Our full day tour from Cusco to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain with a local expert is the best alternative to the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain trek. Often referred to as the alternative Rainbow Mountain in Peru, Palccoyo Cusco trip to this mountain of the seven colors is an easier option.
Rainbow Mountain is the second most visited attraction after Machu Picchu. This is one of our signature tours, we have designed the itinerary to offer you the best and the most in a full day.
Both Palccoyo and Vinicunca are part of the Ausangate Mountain Range. The colors of Palccoyo are a result of mineral deposits. Until 2016 the mountain was covered in snow. As the snow started melting, the colours appeared.
It soon got all the deserving attention and became an unmissable attraction in Cusco.
Unlike the trek to Vinicunca, it is easier to visit the mountains of Palccoyo on a full day trip. This is primarily because we will be driving you closer to the summit. It barely takes 45 minutes to reach to the top with a gradual and easy climb.
The highest point of Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain is at 5000 metres above sea level and the hike begins at 4900 metres. The hike up is relatively easier. It offers you a closer look at the Apu Ausangate. The sacred Andean peak.
The trek takes you through stone forest. This is a peculiar sight where distinctly shaped natural rock formations tower to the sky. You will also be rewarded with a sight of Andean camelids – Alpacas and Llamas on your way up.
To offer you the most of your Cusco to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain experience, we will also be introducing you to the life of the local community who have been living on the foothills of the renowned Cusco mountain, for generations and are untouched by modernity.
This is a high altitude experience, we highly recommend you to spend at least three days in Cusco before the trek to avoid altitude sickness.
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountains are a part of the Peruvian Andes. It is subjected to two seasons – dry season and rainy season. The best time to visit the Rainbow Mountains of Cusco is during the dry season – between April and November.
We offer Cusco to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain tour both in small group and as a private tour.
Do take a moment to check our reviews on Trip Advisor.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
0500 AM
We will be picking you up from your hotel in Cusco at 05:00 AM. Then along the South Valley of Cusco, we will be driving you to Checacupe. This is a colonial town. It is home to a colonial church and an ancient bridge that resembles Qeswachaka.
Here we will be having a brief stop so you can use the restroom. You can also buy some snacks here.
We will then drive you up the hill through some remote Andean communities. The trek begins at 4900 metres above sea level. It is a 45 minutes climb up to the summit at 5000 metres above sea level.
On your way up, you will be passing through some distinct rock formations. The place is popularly called the Stone Forest or bosque de piedras. You will also get a closer view of the mighty Ausangate Peak that marks the southern skyline of Cusco city.
Once at the summit, you will have some time to immerse yourself in the serenity of nature and witness one of the seven colored mountains of Peru.
We will then start descending through the same way we went up. On our way back to Cusco, we will be stopping at a local restaurant in Checacupe for lunch. We will be reaching Cusco by 06:00 PM.
