Palccoyo: The Alternative Rainbow Mountain

One of the nicest day trips you can take in Peru’s Cusco region is to Palccoyo, the Alternative Rainbow Mountain.

If you’re wondering what it is, the name says it all: Palccoyo is a naturally formed rainbow-colored mountain.

While the majority of tourists head to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, which is the more well-known of the two. Palccoyo, the Alternative Rainbow Mountain Peru, offers scenery unlike any other. With its stunning vistas, dreamlike views of Ausangate Mountain too, in the distance, and the tranquility found along the less-traveled pathways, it will undoubtedly amaze you.

Where is the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain located?

The Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Peru is roughly 3.5-hour drive from the Cusco region. Spectacular views can be found even along the route! An organized tour is among the simplest ways to reach Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain. Tours often leave Cusco around 7:00 am, although you can also drive yourself if you rent a car.

Which time of year is best for visiting Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain?

If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain, it is between April and October. Its Cusco’s dry season, when the weather is lovely and higher elevations provide clear views. To guarantee your safety, arrive in the morning when the weather is calmer and less turbulent.

How is the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain experience?

Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain is located at a height of 4,900 meters. The best part of this Alternative Rainbow Mountain Peru hiking trip is that you will get to see three rainbow mountains! The Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain’s colors are breathtaking, with shades of yellow, pink, red, and green.

There is a higher chance that you will be all alone here. You will be getting amazing pictures and taking as much time as you want to admire the views because the summit is occasionally isolated. The Ausangate Glacier and mountain will also be visible if the weather is clear. Alpacas and llamas can be seen grazing along the roadside in large numbers. As long as you don’t approach too closely, they will stop for pictures.

Even if you are a beginner hiker, you can enjoy the Alternative Rainbow Mountain Peru hike without getting exhausted. This is because the hike is not too difficult. Your degree of fitness will determine how long it takes to do the Alternative Rainbow Mountain hike, but it should take around an hour each way.

What should I pack for Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain?

You should keep in mind that altitude sickness can strike anyone at any time, even if you have adjusted in Cusco (and you should remain in Cusco for at least two to three days before the hike). Therefore, make sure to bring plenty of snacks and water with you so that you can cope with the weather. Before starting the hike, chew on some cocoa leaves to help with altitude sickness.

Compared to the well-known Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, the Alternative Rainbow Mountain Peru requires significantly less trekking, but the trails are still unpaved and steep. Dress warmly and comfortably, and layer the clothing as well. As you ascend to higher elevations, be prepared for the weather to change, so pack a raincoat, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.