Rainbow Mountain Palccoyo Tour from Cusco

One day tour

From US$75 person

Tour Type

Nature, Adventure

Difficulty

Easy

Languages

English, Spanish

Accommodation

Not included

Group size

Max 10 people

Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour: The Perfect Alternative to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain

Explore one of the most colorful and stunning landscapes in Peru with this full-day excursion to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain. Accompanied by expert guides, you’ll discover a magical place where the natural colors of the earth create a postcard-worthy scene.

Unlike other more demanding routes, Palccoyo is the perfect alternative to the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. It’s ideal for those seeking a peaceful yet equally breathtaking adventure. The hike is short and gentle—perfect for taking your time and capturing the best photos of your trip.

This tour is ideal for families, couples, or anyone wanting to experience the best of the Peruvian Andes without long treks. We’ll take you by vehicle to a point very close to the summit, where you’ll begin a gradual 45-minute walk, surrounded by untouched nature, until reaching 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) above sea level.

Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of Ausangate, the highest and most sacred mountain in the Cusco region. The tour also includes a visit to the charming colonial bridge of Checacupe, a hidden gem that recalls the famous Inca bridge Q’eswachaka.

Travel Tip: Since this adventure takes place at high altitude, we recommend staying in Cusco for at least 3 days before the tour to acclimate and enjoy the experience to the fullest without any issues.

Itinerary

Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour

Get ready for a unique experience in the Peruvian Andes. We’ll pick you up directly from your hotel in Cusco at 6:00 a.m., and begin our journey in private transportation toward the stunning South Valley.

After a scenic drive of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, we’ll arrive at the charming town of Cusipata, where you’ll enjoy a varied and nutritious breakfast to recharge before the hike. We’ll have about 30 minutes to eat calmly and get ready for what’s ahead.

Our next stop is Checacupe, a picturesque colonial town. Here you’ll have free time to stroll through its streets and cross the historic hanging bridge built during the time of the Spanish conquistadors.

From Checacupe, we’ll start ascending toward the trailhead to Palccoyo, passing through small Andean communities that offer us authentic and unique landscapes. Once at the starting point, your professional guide will give an informative briefing with useful tips and safety recommendations so you can enjoy the experience to the fullest.

Hike to the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain

We’ll begin the hike with a gentle 15-minute ascent to the first Rainbow Mountain of Palccoyo. Then we’ll continue for another 15 minutes to the second mountain, and from there, 15 more minutes to the third. Finally, an additional 20-minute walk will take us to the astonishing Stone Forest, a remarkable geological formation.

Throughout the hike, you’ll have plenty of time to take incredible photos, connect with nature, and admire the surroundings. The guide will explain the spiritual significance of these mountains in the Inca worldview, especially their connection to Apu Ausangate, the sacred mountain.

Return with Traditional Andean Lunch

After enjoying the panoramic views and capturing unforgettable memories, we’ll begin a 35-minute descent back to the starting point. From there, we’ll take transportation to Cusipata, where we’ll stop for lunch. You’ll have 40 minutes to enjoy a delicious Andean meal in a peaceful setting.

After lunch, we’ll begin our return journey to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 5:45 p.m., with your heart full of new memories and unforgettable landscapes.

Included