Rainbow mountain Palccoyo – Inca Temple of Wiracocha – Private service

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and set off in our private vehicle, heading southeast in the direction of Puno. Before starting the trek, we will pause to enjoy a nourishing hot breakfast.

After a journey of around 3 hours and thirty minutes, taking us through the typical high Andes scenery of the Cusco region, we will arrive at our first destination: Palccoyo viewing point, with its fine vista of the rainbow-colored mountain peak and the entire Palccoyo valley. From here, the brief ascent on foot to view the rainbow mountain more closely is not a difficult walk. The ascent is gradual, along a good trail through pastureland, with spectacular views of Mount Ausangate and other mountains of the Andes. However, the altitude may affect some walkers, during the gradual climb from 4,787 meters/ 15,705 feet to 4,891 meters/ 16,046 feet.

After having enjoyed the incredible views and taken many photos, a short walk to Bosque de Piedras awaits us

After lunch, we will drive to the historic Inca Temple of Wiracocha: Raqchi.

The most prominent structure at Raqchi is the Temple of Wiracocha, the creator god of Inca mythology. It is an enormous rectangular two-story roofed structure measuring 92 meters by 25.5 meters. This structure consists of a central adobe wall some 18 to 20 meters in height with an andesite stone base. Windows and doors allow passage. It is flanked on each side by a row of eleven columns. The bases of the walls and the columns are made from classic imperial Inca stonework, with the upper sections fashioned from mud brick.

Prior to its destruction by the Spaniards, the temple had what is believed to be the largest single roof in the Inca Empire, with the central wall forming its apex, from which the roof stretched some 25 meters (82 feet) in both directions, where it rested on the great columns. The enormous proportions of the temple and its prominent location have led to it being known as the Temple of Wiracocha, in honor of the creator god of Inca religious beliefs.

In the afternoon, a three-hour and thirty-minute drive across the high plains of the Andes will take us back to the city of Cusco, where we will arrive at around 5:30 pm, and you will be transferred to your hotel.

Traveling time:

• Cusco to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain: 127 km. / 79 miles. (3.5 hours)

(paved, 107 km./66 miles, dirt road. 20 km. /12.4 miles)

• Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain to Racchi 32 km / 20 miles 1 hour
• Racchi to Cusco: 119 kilometers/ 74 miles, paved (2.5 hours)

Trekking distance to Palccoyo:

• 5 kilometers / 0.93 miles (uphill/one way); 30 to 45 minutes

Visiting time:

• Palcoyo Mountain 1 hour
• Racchi 2 hours

Altitude:

• Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain 4,891 meters/ 16,046 feet.
• Racchi 3460 m / 11,351 feet

Meals: hot breakfast, box lunch

For trekking and hiking routes other than the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you should make your booking at least five days in advance, so we can make the necessary preparations, although we recommend that you make your booking up to 90 days in advance. Full refunds (minus administration costs) can be offered 45 days before your scheduled departure date. After 45 days, only partial refunds will be given.

Yes, for trekking and hiking routes other than the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you can add other travelers to your group before departure. Write to us for more information on the treks, hikes and tours we have available.

The maximum group size is 16 persons. For more than 16 persons, a second group must be organized. A single guide travels with 8 participants. For larger groups, an assistant guide will also accompany the participants.

Use of plastic bottles on the network of Inca Trails to Machu Picchu is not permitted. Other treks and hikes do not have this restriction, but we always recommend and encourage our travelers to use reusable canteens or second use plastic water bottles. Our cook will provide you with boiled water to refill your bottle at all the campsites.

Our full time logistics staff continuously maintain and/or replace all our equipment. To ensure proper use of our equipment, all gear is handled by our trained field crew during treks and hikes.