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Walk among jagged rock spires that tower over the striped Palccoyo valleys.
The Bosque de Piedras adds a sharp contrast to the soft mineral stripes of Palccoyo. This geological formation sits at the peak of the hike, reaching an elevation of 4,900 meters (16,076 feet).
You will need a short, slightly steeper walk to reach the top. The detour rewards you with close-up views of eroded pillars and clear sightlines to the Ausangate glacier.
10 minutesSteepest section
The path to the rocks diverges from the main flat trail. It requires a 10-minute detour uphill. This is the steepest part of the entire Palccoyo trek. Pace yourself and take breaks to manage the high altitude.
20 minutesUneven terrain
The trail ends at the peak among eroded, jagged rock pillars. These tall stone columns tower directly over the landscape below. The ground here is uneven and rocky. Walk carefully among the spires to maintain your footing.
15 minutesGlacier views
This specific viewing angle frames the snow-capped peak of Ausangate perfectly. On clear days between May and October, you get maximum visibility. The red rocks contrast sharply with the white glacier in the distance.
