Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain tour
- 1 day
- Starting From: $ 75.00 per person
Altitude
Min: 3350m/10990 ft.. Max: 4900m/16,076 ft.
Duration
1 day
Physical Level
Moderate
Tour Type
Hiking
Group Size
Min 2 people, Max 8 people
Best Season
April to October
Description
Palccoyo, the alternative rainbow mountain to Vinicunca, for a full-day tour filled with vibrant landscapes and close encounters with the Ausangate snowcap mountain.
this day tour is excellent for those who don’t like long hikes up in the mountains due to the elevation, The Palccoyo tour is at a lower elevation than Vinicunca and is a short distance to hike and it is not as steep as Vinicunca mountain as well you will see 3 different rainbow mountains plus the stone forest a this day tour in Cusco.

Overview
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain tour is the alternative to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain a destination that has gained fame due to the coloration of the sediments as the Vinicunca, Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain has better accessibility and allows us to enjoy spectacular views. The place is still little known far from many tourists not as famous as Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain yet. But Palccoyo has three different small rainbow mountains located in the community of Palccoyo in the district of Checacupe, at 4,900 meters above sea level.
What will I see in the mountain of the seven colors of Palccoyo? Discover this new natural attraction in the Andes of Peru, in this day trek to Palccoyo you will see three different small rainbow-colored mountains, a stone forest that gives a mystical attraction, and an incredible view of Ausangate mountain.
Experience the mesmerizing sights of “Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain” with a local tour operator
The view of the Ausangate mountain covered with snow is impressive. Once we are at the top of the cordillera of Palccoyo you will have a 360 view incredible view of the three rainbow-colored mountains and the Ausangate Snow-capped
Tour by Day:
- Day 01 Cusco – Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain – Checacupe – Cusco
what's it like



Itinerary
PALCCOYO RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TOUR FULL DAY is considered the alternative rainbow mountain to the Vinicunca tour in Peru is one full-day tour where you will experience the best of the colorful mountains and the Ausangate snowcap mountain close up.
Palccoyo day tour starts collection from your hotel in Cusco at 5:00 in our private transportation for our rainbow mountain tour from Cusco, we will drive for three hours and a half until the starting point of the hike to the Palccoyo Rainbow mountain tour, along the drive you will see picturesque towns, 30 minutes before we arrived to the trailhead of Palccoyo we will stop for Breakfast after a fresh breakfast we will drive the last part here we will start our adventure and hike to the Palccoyo rainbow mountain or the alternative rainbow mountain tour total hiking hours are more or less two hours round trip then you will have time to explore the three rainbow mountains and the red valley.
Stone forest at Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain (optional)
In this alternative Palccoyo rainbow mountain tour you will see an incredible stone forest from where you can see the three rainbow mountains or 360 views but it is optional to get to this place requires an extra 30-minute hike the path is narrow and steep but it is worth to climb it.
After we enjoy the beauty of nature we will take our van back with directions to Cusco in the same place where we had breakfast will have lunch too this is a picnic lunch, and we will enjoy our lunch prepared by our amazing chef after lunch, we will continue to Cusco and will be back in Cusco around 5 PM we will drop you off at your hotel Cusco or close to your hotel
After the tour, if you feel tired you can visit a massage place in order to relax your muscles and continue with your next adventure if you book through Andean soul Adventure you will get a discount of 10%.
Inclusions
- Pre-departure briefing the night before your tour.
- Collection from your hotel in Cusco.
- Private bus to the starting point of the trek and return back to Cusco.
- 01 breakfast
- 01 lunch (vegetarian, vegan option, gluten-free special diets upon your request.)
- Experienced top tour guides (2-8 with one tour guide 9 to 16 with two guides)
- Oxygen bottle.
- First aid kit.
- dinner but we can recommend a good restaurant in Cusco city.
- The entrance fee is 15 soles.
- Tips for trekking crew.
- Travel insurance (check that your insurance covers you for treks above 4,200 masl).
What to Bring?
- Original Passport.
- Walking boots.
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho.
- Warm jacket.
- Hat and gloves.
- T-shirts.
- Comfortable Trousers.
- Sun hat.
- Sun cream (factor 35 or higher).
- Toiletries and hand sanitizer.
- Personal medication.
- Camera.
- Torch with spare batteries.
- First aid kit.
Pricing
- 02 Hikers 120 USD per person
- 03 Hikers 110 USD per person
- 04 Hikers 100 USD per person
- 05 Hikers 90 USD per person
- 06 Hikers + 75 USD per person
Book Now
Thank you for taking an interest in booking with Machu Picchu Soul, please take a short time to fill out the form, and then one of our travel consultants will get back to you with all the necessary information.
FAQs
How much does it cost to go to Rainbow Mountain in Peru?
You will find different prices for the Palccoyo day tour if you are looking for a picnic lunch the price goes from 150 USD to 95 USD per person for this incredible day tour to Palccoyo rainbow mountain tour known as the alternative to Vinicunca.
Can you do Rainbow Mountain without a tour guide?
Yes, you can do without a tour guide you just need to arrange your transportation in local transportation from Cusco to Combapata from here you have to take a taxi to the trailhead of Pallcoyo Rainbow Mountain.
Which Rainbow Mountain is better?
In Cusco Peru, there are 3 different rainbow mountains, of course, the well-known one is Vinicunca is the second most visited place after Machu Picchu it unique place but it is hard to get to the top, especially at the altitude you will be over 5000 meters from where you will have an outstanding view to Vinicunca.
Palccoy the alternative rainbow mountain is perfect for those who don’t like hiking much because it is a short hike and almost flat compared with Vinicunca in this Palccoyo you will have the chance to see three different rainbow mountains and a stone forest all of this beauty in a day tour.
The third one is Pallaypucchu Rainbow Mountain it is a single mountain but with vibrant colors probably the hike is the longest between the Rainbow Mountains and the hardest.
How long is the hike up Rainbow Mountain?
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain is one of the most accessible ones it takes you only 35 minutes to get to the third view case you want to get to the top whereas the stone forest will take you 50 minutes approx. round trip 1:30 minutes.
Is the Rainbow Mountain hike worth doing?
Is a must in Cusco if you have a spare day in Cusco after Machu Picchu you have to see it with your own eyes don’t let them tell you it is an easy day tour from Cusco departures are every day with a minimum of two people.
Where is located Palccoyo rainbow mountain?
This incredible tourist attraction is located southeast of Cusco City situated in a small community with the same name Palccoyo
How high is Palccoyo?
Palccoyo sits at an elevation of 4950 m which is the highest point of the Palccoyo rainbow mountain tour from where you will have breathtaking views.
How long is the Hike?
Compared with Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Palccoyo is much easier because you will hike only 40 minutes round trip including the stops on the viewpoints.
it is a full-day tour of Cusco.
What can I see in Palccoyo?
On this day tour to Palccoyo, we will see three different rainbow mountains small ones compared with Vinicunca, we will see as well an incredible stone forest with different shapes that give a special touch to the place.
Travel Guide
Tour Itinerary:
Hotel Pickup: Time: 5:00 AM.
Transportation: Private van from your hotel in Cusco.
Note: An early start ensures a full day of exploration.
Scenic Drive:
Duration: 3.5 hours.
Highlights: Picturesque towns along the way.
Breakfast: Stop 30 minutes before the trailhead for a fresh breakfast.
Starting Point: Arrival at Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain trailhead.
Hiking Time: Total of approximately two hours round trip.
Optional Stone Forest: Explore the incredible stone forest for 360-degree views.
Optional Hike: This extra 30-minute hike is for those interested in the stone forest.
Tip: The stone forest offers breathtaking panoramic views.
Note: Narrow and steep path, but worth the climb for panoramic views.
Palccoyo Exploration:
Highlights: Three rainbow mountains and the red valley.
Van Ride and Lunch:
Return: Van ride back to the breakfast spot.
Lunch: Picnic lunch prepared by the chef.
Insight: Enjoy a relaxing lunch amidst the natural surroundings.
Return to Cusco:
Departure: After lunch.
Arrival: Return to Cusco around 5 PM.
Drop-off: Hotel in Cusco or nearby.
Practical Tips:
Footwear: Wear sturdy hiking boots for the trail.
Clothing: Dress in layers suitable for variable weather.
Altitude Considerations: Take it easy, stay hydrated, and acclimatize.
When is the best time to visit Palccoyo?
the best time to go to Palccoyo is from April to October it is our dry season where you will have a better chance to have great weather and the rest of the year from December to March is Our rainy season but still you can enjoy your adventure in Cusco and its surroundings.
The highlight of the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain tour:
- A short distance from the hike
- you will see 3 different rainbow mountains
- Less crowded than the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain
- At Palccoyo you will see a stone forest too
Enjoy your visit to the Rainbow Mountain in Peru
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Based in Cusco and 100% Peruvian, our deep-rooted expertise enriches your journey. From the Short Inca Trail to hidden cultural gems, we offer authentic encounters with Peru's heritage, facilitated by expert guides and master chefs renowned in the region.
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