If you love geology and adventure, if you’re eager to discover one of Cusco’s hidden gems, and if you’re keen to connect with Andean flora and fauna, join us for a full-day tour to the Three Canyons of Suykutambo. This is a landscape shaped by volcanic activity — filled with dramatic hills, towering mountains and impressive cliff faces.
These striking walls and gorges define the geography of the Three Canyons Regional Conservation Area (ACR). Located in the district of Suykutambo, province of Espinar (Cusco), the area gets its name from the deep river canyons carved by the Callumani, Cerritambo, and Apurímac rivers.
That’s the main draw, but not the only one. You’ll also be amazed by the queuña (or queñual) forest, a native tree in danger of extinction that only grows at high altitudes in the Andes, and by the stunning Puya Raimondi (titanca), a bromeliad that can grow over 10 metres tall and live for up to 100 years.
This incredible protected area, located at 3,000 metres above sea level, is also home to vicuñas, viscachas, and the taruca (Andean deer). Don’t think twice — book now and let us take you on an unforgettable journey to one of Cusco’s natural wonders. You’re going to love it!
HIGHLIGHTS
Meeting place
If you’re staying in Cusco’s Historic Centre (at 3,400 m.a.s.l.), we’ll pick you up at 04:30 hours. Set your alarm early so you’re ready by the time your guide arrives.
We’ll travel by tourist transport to the town of Cusipata (3,310 m.a.s.l.), a journey of around two hours along a paved road.
You can find more information about this fascinating experience in the Details and Notes tab.
Breakfast in Cusipata
At around 06:30 hours, we’ll arrive in Cusipata (Quispicanchi province) where you’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast with a variety of options.
It’s the perfect time to warm up with a hot drink to shake off the morning chill — we recommend coca tea, a traditional Andean beverage dating back to pre-Hispanic times.
After breakfast, we’ll hop back on the transport and continue the journey. There’s just one more hour to go before reaching your destination: the stunning Three Canyons.
Three Canyons of Suykutambo
At 11:30 hours, we’re scheduled to arrive at the Three Canyons (3,000 m.a.s.l.), after travelling 241 kilometres from Cusco. Get excited — along the way, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Andean landscape.
It’s time to explore and discover this stunning geological wonder, where the gorges of the Callumani and Cerritambo rivers come together to form the Apurímac River — whose name in Quechua means “the god who speaks”.
Declared a Regional Conservation Area in 2017, this protected site spans 39,485 hectares, dominated by cliffs up to 80 metres high, carved and shaped by centuries of water and wind erosion.
Here you’ll find natural beauty and rich biodiversity, including the queuña tree, the towering Puya Raimondi (the largest flower spike in the world), and emblematic Andean animals like vicuñas, viscachas, and tarucas (Andean deer).
After the visit, we’ll continue by road for about one hour to the town of Yauri, capital of the Espinar province, where a hearty lunch awaits. Enjoy your meal — you’ve earned it!
Lunch in Yauri
Flavour and highland tradition come together in Yauri (3,976 m.a.s.l.), where you’ll have lunch in a local restaurant at around 13:30 hours. After resting and refuelling, we’ll begin our journey back to Cusco at approximately 14:30 hours.
Please note: the lunch location may change. Your guide will inform you if, due to time or any other reason, it’s better to eat in a different town or city.
Ending place
At around 19:00 hours, we’ll drop you off at your hotel in Cusco’s Historic Centre, after a full day of adventure and exploration at the breathtaking Three Canyons of Suykutambo.
PRICE
The prices shown in the table are:
- Per person in US dollars ($).
- Pple. = people.
| Pple. | Private guided Tour |
|---|---|
| 1 | $220 |
| 2 | $120 |
| 3 | $95 |
| 4 | $85 |
| 5 | $75 |
DETAILS
Tour Type: 100% private excursion.
Schedule: Every day from 04:30 to 19:00 hours
Language: Spanish and English
Accessibility: This tour is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Included:
- Pickup from your hotel.
- Professional guide.
- Professional driver.
- Tour vehicle.
- Breakfast and lunch.
- First aid kit.
- Oxygen cylinder.
- Personalized service.
- Drop-off at your hotel.
Not included:
- Tips (optional).
- Dinner
What to bring?
- Sweaters or jackets.
- Anti-slip shoes.
- Raincoats.
- Caps or hats.
- Sunscreen.
- Sunglasses.
- A bottle of water.
- Local currency.
WhatsApp:
NOTES
Pickups and schedules
- Pickups are punctual.
- Pickups apply to the entire city of Cusco.
- We will arrange all pickups one day before your tour.
- The tour end time is still approximate; however, we will do our best to complete the tour as scheduled.
Feeding
- Breakfast and lunch are simple and delicious.
- There aren’t many restaurants.
- There are vegetarian options.
Acclimatization
You must be acclimatized with at least two days of stay at altitude.
Vehicle type and seats
Vehicles:
- Authorized by the Peruvian Ministry of Transportation.
- Clean and modern vehicles.
- Sedans, 4x4s, H1s, vans, Renaults, and Mercedes-Benz vehicles (depending on group size).
Seating:
- During your reservation, you are free to choose the seat you want.
Type road
- Asphalt road.
- The last section of the road is compacted dirt.
- There are potholes in the road.
- Dust sometimes gets into vehicles.
Guide
- Authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism.
- This tour focuses on walking, not history.
- They will always be at your disposal.
- Intermediate-advanced English.
- There is plenty of explanation during the tour.
Driver
- The driver sometimes drives fast due to distance and time constraints.
- If you book a private tour, the driver will drive at a normal speed.
- The driver sometimes listens to music to stay awake.
Operability and itinerary
This tour is subject to change without notice due to weather conditions, strikes, or any other event that prevents the tour from operating normally. Please also see our terms and conditions.
CANCELLATIONS
Tour cancellation is free as long as you notify us at least 48 hours in advance. Otherwise, we will charge you 100% of the tour price. Please also see our terms.
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