Vinicunca,Palcoyo, pallay poncho rainbow mountain, photography workshop
Vinicunca, Palcoyo & Pallay Poncho: 3 Day Rainbow Mountain & Night Sky Photography Tour
Daily departure
Vinicunca, Palcoyo & Pallay Poncho: 3 Day Rainbow Mountain & Night Sky Photography Tour Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime 3-day photography expedition through the most surreal landscapes of the Peruvian Andes. This carefully crafted tour is designed for astrophotographers, landscape lovers, and adventure seekers looking to capture Peru's natural wonders in the best light—from golden-hour sunrises and sunsets to crystal-clear night skies filled with stars.
Starting from Pitumarca, you’ll explore the breathtaking Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) at sunrise, followed by the multi-colored ridges of Palcoyo in the soft afternoon light. Then, venture off the beaten path to the lesser-known yet equally stunning Pallay Poncho Mountain, where jagged rainbow formations await your lens at golden hour. Each location has been timed for the optimal lighting and composition, including night shoots under the Milky Way and Andean constellations.
Stay overnight in charming Andean villages like Pitumarca and Sicuani, enjoying authentic hospitality while having exclusive access to night skies away from light pollution. Our itinerary is designed for minimal crowds and maximum creativity, perfect for drone, DSLR, or mirrorless shooters alike.
Starting from Pitumarca, you’ll explore the breathtaking Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) at sunrise, followed by the multi-colored ridges of Palcoyo in the soft afternoon light. Then, venture off the beaten path to the lesser-known yet equally stunning Pallay Poncho Mountain, where jagged rainbow formations await your lens at golden hour. Each location has been timed for the optimal lighting and composition, including night shoots under the Milky Way and Andean constellations.
Stay overnight in charming Andean villages like Pitumarca and Sicuani, enjoying authentic hospitality while having exclusive access to night skies away from light pollution. Our itinerary is designed for minimal crowds and maximum creativity, perfect for drone, DSLR, or mirrorless shooters alike.
- Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): We will ge before dawn for magical sunset light that dances across vibrant mineral-rich ridges—perfect for capturing expansive wide-angle and detailed telephoto shots. Photo Tours Peru
- Palcoyo & Pallay Poncho: Explore quieter, more accessible ridgelines with fewer crowds and equally stunning colorful panoramas. rainbowmountain.tours
- Nightscape Sessions: Experience pristine, light-pollution-free skies—ideal for shooting the Milky Way, star trails, and dramatic landscapes bathed in starlight. Photo Tours Peru
- Enjoy expert guidance throughout: professional photographer/guide, small group sizes, camping, meals, transportation, and hotel pick-up/drop-off all included. Photo Tours Peru
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)
- 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
- Continue to Vinicunca viewpoint around 03:30 PM for sunset shots with golden-hour colors
- Drive to Pitumarca, check-in at a cozy local lodge:Casona Aedo / Casona Checacupe
- 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)
- 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
- Scenic drive (~2 hours) to Sicuani town
- Lunch en route or upon arrival
- Rest and explore local markets or hot springs (optional)
- Prepare gear for the next day's final adventure
- 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)
- Start hiking before dawn (~06:00 AM)
- 1 Hour moderate ascent to the Pallay Poncho viewpoint (~4,800m)
- Photograph the unique "Andean Blade Mountain" under sunrise light, with its sharp ridges and rainbow stripes
- Return to trailhead, breakfast near Layo or Sicuani
- 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
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Pricing 2025 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
💲 2 people – $920 USD per person
💲 3 people – $820 USD per person
💲 4+ people – $720 USD per person
