A detailed comparison between the popular Palccoyo vs Vinicunca or Rainbow Mountain Vs Palccoyo.
Palccoyo and Vinicunca, both present in Cusco, are Rainbow Mountains, equally beautiful and attractive as well. However, a few differences in both the destinations set them apart.
Here, We Explore The Difference In Case You Don’t Know Which You Should Settle On For Visiting Palccoyo vs Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain In Peru. So, Just Keep On Reading To Make Out This:
1) Challenge
Hiking up the Vinicunca is challenging on account of its 5020 m attitude and long traveling distance to be covered, which poses a lot of issues.
However, climbing up the other rainbow mountain (Palccoyo) is relatively easier, shorter, and less strenuous. Also, it is a flat trekking trail with an altitude of 4900 m above sea level.
2) Trek along with the Groups
You will find lots of groups to befriend while hiking the Vinicunca trail. For your information different travel agencies keep on organizing daily departure to this rainbow mountain.
Palccoyo, on the other hand, is a new route that is significantly less crowded. You will find very few fellow trekkers on this trail. This means it’s just perfect for selfie lovers as you want a better scenic view.
In addition to this, if you want to feel like an explorer discovering a new Horizon, this trail is for you.
3) Number of Trails
There is only one classic tour to Vinicunca Mountain. Hikers get to see one rainbow mountain, its frontal view, which is very impressive and beautiful.
You can also take pleasure in the Ausangate Mountain View, the highest mountain in Cusco, in this mountain’s background, making the whole scene mesmerizing.
What is more, if you opt for the descent along the Red Valley, catch a glimpse of the entire valley surrounding you in red color, which is unbelievable to most travelers.
However, you would be amused by three Rainbow Mountains on trekking through Palccoyo. Next to the mountain, you can see locals working on the fields and animals like alpacas and llamas but not the horse, as they are not allowed on this trek.
4) Miles to Cover
It will take around one hour to hike Palccoyo Mountain spread in 4.3 miles long stretch. The good thing is you can easily climb this mountain if you have been to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu a day before.
Whereas, Vinicunca hiking will take around 3 to 4 hours, spread along 6 km (3.7 miles) steep terrain that makes it ideal for pro-level hikers.
At times hikers take up to 6 hours to reach the summit, which often leaves them exhausted. If they return through the red valley, the hiking tour could be excessively exhausting as the descent along the valley would take around 2.5 hours.
5) Ideal Time to Visit
It is better to start your hiking on the Palccoyo Mountain between 5:00 to 5:20 AM. You would have to start early, ideally between 4:30 to 5 AM on the Vinicunca Trail to enjoy the mesmerizing view of the mountainous landscape beauty.
The weather condition is mostly colder on Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain as a result of its proximity to Ausangate Mountain. But if we talk about the weather condition on Palccoyo Mountain, it is much better here.
Same Perspective for Both
The best time to visit Palccoyo vs Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain is from May- September, when it is the dry season. The rainy season lasts from November to March/April.
And when it comes to the dry season, it lasts from April/May to October in Cusco. Here, you need to keep in mind that both dry and rainy seasons in Cusco are strikingly different.
More to the point, visiting the mountain in the dry season is the safest bet. You will get to enjoy the glory of the sun and an incredible backdrop reaching the summit.
Both the tracks would render you a fantastic view of Rainbow Mountain. Still, a longer hiker should opt for Vinicunca, while Palccoyo would be a little-known great alternative.
Don’t Miss Ever!
Vinicunca vs Palccoyo Rainbow mountain of Cusco are 100% worth paying a visit once in a lifetime for every hiker. Make sure to stay in Cusco for two days to let your body grow accustomed to the altitude.
