The Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour is a great alternative to the classic trek to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. Palccoyo is located in the south of Cusco region, and it nestles at 5000 metres above sea level high up in the Peruvian Andes. The outward trip to the top of Palccoyo takes around 3.5 hours from Cusco city.
The Rainbow Mountains in Peru are the second most visited attraction, after Machu Picchu. Just as Vinicunca, Palccoyo too is a part of the Peruvian Andes. The colours are a result of mineral deposits.
Unlike Full Day Vinicunca Peru Tour, it is easier to visit Palccoyo on a full-day tour from Cusco. The tour begins at 04:00 AM. We will be driving you to the trailhead that is at 4900 metres above sea level. It is just a 45 minutes hike to the top.
Palccoyo Cusco tour offers you a closer view of the mighty Ausangate Mountain. The Trek takes you through Stone Forest (Bosque de Piedras). Here you will get to see distinct rock formations.
Throughout this short trek, you will be able to see Andean camelids, Alpacas, Llamas and Vicuñas. To enhance your experience, we will also be introducing you to the life and traditions of local communities living on the foothills. They have preserved their age-old traditions and customs.
Palccoyo Cusco is a high altitude experience. It is highly recommended that you spend a few days in Cusco and acclimatise to avoid altitude sickness.
The best time to visit Palccoyo Cusco is during the dry season – between March and November. During the rainy season, the trail gets flooded and slippery.
We operate the full day trip to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain both in private and in a small group.
Do take a moment to check our exclusive 1 Day Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco itinerary.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
04:00-4:30 AM
We will be picking you up from your hotel in Cusco at 04:00 AM. Then we will embark on a drive through the South Valley of Cusco to Cusipata where we will have our breakfast at 6:30 a.m. Then we stop in Checacupe, It is a colonial town and home to an ancient rope bridge that resembles the last Inca bridge, Qeswachaka. However, this bridge was built during the Spanish era.
Checacupe is the last town before entering the base of the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain. You can pick up some snacks and use the restrooms.
We will then embark on a drive up the hill for 1:30 hrs. On our way, we will be passing through some local communities where the tour guide will be introducing you to their way of life.
Once at the car park, the guide will give you a short briefing highlighting the Andean traditions and mythology and the importance of Ausangate Mountain to the locals.
We will then begin with a gradual hike for 45 minutes. On our way up, you will get to see Andean camelids, Alpacas, Llamas and Vicuñas. You will also get a closer view of the Ausangate Mountain.
You will have plenty of time at the summit to immerse yourself in the tranquility and beauty of nature at 4900 meters above sea level.
After basing in nature’s beauty on this Full Day Cusco to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain tour, we will begin our hike back to the car park. We will then drive you back to Cusipata where we will stop for lunch before returning to Cusco at around 16:00 PM.
I had an amazing time visiting the alternative Rainbow Mountain of Palccoyo. Many people soke about the red valley and Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, but it was a unique experience visiting Palccoyo. Thanks David.
Cusco Travel Agency is the best. I visited the prime tourist attractions including Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu and I can totally reccomend them
