Looking for a short, remote & scenic trek while visiting Cusco? The Ananizo Canyon and Ausangate area offers some of the most beautiful and dramatic scenery in the area. Due to a new entrance point, the Ananizo Canyon is more accessible than ever. Furthermore, the canyon´s proximity to Ausangate afford panoramic views of snowcapped peaks and proximity to Cusco´s Rainbow Mountains: Vinicunca, the most well known, and Palccoyo, a more remote and uncrowded option.
With Ayni Peru´s new Ananizo Canyon and Palccoyo trek, trekkers are able to explore a huge amount, in a short time; we offer both a 2D/1N and 3D/2N option, with either Vinicunca or Palccoyo included (your choice!).
Ananizo Canyon Trek Details:
Location: Peru, Department of Cusco, province of Canchis
Distance from Cusco to Ananizo Canyon: A 4-hour drive from Cusco, approximately
Elevation: This a higher altitude trek, especially when combined with Palccoyo or the Rainbow Mountain. Time to acclimate in Cusco prior to departure is strongly recommended.
Ananizo /Rainbow Mountains Trek length: Either 3D/2N or 2D/1N routes are possible. Trek length varies by day, but plan to trek at least 12km each day.
How to Combine the Ananizo Canyon and Machu Picchu: The canyon is located quite far from Machu Picchu. Hiking into the ruins isn´t an option. However, Ayni Peru offers day and overnight Machu Picchu extensions that can be added either before or after your trek.
What you´ll see and do on the Ananizo trek: The canyon´s depth and high elevation make for wonderful trekking. The flora and fauna will vary as you descend to the canyon floor. The area is home to free-grazing llamas and alpacas, and small, traditional communities.
While trekking between Palccoyo and the canyon, trekkers will enjoy panoramic views of the mountainous region, pretty lakes, and the famous Rainbow Mountains.
Ayni Peru offers stargazing and photography activities (weather permitting), as well as luxury camping upgrades and llama trekking.
April through October are ideal. This period coincides with Cusco´s dry season, and is the only time trekking on the canyon floor is recommended. In addition, your chances of viewing the Rainbow Mountains without snow are highest during these months.
Trekking November through March is possible as well, but the experience is a little different. The floor of the Ananizo Canyon may be inaccessible, due to river level. In addition, snow on Vinicunca and Palccoyo may partially block your views of the mountain´s beautifully-colored stripes. The advantages of trekking Ananizo at this time are also significant. Primarily, rains bring green hillsides, wildflowers, and baby alpacas! If you´re a lover of high altitude trekking, the snowy hills and moutains plus fewer visitors mean you´ll likely have the route all to yourself.
Reserving your Ananizo Canyon trek
Ayni Peru offers departures for our Ananizo and Palccoyo trek year round (weather permitting). To book your trek, please contact [email protected] . Daily departures are available with a minimum of two trekkers.
All Ananizo Canyon trekkers that are traveling in May 2020 will receive a 20% discount on our standard rates!
