Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain full day tour

Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain full fay tour from Cusco.

The Palcoyo Day Hike is an incredible journey through the beautiful Palcoyo area, renowned for its three mountains that shine in vibrant colors, including red, orange, green, blue, and white. These mountains create a one-of-a-kind natural wonder. This tour is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, as it involves approximately an hour of easy walking with minimal elevation change. It’s a peaceful and relaxing trip compared to the longer hike to Vinicunca. As you walk on nice, easy paths, you’ll see the excellent Stone Forest and learn about the local culture. You’ll also meet the people who live there, dressed in traditional clothes, along with their llamas and alpacas. The tour includes a big breakfast and lunch, so you’ll have enough energy to enjoy the beautiful scenery, bright colors, and rich history of the Andes.

Highlights

• Take a one-day Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain tour.
• Visit the pretty village of Checacupe and see the colonial bridge and the Inca suspension bridge.
• Take in the stunning views of Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain and capture the fascinating rock formations, formed from layers of sediments from the sea, lake, and river. These formations, along with the views of Mount Ausangate, hold significant cultural and historical importance, adding depth to your experience.
• Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Andean mountains from above.
• Walk with llamas, alpacas, and other camelids in their natural environment.
• Meet the locals, who are from the Inca lineage, and see their traditional clothing. This unique cultural encounter will leave you with a deeper understanding of the Andean way of life.

Suggested Itinerary (Full-Day Tour)

• 4:30–5:00 a.m. Pickup from your hotel in Cusco
• 5:00–7:00 a.m. Minivan ride to Cusipata or Checacupe, stopping for breakfast
• 7:00–10:00 a.m. Continue your journey along mountain roads to the community of Palcoyo (4,900 m)
• 10:00–11:00 a.m. Easy 30–45-minute hike to the viewpoints (three “rainbow mountains”), including the Stone Forest and views of Mount Ausangate
• 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Free time for photos and enjoying the scenery
• 12:30–1:00 p.m. Return to the starting point and buffet lunch in Cusipata
• 1:00–5:00 p.m. Return trip to Cusco, possible visit to the three bridges of Checacupe

Complete Itinerary: Palcoyo Mountain Excursion 1 Day

We begin our trip early in the morning, around 5:30 a.m. We recommend acclimating in Cusco for at least a day before embarking on this adventure to enjoy the experience fully. We begin our journey south of Cusco. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to the Cusipata district, where we will enjoy breakfast at an Andean restaurant. From there, we continue to the Combapata district, a journey that lasts approximately 30 minutes. Along the way, we will make a strategic photo stop at the charming colonial Combapata Bridge, a perfect place to capture unforgettable moments.

Then, we will embark on a journey of approximately two hours, including a stop at the colonial Checacupe Bridge, to the left bank of the Salka River. Along this route, you will have the opportunity to observe native alpacas in their natural habitat: a unique spectacle. Finally, we will arrive at the community of Palcoyo, located at 4,100 meters above sea level (13,451.44 ft).

Palcoyo Mountain Hike

Here, in the village of Palcoyo, our short hike to Rainbow Mountain begins, lasting approximately one hour at a normal pace. A privileged view of the Palcoyo mountain range awaits us, with its three rainbow mountains and the impressive rock forest (a visit to this site is optional; the climb must be made at your own expense). For those who wish to explore the area in more depth, our guide offers an easy 40-minute hike to the highest points, where the three rainbow mountains and the rock forest unfold in all their splendor.

After two or three hours enjoying the Palcoyo mountain range, we return to Cusco along the same route. We arrive at the same restaurant and enjoy a leisurely traditional Andean lunch with local products. We will continue our journey back to Cusco, with an expected arrival time around 6:00 PM.

This visit to Palccoyo is an ideal alternative to the Rainbow Mountain tour, offering a more peaceful and less demanding adventure that is equally enjoyable and full of natural beauty. Join us for this day of color, culture, and nature!

Reasons to choose Palcoyo

• Less demanding and more relaxing: short hike with no steep inclines, ideal for all ages.
• With fewer tourists than in Vinicunca, the Palcoyo tour offers equally impressive landscapes but with more tranquility, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Andes.
• Three “rainbow mountains” + Stone Forest + views of Ausangate = a complete experience

INCLUDED FOR THE PALCOYO MOUNTAIN TOUR

• Detailed orientation: This takes place before the start of the tour (generally, this orientation provides a complete explanation of the tour. It will also answer any questions you may have regarding this tour to Palcoyo).
• Rest assured, you’ll be accompanied by a top-level tour guide, a professional specialized in hiking tourism, who will ensure your safety and provide insightful information throughout the tour.
• Enjoy the comfort of our tourist transportation, ensuring a smooth and relaxing journey from Cusco to Combapata and back.
• Meals: Standard breakfast and lunch are buffet-style, with a variety of Peruvian and local dishes.

NOT INCLUDED FOR THE PALCOYO MOUNTAIN TOUR

• Extra services
• Entrance ticket to Palcoyo Mountain.

What can I bring for the Palcoyo tour?

• Coat
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Water
• Polo shirts

What is the weather like on Palcoyo Mountain, Cusco?

The weather on Palcoyo Mountain, Cusco, can vary depending on the time of year. However, it is generally characterized by being cold and dry. During the months of May through September, which correspond to winter in the region, temperatures can drop to 0°C at night. During the day, temperatures typically range between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. During this time, frost and hail are also common.

During the months of October through April, which correspond to summer in the region, temperatures are generally milder, with daytime highs reaching 20 degrees Celsius. However, nights remain cold, with temperatures that can drop to 5 degrees Celsius. It’s important to note that Palcoyo Mountain, located at an altitude of approximately 4,900 meters above sea level, tends to have cooler weather than the city of Cusco, which is located at a lower altitude.

What is the best time to visit Palcoyo Mountain?

The best time to visit Palcoyo Mountain is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. During this period, weather conditions are more favorable, with less risk of rain or fog, allowing for better visibility of the landscape and the mountain’s colorful formations. It’s also important to note that access to Palcoyo Mountain may be closed during the rainy season for visitor safety reasons.

Can I travel with children and seniors?

The Palcoyo Mountains hike is ideal for everyone, as it is shorter compared to Rainbow Mountain – Vinicunca and is less demanding.

PALCCOYO MOUNTAIN VS. VINICUNCA MOUNTAIN

Palccoyo and Vinicunca are two popular tourist destinations in Peru that attract visitors from all over the world. Palccoyo, also known as “Rainbow Mountain,” is located in the Cusco region and is known for its vibrant mountain landscapes and geological formations. Palccoyo’s scenic beauty is enhanced by the presence of multiple colors that adorn the mountains, creating a truly breathtaking view.

On the other hand, Vinicunca, also known as “The Mountain of Seven Colors” or “Rainbow Mountain,” is located in the Andes and offers a similar natural spectacle with its multicolored layers of sediment and mineral deposits. Both Palccoyo and Vinicunca offer trekking routes and guided tours for visitors to explore and appreciate the uniqueness and beauty of these natural wonders. Whether you choose to visit Palccoyo or Vinicunca, you are guaranteed an unforgettable experience amidst the stunning landscapes and vibrant colors of these magnificent mountains.

Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain 1 Day Shared Tour Price

Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain 1 Day Group Tour. Join an already formed group and travel with new friends to explore the three colorful mountains in Palcoyo.

The tour will be conducted in a group of 15 or more people, including individuals from diverse countries, speaking various languages, with diverse beliefs, ages, and backgrounds. But the guide will talk only in English and Spanish.

Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain 1 Day Private Tour Prices

Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain 1 Day Private Tour.

This option is best suited for those who want to travel with their partner, family, or friends and avoid meeting strangers. You can start the tour on any day of the year. The price depends on the number of people traveling together.

Entrance tickets to Palcoyo Mountain are not included in the tour cost and must be purchased at the entrance gate.

• For foreign visitors, the ticket costs 20 soles, which is about USD 6.
• For Peruvian citizens, the ticket is 10 soles.

Please bring cash in soles, as card payments are not accepted at the entrance. It’s best to have the exact amount to avoid any issues. This fee helps maintain the mountain and keep it safe.