THE SACRED MOUNTAINS OF THE INCAS TOUR

Enjoy this journey to Palcoyo, Rainbow Mountain and Wakra Pukara

The Ausangate region to the south of Cusco, is blessed with pristine glacial lakes, jagged snow-capped peaks, sweeping valleys, and rainbow-coloured mountains. There is an opportunity to witness more than 20 other species of birds, llamas, alpacas, vicunas, vizcachas, black-winged Andean geese and the impressive Andean condor. Immerse yourself in true Andean culture with our specially designed homestay in The Ausangate Region and absorb the energy of this fascinating region of the sacred mountains. All of this combines to create a setting that can only be described as utterly sublime. The Sacred mountains of The Incas tour is one of the best Peru travel adventures to see the magnificent Andean peaks revered and worshipped by the Incas. Join us in this spectacular journey to The Sacred Mountains of Cusco for an authentic and unique journey into The Peruvian Andes!

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

Day 1	Arrival to Cusco
Day 2	Cusco city tour and 4 ruins
Day 3	Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain
Day 4	Rainbow Mountain
Day 5	Waqra Pukara hike
Day 6	Visit to Tipon, Pikillacta and return to Cusco
Day 7	Cusco
Day 8	Optional extension to Machu Picchu and The Sacred Valley

Day 1: arrival to Cusco

On arrive to the Cusco airport, we will be waiting to help you with your luggage and transfer you to your Cusco hotel. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore this stunning Inca city or rest up and acclimatize to the high elevation in preparation for the days to come!

Day 2: Cusco City tour and 4 local ruins

After breakfast, you will head out on a city tour of the charming Cusco city, that was once the capital of The Inca Empire. The tour will begin at the Santo Domingo convent, which was constructed on the foundations of the Inca Temple of the Sun, The Coricancha is one of the most important Inca temples. The ancient chronicles stated that the walls of this temple were gold-plated, with golden decorations of natural images. We will then visit the cathedral, the most imposing building on the Plaza de Armas. Next, we will then head into the hills of Cusco to the magnificent fortress of Sacsayhuaman, who´s enormous walls, offer a spectacular view over the Cusco panorama. We will next head to the close-by Qenqo ruins, a religious archaeological site, where it is believed that the Incas performed rituals for agricultural purposes. Our next visit will be to Puca Pucará, which means “red fortress”, in the native Inca language of Quechua. This archaeological site was a military fortress with many buildings, plazas, aqueducts, towers and baths. It is believed that the site was used to house the Inca´s entourage, while he rested in Tambomachay, our final archaeological site. It is thought that Tambomachay was the special resting place of the Inca where he could bathe and relax in the soothing waters. After this visit, we will take you back to your hotel.

Day 3: Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain

Today, we head out to the Ausangate region south of Cusco. This astounding region is home to some of the most impressive peaks and mountain ranges in all of Peru! Living under the popularity shadow of Peru’s more famous rainbow mountain, Vinicunca, Palcoyo Mountain is not somewhere most people have heard of, however, many people believe it is more impressive. Palcoyo Peru is home to 3 separate rainbow mountains and receives far fewer visitors than Vinicunca, the famous Rainbow Mountain, each day. Plus, you’ll be treated to sprawling views of the surrounding red mountains and snow-capped peaks. Palcoyo Cusco is located just above the parking lot where you will begin today’s hike. The second is located at the end of the trail. Here, you can get a photo right in front of the rainbow colours with no one behind you. From this viewpoint, you can look out over the third mountain seeing all the colours from afar. With the added bonus of the backdrop being snow-capped mountains. Oh, and thousands of llamas as far as the eye can see! In addition, a unique and awe-inspiring stone forest sits above the trail. The tall and thin rock formations give the appearance of trees. Although the grey and red colours will remind you that they are indeed rocks and not trees. The stone forest isn’t located on the main trail. But, it’s possible to climb up to it anyway as an add-on to your trek. From the parking area to the final viewpoint is 1.5 km one-way. This route includes an elevation gain of around 100 metres, making it the perfect preparation for the higher elevations to come! After our visit to these magnificent coloured mountains of Palcoyo, we will head to our family homestay in the village of Pitumarca. Staying with a homestay family in Pitumarca allows you to see what the locals’ daily lives are like from the inside. This unique experience, only offered by Kallpa Travel, is the epitome of cultural immersion and offers a unique insight into life in the remote Ausangate region. From llama farming to local Andean cuisine, and weaving to real-life in the remote Andes, this immersion experience offers a truly authentic insight into local life and your stay there, will help contribute to the family´s income directly, and promote sustainable tourism in Peru.

Day 4: Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain

Today after a hearty breakfast, courtesy of our homestay family, we will head to the famous Rainbow Mountain, Vinicunca. Vinicunca — also known as the Mountain of Seven Colours, or more simply Rainbow Mountain — was discovered four years ago when the snow covering it melted, revealing the natural beauty of the rock beneath. Formed by weathering, environmental conditions and sedimentary deposits over time, the mountain’s unique minerology created a marbling effect, with layered hues of gold, lavender, red and turquoise towering into the sky. Considered a holy site in Peru, the mountain has become a hotspot for international visitors, and is now the second-most visited attraction in the Cusco region thanks to local tour operators and a flurry of Instagram posts. Vinicunca stands at more than 5000 meters above sea level. The majority of the path isn’t too challenging, although the final part of the hike is a more difficult, with a steeper incline. For visitors who aren’t into long treks, the journey can be taken on horseback for and horses can be rented at several points along the trek if walking becomes too difficult. The hike to the top of the Rainbow Mountain is a magnificent trek through a beautiful valley where you will see many llamas and alpacas in their natural habitat, as well as local people. The impressive Ausangate peak can be seen from a long distance; while hiking you can enjoy the view of its magnificent glacier. After this trip to the magnificent Rainbow Mountain, we will head back to our homestay family for the evening.

Day 5: Wakra Pukara Hike

After breakfast with our family, we will venture to Waqra Pukara, enjoying excellent views and pristine landscapes as we go. Take pictures of the giant stone formations of the ceremonial centre and explore this pre-Inca site known as the ‘forest of stone.’ Enjoy a trek over flat trails with intermittent hills for approximately 2 hours, passing through stunning landscapes dotted with cochas (Andean Lagoons), then we will descend to reach the Waqra Pukara Viewpoint. You can take stunning photos of the Waqra Pukara Archaeological Complex then descend about 40 minutes to reach the ceremonial centre. Admire the gigantic stone formations around the site and view the Apurimac River Valley below. We will spend 1.5 hours to visit the Waqra Pukara ceremonial centre and learn all about the history of this spectacular archaeological site before returning to the starting point along the same trail. The car will be waiting to take us back to our homestay family and a well-earned rest.

Day 6: Visit to Tipon, Pikillacta and return to Cusco

Today, we will enjoy our final breakfast with our homestay family. We will say our goodbyes and thank them for their incredible hospitality over the previous few days. We will begin our trip back to Cusco visiting some of the best archaeological sites along the way. Our tour will begin at Andahuaylillas, where we can appreciate the Sistine Chapel of The Andes and one of the best kept secrets of Cusco. The murals contain religious images which were used to persuade the Inca civilization to Christianity. We will then head to Pikillacta, which is known as one of the most famous cities of the pre-Inca period, from the Wari civilization. Next up is the archaeological complex of Tipon, which is considered an Inca temple dedicated to the water cult. Here we can see one of the biggest examples of agricultural irrigation and terracing of the Inca period. We will then drive back to Cusco city after this awe-inspiring trip to the Ausangate region.

Day 7: Free day in Cusco

Enjoy a free day in the stunning Inca capital of Cusco. Relax or wander the cobblestoned streets or take part in one of the many activities of this impressive Inca city.

*If you have any spare days, ask here about our extension to The stunning Sacred Valley of The Incas and the magnificent Machu Picchu !

Included:

6 Nights’ accommodation in the hotel category of your choice, with breakfast included
All tours mentioned in the itinerary
All entrances fees to the mentioned archaeological sites.
All land transport in private transport from Cusco-South Valley- Ausangate region and rainbow mountains-Wakra Pukara.
All hotel pick up & drop off to/from airport.
24/7 assistance
Private professional guide service