Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain tour 1-Day from Cusco

Duration 1 days

Group size Max 16

Tour Overview

Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain tour full day from Cusco

Join us on a full-day Cusco to Palccoyo tour to experience the best of this Alternative Rainbow Mountain in Peru in a small group or on our exclusive private tour.

The seven colored mountains are among the most visited attractions in Cusco after Machu Picchu. Most travellers choose to hike Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. It's preferable to visit the Rainbow Mountains during the dry season in Cusco, because the absence of rain makes any hike safer and easier.

Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour is an easier option. It barely involves any hike, as we will be driving you closer to the summit on this full-day tour. The highest point of the tour is at 4900 meters above sea level, and the trail begins at 4800 meters above sea level, so you will just be hiking 100 meters.

The trail offers enchanting views of the Stone Forest, or Bosque de Piedras, which is a natural stone formation here. You will also get to see many flora and fauna. Vicunas are quite common here.

Unlike the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain trek, the trip to Palccoyo begins at a reasonable time from Cusco. Before reaching the trailhead, we will be stopping at a town called Checaupe. It is home to a colonial rope bridge that resembles Q'eswachaka and was built during the Spanish era.

You will also get to see the mighty Ausangate Glacier. This is a Sacred Andean Peak and dominates the southern skyline of Cusco on a clear day. The tour guide will share some information about the locals who have preserved their traditional Andean way of life.

Please note that this full-day trip to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain is a high-altitude experience. We highly recommend that you spend a few days in Cusco and acclimate to the altitude before the tour to avoid altitude sickness. For learning more about the trip, you can check our guide about the hike to the Rainbow Mountains.

Do take a moment to check our reviews on Trip Advisor.

Starting from

$60 USD / person

Max 16 pax

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Local expert guides

Itinerary — 1 Day

We will be picking you up from your hotel in Cusco at 0500 AM. Then, in our private transport, we will be driving you through the South Valley of Cusco to Checacupe. This is a colonial town. Here you will have some time to buy some water or snacks or use the restrooms.

Checacupe has a colonial vibe. The town houses a rope bridge built by Spanish rulers that resembles Q'eswachaka. The town also houses a colonial church.

Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Day Tour

After touring here, we will drive up the hill to Palccoyo. We will be driving through many remote highland communities and schools. Our guide will be giving you insight into their way of life.

We may even invite the community leader or some kids to join us, as this would expose them to the outside world.

Once we reach the car park, our tour guide will hand you a snack box. We will then begin hiking. The hike is relatively easy as you will be gradually walking up to the summit.

Along the way, we will cross the Stone Forest, or Bosque de Piedras. Here, distinctly shaped rocks tower up to the sky. This is a natural rock formation.

Once at the summit of Palccoyo, our tour guide will introduce you to the Andean mythology. As farming has been a main job here since the Inca civilization, people still worship nature. They honor lakes and mountains.

Once you have had your fill of this enchanting attraction, we will start to hike down the same way we went up. We will then drive you back to Checacupe. Here we will stop for lunch.

After lunch, we will be driving you back to Cusco. We will be reaching Cusco city by 0600 PM.

Included

Includes

Cusco Hotel Transfer: We provide convenient door-to-door transportation from your hotel in Cusco. Our team will pick you up directly at your accommodation and drop you off at the end of the tour, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.
Round Trip Transport: Travel comfortably in our modern, well-maintained vehicles. The round-trip journey includes scenic landscapes, safe driving, and professional service throughout the entire route.
English-Speaking Local Tour Guide: Your adventure will be led by a certified local guide who speaks fluent English. They will share cultural insights, explain the history and geology of the region, and accompany you at your own pace to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Breakfast and Lunch Included: Start your day with a freshly prepared Andean-style breakfast, and enjoy a delicious lunch made with local ingredients. We accommodate dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other special requests—just let us know in advance.
Walking Sticks: To make your hike smoother and more comfortable, Happy Gringo Tours provides complimentary walking sticks. They offer stability on uneven terrain and help reduce the impact on your knees while exploring the Palcoyo trails.
WhatsApp Briefing: The day before your tour, a member of our team will send you a detailed WhatsApp briefing with all the important information—pick-up time, weather tips, packing recommendations, and answers to any last-minute questions.
24/7 Customer Service: At Happy Gringo Tours, communication is always easy. We provide 24/7 customer support so you can contact us anytime for assistance, clarifications, or emergencies.
Oxygen Tank: Palcoyo sits at nearly 4,940 meters (16,207 ft), where breathing can become challenging. For your safety, our expert guides always carry a professional-grade oxygen tank, ready to assist anyone experiencing altitude-related discomfort.
First Aid Kit: All our guides are trained in first aid and carry a complete medical kit, equipped with supplies for altitude sickness, stomach discomfort, minor injuries, cuts, and other common issues. Your safety is our priority at every step.
Entrance Fees to Palcoyo Mountain: Your tour does not include the Palcoyo entrance ticket is paid directly in the community. Take 20 sole sin cash

Not included

Excludes

Tips for Guides: This is optional.

Packing List

Clothes

Jacket

Equipment

Backpack

Sunglasses

Essential

Cash

Passaport

Recommended

Sun cream

Gallery 5 photos

Frequently Asked Questions

To book your Palcoyo Mountain 1-day trek with Happy Gringo Tours, simply click the “BOOK NOW” button above. Select your preferred departure date, complete the personal information for each traveler, and submit the $20 deposit per person. As soon as we receive your deposit, we’ll send you a confirmation email—this means your Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain tour is officially secured.

You can pay the remaining balance in cash (USD or soles) at our office in Cusco one day before your tour.
If you prefer to pay by credit card, you can complete the payment through our booking platform at least two days before the tour. Please keep in mind that credit card payments include a 5% processing fee, so paying in cash is the most economical option. Let us know which method you’d like to use.

Cheaper options exist, especially tours sold on the street—but they usually operate with large groups of 20+ people, only one guide (often an inexperienced trainee), and without proper emergency equipment.
With Happy Gringo Tours, you travel in a small group of max. 6 travelers, accompanied by an experienced English-speaking guide, emergency oxygen, first-aid kit, careful drivers, and freshly prepared meals. We prioritize safety, comfort, and quality over quantity.

No, for Palcoyo you do not need your original passport. A simple photocopy is perfectly fine.

Yes, it’s possible. However, since all our Palcoyo tours depart from Cusco, staying in the Sacred Valley requires arranging a private service, which carries an additional $30 transportation fee.

No. Horses are not allowed in Palcoyo because they can damage the rock-based trail and natural formations. Fortunately, the hike is easy and accessible without the need for a horse.

The best months to visit are April to November, during the dry season.
From December to March, rain and snow are common, trails can become muddy, and visibility may be limited.

Yes, mornings can drop below freezing. As the sun rises, temperatures mellow, but the summit can still be cold and windy, especially under cloudy skies. Expect temperatures between 5–15°C (40–60°F), and from 0–10°C (32–50°F) during rain or cloudy weather.

Your Happy Gringo Tours guide will check your oxygen level using an oximeter and provide supplemental oxygen if needed. If symptoms persist, we immediately descend to a lower altitude to ensure your safety.

There are no official age limits. However, we recommend children be at least 6 years old, as younger kids may struggle with cold weather or altitude. If traveling with children, ensure they are warmly dressed and properly acclimatized.

Palcoyo does not require permits, so spots are always available.
However, from May to August (peak season), we recommend booking at least one month in advance, since guides and transportation can fill up.

Yes. There are two toilets:

Yes, definitely bring cash in soles. Local vendors may sell snacks, drinks, or souvenirs, and the bathrooms also require payment. No credit cards are accepted in the area.

On the main trail, hiking sticks are optional, as the path is mostly flat. However, if you plan to climb to the Stone Forest or if you visit during the rainy season, hiking sticks become very helpful for stability.

Absolutely. Happy Gringo Tours can arrange a fully private Palcoyo experience, customized to your pace and preferences.

There are no charging points in Palcoyo. You can only charge your devices inside the vehicle, so bringing a portable charger is highly recommended.

Yes. With Happy Gringo Tours, your safety is our priority. Our guides have 5+ years of experience, always carry oxygen and a complete first-aid kit, and our drivers operate modern, well-maintained vehicles.

The hike is considered easy, with a gentle incline and a short distance (around 3 km / 1.8 miles round trip). The only real challenge is the high altitude of approximately 4,940 m (16,207 ft).

We recommend staying in Cusco for at least 2–3 days before your Palcoyo tour to ensure proper acclimatization.

Unfortunately, no. There are no horses, ATVs, or transport options on the trail. You must walk to reach the viewpoints.

Yes. The trail is wide, gradual, and safe, with no dangerous drop-offs. The optional viewpoint may feel exposed for some, but it is not required to enjoy the tour.

Yes, the Red Valley viewpoint is included as an optional stop. If you prefer to skip it, you can return to the starting point with the guide.

Yes, many travelers aged 60+ have completed the Palcoyo hike successfully.
For maximum comfort and flexibility, we recommend a private tour. As always, consult a doctor before traveling to high altitudes.

Yes, you may leave extra items safely inside our spacious van during the tour.

Yes, we can drop you off at the airport after the tour. The airport is located before the city center, so it’s a convenient stop on our return route.

Unfortunately, we do not offer student discounts for the Palcoyo tour.