1 Day Trek to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain – Palccoyo Cusco

(4 Reviews)
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From$45
Price
From$45
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  • Group Tour Start Time: 04:30
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Palccoyo Cusco Tour Details

Rainbow Mountains in Peru are the second most visited attraction after Machu Picchu. Cusco, the former capital of the Incas is home to two iconic Rainbow Mountains, Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, and Palccoyo Cusco. 

1 Day Trek to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain is an easier option. Often known as the alternative Rainbow Mountain, on this full-day tour we will be driving you to a section pretty closer to the summit. From the starting point, it is 45 minutes to an hour’s trek (1.5 km/0.9 miles each way) to the summit. 

On the way to the summit, you will be passing through some peculiar stone formations. It also goes through a section where you will see many Andean Camelids – Alpacas, Llamas and Vicuñas. 

Also, you will also get a closer view of the “Apu” Ausangate. This is the tallest peak in the region. It is sacred to the Andean people.

Palccoyo Cusco is a part of the Ausangate Mountain range. It is, however, not so popular attraction as Vinicunca, so often visitors experience these pristine sights in solace.

To enhance the life of locals and to offer you a hint of life in the remote Andes, we often take a local community member with us. We operate this tour both in small groups and private tours. 

Rainbow Mountains are among the most photographed sites in Peru. You can also read plenty of Travel Blogs online. 

Why travel with us?

We are a certified local tour operator based in Cusco. Cusco to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour is a high-altitude experience. We highly recommend you spend at least 2-3 days in Cusco acclimatizing before you visit the Rainbow Mountains to avoid altitude sickness

When is the best time to visit Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain?

The best time to visit Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain on a day trip is during the dry season – from March to November. During the Rainy Season, the trail is slippery and the mountain is mostly covered in a blanket of snow.

Departure & Return Location

Cusco Hotel Transfer

Departure Time

0700 AM

Price Includes

  • Round Trip Transfer
  • Bi-Lingual Tour Guide (English & Spanish)
  • Box Lunch
  • Entrance Fees
  • First Aid Kit and Oxygen Can

Price Excludes

  • Breakfast
  • Any Private Expenses

Recommended To Carry

  • Sunscreen and Sunglasses
  • Snacks and Water
  • Some Peruvian Soles in cash
Itinerary
1 Day Trek to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain - Palccoyo Cusco

1 Day Trek to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain

Your 1 Day trek to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain begins with an early morning pickup (0700 AM) from your hotel in Cusco. We will embark on a 3.5 hours drive through the South Sacred Valley in our private transport.

We will be having a brief stop in a colonial village called Checacupe. Here you can use the toilets or buy some snacks.

Checacupe is a beautiful small village. It is home to an ancient rope bridge. This bridge was however built during the Spanish rule. 

It resembles Qeswachaka Rope Bridge to an extent. There is also a colonial church here. 

We will then continue driving along an unpaved road towards the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain. The view is simply breathtaking at every turn. Along the way, we will be passing through many schools and communities.

If you are traveling during or post-monsoon, you will be welcomed to the sight of a red river flowing down the hill. Locals call this “Incas Blood”. The region is strong in mineral contents. During monsoon, the water erodes the mineral-rich soil and flows down the hill. 

We will be stopping at the base camp at 4900 meters above sea level (16076 ft.) Before starting the trek, our guide will give you a brief about the mountain and how it was formed. You will also get an introduction to the culture and traditions of the people living here. 

Palccoyo Cusco

The highest point of Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain is 5000 meters above sea level (16404 ft.). It will be a 45-minute to an hour hike with staggering views of the snow-capped mighty Ausangate Mountain at a distance.  

Ausangate is a sacred Andean peak. It is also the highest in the region. 

On the way to the summit, you will be passing through some distinct stone formations – Rock Forest. Both the colors of Palccoyo and the view from the summit is out worldly. 

After you have had your fill of the beauty of the valley from the peak of Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain and views of colorful mountains, we will start our trek back to the parking area.

 This is more like a circuit, we will be hiking back the same way we went up. Then we will drive to Checacupe. Here we will stop in a local restaurant for lunch.

After lunch, we will drive back to Cusco. We will be dropping you at Plaza Regocijo, a block away from Plaza De Armas at around 0600 PM. 

Photos
FAQs

Best time to Visit Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain?

Rainbow Mountains are a part of the Andes Mountain Range. Here it is subject to two seasons – dry season and rainy season. It is recommended to visit Palccoyo during the dry season – March to November.

4 Reviews
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Jerin

Solo Traveller

The Rainbow Mountain in Peru was on the top of my bucket list whilst visiting Cusco. This off the beaten path trek with Jose was splendid. This alternative Rainbow Mountain tour offers the best in the easiest way. The other mountain had Red Valley and rhis tour took through the Stone Forest.

December 23, 2021

Alex

Solo Traveller

This day trip was very nice
The mountain were gorgeous!

The guide Raoul was a :
– excellent drive
– awesome guide
– great photographer
And a really good cook😜

Small group with almost alone on the mountains.
Perfect trip!

Thanks to Jose Luis and Raoul

February 11, 2020

Nicolas

Solo Traveller

I had a very good trip up to the Rainbow Mountains with Jose Luis as my guide. He is a very nice person with a plenty of tricks and knowledge on hiking. His expertise was just amazing and helpful. I can surely recommend this company and Jose Luis

January 8, 2020

Bretha

Solo Traveller

impressive hike to see the enchanting Rainbow Mountains of Cusco. Jose Luis and his team were incredible and very informative and caring. I am very convinced with the time and money i spent on this unique attraction

January 7, 2020

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