Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain - Day Tour

Palccoyo: a striking adventure to the alternative Rainbow Mountain!

Palccoyo is a colorful mountain range in Cusco, similar to the classic Rainbow Mountain, but with three different rainbow color mountains that showcase ocher and red colors, with green, blue, and white stripes. This hidden gem is also home to a stone forest and local people dressed in their traditional costumes accompanied by their Llamas and Alpacas.

Visiting Palccoyo offers beautiful landscapes and the opportunity to witness the stunning colors of the Palccoyo mountain range. The best part is that this circuit does not require much physical condition and can be done easily with a gentle walk of only one hour, without any unevenness. This makes it a less demanding alternative to the long trek to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. Book your tour to Palccoyo mountain of colors today and discover one of Cusco’s hidden treasures!

Tour Highlights

🌈 Discover the spectacular Palcoyo Rainbow Mountains, where three colorful mountains create one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Peruvian Andes.
🏔️ Enjoy incredible panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and the majestic Vilcanota Mountain Range.
🪨 Hike to the impressive Stone Forest, a unique natural rock formation offering unforgettable 360° views of the surrounding Andes.
📸 Capture stunning photographs of vibrant rainbow-colored mountains without the large crowds found at other destinations.
🦙 Meet llamas and alpacas grazing freely while experiencing the authentic traditions and daily life of local Andean communities.
🚶 Enjoy a gentle and accessible hike, making Palcoyo an excellent alternative for travelers seeking incredible scenery with less physical effort.
🌄 Experience one of Cusco’s hidden gems, surrounded by untouched nature, peaceful landscapes, and spectacular high-altitude scenery.

Price From

US$ 27

per person

Trip Details

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco - Cusipata - Palccoyo - Cusco

Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Full-Day Tour – Itinerary

🌄 Hotel Pickup (4:00 AM – 5:00 AM)

Your adventure to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain begins with pickup from your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco. Pickup takes place between 4:00 AM and 5:00 AM, depending on the location of your accommodation. Your exact pickup time will be confirmed one day before the tour via WhatsApp.

🚐 Scenic Drive to Cusipata & Breakfast

As we travel through the breathtaking Andean countryside, you’ll enjoy spectacular mountain scenery, traditional villages, and the chance to spot llamas and alpacas along the way. After approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, we’ll arrive in the community of Cusipata, where you’ll enjoy a delicious and nutritious breakfast in a cozy local restaurant before continuing the journey.

🌉 Journey to Combapata & Stop at Checacupe Bridge

After breakfast, we continue toward Combapata (approximately 30 minutes by vehicle). From there, we’ll take the scenic route to the Palcoyo Mountain Range, a drive of approximately 2 hours through beautiful Andean landscapes. Along the way, we’ll stop at the historic Colonial Bridge of Checacupe, one of Peru’s oldest colonial bridges, where you’ll have time to admire its architecture and take memorable photographs.

🌈 Hike to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain

Upon arriving at the Palcoyo trailhead, we’ll begin a moderate hike of approximately 1 hour at an altitude of more than 4,600 meters (15,091 ft) above sea level.

During the hike, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the colorful Palcoyo Rainbow Mountains, impressive red valleys, snow-capped peaks, and the surrounding Andean mountain ranges. Unlike the more crowded Rainbow Mountain, Palcoyo offers a quieter and more relaxed experience, perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

For those who wish, there will also be time to continue to the fascinating Stone Forest, an impressive natural rock formation that offers spectacular panoramic views of the Andes.

🍽️ Return & Traditional Andean Lunch

After exploring the Palcoyo Mountain Range and taking plenty of photos, we’ll return along the same trail to our transportation and begin the drive back. We’ll stop once again in Cusipata, where you’ll enjoy a delicious buffet-style Andean lunch before returning to Cusco.

🚐 Return to Cusco

After lunch, we’ll continue our journey back to Cusco, enjoying the beautiful Andean scenery one last time. The tour concludes in the historic center of the city, near Plaza Regocijo, where you’ll have the rest of the afternoon free to explore, enjoy dinner, or return to your hotel and relax after an unforgettable adventure.

What’s Included For Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain

Hotel pickup in Cusco for a hassle-free start to your adventure
Comfortable roundtrip tourist transportation in a modern, fully equipped vehicle
Fresh, nutritious breakfast to fuel your day at high altitude
Delicious buffet lunch featuring a variety of local and international dishes
Professional bilingual tour guide (English & Spanish) with extensive knowledge of the region
Trekking poles to provide extra stability and comfort during the hike
Comprehensive first-aid kit and emergency oxygen carried by the guide for your safety throughout the tour