Salpo sunset tour from Trujillo: Andean peaks and cloud views

Breakfast in Salpo, a stone forest walk, and sunset toasts above a white cloud mattress

This full-day tour from Trujillo climbs into the Andes to Salpo, a high-altitude viewpoint known as the "Sky Balcony," where you watch the sunset from above a sea of clouds. The day moves through the village of Salpo for an Andean breakfast, the Mirador with views of Huascarán peak, a trout hatchery and artificial lagoon, a one-hour walk through a stone forest of wind-carved rock formations, and ends at the cloud viewpoint with sunset toasts and Andean music. Private transportation, a Spanish-speaking guide, and Andean ponchos for photographs are included. The tour runs 14 to 16 hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Salpo and Andean landscapes

• Visit Salpo village and Plaza de Armas
• Stop at Mirador for photos and views
• Lunch and visit Plaza de Armas in Carabamba
• Visit reservoir and trout hatchery
• Walk the stone forest route
• Enjoy sunset, photos, toast, and dance

The experience

The tour departs Trujillo early and climbs toward Salpo village in the high Andes. You stop for an Andean breakfast in the village, then visit the Plaza de Armas before heading to the Mirador, a viewpoint in the foothills of Ragash Hill where you can see Huascarán peak across the province of Otuzco. The landscape here is open and high. You photograph the "Balcón del Cielo" letters and the panoramic Andean terrain.

From there the route moves to Carabamba in Julcan Province for lunch and a brief visit to its plaza. Next is a stop at one of the region's major reservoirs and a trout hatchery, where you can photograph the artificial lagoon and its full expanse. Then comes a one-hour walk through the stone forest, a natural formation of rocks carved by wind into shapes (animals, people, hands raised in prayer, a bride and groom) that create a landscape of pre-Inca imagery. The ichu grass typical of the high Andes covers the area.

The day ends at the sunset viewpoint, where you stand above a cluster of clouds that look like a white mattress spread across the valley below. You wear Andean ponchos for photographs, toast the sunset with the group, and dance to Andean music as the light fades. The guide and driver handle all transport. Children from age 5 are welcome, and service animals are allowed.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Trujillo.
• a Spanish-speaking guide for the full day.
• Andean breakfast in Salpo village.
• lunch in Carabamba.
• Andean ponchos and props for photography.
• sunset toasts and Andean music at the viewpoint.
• First Aid Kit.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (30 to 55 years) · Senior (56 to 85 years) · Youth (18 to 29 years) · Child (5 to 10 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideSpanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ayni Forest

Is this one for you?This is a shared group tour with a fixed itinerary and schedule, so you move with other travelers through each stop. Choose it if you want the high-altitude Andean experience, the stone forest walk, and the sunset above clouds without arranging your own transport or navigation: the guide and driver handle the full day, and you step out at each viewpoint and site.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (18 to 29 years); Child (5 to 10 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the stone forest at Salpo, and how long do you spend walking through it?

The stone forest is a natural formation of wind-carved rocks that resemble animals, people, couples, and hands in prayer: images tied to pre-Inca culture. You walk through it for one hour, moving through the main and secondary areas to see the different rock shapes and the wild ichu grass that covers the high Andes.

Can I see Huascarán peak from this tour?

Yes, from the Mirador viewpoint in the foothills of Ragash Hill, you can observe Huascarán peak across the province of Otuzco. This is one of the stops where you photograph the high Andean landscapes.

What happens at the sunset viewpoint, and why is it called the "Sky Balcony"?

At the final viewpoint, you stand above a sea of clouds that creates the impression of a white mattress spread across the valley. The "cloud mattress" the tour is known for. You photograph in Andean ponchos, toast the sunset with the group, and dance to Andean music. The viewpoint is called the "Sky Balcony" because of the high-altitude views and the unique perspective of watching the sunset from above the clouds.

Is this tour private, and does it include transportation from Trujillo?

Yes, the tour is private with dedicated transportation and a Spanish-speaking guide throughout the day. Hotel or city pickup from Trujillo is included, and the guide handles all driving and route logistics.

What should I bring or wear for a 14 to 16 hour high-altitude tour?

You'll be at high altitude in the Andes, so bring layers and sun protection. Andean ponchos are provided for photographs at the viewpoint and during the sunset celebration, so you don't need to bring your own. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the one-hour stone forest walk.