Vinicunca,Palcoyo, pallay poncho rainbow mountain, photography workshop
Vinicunca, Palcoyo & Pallay Poncho Photography Journey 3 days
Discover the magic of the Andes under the stars with our Vinicunca Palcoyo Pallay Poncho 3‑Day Photography Tour, a 3 Day Rainbow Mountain & Night Sky Photography Tour designed for landscape and astrophotography enthusiasts. This immersive expedition combines the vibrant colors of Peru’s iconic Rainbow Mountains with breathtaking night skies, offering a rare opportunity to capture the Milky Way over the Andean highlands.
Why This Tour Is Unique
Rainbow Mountain Night Sky Expedition Peru: Photograph the Milky Way rising over Vinicunca, Palcoyo, and Pallay Poncho capturing the perfect blend of vibrant peaks and cosmic vistas.
Vinicunca Sunrise & Milky Way Photo Workshop: Learn hands-on techniques for capturing the sunrise over the Rainbow Mountains and nightscape photography under expert guidance.
Palcoyo & Pallay Poncho Landscape Photography Tour: Explore multiple colorful ridges and remote high-altitude landscapes for unique, small-group photo opportunities.
Andean Nightscape & Milky Way Tour Cusco: Experience the dark skies of the Andes, ideal for astrophotography without light pollution.
3 Day Andean Astro‑Photography Adventure: Balance high-altitude trekking with immersive photography sessions at sunrise, sunset, and night.
High Altitude Rainbow Mountains Photography Expedition: Reach panoramic viewpoints for stunning vistas of multi-colored peaks, valleys, and snow-capped summits.
Cusco Rainbow Mountains Astrophotography Trip: Small-group format ensures personalized guidance and optimal composition advice for every participant.
Sustainable Photography Trek Andean Highlands: Travel responsibly through fragile highland ecosystems, supporting local communities and conservation initiatives.
DAY 1: Cusco – Sunset at Vinicunca – Red Valley– Overnight in Pitumarca
Early Departure:
Pickup from hotel in Cusco at 08:30 AM
Scenic drive through the Southern Valley towards Cusipata valley (~2.5 hours)
Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain:
Arrival at Vinicunca (~5036m / 16,076 ft) around 03:00 PM
01:30 minutes- hike to the red valley viewpoint
Explore the surreal landscape of rainbow mountains, and the stone forest
Ample time for photography, short walks, and panoramic shots
Lunch:Box lunch Sunset Photography:
Continue to Vinicunca viewpoint around 03:30 PM for sunset shots with golden-hour colors
Evening Transfer:
Drive to Pitumarca, check-in at a cozy local lodge:Casona Aedo / Casona Checacupe
Dinner & Briefing:
Local dinner, prepare for next day’s early sunrise hike
DAY 2: Sunrise at Palcoyo (Rainbow Mountain) – Overnight in Sicuani
Pre-Dawn Departure:
Early wake-up at 04:00 AM
Transfer to the Vinicunca trailhead at Quesiuno (~4,300m)
Hike to Vinicunca:
Start hike by 5:00 AM with headlamps
Reach the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint (~5,100m / 16,732 ft) just before sunrise (~6:00 AM)
Enjoy and photograph Golden light under the morning golden light
Breakfast & Rest:Transfer to Sicuani:
Scenic drive (~2 hours) to Sicuani town
Lunch en route or upon arrival
Afternoon at Leisure:
Rest and explore local markets or hot springs (optional)
Prepare gear for the next day's final adventure
Overnight:
Comfortable lodge or hotel in Sicuani
DAY 3: Pallay Poncho Sunrise – Return to Cusco
Early Departure:
Pickup around 05:00 AM, drive to Layo / Pallay Poncho trailhead (~4,600m)
Sunrise Hike:
Start hiking before dawn (~06:00 AM)
1 Hour moderate ascent to the Pallay Poncho viewpoint (~4,800m)
Stunning Views:
Photograph the unique "Andean Blade Mountain" under sunrise light, with its sharp ridges and rainbow stripes
Descent & Breakfast:
Return to trailhead, breakfast near Layo or Sicuani
Return to Cusco:
Scenic drive back to Cusco (approx. 4 hours)
Arrival around 04:00 PM
Highlights:
Sunrise photography at Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain)
Sunset shoot at the dramatic Pallay Poncho formations
Astrophotography under pristine Andean skies (Milky Way, constellations, star trails)
Explore the colorful rock formations of Palcoyo with panoramic views
Local Andean village overnight stays for cultural and night sky immersion
Expert photo guidance and small group travel experience
Not Included:
Tips for guide & driver
Horse rental (optional for Vinicunca if needed)
Personal expenses or insurance
Ideal For:
Photographers seeking sunrise and sunset golden light
Adventurers wanting to explore all 3 rainbow mountain ranges
Travelers looking to avoid big crowds
Private transport throughout the tour
2 nights accommodation (Pitumarca & Sicuani)
All meals (2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners)
Professional English-speaking guide
Entrance fees to all sites
Oxygen tank & first aid kit
Snacks & drinking water
Trekking poles upon request
Tour Includes:
Pricing: 2026 per person.
💲Private Workshop (1 person) – $1400 USD
💲 2 people – $920 USD per person
💲 3 people – $820 USD per person
💲 4+ people – $720 USD per person
