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Tour Details

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

The seven coloured mountains are one of 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 metres above sea level and the trail begins at 4800 metres above sea level, so you will just be hiking 100 metres.

The trail offers enchanting views of the Stone Forest or Bosque de piedras which are 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, 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 you to 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.

Departure & Return Location

Cusco Hotel Transfer

Departure Time

0700 AM

Price Includes

Cusco Hotel Transfer
Round Trip Transport
English Speaking Local Tour Guide
Entrance Fees
Snack Box and Lunch

Price Excludes

Any Personal Expenses

Recommended To Carry

Camera and Extra Batteries
Sunscreen
Sun Hat and Sunglasses
Peruvian Soles in Cash

Itinerary

Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour

We will be picking you up from your hotel in Cusco at 0700 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 that was built by Spanish rulers and looks like Q’eswachaka. The town also houses a colonial church.

Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour:

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

We may even invite the head of the community or some kids to join us as this would give them an exposure to the outside world.

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

Along the way, we will be crossing 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 is a main profession here, since Inca civilization, people continue to worship the natural entities like 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.

Photos

FAQs

When to hike Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain?

Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain is a part of the Peruvian Andes. Here it is subject to two seasons – Dry Season and Wet Season. We highly recommend doing the trek during the dry season – March to November. This is when you will get a clearer view at the colors of Palccoyo.

During monsoon, the trail gets slippery and the mountain is often covered in snow.

1 Review

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Edwin

Couple Traveller

Our Rainbow Mountain experience was second to none. Marko is a fantastic guide with an excellent knowledge about the trek and the life of the community who live there.

October 8, 2020

Cusco To Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain- Alternative Rainbow Mountain Peru

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