For travelers, our Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour is the easiest and most tranquil option. We offer the beauty of the Rainbow Mountains with the promise of fewer crowds than Vinicunca. The hike is short and easy (30 – 60 minutes) and is designed to be accessible for almost every visitor. That is allowing you to comfortably enjoy panoramic views of Ausangate. This is the most sensible way to take full advantage of an experience you can not forget in the Andes.
Group Services
Tour to Palccoyo Mountain
Our team will lead you on one of the easiest ways to see the Rainbow Mountains, through the Palccoyo Mountain Tour. Our agency will handle all of the logistics to ensure we have far fewer visitors than Vinicunca. We will begin with comfortable transportation from Cusco, followed by a short hike (30 – 60 minutes) that will be easy for most visitors. The trail also includes beautiful views of the snowy mountain, Nevado Ausangate. As part of our service, we will also provide a traditional lunch before returning to Cusco, managing the whole experience from start to finish.
Price of the Palcoyo mountain tour: 50.00 USD
Tour Duration: Full day (1 day)
Location: South of Cusco, in the district of Combapata
Tour Description: Includes round-trip transportation and a scenic 2 hour hike through the Andes. The hike covers approximately 2 miles and requires a moderate level of physical fitness.
Altitude: The trail ranges between 14,900 ft and 15,500 ft (4,540 m – 4,724 m).
Physical Requirements: Suitable for travelers in good health, with some prior acclimatization to high altitude recommended.
Important Note: The tour takes place in a remote natural area and is subject to weather conditions. Proper gear and preparation are essential.
Itinerary
DAY 1
Very early in the morning, your professional tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. We will begin our journey with approximately 3 hours of scenic travel to the charming town of Combapata, where we take a detour onto a rustic dirt road for about 1 hour to reach the starting point of the hike.
Arriving at the parking area at an altitude of approximately 14,900 feet (4,540 meters), we will start our trek to Palccoyo Mountain, reaching about 15,500 feet (4,724 meters). The hike lasts around one hour and offers stunning landscapes decorated with grazing llamas and alpacas, enhancing the authentic Andean experience.
Once at the summit, you will be amazed by the breathtaking multicolored geological formations of Palccoyo, a spectacular natural masterpiece. Continuing our exploration, we visit a nearby section of mountains with unique, naturally sculpted shapes that resemble incredible works of art.
Along the way, a natural viewpoint provides an impressive panorama of the highest snow-capped peak in Cusco, Ausangate Mountain, standing tall at 21,100 feet (6,440 meters). This is the perfect spot for memorable photos and to fully absorb the beauty of the Andes.
After capturing these unforgettable moments, we will hike back to the parking area and then return by road to the welcoming community of Combapata, where a delicious traditional lunch awaits you.
Finally, we head back to Cusco city, completing a day filled with natural wonders, cultural insights, and breathtaking landscapes.
What is included in our tour to Palcoyo Mountain of Colors
- Expert Assistance and Smooth Logistics
- Professional Assistance: Your excursion leader will be an experienced, bilingual tour guide personally devoted to you and your group, providing safety assistance and important information regarding Andean culture and geology.
- Comfortable Transportation: Round trip transportation is provided to and from your Cusco hotel. As well as providing safe, efficient transport, our vehicles make the most of your time on site viewing the Rainbow Mountain.
- Safety Assistance: Before all Palccoyo tours we provide safety at high elevation (up to 16,076 ft) through the carrying of an Oxygen Tank and through carrying a complete first aid kit on your Palccoyo tour.
- Access and Food
- Attraction Access: The official Entrance Ticket to the attraction is included. Whenever possible, we handle the management of your entry to ensure a quick and hassle-free access into event.
- Traditional Luncheon: A delicious traditional lunch will be on the itinerary after the hike to allow for the best recovery before you begin your trip back.
Not Included
Exclusions and Important Recommendations
To ensure that you have the best possible trip on your Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour, please keep in mind the following items are not included:
- Not Included (Personal Expenses)
- Beverages: Beverages other than what is provided during lunch are not provided, so please bring enough water for the hike.
- Gratuities and Equipment: Gratuities for your guide and driver staff are appreciated but not necessary. Trekking poles are not included but are strongly encouraged for stability.
Recommendations
It is best to be prepared for the unpredictable climate of the Andes.
- Clothing: Warm/layered/light clothing (thermal works best), hiking pants, and durable trekking shoes are needed. Also, a waterproof rain poncho is a must.
- Personal Gear: Please do not forget to bring a small backpack, reusable water bottle, sun block, and sunglasses (UV radiation is high at 16,000+ ft).
Prices
GROUP SERVICE
$ 50 USDPRIVATE SERVICE
- 01 people 190 USD
- 02 people 120 USD
- 03 people 110 USD
- 04 or more people 95 USD
Travel Info
Colorful Mountains of Palcoyo
Palcoyo Mountain is a breathtaking natural wonder located in the Cusco region of Peru. Similar to the famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), Palcoyo showcases a vibrant array of colored strata created by ancient geological processes. However, unlike Vinicunca, Palcoyo offers a more peaceful and less crowded experience—perfect for those seeking natural beauty without the crowds.
From the main viewpoint, you’ll admire the stunning panorama of three colorful mountains and the iconic “Stone Forest,” a series of unique rock formations sculpted by nature into what appears to be a maze of stone trees. On clear days, the trail offers exceptional views of the sacred Ausangate Glacier.
How to Get to Palcoyo
The journey from Cusco to Palcoyo takes about 3 hours by car to the town of Combapata. Before reaching town, you’ll cross the traditional Checacupe Bridge—an Inca-style suspension bridge still in use today. From there, continue along a dirt road for approximately 1 hour to reach the trailhead.
The hike itself is relatively short and easy, covering about 1.5 km (roughly 1 mile). Most visitors complete the walk in 30 to 60 minutes. The route is open between April and November, as rainy conditions during the mountain winter can make the trail inaccessible.
Palcoyo vs. Vinicunca: Which to Choose?
| Palcoyo | Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) | |
| Hiking Time | 1 to 1.5 hours (round trip) | 4 to 6 hours (round trip) |
| Trail Difficulty | Low | Medium |
| Physical Demands | Low | Moderate to High |
| Maximum Altitude | 4,900 m / 16,076 ft | 5,000 m / 16,404 ft |
| Best Travel Season | April to November | April to November |
| Climate | Cold, dry, high altitude | Cold, dry, high altitude |
While both destinations are visually spectacular, Palcoyo Mountain is ideal for travelers looking for a shorter, more accessible hike. Vinicunca, on the other hand, may appeal to those seeking a physical challenge. Palcoyo’s serene trails and panoramic views make it a fantastic option for families, seniors, or anyone with limited time or mobility.
Tips for Visiting Palcoyo
Due to the high altitude (4,900 m / 16,076 ft), it’s important to spend at least two days in Cusco before the tour to allow your body to acclimatize. While the hike is relatively easy, the elevation can cause altitude sickness if you’re not prepared.
Dress in layers and bring warm, wind-resistant clothing, as temperatures often drop below freezing. Sun protection, water, and comfortable walking shoes are also essential.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a stunning, less strenuous alternative to Rainbow Mountain, Palcoyo is the perfect choice. With its colorful peaks, unique stone formations, and breathtaking views of the Ausangate Glacier, this hidden gem in the Andes offers an unforgettable day trip from Cusco.
Frecuently Asked Questions
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The Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain tour from Cusco costs 30 to 50 dollars (USD). Prices vary depending on each travel agency and the quality of the services they provide.
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It is possible to visit the mountains of Colorado without a tour group. To do this, just go to the city of Checacupe. You can buy tickets directly from there. The Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain tour from Cusco is done without a guide.
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To travel independently on the Palcoyo trek, purchase a ticket in Palcoyo town. The rate for foreigners is 10 soles ($3). Local travelers pay 5 soles ($2).
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Tour plans for the Palcoyo trek vary depending on the tour operator. In general, tours include:
- Tourist transportation from Cusco to the mountains and vice versa.
- Tour guide services.
- Entrance to Palcoyo Color Mountain and attractive surroundings.
- Lunch.
- First aid box.
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When visiting Palcoyo, it is recommended to bring appropriate equipment to protect yourself from the heat of the day and the cold at night:
- Hats and caps.
- Sunscreen. water.
- Poncho (if it rains).
- Ideal footwear for hiking.
- Gloves and sunglasses.
- Warm and waterproof clothing.
- Sandwich.
- The perfect backpack for hiking.
The Montaña de Colores Palcoyo is an impressive tourist attraction located in the Cusco region of Peru. Unlike the famous Seven Colors Mountain (Vinicunca), Palcoyo is less crowded but equally spectacular, providing a more tranquil and relaxing experience. It is located in the Andes Mountains, in the district of Checacupe, province of Canchis, at an altitude of approximately 4,900 meters above sea level. From Cusco, the trip by vehicle takes about 3-4 hours to the starting point of the hike, which is approximately 1.5 kilometers long and takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour, depending on the group’s pace.
The landscape of Palcoyo is composed of several mountains with strata of vibrant colors due to the mineralization of the earth, highlighting colors such as red, green, yellow and white. In addition, peculiar rock formations known as the “Bosque de Piedras” can be observed. The hike offers spectacular views of the Andes Mountains and, on clear days, you can see the imposing Ausangate Mountain.
Group Services
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