Click button below to begin booking Rainbow Mountains Palcoyo & Queswachaka Bridge Tour Book This Tour
You can make your trekking in the Andes as beautiful as it is only possible. The best way to do this is to combine it not only with beautiful landscapes, but also with unique attractions. Within this package we offer you about 3 hours of trekking (in two completely different places), during which you will visit two unique world-class attractions: the Rainbow Mountains and the UNESCO heritage site, the Q’ueswachaka bridge
Cusco – Rainbow Mountains of Palcoyo
We have an early start, departing Cusco at 4:00 am via private transport. After an approx. 3 and a half hour journey, during which we will pass numerous alpaca’s, natives who live in the mountains and beautiful winding landscapes, we will arrive at the trailhead. From there will be a hike lasting approx. 1 hour.
This hike is accessible for all ages and hiking levels. We will be reaching altitudes of 5000m (16400ft) above sea level. The view is well worth the height! You will be able to observe 3 different colored mountains at the peak of the hike.
After returning to our transport (45 minute downhill walking) we will drive approx. 1 hour to view the Checacupe Inca Rope Bridge.
CHECACUPE INCA ROPE BRIDGE
The Checacupe Inca Rope Bridge is a suspension bridge built over a river constructed by the Inca Empire. These bridges were an important part of the Incan road system and are examples of Incan innovation in engineering. Bridges of this type were useful since the Inca people did not use wheeled transport – traffic was limited to pedestrians and livestock. They were frequently used by Chasqui (messengers of the era) to deliver messages throughout the Inca Empire.
After an approx. 15 minute drive, we will stop for lunch.
Rainbow Mountains of Palcoyo – Inca Bridge Queswachaca
After lunch, we will drive for about 1 and a half hours to the Inca Queswachaka (Q’eswachaca) Bridge.
Sustaining ancient traditions over centuries is no small feat, but it is managed spectacularly by local Quechue communities in the Cusco region. Four Quechue communities unite themselves every year in order to rebuild the bridge completely from scratch. The secrets of this design and construction process are handed down from generation to generation and their aim is to maintain exactly the same style and materials that were used more than 500 years ago by Inca engineers.
Thanks to this tradition and the strong will of the 1,000 people who participate in the bridge´s annual reconstruction, we can step away from the history books and enjoy an interactive experience of Inca culture. Come and experience Inca engineering at work in the 21st century and take a walk across the Queswachaka (Q’eswachaca) Bridge!
Optional: For those of you who want to make a short downhill trek, approx. 30 minutes, on a ancient Inca trail, we can take a trail on part of Qhapaq Ñan to the Queswachaka (Q’eswachaca) Bridge.
Included:
Not Included:
1. Huayna Picchu
Huayna Picchu is the mountain behind Machu Picchu, climbable in 1 hour aprox. While optional, our guide will take you to the entry point. A ticket is required, which we can secure if booked in advance.
Tickets are aligned with your Inca Trail dates. The ticket for Huayna Picchu costs US$ 70.00 per person.
2. Montaña Vieja
Montaña Vieja offers stunning views, even more so than Huayna Picchu, but takes 1.5 hours to reach the top. A ticket is required, which we can secure if booked in advance.
The ticket for Montaña Vieja costs US$ 70.00 per person.
Briefing (Informative Meeting)
Join us for a 30-45 minute briefing the evening before your tour at our Cusco office or your hotel. If you can’t make it, please coordinate a different time via email, phone, or in person.
Payment Balance
Please settle any outstanding balance 1 day before your trek to confirm your reservation. Cash payments in USD or Soles are preferred and can be made at our office or during the briefing. ATMs are available nearby. Credit/debit cards or PayPal are accepted with a 5% service fee. Unfortunately, we don’t accept checks.
Can I store my luggage with you?
Yes, you can store your main luggage at our office or your hotel free of charge. For items you won’t need on the trek, check with your hotel—they usually offer storage. Keep valuables in the hotel safe and get a receipt for insurance purposes. For extra security, put valuables in a sealed, signed envelope.
How long should I acclimate in Cusco before the Trek?
To avoid altitude sickness, we suggest arriving in Cusco 2-3 days before your trek. Even if you’ve been at high altitude elsewhere in Peru, it’s best to spend a full day in Cusco to rest and explore before your trek.
