Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour
- Plaza de Armas
- Cusipata
- C.C. Palccoyo
- Cusco
Easy
Diary
Group/ private
All years
Bus
Overview
Discover a less crowded and equally stunning version of the famous Rainbow Mountain with our Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour. Located in the southern Andes near Cusco, Palccoyo offers a series of colorful striped mountains, breathtaking landscapes, and a shorter, easier hike compared to Vinicunca. Ideal for those looking for a more relaxed and accessible trekking experience, this tour showcases the beauty of the Andes without the intense effort.
Unlike the more popular Vinicunca, Palccoyo Mountain is perfect for families, beginners, and travelers adjusting to the altitude. Along the route, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Andean mountain range, unique rock formations like the «Stone Forest,» and possibly even spot llamas or alpacas in their natural habitat. This full-day tour is an excellent way to connect with nature and experience the magic of the Peruvian highlands without the crowds.
Tour Summary – Rainbow Mountain Palccoyo Full day
Experience a more peaceful and accessible alternative to the famous Vinicunca with our Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour. Located about 3 hours from Cusco, this hidden gem offers a spectacular view of not just one, but three vibrant rainbow-colored mountains. With an easy, scenic hike and fewer crowds, Palccoyo is perfect for families, beginner hikers, or anyone looking for a more relaxed Andean adventure. Along the way, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Andes, visit the incredible Stone Forest, and catch a glimpse of local wildlife like alpacas and llamas.
This full-day tour includes transportation, breakfast, lunch, a professional guide, and all entrance fees, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience in the Peruvian highlands. Whether you’re short on time or want to avoid intense hiking, Palccoyo Mountain is the ideal way to witness the colorful beauty of the Andes without the crowds or high altitude challenge of Vinicunca.
Tour Details:
- Tour Name: Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour – Easy Alternative to Vinicunca
- Location: Cusco Region, Southern Andes of Peru
- Tour Type: Full-Day Group or Private Tour
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate – Family Friendly
- Duration: Approximately 10 hours (Full day)
- Elevation: Max altitude: 4,900 m / 16,076 ft
- Group Size: Small group (6–15 people) or private option
- Start Time: 4:30 AM pick-up from your hotel
- End Time: Around 5:00 PM return to Cusco
- Availability: Daily departures – Year-round
- Best Season: April to November (dry season preferred)
- Languages: English and Spanish-speaking professional guide
Highlights
- Visit the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Range, a stunning natural wonder with vibrant mineral colors
- Enjoy a short and easy hike, perfect for beginners and acclimating travelers
- Explore the unique Stone Forest, a natural rock formation high in the Andes
- Capture amazing photos of three rainbow-colored mountains in one place
- Breathtaking views of the Ausangate Glacier and the surrounding Andes
- See alpacas and llamas grazing freely in their natural habitat
- Comfortable round-trip transportation and meals included
- Led by a knowledgeable local guide for a safe and enriching experience
Itinerary at a Glance
- 04:30 AM – Early morning hotel pick-up in Cusco
- 04:45 AM – 07:30 AM – Scenic drive through the southern valley and small Andean villages
- 07:30 AM – Stop for breakfast in the town of Cusipata
- 08:30 AM – Arrival at the Palccoyo trailhead and start of the gentle hike
- 09:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Explore the colorful Palccoyo Mountain range and visit the Stone Forest
- 11:30 AM – Begin return hike to the parking area
- 12:00 PM – Return drive to Cusipata for lunch
- 01:00 PM – Enjoy a buffet lunch at a local restaurant
- 01:45 PM – 04:00 PM – Drive back to Cusco
- 04:00 PM – 04:30 PM – Drop-off at your hotel in Cusco
Rainbow Mountain Palccoyo Day Itinerary
Hotel Pick-Up – 4:30 AM
Your adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. We’ll travel in a comfortable tourist van, heading southeast through the scenic Southern Valley of Cusco, passing charming Andean villages, farmlands, and snow-capped peaks along the way.
Breakfast in Cusipata – 7:30 AM
We’ll stop in the town of Cusipata to enjoy a delicious Andean-style breakfast. Take some time to rest and prepare for the hike ahead while soaking in the quiet beauty of the highlands.
Arrival at Palccoyo Trailhead – 8:30 AM
After breakfast, we continue the drive to the trailhead, located at around 4,800 meters (15,748 ft) above sea level. From here, the Palccoyo trek begins with a gentle and relatively short walk (approximately 45 minutes) through a landscape filled with vibrant colors and dramatic mountain views.
Explore the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountains – 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
You’ll be surrounded by not one, but three colorful mountains! Take in the peaceful beauty of the Palccoyo Rainbow Range, much less crowded than Vinicunca. You’ll also visit the fascinating Stone Forest, a natural formation of jagged rocks that looks like a petrified forest. Throughout the hike, you may encounter alpacas grazing freely and panoramic views of the Ausangate Glacier in the distance.
Return Hike and Drive to Lunch – 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
We’ll make our way back to the parking area and begin the return drive to Cusipata, where a tasty buffet lunch awaits. This is a great time to relax, hydrate, and reflect on the unique sights of the morning.
Return to Cusco – 1:45 PM to 4:30 PM
After lunch, we continue the drive back to Cusco. We’ll drop you off at your hotel between 4:00 PM and 4:30 PM, ending your Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain day tour with unforgettable memories of the colorful Andes.
What’s Included
- Hotel pick-up (within the historic center of Cusco)
- Round-trip tourist transportation in a comfortable van
- Professional English-speaking tour guide
- Delicious Andean breakfast in Cusipata
- Tasty buffet lunch after the hike
- Entrance fee to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain
- First aid kit and oxygen supply
- Gentle hike suitable for all ages
- Free time for photos and sightseeing
What’s Not Included
- Entrance fee to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Snacks or drinks not specified in the itinerary
- Pick-up outside central Cusco (extra charge may apply)
Recommendations
Make the most of your experience by being well-prepared. Here’s what we recommend you bring:
- Warm clothing: Temperatures can be cold in the early morning and at high altitudes. Dress in layers.
- Waterproof jacket or poncho: Weather in the Andes can change quickly.
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots: The trail is gentle but uneven in some parts.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses: UV rays are stronger at high altitudes.
- Sun hat or beanie, depending on the weather.
- Reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated at high altitude is essential.
- Snacks: Although breakfast and lunch are provided, it’s good to have light snacks during the hike.
- Camera or smartphone: The scenery is breathtaking—you’ll want to take lots of photos!
- Personal medication: Especially if you’re prone to altitude sickness.
- Cash: Small bills in Peruvian soles for tips, souvenirs, or optional services.
Frequently Asked Questions – Rainbow Mountain Palccoyo full day
Is the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour difficult?
No, the Palccoyo tour is considered easy to moderate. The hike is relatively short, about 45 minutes to 1 hour round-trip, and follows a gentle, well-marked path. It’s much easier than the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain trek, making it ideal for families, beginner hikers, and anyone concerned about altitude.
What makes Palccoyo different from Vinicunca?
Palccoyo offers a more relaxed and crowd-free experience. Unlike Vinicunca, which requires a steeper and longer hike, Palccoyo has three colorful mountains visible with minimal walking. It’s perfect if you want to enjoy the stunning scenery without the physical challenge.
What is the altitude of Palccoyo Mountain?
Palccoyo is located at approximately 4,900 meters (16,076 feet) above sea level. While this is high, the shorter and easier hike helps minimize the effects of altitude. We also carry oxygen and our guides are trained to assist in case of altitude-related issues.
When is the best time to visit Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain?
The best time to visit is during the dry season from April to November. These months offer clearer skies and better visibility of the colorful mountains. However, we operate year-round and even the rainy season can bring spectacular landscapes.
Do I need to acclimate before the tour?
Yes, we strongly recommend spending at least 1–2 days in Cusco before the tour. Acclimatizing helps your body adjust to the high elevation and ensures a safer and more enjoyable experience during the Palccoyo trek.
Are meals included in the tour?
Yes, both breakfast and lunch are included. You’ll enjoy a traditional Andean breakfast in Cusipata and a buffet lunch after the hike. Vegetarian options are available upon request—just let us know in advance.
Is there a bathroom on the way?
Yes, there are basic restrooms available at the breakfast/lunch stop and near the trailhead. While they’re not luxurious, they are convenient for quick use before and after the hike.
What should I bring for the Palccoyo tour?
We recommend bringing layered clothing, sunblock, a hat, sunglasses, water, and a small daypack. Weather in the high Andes can change quickly, so it’s best to be prepared for both sun and cold. A camera is also a must—you’ll want to capture those incredible views!
Can children or older travelers do this tour?
Yes, Palccoyo is a family-friendly tour suitable for kids and seniors. The terrain is not steep, and we go at a slow pace. It’s a great alternative for those who want to see the rainbow mountains without the strenuous hike of Vinicunca.
How many people are in the tour group?
We keep our groups small, usually between 6 to 12 people. This allows for a more personalized experience, better interaction with your guide, and more flexibility during the tour. Private tours are also available upon request.
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