Tour to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain (full day)
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Group Size
- 15 Persons
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Max Altitude
- 4,900 m / 16,076 ft
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Physical Level
- Easy
The Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour is an excellent alternative for travelers who want to experience the colorful landscapes of the Peruvian Andes without the demanding hike required at Vinicunca. Located in the southern Cusco region, Palccoyo features a series of mineral-rich mountains displaying vibrant shades of red, yellow, orange, and green, creating one of the most distinctive natural landscapes in Peru.
This full day excursion combines a scenic journey through traditional Andean communities with a relatively short and accessible hike suitable for most travelers. Along the route, you’ll enjoy wide views of valleys, highland grasslands, unique rock formations, and the snow capped slopes of Ausangate, one of the highest and most important mountains in the region. Unlike other Rainbow Mountain routes, Palccoyo receives fewer visitors, allowing for a quieter experience and more time to appreciate the surrounding scenery.
Whether you’re interested in photography, mountain landscapes, or exploring lesser visited destinations near Cusco, the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour offers a rewarding day in the Andes with comfortable transportation, guided assistance, and opportunities to experience the natural beauty of the region at a relaxed pace.
US$ 55 / person
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About the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour
Palccoyo is a group of colorful mountains located southeast of Cusco. Unlike Vinicunca, the hike is shorter and less demanding, allowing visitors to enjoy the region’s distinctive mineral formations with a moderate walk. The tour also includes views of Ausangate Mountain, highland landscapes, and traditional Andean communities along the route.
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.
Tour Highlights
- Visit the colorful mountain formations of Palccoyo.
- Enjoy a shorter and less demanding hike than Vinicunca.
- Take in views of Ausangate Mountain and surrounding valleys.
- Explore one of the quieter mountain destinations near Cusco.
- Walk through high altitude Andean landscapes.
- Observe unique geological formations and natural viewpoints.
- Travel through traditional rural communities of the Cusco region.
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour at a Glance
Day 1: Cusco – Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain – Cusco
Depart Cusco in the morning and travel through the southern Andes toward Palccoyo. Upon arrival, enjoy a short walk to the main viewpoints, where colorful mountain formations and views of Ausangate dominate the landscape. After exploring the area and enjoying lunch, return to Cusco in the afternoon.
Why Book with Uros Expeditions
Palccoyo offers one of the easiest ways to experience the colorful mountains of the Cusco region while avoiding the larger crowds commonly found at Vinicunca. Our team takes care of every detail, from transportation and meals to guiding services, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience throughout the day. With a shorter hiking route, spectacular views of Ausangate, and carefully planned logistics, this excursion is ideal for travelers looking for a more relaxed mountain adventure in the Andes.
- Visit a quieter alternative to the traditional Rainbow Mountain route.
- Short and accessible hike suitable for most fitness levels.
- Panoramic views of Ausangate Mountain and surrounding valleys.
- More time to enjoy the scenery with fewer visitors on the trail.
- Professional local guides with extensive knowledge of the region.
- Comfortable round-trip transportation from Cusco.
- Freshly prepared meals included during the excursion.
- Small groups for a more personal and enjoyable experience.
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
Included
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
Explore the colorful landscapes of Palccoyo with a small group and enjoy a quieter alternative to the traditional Rainbow Mountain route. This tour combines beautiful mountain scenery, panoramic viewpoints, and the chance to see the unique rock formations that make this area of the Andes so special.
The shared service is ideal for travelers who prefer an organized and affordable experience. Your guide will accompany the group throughout the day, sharing information about the region while you enjoy the views and easy walking trails.
- 1 people 290 USD
- 2 peoples 170 USD
- 3 peoples 120 USD
- 4 peoples 105 USD
- 5 peoples 90 USD
- 6 peoples 80 USD
- 7 peoples 70 USD
- 8 or more peoples BEST VALUE 65 USD
Visit Palccoyo at your own pace with a private tour designed exclusively for your group. With private transportation and a dedicated guide, you can take your time at the viewpoints, enjoy the scenery without rushing, and make the most of your day in the Andes.
This option is perfect for couples, families, and friends looking for greater comfort and flexibility while exploring the colorful mountains, stone forest, and surrounding landscapes of Palccoyo.
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
How much does a Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain tour from Cusco cost?
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.
How much does a ticket to Palcoyo Color Mountain cost?
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).
What to take with you on a trip to Palcoyo?
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.
How to visit Palcoyo Color Mountain without a tour?
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.
What does the Palcoyo Color Mountain Tour include?
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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