Hike to the best alternative Palccoyo Mountain away of the crowds
Escape the crowds and discover the breathtaking beauty of Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain, one of the most spectacular natural attractions near Cusco. Located at over 4,900 meters (16,076 feet) above sea level, Palccoyo is famous for its colorful mineral-striped mountains, peaceful hiking trails, and the unique Stone Forest, offering a quieter and easier alternative to the classic Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain.
Our Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour from Cusco is perfect for travelers seeking stunning Andean landscapes without the demanding hike. The scenic trail takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes, making it suitable for families, beginners, and anyone who wants to enjoy Peru’s incredible mountain scenery at a relaxed pace. Along the way, you’ll admire panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, traditional Andean villages, grazing alpacas, and vibrant mountain formations shaped by millions of years of geological activity.
Led by experienced local guides, this 1-day tour includes comfortable transportation, freshly prepared meals, and insightful commentary about the region’s history, culture, and natural environment. Whether you’re a photographer, nature lover, or adventure enthusiast, Palccoyo offers an unforgettable experience in one of Peru’s most beautiful and less-crowded destinations.
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Recommendations
- Faqs
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
Why choose Palccoyo instead of Vinicunca?
Choosing our Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour means enjoying a hassle-free adventure with experienced local guides who know the region inside and out. We provide comfortable transportation, freshly prepared meals, and personalized service to ensure a memorable experience from start to finish. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or on your own, our small groups, attention to detail, and commitment to safety allow you to explore one of Cusco’s most beautiful destinations with confidence.
The hike on the path is quite easy, going gradually up to reach the viewpoint where you can appreciate the Palccoyo mountain . It takes about 45 minutes with some viewpoints, and basically you can find three colored mountains surrounding this area.
- Easy Hike: A gentle 45–60 minute walk suitable for most travelers.
- Fewer Crowds: Enjoy a quieter and more relaxing mountain experience.
- Stone Forest: Visit the unique rock formations found only at Palccoyo.
- Spectacular Views: Admire colorful mountains and the snow-capped Ausangate.
- Local Expert Guides: Learn about Andean culture, geology, and the region’s history from experienced guides.
Highlights: Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain
Hiking distance: 3km/1.8miles (2hours hike round trip)
Considerations: Acclimatization is required
Season: March to November
Max. Altitude: 4,960masl/16,272ft
Itinerary at a Glance
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Day01
Cusco - Cusipata - Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain - Cusco
Discover the best colorful mountain in the Andes of Peru.
Cusco - Cusipata - Combapata - Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain - Cusco
Highlight of the day: Arriving at the spectacular Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain and enjoying the amazing panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
Hike to the Mountain of Seven Colors
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel early in the morning at 4:00 a.m. with our van and drive you towards Cusipata town for about 2 hours. Here we will stop for breakfast, and our guide will lead us to the restaurant to enjoy our buffet breakfast.
Then, we will continue our journey driving for another hour and a half going up to the mountains through the narrow road. On this part of the road, you’ll observe how quickly the landscapes change from the valley to the highlands, picturesque villages along the way, and the first colored mountains will appear little by little; also, you will see some alpacas’ and llamas’ farms. Once we reach the head of the trail, we will begin our hike for about 45 minutes with a beautiful colored mountain next to us.
The path goes gradually up, ascending to the view point. Once you reach the summit at 4,900 meters (16,141 feet), you will have an incredible view of the three rainbow mountains that surround you and the main Palccoyo Mountain. You’ll need some time to explore and capture the best photos with not many people around. From here, you will have the option to hike a little bit up for a better view and visit the stone forest with its many shapes. The path goes down to the bus station, where you’ll board the bus and go back to our restaurant to enjoy lunch. Afterwards, you drive to Cusco and drop yourself off at your hotel.
At Machu Picchu by Locals, we are transparent and provide the specific details of what is included and excluded in our Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour. We know this is very important so that you know what exactly to bring and you don’t miss anything. We provide this information to ensure that you have an incredible experience during your tour.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Machu Picchu by Locals Team Provide
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Pre-departure briefing
Once you book the tour with us, you will get a notification about the pre-departure briefing, where you will meet with your adventure guide and the tour group in our office the night before your Palccoyo departure. During this briefing, you will receive important details of the tour.
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Professional Cultural Guide
All our tour guides have a great reputation in customer service. Our tour guides have graduated with a tourism career from the National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco. They have also studied English in a private language institute. Through their patience, responsibility, knowledge, passion for adventure, and pride in having been born in the land of the Incas, we ensure our tour guides provide an excellent experience for you when you explore Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain.
Transportations
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Private Transport
We included all the transportation during your tour; we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and take you to the beginning of the trail, the bus returning once you’re done with the Humantay tour to Cusco will drop you off at your hotel.
Equipment
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Walking Sticks
Hiking with trekking poles has its benefits; they protect your knees while you are hiking downhill, especially in the remote areas, which are many up and downhill. Trekking poles help you during the ascent and increase stability. Machu Picchu by Locals will include a pair of trekking poles.
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Medical First Aid Kit
All tour guides of Machu Picchu by Locals are very well trained in first aid. They received training courses every 6 months on how to assist someone who is in an emergency situation. Also, they are trained how to supply balloon oxygen in the case that someone requires it.
Meals
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Meals
At Machu Picchu by Locals, we know food is such an important part of any vacation and getting the right fuel on an active holiday is crucial… We include 1 breakfast, 1 lunch And of course, we cater to all dietary restrictions: vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and others; just let us know. Our chefs are well-trained to prepare the best food ever you’ve had with local and organic ingredients.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
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Water bottle
Every customer need water during this tour; we will stop in a shop where you can purchase some water bottles and snacks
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Entrance Fees
On this tour we don’t include the entrance fees, which you can pay directly there at the checkpoint; it cost 25 soles en total
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Travel Insurance
We recommend buying a travel insurance before leaving your country in case something happens along your visit to Peru.
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Tips for our team
Tips are not included. Tipping the team is usual on any excursion in Cusco; although we pay good salaries to our entire team, tips are welcome as a token of your appreciation for the team’s hard work.
PALCCOYO RAINBOW MOUNTAIN PACKING LIST
At Machu Picchu by Locals we focus on making your trip an unforgettable experience, and we want to provide all the details that you need to know before you leave your country and start your life experience in Peru.
What do you need to pack? Important
- Passport
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: A water reservoir like Camelback is encouraged, but enough for at least 2-3 liters is needed.
- Comfortable hiking pants
- Trekking poles
INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:
Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. If it is larger, try to bring it as light as possible.
- Rain gear
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Water bottle
- Bug spray
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks, and Tips
- Personal medication or Own first aid kit
- Snacks (Chocolate, energy bars, caramels, etc.)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) PALCCOYO RAINBOW MOUNTAIN DAY TOUR!
Here some frequently asked question about our day tours in Cusco
What is the 1-Day Palccoyo Mountain tour?
The Palccoyo Mountain is another colorful mountain located in the Andes of Peru, often referred to as the best alternative to the classic Rainbow Mountain, Vinicunca. Adventuring on this day tour, you will discover breathtaking landscapes and multicolored vibrant mountains where you can see not only one but three rainbow mountains.
Where is Palccoyo Mountain located?
Palccoyo Mountain is located in the Cusco region, 4 hours driving to the south of Cusco, in the Vilcanota Andean range.
How high is the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain?
The alternative Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain sits at 4,900 meters (14,935 feet). However, the trailhead starts at 4,700 meters (15,420 ft). and takes 20 minutes to reach the viewpoint.
Where to stay in Cusco before the Palccoyo Tour?
Cusco is a big city, and there are different categories of hotels, from 2 stars to 5 stars. Also, there are Airbnb places where you can stay without any problem. Cusco streets are narrow, especially near the main square, and some streets are pedestrian and have some stairs.
We will send you a notification for the pickup if it is not possible to access it with our car and arrange another place to pick you up and drop you off. Also, the night before your tour, you will meet with your tour guide, who will tell you all the details about the tour. In case you want some recommendations, please ask the Machu Picchu by Locals sales team.
What makes Palccoyo different from Vinicunca?
There are many reasons why Palccoyo is different from Vinicunca Mountain:
- Lower Altitude: Palccoyo Mountain sits at lower altitude than Vincunca
- Easy hike: Short hike compared to the classic mountain
- Three Rainbow Mountains: During the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain tour, you will see three Rainbow Mountains.
- Less crowded: Fewer people visit this mountain.
- Stone forest: This is another attraction during the 1-day Rainbow Mountain tour
How difficult is the hike to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain?
The hike to the viewpoint where you can see the Rainbow Mountains takes only 30 to 40 minutes, and it is not steep. If you decide to hike to the stone forest, it will take another 30 minutes through the ascent path.
Is the hike suitable for children or seniors?
Yes, this is the best option for adults and children. Easy walk and lower altitude.
When is the best time to visit Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain?
The best time to visit this alternative Rainbow Mountain is during the dry season, from May to September, when the days are clearer with rare rain. While the wet season, from October to April, can have cloudy and rainy days. The path is often muddy and slippery.
Are there bathroom facilities along the hike?
Yes, at the beginning of the hike, you will find bathroom facilities; you need to bring some coins.
How long is the Palccoyo Tour?
The tour to this natural marvel takes a full day; more of the tour operators departs early from Cusco around 4:00 am and back to Cusco roughly 3 and 4 pm
What happens if I get altitude sickness?
No worry, our guides and team are professional, and they know how to solve this kind of problem. Your guide will always have a first aid kit and oxygen balloon in case you need them.
Do I need hiking boots?
Definitely, it is always recommended to wear light hiking boots if possible. For the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain, you need ones with ankle support, which are extra helpful, especially for the inexperienced hiker. Because you will be climbing and going down on slippery stairs, and some of them could be muddy, uneven, and at varying heights, the extra support helps prevent twisting your ankles.
Should I use walking poles?
Yes. Walking sticks are always helpful to trekkers, especially if it is raining along the trek. Using walking sticks can help take the pressure off your knees while doing some portion of the trek. Plus, they will help you get up the mountain as well.
Where can I store my luggage during this trip?
In case you have extra luggage that you won’t take on the trek, all the hotels in Cusco have storage where you can leave your luggage completely free. If you will change your hotel after the trek, we have available our storage in the Machu Picchu by Locals office; get more info from our office team.
What should I expect as far as weather?
The weather in the Cusco region and parts of the Andes is unpredictable; even if the weather forecast says it’s sunny, we can’t trust in it. It is an impossible question for us to answer. Historically, April through September is the dry season, November through February is the rainy season, and March and October are bridge month, a mixture of both. But the clouds have not followed these rules in the last few years. Prepare for sun and rain no matter when you come. As far as temperatures go, that is consistent throughout the year. Mornings and evenings are always cold.
From: USD 35.00 per person
USD 30.00: from 4 people to more
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Machu Picchu by Locals. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
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Feel free to reach us via email at sales@machupicchubylocals.com or by calling us directly at +51 951 359 694
Monday - Friday:
09:00 to 18:00 Hrs.
Saturday:
09:00 to 13:00 Hrs.
Prolongacion Av. Grau L-8, Santiago - Cusco
Full Day Tour
Palccoyo Mountain Tour 1 Day
What's it like!!
Map of Palccoyo Mountain Tour 1 Day
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
At Machu Picchu by Locals we offer the best service for all our customers and here is what makes us different than others.
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Small groups: Along our excursion group size is a capped at 8 people. This guarantees that you will enjoy every step of our excursion
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Hotel: During our excursion to Machu Picchu, we offer a private hostel stay for the last night. This ensures you are well rested and ready to explore Machu Picchu.
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Local Tour guides: Our team consists of 100% local tour guides, who have expert knowledge in our ancient culture.
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Best Camping Equipment: We have the state-of-the-art camping equipment for our excursion. The equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before and after every excursion.
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Best Trekking team: At Machu Picchu by Locals we focus to create the best experience during our excursions. Our team that consists of tour guides, cooks, porters, horse drivers are handpicked. We train our team to offer you the best service. We take care of our team by providing them with good equipment and paying them fairly.
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