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Tour Details

Join us on a breathtaking day trip to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain, an extraordinary destination just outside the city of Cusco. This alternate Rainbow Mountain is less crowded than Vinicunca, offering a peaceful experience. We will start our journey early from your hotel in Cusco, heading towards the colorful landscapes of Palccoyo. The route will take us through vibrant highland scenery, dotted with alpacas and llamas.

Upon arrival, we will begin the gentle Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain trek, gaining around 200 meters (656 feet) in elevation. The total altitude will reach approximately 4,900 meters (16,076 feet) above sea level. The hike is relatively easy and highly recommended for those seeking a less strenuous option. We will have ample time to explore the stone forests, unique rock formations standing tall amidst the rainbow-colored mountains.

Reach the Top of Palccoyo: An Unforgettable Experience

Reaching the top, we will soak in panoramic views of the Palccoyo Mountain range. The multicolored ridges will offer a stunning backdrop for photos. We will enjoy these unforgettable landscapes and learn about the rich cultural history of the region. The best times to visit Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain are during the dry season, from April to November.

Departure & Return Location

Hotel Cusco

Departure Time

5:30 am

Price Includes

Pre-tour information to prepare for the adventure
Round-trip transfers from Cusco to the starting point of the hike
Professional English/Spanish-speaking tour guide
Assistance throughout the entire tour from our professional team
Touristic transportation in a tourist vehicle equipped with oxygen
Entrance ticket to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain
Trekking poles provided for the hike
Breakfast and traditional Andean lunch at a local restaurant in Cusipata
Oxygen supply for altitude support
First aid kit available for any emergencies

Price Excludes

Hotel in Cusco
Horse rental
Personal expenses (e.g. souvenirs, snacks, and beverages)
Tips for guides and drivers
Travel insurance (highly recommended for coverage of unexpected events)
Entrance fees to other attractions not listed in the itinerary
Optional activities not included in the tour (e.g. horseback riding)
Additional meals or beverages outside the included breakfast and lunch
Other services not mentioned in the itinerary
The visit to the stone forest is optional, but we highly recommend exploring this unique attraction.

Complementaries

Comfortable hiking shoes with good grip
Warm clothing layers (jacket, gloves, hat) for high-altitude conditions
Rain jacket or poncho, as weather can change quickly
Sunscreen (high SPF) and lip balm to protect against UV rays
Sunglasses to shield from the sun and glare at high altitudes
Hat or cap for sun protection
Small backpack to carry your essentials
Reusable water bottle (recommended 1-2 liters) to stay hydrated
Snacks (e.g. energy bars, nuts) for extra energy during the hike
Personal medications (including altitude sickness tablets if needed)
Camera or smartphone for photos of the stunning scenery
Cash for personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, or snacks)

Itinerary

Half DayCusco - Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain - Cusco

We will start by picking you up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:30 AM. Our comfortable tour vehicle will take us south towards the majestic Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain. During the drive, we will enjoy incredible views of the Andes, spotting alpacas, llamas, and beautiful rural landscapes.

After about 1.5 hours, we will stop in the small community of Cusipata. Here, we will enjoy a delicious breakfast at a cozy local restaurant. This meal will give us the energy we need for the adventure ahead. Following breakfast, we will continue our journey towards Combapata, which will take us about 30 minutes by vehicle.

We will then head towards the Cordillera de Palccoyo. This scenic drive will last approximately 2 hours and will include a stop at the historic Checacupe Colonial Bridge. The stone bridge offers an excellent opportunity for stunning photos and learning about local history. Continuing our journey, we will finally arrive at the base of Palccoyo.

At Palccoyo village, we will begin a moderate 1-hour trek that will take us through stunning landscapes. The elevation gain during the hike will be around 200 meters (656 feet). We will reach an altitude of over 4,600 meters (15,091 feet) above sea level.

As we walk, we will marvel at the multicolored ridges of Palccoyo Mountain, a natural wonder less crowded than Vinicunca. Our expert tour guide will share fascinating insights about the area’s geology and culture.

We will have the chance to explore the enchanting stone forests, a mysterious natural formation near the summit. You can ascend on your own to capture panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. This experience will offer unique opportunities for memorable photos of both the rainbow mountains and the stone forests.

After spending time enjoying the awe-inspiring views, we will head back to our transportation. On the return journey, we will stop at the same restaurant in Cusipata for a well-deserved traditional Andean lunch. We will then continue our drive back to Cusco. This is where we will drop you off at Plaza Regocijo, located in the heart of the historic center, near your hotel.

Day Statistics:

Distance traveled: 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) on foot and by vehicle
Highest altitude: 4,900 meters (16,076 feet) at Palccoyo Mountain
Lowest altitude: 3,399 meters (11,151 feet) at Cusco
Route: Cusco – Cusipata – Combapata – Palccoyo – Cusco
Difficulty level: Moderate

Photos

FAQS

1How difficult is the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain trek?

The trek is moderate and relatively easy compared to other hikes like Vinicunca. The hike takes about 1 hour with a slight elevation gain of around 200 meters (656 feet).

2What is the altitude at Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain?

Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain sits at an altitude of approximately 4,900 meters (16,076 feet) above sea level. Is important to acclimatize in Cusco before the tour.

3How long is the drive from Cusco to Palccoyo?

The drive takes about 3.5 hours one way, with scenic stops along the way, such as at Checacupe Colonial Bridge.

4Is Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain less crowded than Vinicunca?

Yes, Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain is less crowded than Vinicunca, offering a more peaceful experience with equally stunning views.

5Do I need to acclimatize before visiting Palccoyo?

Yes, we recommend spending at least 1-2 days in Cusco. This will help you to acclimatize before joining the Palccoyo tour because of the high altitude.

6What should I wear for the tour?

You should wear layered clothing, as temperatures can change quickly. We recommend wearing a warm jacket, hat, gloves, comfortable hiking shoes, and a rain jacket (specially during the rainy season).

7Are meals included in the tour?

Yes, breakfast and lunch are included in the tour, both served at local restaurants in Cusipata.

8Will there be oxygen available in case of altitude sickness?

Yes, our vehicles are equipped with oxygen, and our guides carry first aid kits for safety.

9Is there an option to rent a horse for the trek?

No, horse rentals are not available at Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain, but the trek is manageable for most fitness levels.

10What are the best times to visit Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain?

The best time to visit is during the dry season, from April to November. This is when weather conditions are most favorable.

11What happens if the weather turns bad during the tour?

Weather in the Andes can be unpredictable. We will monitor conditions closely, and our guides are experienced in handling any changes. We recommend bringing a rain jacket or poncho just in case.

12Is there mobile phone signal at Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain?

In most areas around Palccoyo, there is little to no mobile signal because of the remote location. We suggest informing your contacts in advance that you may not have service during the tour.

13Do we need to bring cash for anything during the tour?

Yes, we recommend bringing some cash (preferably in Peruvian soles) for personal expenses. This include tips, snacks, or souvenirs, as card payments may not be available in rural areas.

14Will there be restrooms available during the tour?

There will be restrooms available at the restaurant stops in Cusipata for breakfast and lunch. However, restrooms may not be available along the hiking route.

15How much time will we spend at Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain?

We will spend around 1.5 to 2 hours exploring Palccoyo, including the hike, time to take photos, and visiting the stone forests.

16Can I book this tour on short notice?

Yes, you can book the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain tour on short notice, subject to availability. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure your spot.

2 Reviews

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Williams G.

Solo Traveller

Our experience with the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour was amazing from start to finish! The scenery was breathtaking, and we loved that it wasn’t overly crowded. The hike was well-paced unlike the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, with stunning views around every corner.
The tour guide was professional and made the experience even more enjoyable. The breakfast and lunch provided were delicious and gave us a taste of local cuisine. This tour is a must for anyone visiting Cusco!

junio 20, 2021

Sarah P.

Solo Traveller

This tour was perfect for us! We were looking for a day trip that wasn’t too strenuous, and Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain delivered. The scenery was breathtaking, and the hike was manageable for our whole group.
We were amazed by the stone forests and the colorful peaks. The tour was well worth it, and we’d recommend it to anyone wanting to experience the beauty of the Andes without the crowds.

noviembre 12, 2020

Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour – Palccoyo Mountain

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