Venture through the heart of southern Peru, where the handwoven Q’eswachaka bridge, the mystical Waqrapukara fortress, and the rainbow-hued mountains of Pallay Punchu await. From the awe-inspiring 3 Canyons to the serene beauty of Puno, this journey is a deep immersion into nature, history, and living Andean heritage.

TRIP SUMMARY


Day 1: Cusco - Oropesa - Q’ewe

Day 2: Sangarará - Waqrapukara - Sicuani

Day 3: Pallay Punchu - Suykutambo 

Day 4: 3 Cañones - Maukallacta

Day 5: Espinar - Puno

Day 1: The Four Lagoons and the Inca Bridge of Q’eswachaka

We’ll pick you up from your hotel at 6:00 am and head toward the Southern Valley of Cusco, passing through charming traditional villages.

Our first stop is the town of Oropesa, renowned for its delicious “pan chuta” (a local bread), along with other traditional baked goods like oropesa, huaro, and tanta wawa. We’ll then continue to the scenic Huacarpay Lagoon viewpoint, known for its wetlands rich in biodiversity.

Next, we follow a route through four stunning lagoons: Pomacanchi, Acopia, Asnaqocha, and Pampamarca—some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the Cusco region.

From there, we arrive at the town of Q’ewe and begin a short hike to the last Inca-Quechua bridge, Q’eswachaka. This incredible woven bridge, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a living tradition maintained by local communities. Your guide will share insights about the bridge’s construction, the way of life in the surrounding villages, and Inca culture.

After enjoying a delicious box lunch, you’ll have the afternoon free to relax and take in the beauty of the area.


Maximum Altitude: 3,800 m

Tour Duration: Approx. 8 hours

Difficulty Level: Easy

Meals: Lunch (box lunch) and dinner

Accommodation: Casona Checacupe

*Please note: This 5-day trek requires a high level of physical effort. Due to the combination of high altitude (over 4,000 m) and potentially harsh weather, the trek can be challenging. We strongly recommend being well-acclimatized, physically fit, and in good health. If you have any medical conditions, please consult your doctor before the trip.
 

Day 2: Hike to the Ruins of Waqrapukara

After a hearty breakfast, we set off early again (6:00 am) for a unique experience in the Peruvian Andes. After a 1-hour drive, we’ll reach the town of Sangarará, where our hike begins. The ascent takes about 3 hours through breathtaking natural scenery and panoramic views of the Apurímac Canyon.

At the summit, we’ll discover the impressive pre-Inca site of Waqrapukara, perched dramatically above the canyon. We’ll enjoy lunch here while taking in the spectacular surroundings, then begin our 2.5-hour descent along the opposite side of the mountain. Our driver will be waiting in Santa Lucía to take us to our hotel in Sicuani.

Altitude: 3,700 m to 4,300 m

Hiking Distance: 13 km

Hiking Duration: 6 to 7 hours

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Meals: Breakfast, lunch (box lunch), and dinner

*Important: Depending on weather and trail conditions, the starting and ending points of the hike may vary.

Day 3: Hike to the Rainbow Mountains of Pallay Punchu & Journey to the 3 Canyons of Suykutambo

We leave Sicuani early (6:00 am) and drive for 1 hour through the Andes with views of the Langui Lagoon in the distance. After another hour on winding mountain roads, we arrive in Layo and begin a 1.5-hour hike toward the rugged Rainbow Mountains.

The trail offers striking red landscapes dotted with highland pastures and herds of alpacas and sheep, along with stunning views of Langui Lagoon. Upon reaching Pallay Punchu, you’ll be able to climb its ridges and take in the colorful panorama.

Later, we hike back to Layo and stop by the lagoon for an open-air box lunch. We then continue our journey to the 3 Canyons of Suykutambo, arriving after a 4-hour drive, where we spend the night in a simple rural guesthouse.

Altitude: 3,500 m to 4,730 m

Driving Time: 4 hours (200 km)

Hiking Distance: 6 km

Hiking Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Accommodation: Basic rural lodging with shared bathroom in  3 Canyons 

Meals: Breakfast, lunch (box lunch), and dinner

Day 4: The 3 Canyons of Suykutambo & the Apurímac River

Today we explore the Regional Conservation Area of the 3 Canyons of Suykutambo, where dramatic volcanic rock walls over 80 meters high shelter a rich variety of Andean flora and fauna.

We’ll take short hikes, visit the fascinating Puya Raimondi plant, and explore the archaeological site of Maukallacta, a pre-Hispanic citadel with circular and rectangular buildings ranging from 4 to 6 meters wide. Surrounded by canyons, rivers, and surreal rock formations, this otherworldly landscape offers an unforgettable experience.

Altitude: 3,500 m

Tour Duration: Approx. 6 to 7 hours

Accommodation: Basic rural lodging with shared bathroom in  3 Canyons 

Meals: Breakfast, lunch (box lunch), and dinner

Day 5: Drive from Espinar to Puno

Today, a scenic 5-hour drive through the Andes will take you from Espinar to the city of Puno. Upon arrival, you’ll have the afternoon free to relax or explore at your own pace.

Meals: Breakfast

*Note: If preferred, we can also arrange transport directly to Cusco or to Colca.

INCLUDED

  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner as described in the itinerary.
  • Private transportations.
  • All admission fees.

NOT INCLUDED

  • International & domestic airfares, unless specifically mentioned.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Items of personal nature such as gratuities, internet charges, excess baggage charges, laundry, beverages and meals not described in the itinerary.

PRICE PER PERSON 

  • Upon Request 

Changes: You can make changes to your reservation up to 48 hours before your trip at no additional cost.

No show and Cancelations: If you cancel 30 days before the trip before 6:00 pm (Lima time), a 60% administrative charge will be applied. After this time, there is a cancellation or no show charge of 100%.