Exploring the Majestic Ausangate Trek in Peru

A Day of Rainbows and Reflections

Today was nothing short of magical, a vibrant tapestry woven with colorful mountains, the warmth of local culture, and the humbling vastness of the Andes. Leaving Delft for this adventure, I yearned for the kind of experiences that etch themselves into your memory, and today certainly delivered. Pieter and I set out to explore the Cordillera del Arcoiris Palccoyo, and what we found was more than just a mountain range; it was a profound connection to the heart of Peru.


Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of Cordillera del Arcoiris Palccoyo, Peru's vibrant nature preserve boasting rainbow-colored mountains and rich culture.

Our day began early, with a hearty breakfast at Artisano Regocijo Restaurant in Cusco. The restaurant is located just a block from Plaza de Armas, and the building was the former Casa de la Moneda. The setting was lovely, situated in a beautifully restored colonial building. I opted for a traditional Andean breakfast, savoring every bite as I anticipated the day’s adventures. Pieter, ever the early bird, enjoyed a strong coffee and some local pastries. Fuelled up, we were ready to embrace the day. We had a reservation, but I think we were so early that we didn't need it. The staff were friendly and efficient, and the modern atmosphere with interesting decor made for a pleasant start to our day.

The drive to Palccoyo was an adventure in itself. As we wound our way through the Andes, the landscape transformed into a breathtaking panorama of rolling hills and quaint villages. About three and a half hours southeast of Cusco, Palccoyo sits at a high altitude. Along the way, we stopped briefly at ARTESANÍAS ASUNTA, a charming handicraft shop in Cusco. It was a treasure trove of authentic Peruvian artistry, showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage. I picked up a beautifully handcrafted textile as a memento of our journey, while Pieter admired the traditional ceramics. It was a lovely glimpse into the local craftsmanship.

Arriving at Palccoyo, I was immediately struck by the sheer beauty of the landscape. Unlike the more crowded Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, Palccoyo offered a serene and peaceful experience. The air was crisp and thin, and the altitude was definitely something to be mindful of, even though I had been trying to acclimatize by spending time in Cusco. Palccoyo is considered an easier alternative to Vinicunca, but sitting at approximately 4,900 meters (16,076 feet) above sea level, altitude sickness is still a risk. Thank goodness I didn't forget to pack the coca leaves; Pieter, of course, was fine, but he happily munched on them with me to be sociable.

The hike itself was relatively easy, taking us about an hour to reach the summit. The trail was well-graded, a mix of dirt and stone paths, making it manageable even at the high altitude. As we ascended, we were rewarded with increasingly stunning views of the rainbow-colored slopes. The vibrant hues of red, orange, pink, and green painted across the mountains were truly mesmerizing.

The mountains seemed to whisper ancient tales, their colors a testament to the passage of time and the forces of nature.

We continued along the Andes Path, soaking in the tranquility and majesty of the surroundings. The path wasn't too difficult, but I was glad I'd packed my hiking boots and warm layers. The views were incredible, and the crisp mountain air invigorated my senses. Being surrounded by such natural beauty made me reflect on the importance of sustainable living and environmental conservation, values that I hold dear in my work back in Delft.

Palccoyo is actually a range of three rainbow-colored mountains, accompanied by a spectacular view of the snow-capped Ausangate. The colorful mountains, valleys filled with llamas, and jagged rocks made for a breathtaking walk. There were also ancient Incan terraces along the trail. What made the experience even more special was the presence of local people and herds of alpacas and llamas grazing along the route. It felt authentic and untouched, a world away from the bustling tourist hotspots.

One of the highlights was reaching the Stone Forest, Yura'q Qaqa, a collection of unique rock formations that added an extra layer of surreal beauty to the landscape. The optional hike up to the rock forest took about 20-30 minutes. From there, the panoramic views were simply unparalleled. I took countless photos, trying to capture the grandeur of the scene, but no image could truly do it justice.

For lunch, we stopped at Huillca Restaurant, which was a delightful experience. It was the perfect spot to relax and refuel after our morning hike. The restaurant had a cozy dining area with a capacity for 25 guests. I savored traditional Peruvian dishes, while Pieter enjoyed a hearty soup. The attentive and personalized service added to the charm, and we felt truly immersed in the local culture. It was nice to enjoy a hot meal after a morning in the cold mountain air.

In the late afternoon, we made our way back to Cusco, feeling grateful for the incredible experiences of the day. For dinner, we chose Tres Keros, known for its international-style menu influenced by Peruvian cuisine. The rustic yet elegant atmosphere was perfect for a relaxing evening. Pieter and I shared a bottle of wine and reminisced about the day’s adventures, already looking forward to what tomorrow would bring. I opted for a pizza with mozzarella, white onion, mushroom, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red pepper, and arugula. Pieter chose a pizza with mozzarella, pepperoni, serrano ham, black olives, mushroom, and blue cheese.

As I reflect on today, I’m reminded of why I love to travel: to witness the beauty of our planet, to connect with different cultures, and to challenge myself in new and exciting ways. Palccoyo was more than just a scenic destination; it was an opportunity to appreciate the simple joys of life and the importance of preserving our natural world. As a sustainability consultant, these experiences fuel my passion and reinforce my commitment to making a positive impact.

Tomorrow, we are off to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. We will have breakfast at El Albergue Restaurant, then lunch at a cafeteria near Machu Picchu, and dinner at Qamaq Restaurante. I'm looking forward to exploring the Mercado Central de San Pedro. I can't wait to share those experiences with you all!

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta

Until then, good night from Cusco.