PALCOYO MOUNTAIN RANGE

FULL DAY

PALCOYO MOUNTAIN RANGE CHARACTERISTICS

Discover the majesty of the Palcoyo Mountain Range, an extraordinary journey that will immerse you in the natural beauty of the Peruvian Andes. In this full-day tour, a unique adventure awaits you amidst imposing landscapes and colors that defy imagination.

The Palcoyo Mountain Range is distinguished by its characteristic hills with vibrant tones, creating a palette of colors that seem taken from a dream. As you venture into this remote corner of nature, you will witness mountains that dazzle with their earthy hues, from intense ochres to deep greens.

The journey will take you through winding trails and high altitudes, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. Upon reaching the summit, you will be rewarded with an astonishing view of the multicolored mountains stretching before you, creating a landscape that seems hand-painted by Mother Nature herself.

In addition to the impressive geology, you will have the opportunity to encounter local wildlife and immerse yourself in Andean culture. You will learn about the customs of the local communities, enriching your experience with the knowledge of the rich history of this region.

Get ready to live a day full of natural wonders, exploring the Palcoyo Mountain Range on a journey that will awaken all your senses and leave you with unforgettable memories. This is your chance to experience the authentic magic of the Andes at its finest!

Price

PALCOYO MOUNTAIN RANGE
FULL DAY
$15.00
Booking
montaña-1

Palcoyo, also known as the Rainbow Mountain Range or the Mountains of Colors, comprises three mountains located in the Andes mountain range, precisely in the Checacupe district of the Canchis province in the department of Cusco, at an altitude of 4900 meters above sea level. It is framed by nearly 9000 hectares of beautiful Andean landscapes, and its attraction lies in the similarity it has with the famous Rainbow Mountain located about 20 kilometers away. Palcoyo boasts a wide mineral composition that results in multiple colors resembling a rainbow, set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountain ranges to which it once belonged. This impressive attraction is also a gift of global warming, as it became visible when the snow melted.

Palcoyo’s climate, like the entire region, is governed by the two defined seasons of Cusco. It’s important to note that the rainy season occurs between November and the first days of April, often accompanied by snow due to its high altitude. For the remaining months, between the last days of April and the last days of October, the entire region experiences a dry and cold period. Thus, considering the altitude of 4900 meters, it’s normal to encounter an icy landscape with a thermal sensation not exceeding 15 degrees Celsius even on the warmest days. Lastly, due to the high altitude, it’s essential to remember that solar radiation levels also increase considerably.

The colors of its mountains are as follows:

– Pink or fuchsia: due to red clay, mudstone, and sandstone.
– Off-white: from quartz sandstone and limestone.
– Purple or lavender: a mixture of clay with sodium carbonate and silicates.
– Red: from clays and argillites.
– Green: from clays rich in ferromagnesia and copper.
– Yellowish-brown: from calcareous sandstones, limonites, and sulfurous minerals.

In addition to the stunning Palcoyo Mountains, visitors can explore other notable attractions in the region, such as the Temple of Coricancha, the Fortress of Sacsayhuamán, the Archaeological Complex of Qenqo, the Archaeological Complex of Puca Pucara, and the Archaeological Site of Tambomachay.

  • The tour begins with the pick-up from your hotel, depending on its proximity to the historic center of Cusco. The first stop will be the famous Coricancha (Temple of the Sun), where you’ll appreciate the blend of Inca constructions (with its perfectly polished stone walls) and the church built on Inca foundations.

    After the visit to Coricancha, we’ll head out of the city towards Sacsayhuamán, where you’ll witness enormous stone blocks, some weighing up to 40 tons, perfectly placed on top of each other. Our guide will enlighten us about the significance of this site, both before the arrival of the Spanish and during the colonial period, as it witnessed one of the greatest battles between the Incas and the Spanish.

    Next, we’ll proceed to the Qenqo sector (labyrinth), named for its paths that give the impression of being inside a maze. Here, the most important feature will be an ancient ceremonial table, believed to have been the final resting place of the Inca Pachacútec.

    Continuing on our tourist bus, we’ll reach Puca Pucara (red fortress), an important control center for people wishing to enter the city of Cusco during the Inca era. Given the city’s sacred status, all travelers had to purify themselves physically and spiritually, which they could do at Tambomachay, our final destination. Here, you can still appreciate the Inca’s remarkable engineering skill and knowledge of hydraulics.

    Finally, after marveling at the enigmatic Inca constructions, we’ll return to the city of Cusco, where the transport will drop us off near the Plaza de Armas.

    Schedule:
    – 9:00 AM
    – 1:00 PM

Recommendations:
– Rain jacket or poncho
– Warm coat
– Sunscreen
– Hat
– Sunglasses
– Walking shoes
– Water bottle
– Camera
– Personal medications recommended by your doctor
– Important documents to carry with you
– If you’re a student, bring your original student ID card
Includes:
– Hotel pickup in Cusco
– Tourist transportation
– Professional English-Spanish guide
– Entrance ticket to Coricancha Temple (S/ 15.00 for nationals, S/. 25.00 for foreigners)
– Cusco Tourist Ticket (S/ 70.00 for nationals, S/. 130.00 for foreigners)
Price: $15.00 per person

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