▷ Palcoyo-Alternative Rainbow Mountain 1-Day Tour
Acomodation
Temperature
Max. Altitude
Availability Dates
Overview – Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain 1-Day Tour
Embark on a captivating one-day journey to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain — a hidden gem in the Andes that offers a tranquil, crowd-free alternative to the more frequented Vinicunca. Unlike traditional routes, this exclusive experience seamlessly combines natural beauty, cultural depth, and personalized comfort. As a result, it’s an ideal choice for discerning travelers seeking a unique and enriching adventure.
Your journey begins with a scenic drive through remote Andean villages, where, along the way, the landscapes are dotted with llamas and alpacas roaming freely. Moreover, the route itself is part of the adventure, as it offers a unique glimpse into authentic highland life.
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the stunning sight of Palcoyo’s multi-colored peaks — with one visible right from the parking area. In contrast to steeper treks, the hike to the summit is gentle and accessible. Specifically, it follows what locals call “Andean flats,” a gradual incline that, typically, takes approximately 35–40 minutes.
At the summit, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Meanwhile, your expert guide will enrich the experience with fascinating insights into the region’s geography, history, and traditions. Through engaging storytelling, they bring the landscape to life, thus deepening your connection with this remarkable place.
Following the descent, you’ll head to the nearby town of Cusipata, where, shortly after, a generous buffet-style lunch awaits. Served in a warm and welcoming local setting, this meal not only satisfies your appetite but also offers a delicious sampling of traditional Andean cuisine.
In summary, the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain tour offers a harmonious blend of natural wonder, cultural discovery, and peaceful exploration. Therefore, it’s a perfect option for those seeking a meaningful yet relaxed alternative to the more crowded tourist destinations around Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Ultimately, this experience allows you to connect with the Andes in a more personal and tranquil way.
Hiking Details – Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain
Trailhead Elevation: 4,770 meters / 15,649 feet
Highest Elevation Point: 4,920 meters / 16,141 feet
Walking Distance: 3 kilometers / 1.8 miles
Grup size: Up to 10 people
Departure Dates: All year around
Cusco – Palcoyo Rainbow Mountains – Stone Forest – Cusco
Day 1: Cusco - Palcoyo
Your experience begins with a private hotel pick-up between 4:30 and 5:00 AM. From there, you’ll enjoy a comfortable, scenic drive approximately four hours south of Cusco en route to the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain trailhead. Throughout the journey, you’ll witness the gradual transformation of the landscape as you ascend into the high Andes.
En route, you’ll stop in Cusipata or a nearby town for a freshly prepared breakfast, giving you the chance to fuel up while taking in the charm of a quiet Andean village. Afterward, the journey continues through breathtaking landscapes — including expansive views of the Andes, emerald valleys, and traditional farmlands. Along the way, you may spot llamas, alpacas, and — if you’re fortunate — wild vicuñas in their natural habitat, further enhancing your connection with the region’s unique ecosystem.
Upon reaching the trailhead, you’ll prepare for a 30–40-minute hike through a stunning high-altitude valley. To begin with, the trail is gentle and rewarding, leading you through three panoramic viewpoints, each roughly ten minutes apart. Along the way, these scenic stops reveal Palcoyo’s signature multi-colored peaks. Ultimately, the final viewpoint offers the iconic, postcard-worthy vista of all three rainbow mountains—an unforgettable highlight for any traveler.
For those feeling well-acclimatized and adventurous, an optional 10-minute ascent leads to the Stone Forest, a surreal collection of ancient rock formations. From there, this elevated vantage point offers 360-degree views that include the awe-inspiring Ausangate Mountain and the full sweep of the Palcoyo range. Afterward, the descent follows a scenic loop trail, providing fresh perspectives and excellent photo opportunities.
After completing your hike, you’ll return by vehicle to Cusipata or a nearby town, where a buffet-style Andean lunch awaits—served in a relaxed and authentic restaurant. Once you’ve enjoyed your meal, you’ll make your way back to Cusco. Finally, you’ll arrive at your hotel at approximately 5:00 PM, enriched by a day of natural beauty, cultural insight, and exclusive exploration.
Inclusions for the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountains
Services Included
- Private Transportation – To ensure a pleasant journey, you’ll travel in comfortable, modern vans equipped with safety features and warm blankets for the early morning ride.
- Hotel Pickup & Drop-off – Convenient round-trip service from your accommodation.
- Experienced Guides – Knowledgeable, English-speaking guides trained at Cusco University, ensuring a well-organized and insightful experience.
- First Aid & Safety Equipment – First aid kit and oxygen tank provided for high-altitude safety (4,618m).
- Meals & Refreshments – A nutritious box breakfast, a chef-prepared or buffet lunch, complimentary snacks, and a bottle of water. For booking as a group tour only breakfast and lunch in buffet styles included.
- Trekking pole – Free walking sticks available upon request.
- Pre-Trek Briefing – In-person briefing at your hotel or a WhatsApp briefing for convenience.
- Entrance Fees – Full coverage of entry costs for Palcoyo Mountain and private lands.
Not Included
- Tips for the Inca Vision Tours Crew – Gratuities are optional but appreciated.
This Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike is available all year around, as well as Peru usually celebrates annual festivities, special events, special occasions and activities such as: The Feast of the Sun, Easter Sunday procession, Folkloric Parade, Carnival, Christmas Day, Bullfighting, and so on, occasionally, unforeseen events such as: Solar and Lunar eclipses would be a surprising experience for you. For this reasons, Inca Vision will guarantee your departure dates if you book it in weeks or months in advance and right time. Book now! Only your confirmation is needed.
Check your availability for Annual Festivities, Special Events and Palcoyo hike.
💰 For Group Tour (Shared service): $ 55 per person
💰 For Private Tour: $ 120 per person
- We need a minimum of 2 people to run the tour (Private Tour)
- 2+People, please contact us for a special price.
Note.
- If you book this tour for more than 2 people, ask for it and get a discount for this tour. “This condition applies only if you are part of a single group (For 3 + people booking at the same time) and does not apply to groups organized by the travel agency.”
- Children 10 years old or less, the discount is $10 USDonly in Private Tour (To receive the child discount you must send us a copy of the child’s passport).
- For aprivate tour, please request a quote by emailing incavisiontours@gmail.com or info@incavisiontours.com.
What You Need to Bring
- Passport or ID (Optional)
- Small Backpack – To carry your essentials.
- Water Supply – Camelback or water bottle, plus snacks.
- Extra Cash (Soles) – For personal expenses or emergencies.
- Trekking Shoes – Comfortable and suitable for uneven terrain.
- Layered Clothing – Light and warm layers, including gloves, a scarf, a jacket, and thick socks.
- Hat & Sunglasses – For sun protection.
- Waterproof Jacket/Rain Poncho (October–March) – To stay dry during the rainy season.
- Walking Sticks (Optional) – For extra support on the trail.
- Sunscreen & Lip Balm – Protect your skin at high altitudes.
- Toiletries – Toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and lip balm.
- Personal Medication – As prescribed by your doctor.
- Camera/Cellphone & Extra Batteries – Capture the stunning landscapes.
Why Choose Inca Vision Tours for the Palcoyo Trek?
- Safety First: We prioritize your well-being by providing oxygen tanks for high-altitude support, ensuring a safe and enjoyable trek.
- Trusted & Experienced: A fully licensed, locally owned company in Cusco, with years of experience organizing tours and exceptional reviews on TripAdvisor.
- Personalized Experience: We offer small groups (up to 10 people) for a more intimate, relaxed, and engaging journey, unlike other companies with larger groups.
- Experienced Guides: Knowledgeable, English-speaking guides trained at Cusco University, ensuring a well-organized and insightful experience.
- Exclusive Service: We provide a dedicated service with no shared tours, ensuring you receive exclusive attention and high-quality experiences.
- Hotel-to-Hotel Service: We provide smooth, convenient pickup and drop-off directly from your hotel in Cusco.
- Less Crowded & Stunning Landscapes: Experience the beauty of less crowded trails, with breathtaking landscapes and uniquely colored lakes.
Choose Inca Vision Tours for a safe, personalized, and unforgettable Palcoyo Adventure in Peru.
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