Our journey will start early in the morning with a pick up in Cuzco in a hotel. We will begin with the journey feeling the silence of the city. Andean valleys will make us travel the 2 hours southwards. The road will have traditional villages with farms and green open fields. The ride will have us enjoying the idyllic scenery of the morning.
At 3,310 above sea level, we will have breakfast at Cusipata. Hot Andean meals will be offered by the local cooks using local food. Coca or muna tea will assist us in regards to altitude. We will have our coffee slowly and the free mountain air. We will also have time to rest and have a stretch in the stop.
In the morning after breakfast we will proceed to Checacupe, a small old town. Its location will offer serene streets and hospitable people. We will view its three popular bridges that include the Inca rope bridge, the colonial stone bridge and the Republican bridge.
On our trip, we can walk along the bridges, capture pictures and pay attention to small artisans shops. The voluntary entrance charge is 5 PEN. After that, we will climb to the Palcoyo trailhead which is 4800 meters above sea level. The attraction will unveil alpacas, llamas and snow beef.
In an area near the trailhead we are going to start a mild 45 minute walk. The trail is generally flat and can be traversed by the family or beginners. Slowly we shall go forth and be pleased with the colour of the rocky formations. When walking, Llamas and alpacas might be found on the route. The Andes will unleash and the snowy hills in the background. There will be clean air but thin.
We will get to the perspective of 4,900 meters above sea level. In this case, we shall appreciate three mountain ranges of rainbows. These colors were formed during millions of years by mineral layers. We shall also witness Ausangate come up in the distance. This is a sacred mountain of culture in Andean culture.
Towards the point of view, we are going to see the Stone Forest. There are sharp vertical stones that seem to be towers of the past. Photography and sightseeing of the far Red Valley will be done. The location has tranquility, open air and spectacular scenery.
Then we will walk back to the trailhead in approximately 30 minutes. It is easier returning this way and has time to appreciate the scenery. Upon arrival in the car, we will be driving back to Checacupe. We will have a short stop to rest and have an enjoyable time in the village.
At last we will leave for Cuzco in the afternoon. Our hotel will be dropped by the driver. We are able to unwind and look back at the sceneries we visited. The tour presents a pleasant and comfortable day excursion in the Andes. We recommend one day acclimatization prior to the tour.
Day Statistics:
Total distance: 3 km of hiking
Highest altitude: 4,900 meters above sea level
Lowest altitude: 3,310 meters above sea level
Route: Cuzco – Cusipata – Checacupe – Palcoyo – Stone Forest – Cuzco
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
