We start this tour very early in the morning. This is so that we can get to the base of Palccoyo Mountain before others arrive. It’s a leisurely hike that is short and gradual. But the altitude may pose some challenges as Palccoyo sits at 16,000 feet (4900 meters) above sea level. So take your time and soak in the vibrant colors as well as the occasional roaming alpaca. Palccoyo is part of the Red Valley which is known for its rich red landscape. Watch the colors shift and change as the sun moves across the sky.

We then make our way to Queshuachaca Bridge, the last remaining Inca rope bridge. During the Inca times, these types of hand-braided rope bridges were an instrumental part of Incan infrastructure, providing passage across rugged terrain and over rivers. Today, this bridge remains in active use and is reconstructed every year by the local communities. It’s a wondrous site, a handmade bridge of rope surrounded by flowing river and mountain cliffs. However, crossing the bridge is not for the faint of heart. But if you’re daring enough, you can walk across the bridge and back again, just as the Incas did and the locals still do!