Hike to the Astounding Palccoyo Mountain
Palccoyo is a colorful mountain range located in the south of Cusco, similar to the classic Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain , but with three rainbow mountains along a single ridge, mystical stone forest, and barely another soul in sight.
A gentle 45-minute walk from 4,780 meters unveils vivid stripes of crimson, turquoise, and gold painted by millions of years of geology. Meet locals dressed in their traditional clothing accompanied by their llamas and alpacas.
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Packing List
- Faqs
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
Why Visit Palccoyo Mountain?
Experience the Palccoyo Mountain in a fully guided tour, small group tours with our professional local guides, who will lead you through the stunning Andean countryside landscapes. Vidal Expeditions includes entrance fee, breakfast, lunch and door to door service.
The hike on the path is quite easy, going gradually up to reach the view point where you can appreciate the Palccoyo mountain. With an easy walk that includes some stops at the viewpoints, it doest not require much physical condition. Join us in this magical day tour from Cusco and live an authentic experience at the high Andes Mountains.
Highlights: Palccoyo MountainHiking distance: 3km/1.8miles (2 hours hike round trip)
Considerations: Acclimatization is required
Season: March to November
Max. Altitude: 4,900masl/16,076ft
Itinerary at a Glance
- Day01
Cusco - Cusipata - Palccoyo Mountain - Cusco
Embark on the best adventure to discover the iconic Rainbow Mountain of Palccoyo in the middle of the Peruvian Andes.
Cusco - Cusipata - Combapata - Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain , Cusco
Highlight of the day: Arriving at the spectacular Palccoyo Mountain and enjoying the amazing views of the surrounding landscape.
Hike to Palccoyo Mountain of Seven Colors
Your adventure begins with an early morning hotel pickup, followed by a drive to Cusipata town for a traditional Andean breakfast. We'll then continue for another hour through scenic Andean villages to reach the trailhead.
Starting at 4,780 meters (15,682 feet), the hike to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain's viewpoint takes approximately 30-40 minutes. Along the way, you'll spot colorful mountains and alpacas grazing in the distance. Once you arrive at the viewpoint, you'll have time to enjoy the stunning natural landscape.
After exploring Palccoyo, you can optionally hike to the nearby rock forest area to see ancient geological formations and view three rainbow mountains from an elevated perspective. We'll then return to Cusipata for lunch before driving back to Cusco.
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel at 4:00 AM for a two-hour drive to Cusipata town in our comfortable van. Upon arrival, we'll stop for a traditional Andean breakfast to prepare you for the day ahead.
After breakfast, we continue driving for approximately 90 minutes, ascending into the mountains along narrow, winding roads. During this portion of the journey, you'll witness the dramatic landscape transformation from lush valleys to high-altitude highlands. Picturesque Andean villages line the route, and the first glimpses of colored mountains will gradually emerge on the horizon. You'll also spot alpaca and llama farms scattered throughout the region.
Upon reaching the trailhead, we begin a 45-minute hike with beautifully colored mountains visible beside us. The path ascends gradually toward the viewpoint, making the climb manageable at high altitude.
At the summit, standing at 4,900 meters (16,141 feet), you'll enjoy incredible panoramic views of three rainbow mountains surrounding you. Take your time exploring this natural wonder and capturing photographs, as this route typically has fewer visitors. For those interested, there's an optional hike to reach an even better vantage point and visit the stone forest with its fascinating geological formations. Afterwards, we descend to the bus station and return to our restaurant for lunch. In the afternoon, we'll drive back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.
At Vidal Expeditions, we are transparent and provide specific details of what is included and excluded in our Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour. We know this is very important so that you know exactly what to bring and don’t miss anything. We provide this information to ensure that you have an incredible experience during your tour.
WE INCLUDE
Vidal Expeditions Team Provide
Pre-departure briefing
Once you book the tour with us, you will get a notification about the pre-departure briefing, where you will meet with your adventure guide and the tour group in our office the night before your Palccoyo Mountain tour departure. During this briefing, you will receive important details about the tour.
Professional Cultural Guide
All our tour guides have a great reputation for customer service and have been leading tours in the area for many years. Through their patience, responsibility, knowledge, passion for adventure, and pride in having been born in the land of the Incas, we ensure our tour guides provide an excellent experience for you when you explore the Palccoyo Mountain.
Entrance Fees
Once we receive your details and the deposit for your tour, we will purchase all the necessary tickets for you to explore Cusco. They will be for a specific date.
Transportations
Private Transport
We included all the transportation during your tour. We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and take you to the beginning of the trail. The bus returning once you are done with the Palccoyo tour to Cusco will drop you off at your hotel.
Equipment
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Walking Sticks
Hiking with trekking poles has its benefits. They protect your knees while you are hiking downhill, especially in remote areas where there are many ups and downs. Trekking poles also help you during the ascent and provide increased stability. Vidal Expeditions will include a pair of trekking poles.
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Medical First Aid Kit
All tour guides at Vidal Expeditions are very well trained in first aid. They received training courses every six months on how to assist someone who is in an emergency situation. Also, they are trained on how to supply balloon oxygen if someone requires it.
Meals
Meals
At Vidal Expeditions, we know food is such an important part of any vacation, and getting the right fuel on an active holiday is crucial. We include one breakfast and one lunch. And of course, we cater to all dietary restrictions. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and others—just let us know. Our chefs are well-trained to prepare the best food you've ever had with local and organic ingredients.
WE NOT INCLUDED
Water bottle
Every customer needs water during this tour. We will stop in a shop where you can purchase some water bottles and snacks.
Travel Insurance
We recommend buying travel insurance before leaving your country in case something happens during your visit to Peru.
Tips for our team
Tips are not included. Tipping the team is usual on any excursion in Cusco, although we pay good salaries to our entire team, tips are welcome as a token of your appreciation for the team hard work.
PALCCOYO MOUNTAIN TOUR PACKING LIST
At Vidal Expeditions, we focus on making your trip an unforgettable experience, and we want to provide all the details you need to know before leaving your country and starting your life experience in Peru.
Essential Items
- Passport
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelback is encouraged - but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable hiking pant
- Trekking poles
INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:
A daypack can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. If it is larger, try to make it as light as possible.
- Rain gear
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Water bottle
- Bug spray
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
- Personal medication or Own first aid kit
- Snacks (Chocolate, energizing bars, caramels, etc.)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) PALCCOYO RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TOUR
At Vidal Expeditions, we try to make the booking system as easy as possible for you. Once you decide to do some of our day tours, we will send you a booking form where you need to complete all the required details that we need to book your tickets. We also need a previous deposit of 50% of the price per person. As soon as you pay it, we immediately book a spot for this tour. Once we are done with it, we will send you your invoice and a confirmation form that all the booking processes have been satisfactorily set up.
This Palccoyo Mountain is one of the best alternative day tours to the classic, crowded . Located on the same mountain range, it has the same seven colors formed by the natural sediments of thousands of years. However, this mountain is located at a lower altitude, and not many people visit it, making it a perfect destination for those who want to avoid large groups.
Actually, Cusco has three rainbow mountains; the last one was discovered during the COVID-19 pandemic. These three rainbow mountains are: Vinikunca, the classic and most visited; Palccoyo, which is a great alternative for those who do not like the crowded areas; and Pallay Punchu, which also offers stunning views. If you want a challenging trek with breathtaking views, then the Vinicunka Rainbow Mountain is what you are looking for.
The big difference between Vinicunka and Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain are:
- Altitude: Vinicunka: 5,036 meters, Palccoyo: 4,900 meters
- Landscapes: Vinicunka: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley. Palccoyo: Three Rainbow mountains & Rock forest
- Difficulty: Vinicunka: Moredate-Challenging. Palccoyo: Easy - Maderate
- Walking time: Vinicunka: 2,30 hours round trip. Palccoyo: 1,50 hours round trip
The elvation of Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain is 4,900 meters (16,076 feet) above sea level
Yes, at the beginning of the hike, you will find some basic cabins that are used as toilets, so we recommend bringing a roll of toilet paper for this tour.
Well, this is not a very challenging hike; it takes around 30 minutes to reach the view point where you can see Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain. Keep in mind that the hike starts at 4,780 meters and the viewpoint is at 4,900 meters, only 120 meters from hiking through a gentle path. However, it is always recommended to have a few days of acclimatization.
No worries; all our trekking team and guides are well prepared to assist in any emergency that can happen during this tour. Altitude sickness is very common at this altitude, and our guides will always carry an oxygen tank in case someone in the group needs it. We also don't rush anyone, so if you take your time to hike slowly and steadily, you will make it.
Actually, it is better to join a guided tour from Cusco; many travel companies offer daily departures for this mountain because there is no local transport that goes to this Palccoyo mountain. The other way is to take a local taxi from different places in Cusco.
Definitely, if you are looking for a wonderful place away from the crowds where you can still see a colored mountain, this Palccoyo Mountain is a great alternative for you.
We usually pick up our customers at 4:00 a.m. from their hotels, and it can vary according to the weather predictions, hotel location, and size of the group.
Definitely, it is always recommended to wear light hiking boots if possible. However, for our traditional day tours, where you do not need to hike for hours, you can go with sneakers. On the Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake tours, you need ones with ankle support, which are extra helpful, especially for the inexperienced hiker. Because you will be climbing and going down slippery stairs, some of which could be muddy, uneven, and at varying heights, the extra support helps prevent twisting your ankles.
During our Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour, we include: pick-up, transportation, meals (breakfast and lunch), entrance fees, a tour guide, and walking poles.
The weather in Cusco and parts of the Andes is unpredictable, even if the weather forecast says it’s sunny. We can’t trust it. It is an impossible question for us to answer. Historically, April through September is the dry season; November through February is the rainy season; and March and October are bridge months—a mixture of both. But the clouds have not followed these rules in the last few years. Prepare for sun and rain, no matter when you come. As far as temperatures go, that is consistent throughout the year. Mornings and evenings are always cold. Make sure to bring a fleece jacket for the mornings and a down jacket for the afternoon.
From: USD 70.00 per person
USD 65.00: from 4 people to more
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Vidal Expeditions. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. Vidal Expeditions will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
Feel free to reach us via email at vidalexpeditions@gmail.com or by calling us directly at +51 951 359 694
Monday - Friday:
09:00 to 18:00 Hrs.
Saturday:
09:00 to 13:00 Hrs.
Prolongacion Av. Grau L-8, Santiago - Cusco
Full Day Tour Palccoyo Mountain Tour
What's it like
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour Map
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT TOUR OPERATOR IN OUR ONE-DAY HIKING TOURS?
At Vidal Expeditions we are focus in offer the best service for all our customers and here is what makes us different than others during the day trekking tours.
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Small groups: Along our different one-day hiking tours our group size is a capped at 12 people. This guarantees that you will enjoy every step and provide you safety.
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All included: Vidal Expeditions provides an exclusive service during our hiking day tours, from pick up to the drop off, entrance fee, guides, transportation, and meals, to make you not be worry about anything. .
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Safety: Safety is our priority during each of our trekking tours, we gurantee our departure when you book the tour with us. Our minimum size of group to operate this tour is 2 people.
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Local Certificate Guides: Our team consists of 100% local certificate guides, who have expert knowledge and experience in different trekking tours around Cusco.
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Best Meals: During the Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, Palccoyo and Pallay Punchu tours we offer a variety of foods which is prepared by our professional chef who use local ingredientes and take care about your dietary.
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Best Trekking team: At Vidal Expeditions we focus to create the best experience during our excursions. Our team that consists of tour guides, cooks, porters, horse drivers are handpicked. We train our team to offer you the best service. We take care of our team by providing them with good equipment and paying them fairly.
Are you planning to visit the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain?
Here is the Essential Information that you Need to Consider for your Palccoyo Mountain 1 Day Tour Experience.
The Palccoyo Mountain 1 Day Tour offers Peru's best-kept secret for experiencing rainbow-colored mountains without the crowds. While thousands flock to the famous Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain daily, Palccoyo remains beautifully uncrowded, revealing not just one but three distinct rainbow mountains along a gentle ridge. This easier alternative features the same geological wonder—vibrant mineral stripes in turquoise, crimson, gold, and emerald—but with a significantly shorter hike, mystical stone forests, sweeping Red Valley vistas, and the peaceful atmosphere that makes every photo feel like a personal discovery.
- Starting Point: The Palccoyo tour departs from Cusco with complimentary hotel pickup from your accommodation in the city center or nearby districts.
- Ending Point: Our Palccoyo Mountain tour returns to Cusco, with drop-off at your hotel door or as close as possible, typically arriving between 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM.
- Three Rainbow Mountains: Unlike Vinicunca's single peak, Palccoyo features three distinct rainbow-colored mountains along one ridge, each displaying unique patterns of red, turquoise, yellow, and emerald mineral stripes for incredible panoramic photography.
- Stone Forest (Bosque de Piedras): Explore a mystical landscape of towering white limestone formations resembling a petrified forest, creating an otherworldly atmosphere perfect for adventurous photography and adding 20-30 minutes of optional hiking.
- Ausangate Mountain Views: On clear days, marvel at distant views of the sacred Ausangate (6,384m), the highest peak in the Cusco region, creating a stunning backdrop of glaciated summits behind the colorful ridges.
- Andean Wildlife Encounters: Walk alongside herds of llamas and alpacas grazing on high-altitude grasslands, with opportunities to spot wild vicuñas and interact with local Quechua-speaking shepherds in traditional dress.
Choose Palccoyo for an extraordinary rainbow mountain experience without the overwhelming crowds and physical demands of Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. You'll see three colorful mountains instead of one, enjoy a peaceful atmosphere with minimal tourists, complete an easier 30-50 minute hike versus 1.5-2 hours of steep climbing, and still witness the same geological wonder that makes Peru's rainbow mountains world-famous.
- Far Fewer Crowds (95% less tourists)
- Three Rainbow Mountains vs. One
- Easier Hike (30-50 min vs. 1.5-2 hours)
- Gentler Terrain & Less Steep
- Stone Forest & Red Valley Included
- Better for Families & All Ages
- More Time for Photography
- Peaceful, Serene Atmosphere
- Same Stunning Colors & Geology
For the Palccoyo Mountain 1 Day Tour, information meetings are typically held at our office or in your hotel at 6:00 p.m. the evening before the tour, or can be arranged at the time of booking. Since this is a straightforward day tour, the briefing is shorter (approximately 15-20 minutes) covering pickup time, what to bring, and altitude considerations.
Vidal Expeditions provides complimentary hotel pickup for all Palccoyo Mountain tour participants staying within Cusco city center. Our team will collect you directly from your accommodation, ensuring a stress-free start to your rainbow mountain adventure.
Pickup Details:- Hotels: Direct pickup from your hotel lobby
- Airbnb/Private Rentals: Please provide your WhatsApp number and exact address during booking
- Pickup Time: Early morning departure, typically between 3:30 AM - 4:00 AM (confirmed at booking)
- Pickup Area: Cusco city center and nearby districts (Plaza de Armas, San Blas, Wanchaq, Santiago)
- Return Time: Expected return to Cusco between 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Our group tours bring together travelers of diverse ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels for this accessible day adventure. The Palccoyo hike is gentle enough that most participants can walk comfortably together, though everyone is free to explore at their own pace once at the viewpoints.
Group sizes are typically kept small (2 - 8 people maximum) to ensure personalized attention from your guide and maintain the peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere that makes Palccoyo special. Your guide will coordinate stops, photography opportunities, and timing to ensure everyone enjoys the full experience.
The Palccoyo Mountain tour is considered easy to moderate, making it the perfect choice for travelers who want to see rainbow mountains without extreme physical exertion. The main challenge comes from the high altitude rather than the hiking distance or steepness. This tour is suitable for families with children, older adults, and anyone with average fitness levels.
Tour Breakdown- Drive from Cusco: 3-3.5 hours each way through scenic Andean highlands with breakfast stop
- Main Hike: 30-50 minutes one way on gentle, well-maintained trail to rainbow mountain viewpoints
- Trail Difficulty: Gradual incline, mostly flat terrain, no technical climbing required
- Stone Forest (Optional): Additional 20-30 minutes with steeper section for those wanting extra adventure
- Total Walking Time: Approximately 1.5-2 hours total (including exploration and photos)
- Altitude: Trailhead at 4,800m (15,750 ft), highest viewpoint at 4,900-5,000m (16,076-16,400 ft)
Comparison to Vinicunca: Palccoyo is significantly easier—the hike is half the distance, much flatter, and 200-300 meters lower in maximum elevation. Most travelers find it manageable even with mild altitude effects.
Planning your Palccoyo Mountain adventure? Follow these expert recommendations from our experienced guides to ensure you have the most enjoyable and comfortable experience on your rainbow mountain day tour.
Essential Tips for Your Visit- Book in Advance: While Palccoyo is less crowded than Vinicunca, we recommend booking at least 1-2 weeks ahead during high season (May-September) to secure your preferred date and ensure availability.
- How to Book: Pay $150 deposit to secure your spot. Balance due before tour departure. Book online here or WhatsApp us at +51 951 359 694.
- Best Season: Visit during dry season (April-October) for clearest skies, most vibrant colors, and best photography conditions. Avoid January-March when snow can obscure the colored stripes.
- Acclimatize First: CRITICAL - Spend at least 2-3 days in Cusco (3,400m) before attempting this tour. Even though Palccoyo is easier than Vinicunca, you'll still reach 4,900-5,000m altitude.
- Arrive Early: Choose the earliest departure time available (usually 5:00 AM) to arrive at the rainbow mountains before other groups and enjoy sunrise light on the colorful peaks.
- Layer Your Clothing: Morning temperatures can be near freezing (0-5°C), but sunny midday can warm up significantly. Dress in removable layers you can adjust throughout the day.
- Stay Hydrated: Bring 1.5-2 liters of water per person. High altitude dehydration is common and can worsen altitude symptoms. Avoid alcohol the night before.
- Charge Your Camera: The three rainbow mountains, Stone Forest, Red Valley, and Ausangate views create countless photo opportunities. Bring extra batteries as cold drains them quickly.
- Contact Vidal Expeditions: Reach out a few days before your tour to confirm pickup time, ask questions, and ensure you're fully prepared for this amazing adventure.
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