For about five years Palcoyo has become an alternative to Vinicunca, both nicknamed rainbow mountains. It lies near Checacupe, approx. 3,5 hours drive from Cusco. Relatively less visited than the other better known colourful mountain.
Kimsa Chaka (= Three Bridges) at Checacupe 3.446m N.N. The colonial stone bridge erected on behalf of the Spanish king Carlos III. 1759 – 1788
At 5 am we are collected from our hotel by a minibus. There is breakfast in a small village at sunrise. A mass catering with questionable hygiene, seemingly for all rainbow mountain visitors.
After breakfast the drive continues to the Three Bridges at the entrance gate of Checacupe.
Besides the Inka bridge built 1400 – 1448. And next to it the republican bridge since 1895. All three bridges are still passable, and the two later ones drivable
Entrance to Checacupe
From Checacupe further to the base of Palcoyo.
Entrada – Salida
From now on the air is noticeably thinner and colder. Every accelerated step makes you feel short of breath. Just keep on walking slowly and steadily.
The colourful mountain
We walk in a group of 16 people accompanied by a local guide.
The path leads you to three viewpoints. Welcome rest places!
The higher the more windy and colder
Weather change from sun shine to dark clouds
The colour becomes visible after the snow cover has melted.
Iceberg in the distance
Then the ascent to the stone wall and descent on the back side returning to the base.
Stone wall 4.900m N.N.
Afterwards driving back to Cusco with lunch break in the same canteen.
Earthquake
Next day, Wednesday, 1st May, we have a day of rest. Time for editing photographs and report. During the writing of this blog in the evening our six storey building swings back and forth from side to side for several seconds: Earthquake in Cusco. Fortunately, nothing more happens.