f you dream of an adventure off the beaten path, far from the crowds at Vinicunca but just as spectacular, let me take you to discover Palcoyo and the Ananiso Canyon. A day among raw nature, majestic silence, Andean traditions, and breathtaking landscapes… A suspended moment I’m not soon to forget.
First Stop: Checacupe, Inca Bridge, and Living Traditions
The journey begins early in the morning. On the road to Palcoyo, we make our first stop in Checacupe, a charming little village perched over 3,000 meters above sea level. Here, time seems to stand still. The main attraction? An ancient Inca rope bridge, a living relic of Andean ingenuity. A guardian watches over the bridge, and for 5 soles you can dare to cross it—though sometimes you’re lucky and no one’s there. Crossing it is an emotional thrill above the river, with the sweet sensation of stepping back in time.
Local Breakfast in a Family Home
After this first cultural immersion, we head to a traditional house to share a typical breakfast. At the table, we discover the famous chuta, a round, generous bread emblematic of the region, served with homemade jams and, if you wish, pastries from Qosqo Maki—a solidarity bakery that provides work to people experiencing homelessness. All of this is accompanied by a hot coffee or a coca infusion, essential for combating the effects of altitude. This warm exchange with our hosts lifts everyone’s spirits and prepares our bodies for the heights.
Onward to Palcoyo, the Peaceful Alternative to Vinicunca
We resume the journey, and soon the landscapes grow more and more impressive. The altimeter climbs: we reach about 4,800 meters. The air is colder and drier, and every breath reminds you that you’re at high altitude. After a short drive, we arrive at the starting point of our hike in Palcoyo.
What strikes you immediately is the silence. Unlike Vinicunca, where visitors jostle for the perfect photo, here nature belongs to you. The trail ascends gently for about an hour, offering breathtaking views of the seven-colored mountains. Layers of red, green, yellow, and violet hues create an almost hand-painted, surreal landscape. You feel tiny in the face of this vastness.
The sky is an intense blue, the air pure, and each step brings you closer to a panorama that will remain etched in your memory. Camera in hand, smiles all around, everyone savors the moment in a near-sacred calm.
The Exclusive Trek to Ananiso Canyon
But the adventure doesn’t end there. After fully enjoying Palcoyo, we embark on a still-unknown trail that only we traverse: a 4-hour march, depending on the group’s pace, to the Ananiso Canyon.
The contrast with mass tourism is striking. From here on, we encounter only a few shepherds, wild alpaca herds, and our group members. It’s at moments like this that you truly understand the meaning of “escape.”
The trail winds through majestic mountains, sometimes carpeted with green moss that feels like cushions underfoot, other times dotted with colorful rocks that testify to a long geological process: sediments laid down millions of years ago in ancient seas, compressed, uplifted by tectonic plates, and then eroded by wind and rain.
Small streams flow down from the summits, singing over the rocks and merging into a wide river where locals raise Andean trout.
The scenery is ever-changing, alive, and every bend offers a new surprise. You may need to catch your breath—the altitude is demanding—but the effort is always rewarded. Our guiding team monitors the group’s pace, encourages proper hydration, and reminds us to take our time. Tip: avoid partying the night before… altitude doesn’t forgive!
Arrival at the Canyon: Picnic and Wonder
Finally, we reach the Ananiso Canyon, a natural wonder still too little known. The cliffs, sculpted by millennia of erosion, rise on either side of crystal-clear water, and, with a bit of luck, you might spot viscachas—those adorable “Andean Pikachus”—leaping among the rocks. The place is spectacular, and this is where we drop our packs for a well-deserved picnic.
Seated on the rocks, with red and golden walls as a backdrop, we savor our meal while sharing impressions. The silence is broken only by the song of the water and the gentle breeze. It’s a moment of total connection with nature.
A Unique Experience, Far from the Clichés
What makes this day so special isn’t just the beauty of the landscapes. It’s the experience as a whole: authenticity, calm, exclusivity. It’s not just about seeing a mountain; it’s about crossing it, feeling it, living with it for a few hours.
Palcoyo offers a unique alternative to Vinicunca, without crowds and without time pressure. You come to breathe (even if the air is thin), to contemplate, and to be surprised. The trek to Ananiso is the cherry on top: a complete immersion in the wild Andes, accessible only with our agency.
A Few Practical Tips Before You Go :
- Hydrate well starting the day before the trek.
- Avoid alcohol the night before (seriously!).
- Bring warm clothing and a windbreaker: at 4,800 meters, the weather can change quickly.
- Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and of course… your camera!
- Wear comfortable hiking boots.
Looking for an adventure beyond the ordinary? A day that reconnects you with the essentials, far from the noise, and gives you memories for life? Then let yourself be tempted by Palcoyo and the Ananiso Canyon. An experience few live but all treasure in their hearts.
