by cave paintings, rock walls, and ancient formations on this mostly flat or downhill route before arriving at the local village of Ccampi with lunch waiting for you.
Once our bellies are full and our legs are tired, you can take advantage of the comfortable return to Cusco, enjoying a well-deserved rest with yet more incredible views.
We create safe, responsibly run adventures in Cusco and the Sacred Valley for lovers of the great outdoors. We are a Certified B Corps and hold all Adventure Licenses for the activities we offer.
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Email: [email protected]
Whatsapp: +51 954165014
Emergency:
Maria Del Pilar Handa- Operations Manager
Tel:+51 984765446
Address:
Avenida Collasuyo 910, Miravalle, Cusco
Hours:
9am-4pm local time (GMT-5)
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