Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour

Name: Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour
Brand: Quechuas Expeditions
SKU: 1
Price: 130.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Day Tour | Uncover Peru’s vibrant summit

Get ready for an unforgettable day exploring Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain — one of the Andes’ best-kept secrets. Unlike the busy trails of Vinicunca, Palcoyo gives you a chill and scenic hike, with not just one, but three rainbow-colored mountains waiting to wow you. It’s perfect if you’re into stunning landscapes, peaceful walks, and taking it all in without rushing. Plus, the hike’s easier and the altitude is friendlier. It’s nature at its most magical — quiet, colorful, and totally Instagram-worthy

Cusco I Checacupe I Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain I Ttio I Cusco

Duration of the trip:

1 Day

Total Distance

7km

Physical Level:

Intermediate

Altitude:

4,900 meters 16,070 feet meters above sea level

Type of Tour:

Trekking Nature & Culture

Group SIze:

Group Service

Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain: A Peaceful Colorful Escape in the Andes

Tucked away in the breathtaking Ausangate mountain range, about 100 km southeast of Cusco, Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain offers a serene and equally stunning alternative to the more crowded Vinicunca. Located near the communities of Cusipata and Checacupe, this spot is perfect for those looking for a colorful adventure without the intense hike.

At an altitude of 4,900 meters above sea level, Palcoyo is more accessible than its famous sibling, making it ideal for travelers who want to enjoy the beauty of the Andes without extreme physical effort. The short and gentle walk (about 1 km) takes you through an otherworldly landscape painted by nature itself — iron (red), sulfur (yellow), and copper (green) minerals combine to create the mountain’s dazzling rainbow stripes.

Beyond the colorful peaks, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains, peaceful valleys, and even a surreal Stone Forest — a series of sharp rock formations sculpted by time. The peacefulness of Palcoyo, combined with its raw beauty, makes it a hidden gem for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers alike. No crowds, just pure Andean magic.

TOUR NAME: Full Day Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour
100% LOCAL COMPANY: fully licensed Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour Operator, Highly Recommended! Check out our reviews on Trip Advisor & Youtube what our Passengers say about us
GROUP SIZE: Group Service
STARTING POINT: Pick-up from Cusco Hotel/Airbnb. From 4:30 am to 5:00 am
ENDING POINT: Drop-off in Cusco at Hotel/Airbnb at 16:00 pm
DEPARTURE: Daily
HIKING DISTANCE: 7km
PHYSICAL LEVEL: Level 3. Rainbow Mountain Tour requires some physical preparation and we also recommend to Aclimatize 2 days before we begin the Rainbow Mountain Trek
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 5,000 meters (16,500 feet)
TRANSPORTATION: Private Van/Bus to Llaqto (for our Passengers)
MEALS: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch (Vegetarian, Vegan and Free Gluten with NO extra cost, Upon Request)
GUIDE: Bilingual Guide Service

Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Day Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Cusco – Checacupe – Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain – Ttio – Cusco

Highlights – Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour

Three Rainbow Mountains, One Easy Hike: Unlike the crowded Vinicunca, Palcoyo offers three colorful peaks in a short and gentle trail — perfect for those who want beauty without the struggle.
Epic Photo Spots at Every Turn: Each viewpoint reveals postcard-worthy landscapes: rainbow-striped mountains, wide Andean valleys, and endless skies. It’s a photographer’s dream.
The Surreal Stone Forest (optional): Add a short climb to see the unique Stone Forest, a series of jagged rock formations sculpted by time and wind — mystical and unforgettable.
Andean Wildlife and Local Life: Spot alpacas, llamas, and maybe even vicuñas along the way, while catching glimpses of local Quechua communities living in harmony with the land.
Less Crowds, More Peace: Palcoyo is still a hidden gem — meaning no tourist rush, no noisy trails. Just quiet awe, nature’s colors, and a peaceful Andean escape.

DAY 1
Cusco – Palcoyo – Cusco A Full Day of Colors and Mountains+

This exciting adventure begins at 4:30 a.m. when we pick you up from the door of your accommodation in our tourist transport. During the three-hour journey to the South Valley of Cusco, you can rest a bit more thanks to the comfort of our vehicle.

Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of charming Andean villages, ancient Inca terraces, fertile valleys, and majestic mountains. We will make a stop to admire herds of llamas and alpacas while you enjoy a nutritious continental breakfast to prepare for the hike.

Our adventure continues to the starting point in Llacto (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), where we begin our hike along a stream and a winding trail through the Andes. As we ascend, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Ausangate Mountain (6,372 m / 20,905 ft), considered a living deity by the local communities.

In this remote region, you will have the chance to see locals working the land and wearing their colorful traditional clothing, crafted using ancestral weaving techniques. Your guide will explain the significance of these garments, and if you wish, they can teach you a few words in Quechua, the language of the Incas, which is still spoken in the area.

After approximately an hour and a half of hiking, we will reach the stunning Rainbow Mountain (5,100 m / 16,732 ft). Take in the surreal beauty of this natural wonder while your guide shares theories about its origin. Take your time to capture incredible photos or simply admire the landscape. Depending on the weather and the group’s pace, we will spend between 30 minutes and an hour at the summit.

Next, as an optional part of the tour, we will head to the spectacular Red Valley (5,050 m / 16,568 ft), a breathtaking landscape that feels almost like another planet and is visited by very few tourists. After a 30-minute walk, we’ll reach the viewpoint, where you will enjoy a privileged view of this stunning valley.

We will then begin our two-hour descent, passing through ancient Andean communities and walking alongside herds of llamas. With some luck, you might spot vicuñas, wild animals that have lived in this region since pre-Inca times.

Finally, we will board our transport to a restaurant in Cusipata, where we will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch. Afterward, we will return to Cusco in our tourist transport and drop you off near the Plaza de Armas, so you can relax after an unforgettable day.

Meals: Continental Breakfast / Buffet Lunch
Lowest Elevation: 3,400 msnm
Highest Elevation: 5,200 msnm
Distance to walk: 7 km
Approximate walking time: 2 hours up; 2 hours down
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Day Tour Included

Expert Local Guides
Our friendly and knowledgeable guides have over 5 years of experience leading hikes to Palcoyo. They know every corner of the trail and are passionate about sharing the culture, colors, and stories of the Andes. With them, you’re in safe and inspiring hands.
First Aid Always On Hand
Safety first! Our guides always carry a complete first aid kit, including treatments for altitude sickness, stomach issues, and minor cuts—so you’re covered in case anything unexpected comes up.
Oxygen Tank for High Altitudes
Palcoyo sits at almost 5,000 meters above sea level, and yes, the air gets thinner up there. But no worries—our team brings a metal oxygen tank, just in case anyone needs a little extra help breathing at the top.
Breakfast Box
When we arrive at the trailhead, we’ll hand you a nutritious breakfast box so you can start your hike full of energy and good vibes.
Delicious Local Lunch
After the hike, we stop in Ttio town for a tasty and well-deserved lunch prepared by a local chef. It’s fresh, balanced, and just what you need to recharge after the adventure.
Trail Snacks
Because hiking builds up an appetite, we’ll also provide light snacks to keep your energy up along the way.
Private Transportation
Travel comfortably and safely in our modern, fully-insured vans, equipped with oxygen and a first aid kit. Our transport is tourist-certified and designed for scenic, smooth rides.
Walking Sticks
For better balance and support on the trail, we include walking sticks — especially helpful for the uphill sections or uneven paths.
Hotel Pickup & Drop-off
No need to stress about transport. We’ll pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and drop you off at the end of the tour, so you can just focus on enjoying the day.
WhatsApp Pre-Trip Briefing
One day before your adventure, we’ll reach out via WhatsApp to confirm all the details, answer questions, and make sure you feel totally prepared.
24/7 Support
Our team is always just a message or call away. We offer round-the-clock customer support, so you’re never alone during your journey with us.
Half-Liter of Water
Staying hydrated at high altitude is key, so we’ll provide a complimentary 500 ml bottle of water to keep you going.
Palcoyo Entrance Fee Covered
No hidden costs! Your entrance ticket to Palcoyo is already included — our guide will take care of it for you.

Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Day Tour Not Included

Tips (optional)
Travel and health insurance.(bring copies with you please): Quechuas Expeditions highly recommend getting an insurance of trip cancellation/interruption insurance to protect your travel investment. Included with your pre-departure package, bring your travel insurance to cover trip cancellation, interruption, baggage loss, and delay, emergency medical evacuation insurance, and emergency medical expense insurance.

Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Day Tour (Prices for 2025)

Availability: Daily Departures All Departures are 100% Guaranteed. If You’re Booked, You are Going, We won’t cancel your Trip !!!

How to Book?: Send us all Your Personal information, as well as a Deposit.

Group Service: Price per person: US$130

(You will be joined into a formed group of people who come from different countries/Nationalities): From 2-8ppl Max

Private Service: Price per person: US$190

Recommended for Honeymooners, Families with children & Groups of Friends (02 Person Minimum)

What you need to bring on Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Day Tour

Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.

List of things you must bring:

Original Passport (and some copies) If you have changed your passport Bring a couple of copies of the one that you have used to purchase the inca trail permit.
Travel insurance is essential (and some copies)
US$ cash and Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
Camera and Memory cards
Rechargeable batteries and adapters
Reading/writing material
Binoculars
Cover for backpacks
Fleece top
Windproof/waterproof jacket
Shirts/t-shirts
Sun hat
1 pair hiking pants/track pants
Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes (with ankle protectors)
Knee-length socks (to be used with rubber boots, if provided at the jungle lodge)
Sun block
Sunglasses
Water bottle
Flashlight (head light recommended)
Wool hat, mitts or gloves (preferably waterproof)
Rain poncho, plastic bags for your personal stuff to keep dry
Money for soft drinks or beers and handicrafts
Anti-inflammatory tablets (e.g. Ibuprofen)
Thermal underwear
Personal first-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhoea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)

FAQs – Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Full Day Tour from Cusco

How is the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain tour from Cusco?
The day starts around 5:00 a.m. with hotel pick-up in Cusco. You’ll drive for about 4 hours to the community of Apacheta, with a stop for breakfast before beginning the short hike. After enjoying the three rainbow-colored mountains and optional visit to the Stone Forest, you’ll head to the town of Ttio for a delicious local lunch, returning to Cusco around 5:00 p.m.

How difficult is the hike to Palcoyo?
Palcoyo is known for being an easy to moderate hike — much shorter and less steep than Vinicunca. You’ll only walk about 3 km (1.8 miles) in total. However, keep in mind the altitude is still high (around 4,900 m), so it’s best to spend 1–2 days acclimatizing in Cusco first.

How long is the walking time during the Palcoyo tour?
The hike to the three viewpoints takes 30–40 minutes total, with optional extra time if you choose to hike to the Stone Forest. It’s a gentle and scenic route, with plenty of time for breaks and photos.

What should I wear for the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain tour?

Dress in layers! We recommend:

Thermal base layers
Warm fleece
Waterproof jacket
Hat, gloves, and scarf
Trekking shoes
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Even on sunny days, the high altitude can make it cold and windy.

Can I rent a horse at Palcoyo?
Unlike Vinicunca, horse rentals are not common at Palcoyo, because the hike is relatively short and not as steep. However, if needed, our team can assist you with support or extra rest along the way.

Are there restrooms during the tour?
Yes — basic toilets are available at the breakfast spot and trailhead. They may not be luxurious, so it’s smart to bring toilet paper and hand sanitizer just in case.

What if the weather is bad on the day of the tour?
Palcoyo is accessible year-round, but during the rainy season (November–March), visibility can be lower and trails may get muddy. If conditions are dangerous, tours may be rescheduled. Always check the forecast and dress accordingly.

Is the Palcoyo tour family-friendly?
Yes — it’s much more family-friendly than Vinicunca. Because of the short and gentle trail, it’s suitable for teens, adults, and active seniors who have spent at least a day or two acclimating. However, it’s not recommended for very young children or people with serious heart or breathing conditions due to the high altitude.

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