Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain

Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain

$ 39.00

Explore the stunning Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain at 4,900m. Palccoyo is a less crowded alternative to Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain). Enjoy an easier hike, vibrant landscapes, and a visit to a unique stone forest. Experience the beauty and culture of the Andes in a comfortable day trip from Cusco.

Tour at a glance

Difficulty Moderate
Average group 14 people
Duration 1 day
Pickup 4:00 AM – 4:30 AM

Description

Most important tour information

Pickup time
4:00 AM – 4:30 AM Pickup window from your accommodation
Arrival in the ending city
6:00 PM Approximate arrival time in the city where the tour ends

What is included

Included

  • Hotel pickup
  • Round-trip transportation
  • Breakfast and buffet lunch
  • English/Spanish-speaking professional tour guide
  • First-aid equipment and oxygen bottle
  • Trekking pole

Not included

  • Entrance fee to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain (20 soles)

Itinerary

Morning: Pick up, breakfast and drive to Palccoyo

  • 4:30 – 5:00 AM: We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco.
  • 5:00 – 7:00 AM: Drive to the town of Cusipata, where we will stop for a delicious breakfast.
  • 7:00 – 8:00 AM: Continue driving to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain.

Afternoon: Visit Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain and the stone forest

  • 8:00 – 10:30 AM: Explore the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain area. Enjoy a gentle one-hour hike to see the three rainbow-colored mountains and the stone forest. Take your time for photos and listen to your guide’s explanations about the area.
  • Optional hike to the Stone Forest
    Extra hike of about 20 to 30 minutes to reach the Stone Forest viewpoint, where you can see unique vertical rock formations. This section is optional and involves moderate physical activity.
  • 10:30 – 11:30 AM: Return to Cusipata by van for a buffet lunch.

Evening: Return to Cusco

  • 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM: After lunch, we will drive back to Cusco.
  • Around 6:00 PM: Arrive back in Cusco, and we will drop you off at Plaza Regocijo.

Times are approximate and the order may change with weather, traffic, or local conditions.

Practical information

Meeting and timing

End point
6:00 PM

Trail and tour details

Difficulty
Moderate
Tour duration
1 day
Average group size
14 people

Full tour description

Discover the beautiful and colorful Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain in Cusco. This hidden gem is less crowded than the famous Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain and offers three stunning rainbow-colored mountains, along with a unique stone forest. The hike is easy and suitable for all fitness levels, making it a perfect day trip from Cusco.

Explore Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain

Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain is a stunning and less-known alternative to the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. Located about 3 hours from Cusco, this destination features three beautiful rainbow-colored mountains that showcase vibrant hues of red, ocher, green, blue, and white. Unlike the challenging hike to Vinicunca, the walk in Palccoyo is easy and takes about an hour, making it accessible for everyone.

The altitude of Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain is approximately:
Main viewpoint: around 4,900 meters (16,076 ft)
Highest nearby viewpoint / stone forest: around 5,000 meters (16,400 ft)

Experience Andean Landscapes

The journey to Rainbow Mountain alternative offers amazing views of the Andean landscape. You’ll pass through scenic valleys, traditional villages, and see locals in their colorful clothing, accompanied by llamas and alpacas. This tour also includes a visit to a unique stone forest, where you can see fascinating rock formations shaped by nature over thousands of years.

Enjoy a hassle-free day trip from Cusco to the Rainbow Mountain alternative

This tour is designed to be comfortable and enjoyable. We provide round-trip transportation, breakfast, and a buffet lunch, so you can focus on enjoying your day. Our professional English/Spanish-speaking guide will be with you every step of the way, offering insights and making sure you have a safe and memorable experience. We also carry first-aid equipment and oxygen, ensuring your safety at all times.

Background information about Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain, the alternative

Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain is one of Peru’s hidden treasures, located in the Andes near Cusco. Unlike the more famous Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, Palccoyo is less crowded and offers a more peaceful experience. The area is known for its three colorful mountains, created by mineral deposits over millions of years. The mountains display vibrant stripes of red, ocher, green, blue, and white, making it a photographer’s paradise. Additionally, Palccoyo is home to a fascinating stone forest, where ancient rock formations stand tall, shaped by wind and time. The area is also rich in Andean culture, and during your visit, you may see locals dressed in traditional clothing, herding llamas and alpacas.

What to bring

  • Wool hat or beanie
  • T-shirt and layers
  • Jacket and long pants
  • Sunglasses and gloves
  • Small backpack (for water, snacks, camera, etc.)
  • 2 liters of water
  • Snacks (chocolate, cereal bars, nuts, etc.)
  • Sunscreen
  • Rain jacket or poncho
  • Cash in soles for entrance fee and personal expenses
$ 39.00 per person
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