Palccoyo (The Alternative Rainbow Mountain)
Our Palccoyo rainbow mountain tour reveals three colorful mountains and a stone forest on a short, easy hike, so it is ideal if you want a less demanding and less crowded alternative to Vinicunca.
Rainbow mountains without the crowds
Summary
Palccoyo is the perfect alternative to Rainbow Mountain. Instead of a single mountain, here you see three hills with multicolored stripes, on a much shorter and gentler hike, with fewer visitors.
The Palccoyo rainbow mountain tour starts in the community of Palccoyo. From there, an almost flat trail takes you past viewpoints overlooking the colorful mountains, Ausangate peak and the stone forest, rock formations shaped by erosion.
Therefore, it is an ideal excursion for families, travelers with little acclimatization time or anyone who wants to enjoy the colorful landscapes without intense physical effort. Also, if you want another classic day trip, Humantay Lake offers a turquoise glacial lake near Salkantay.
Highlights
Itinerary
05:00 - 05:30
Hotel pickup
We pick you up at your hotel in the historic center of Cusco before sunrise.
Our team picks you up at your hotel. Then we begin the drive south of Cusco by tourist transportation.
05:30 - 08:00
Transfer and breakfast
Drive through the Vilcanota Valley, then a breakfast stop.
We drive through the Vilcanota River valley to Checacupe, where we stop for breakfast before climbing a mountain road to the community of Palccoyo.
09:00 - 10:00
Hike to the viewpoints
Easy trail, especially for its views of the rainbow mountains.
Then we start a short, gentle hike along the mountain ridge, with viewpoints overlooking the three rainbow mountains and Ausangate peak.
10:00 - 11:00
Stone forest
Rock formations high in the mountain range.
Later, we visit the Palccoyo stone forest, a group of rock formations with whimsical shapes carved by wind and rain, so it is ideal for photos.
11:00 - 11:45
Return to the trailhead
Walk back to the parking area when the visit ends.
Then we return along the same trail to the parking area, where our transportation is waiting.
11:45 - 14:00
Lunch
Transfer, then lunch at a local restaurant.
Later, we descend to the Vilcanota Valley for lunch at a local restaurant in Checacupe or nearby.
14:00 - 16:30
Return to Cusco
Return by tourist transportation to Cusco during the afternoon.
Finally, we return to Cusco, where the tour ends at the Main Square or near your hotel in the historic center.
Include
What does it include?
- Pickup from hotels in the historic center of Cusco
- Round-trip tourist transportation
- Professional guide in English or Spanish
- Breakfast and lunch
- Community entrance fee to Palccoyo
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen
- Permanent assistance during the tour
What's not included?
- Horse rental
- Drinks and snacks
- Trekking poles
- Tips for the guide
- Travel insurance
Important information
What to bring
Warm layered clothing, beanie and gloves
Rain jacket or waterproof poncho
Hiking shoes with good grip
Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat
Water and energy snacks
Cash for horse rental or restrooms
Passport or identification document
Altitude and acclimatization
Although the hike is short, it takes place at around 4,900 meters above sea level. Therefore, we recommend spending at least one day in Cusco before the tour and walking at a slow pace.
Best season
The tour operates all year. From April to October the sky is usually clear; however, in the rainy season there may be fog or snow that mutes the colors.
Recommendations
It is an excellent alternative for those who do not feel ready for Vinicunca. Also, bring warm clothes, because the wind at the top can be cold even on sunny days.
Gallery
FAQ
What is the difference between Palccoyo and Vinicunca?
The Palccoyo rainbow mountain hike is much shorter and gentler, shows three colorful mountains and receives fewer visitors. In contrast, Vinicunca is higher, more demanding and more crowded.
How long is the hike?
On the Palccoyo rainbow mountain tour, the total hike, including the viewpoints and the stone forest, takes about two hours at a relaxed pace.
Is it suitable for children and seniors?
Yes. It is one of the most accessible options for seeing rainbow mountains, although the altitude should be considered and a doctor consulted in case of health concerns.
Do I need a lot of acclimatization?
We recommend at least one day in Cusco before the tour, especially two if possible.
Are the colors always visible?
The colors are best appreciated in sunshine. However, on cloudy or snowy days they may look less vivid.
Can I book this tour as a private service?
Yes. The tour is available as a group or private service, including flexible schedules.
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