This trip is a straightforward way to see the colored mountains with less physical effort. You visit the bridges of Checacupe, walk a gentle trail to see three rainbow mountains, and get views of the Ausangate glacier and the Red Valley. It is a simple and quiet alternative to the more crowded routes.
Duration: Full day
Start time: 4:00 AM – 5:00 AM
Return time: 5:00 PM
Starting altitude: 3,400 meters / 11,155 feet (Cusco)
Max altitude: 4,900 meters / 16,076 feet (Stone Forest)
Departure point: Cusco accommodation or meeting point
Arrival point: Cusco center
Walking time: 1.5 to 2 hours (total round trip)
Driving time: 6 to 7 hours (total round trip)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Transport: Round-trip van from Cusco
Meals: 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch (Cusipata)
Entry Ticket: Palccoyo entrance fee
Guide: Professional guide
Oxygen: Emergency bottle in the van
Briefing: Final details 1 day before departure
Water: Personal supply (1.5 liters recommended)
Snacks: Energy food such as chocolate, dried fruit, nuts, granola bars, or coca candies
Insurance: Personal travel insurance
Clothing: Layered clothing (base layer, fleece, and windproof jacket), long pants, and a warm beanie and gloves for the summit.
Footwear: Hiking boots or sneakers with good grip.
Rain Gear: Waterproof jacket or poncho (essential November–March).
Sun Protection: High-factor sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and after-sun lotion or moisturizer for windburn.
Documents: Original passport or a clear copy.
Money: Cash in Peruvian soles for entrance fees, toilets, and small purchases.
Hydration: At least 1.5 liters of water.
Snacks: Energy food like chocolate, nuts, dried fruit, or coca candies.
Electronics: Camera or phone and a power bank.
Storage: A small backpack for your gear.
1. Where is the breakfast and lunch?
Both meals are served at a local restaurant in the village of Cusipata.
2. When do we see the bridges in Checacupe?
We visit the bridges in the morning on our way toward the mountain.
3. Is this hike difficult?
No, the path is mostly flat and the walk is much shorter than the trek to Vinicunca.
4. What is the maximum altitude?
The highest point at the Stone Forest is 4,900 meters (16,076 feet).
5. How many colored mountains are there?
You can see three different colored mountains in this area.
6. Do I need to bring my own water?
Yes, it is recommended to bring at least 1.5 liters for the walk.
7. Are there toilets on the route?
There are toilets at the restaurant in Cusipata and basic facilities at the trailhead.
8. What time do we get back to Cusco?
The van usually arrives back in the city center around 5:00 PM.
9. Is there oxygen in the van?
Yes, an emergency oxygen bottle is carried in the transport.
10. What should I wear?
Wear layers, a warm hat, gloves, and a rain jacket as it is cold and windy at the top.
11. Is there a horse I can rent?
Usually, horses are not available here because the walk is short and flat enough for most people.
12. Where is the final drop-off point?
The van drops everyone off near the main square (Plaza de Armas) or Plaza Regocijo.
Duration: Full day
Start time: 4:00 AM – 5:00 AM
Return time: 5:00 PM
Starting altitude: 3,400 meters / 11,155 feet (Cusco)
Max altitude: 4,900 meters / 16,076 feet (Stone Forest)
Departure point: Cusco accommodation or meeting point
Arrival point: Cusco center
Walking time: 1.5 to 2 hours (total round trip)
Driving time: 6 to 7 hours (total round trip)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Transport: Round-trip van from Cusco
Meals: 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch (Cusipata)
Entry Ticket: Palccoyo entrance fee
Guide: Professional guide
Oxygen: Emergency bottle in the van
Briefing: Final details 1 day before departure
Water: Personal supply (1.5 liters recommended)
Snacks: Energy food such as chocolate, dried fruit, nuts, granola bars, or coca candies
Insurance: Personal travel insurance
Clothing: Layered clothing (base layer, fleece, and windproof jacket), long pants, and a warm beanie and gloves for the summit.
Footwear: Hiking boots or sneakers with good grip.
Rain Gear: Waterproof jacket or poncho (essential November–March).
Sun Protection: High-factor sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and after-sun lotion or moisturizer for windburn.
Documents: Original passport or a clear copy.
Money: Cash in Peruvian soles for entrance fees, toilets, and small purchases.
Hydration: At least 1.5 liters of water.
Snacks: Energy food like chocolate, nuts, dried fruit, or coca candies.
Electronics: Camera or phone and a power bank.
Storage: A small backpack for your gear.
1. Where is the breakfast and lunch?
Both meals are served at a local restaurant in the village of Cusipata.
2. When do we see the bridges in Checacupe?
We visit the bridges in the morning on our way toward the mountain.
3. Is this hike difficult?
No, the path is mostly flat and the walk is much shorter than the trek to Vinicunca.
4. What is the maximum altitude?
The highest point at the Stone Forest is 4,900 meters (16,076 feet).
5. How many colored mountains are there?
You can see three different colored mountains in this area.
6. Do I need to bring my own water?
Yes, it is recommended to bring at least 1.5 liters for the walk.
7. Are there toilets on the route?
There are toilets at the restaurant in Cusipata and basic facilities at the trailhead.
8. What time do we get back to Cusco?
The van usually arrives back in the city center around 5:00 PM.
9. Is there oxygen in the van?
Yes, an emergency oxygen bottle is carried in the transport.
10. What should I wear?
Wear layers, a warm hat, gloves, and a rain jacket as it is cold and windy at the top.
11. Is there a horse I can rent?
Usually, horses are not available here because the walk is short and flat enough for most people.
12. Where is the final drop-off point?
The van drops everyone off near the main square (Plaza de Armas) or Plaza Regocijo.
