Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour Full Day is a popular alternative to the classic Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Trek. Also known as the alternative Rainbow Mountain, Palccoyo Cusco is popular for its stunning Rainbow Colored Slopes. It nestles 4900 meters above sea level (16076 ft.).
Visiting the Rainbow Mountains of Peru tops the bucket list of many travelers in Peru. In fact, statistically, it is the second most visited attraction after Machu Picchu.
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour is often overlooked by travelers in contrast to the emblematic Vinicunca Rainbow Mountains. In fact, seldom people are aware of its existence. Palccoyo, due to its lesser popularity attracts a handful of visitors a day. It allows the visitors to immerse in the staggering views and enjoy the sights in a complete solace.
Visiting Palccoyo Cusco is relatively easier than Vinicunca. We will be driving you closer to the summit (4850 meters/15912ft). From there it’s just a 45 minute hike to the summit.
Along the way up, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the Peruvian Andes. You will have the mighty Ausangate Peak towering at a distance.
Ausangate Mountain is a sacred Andean peak that dominates the southern skyline of Cusco on a clear day.
You will also have a distant view of the iconic Rock forest or Stone forest. These are natural formations where the massive rocks tower up to the sky. As we get closer to the summit, you will be able to see Alpacas and Llamas in their natural habitat.
The best time to visit Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain is during the dry season, between March and November. Palccoyo Cusco is a part of the Andean mountain ranges.
During the rainy season, between November and February the trail is often wet and slippery making it challenging to hike.
We highly recommend that you spend 3-4 days in Cusco before visiting Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain. This will help you acclimatize and avoid altitude sickness.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
0430 AM
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain tour is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Andes and to see one of the most spectacular geological formations in Peru. It’s also an opportunity to learn about the local culture and way of life in the Andes, and to meet the friendly and welcoming people who call this region home.
A Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain tour typically includes the following activities and experiences:
Your epic Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain full day tour begins with an early morning transfer from your hotel in Cusco. We will be embarking on a 3.5 hour drive through the south valley of Cusco to Checacupe.
This is the last major town before starting our uphill drive to reach Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain. Checacupe is home to a colonial church. The serene Andean town is home to a bridge that was built during the colonial period. It barely resembles Q’eswachaka bridge.
We will have a brief stop here for you to use toilets and buy some last minute snacks or water.
All set, we will be driving up the hill to get closer to the summit of the emblematic Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain.
The route is dotted with plenty of picturesque sights. One of the prominent ones is the red river, locals refer to it as Incas blood, for its dark red color. The water is rich in iron contents which are washed away from the mountain.
We will also be hiking through plenty of remote Andean communities and farmlands.
Once we get to the car park, our guide will brief you on the prominence of the mountain. We will be trekking for about 45 minutes with a sight of Ausangate peak in the distance.
You will also be getting a closer sight of the Andean Camelids – Llamas, Alpacas and Vicuñas.
As we will get to Palccoyo, you will have plenty of time to soak in the pristine views. You will be able to contemplate the serenity of the Peruvian Andes.
Once you have had your fill of Palccoyo, we will be hiking back to the car park. Here we will be getting into our car for our drive back to Cusco city.
Along our way, we will be stopping in Checacupe for lunch. After lunch, we will be driving further for three and a half hours to Cusco city. We will be reaching Cusco by 0600 PM.
The Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain is located in the Andes mountain range near Cusco, Peru. It has an altitude of approximately 4,900 meters (16,000 feet) above sea level. This high altitude can cause some visitors to experience altitude sickness.
This can include symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
It’s recommended to take it easy for the first few days in Cusco, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol and heavy meals. It’s also a good idea to consult with a doctor before traveling to high-altitude destinations.
The best time to visit Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain is during the dry season. It typically runs from May to September. During this time, the weather is generally clear and dry, with mild temperatures during the day and cooler temperatures at night. This makes for ideal hiking conditions and clear views of the colorful slopes of the mountain.
It’s worth noting that the weather in the Andes can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for a range of conditions, even during the dry season. It’s also recommended to avoid the rainy season, which runs from December to March. The heavy rainfall can make the trails muddy and slippery, and can also obscure views of the mountain.
Additionally, it’s worth considering the crowds when planning your visit to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain. This popular attraction can get quite busy during peak tourist season in June, July, and August. So visiting during the shoulder season in May or September can be a good way to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
