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Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Full-Day Tour

Vinicunca alternative

5.0

★★★★★

(120 Reviews) Recommended by 99% of travelers

From

USD $40

Formaciones del Bosque de Piedras y montañas de colores de Palcoyo

Viajera en un mirador del Valle Rojo durante el tour a Palcoyo

Excursionista fotografiando las montañas de colores de Palcoyo en Cusco

Palcoyo: three colorful ridges and a shorter hike

Explore the rainbow range on a Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain tour from Cusco. This Vinicunca alternative offers several mineral-colored ridges, high-Andean scenery and a shorter, gentler hike.

The route passes Checacupe and continues to the Palcoyo community. From the trailhead, hike to panoramic viewpoints and, when conditions allow, the Stone Forest.

Palcoyo: three colorful ridges and a shorter hike

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Breakfast and lunch included

Basic route assistance

Before you book

Health: not recommended with uncontrolled heart or respiratory conditions.

Duration: 12 to 13 hours

Start: Cusco pickup between 4:00 and 5:00 am

Finish: afternoon return to Cusco

Difficulty: moderate because of altitude

Distance: approx. 4 km, depending on route

Highest altitude: approx. 4,900 m / 16,076 ft

Meals: breakfast and lunch included

Languages: Spanish and English

View Itinerary

Although shorter than Vinicunca, Palcoyo reaches about 4,900 meters. Spend at least two days acclimatizing in Cusco.

Health: not recommended with uncontrolled heart or respiratory conditions.

Admission: local community ticket is not included unless expressly stated.

Weather: snow, rain or fog may change the route and hide the colors.

Stone Forest: visited only when weather, time and group condition permit.

Passport or identification
Thermal layers and waterproof jacket
Warm hat, gloves and neck gaiter
Hiking shoes with good grip
Sunscreen and UV sunglasses
Water and snacks
Cash and personal medication

Is Palcoyo easier than Vinicunca?

The hike is generally shorter and gentler, but altitude remains demanding.

How long should I acclimatize?

We recommend at least two days in Cusco before the trip.

Is admission included?

No, unless stated in your confirmation. Carry cash for the community ticket.

Is the Stone Forest always visited?

No. It depends on weather, available time and group fitness.

Reviews

3.0

2 reviews

Distribution of displayed reviews

5 stars 1

4 stars 0

3 stars 0

2 stars 0

1 star 1

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Lucia Huaman Pantia

a month ago

The Rainbow Mountain tour exceeded all of our expectations! The entire trip was well organized, with comfortable transportation, a delicious breakfast and lunch, and a friendly, professional guide who made the experience enjoyable from start to finish. The views along the hike were incredible, and reaching the top to see Rainbow Mountain was absolutely worth it. Our guide gave us plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and learn about the local culture and the surrounding Andes. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Cusco. Everything was handled perfectly, and it was truly one of the highlights of our trip to Peru. Thank you for such an unforgettable adventure!

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Adrian Garcia

a year ago

Terrible service. We booked a bus with them, but they never came to pick us up at the hotel. They didn't answer any of our calls or messages, and of course, they didn't refund our money. I strongly advise against using this agency.

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From USD $40 per person

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Departures are subject to availability, weather, community access and operator confirmation.

Secure payment through WeTravel

Breakfast and lunch included

Basic route assistance

Do you have any questions about your reservation?

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Palcoyo full-day itinerary

Cusco — Cusipata — Checacupe — Palcoyo — Cusco

Start

Pickup Point

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Cusco pickup and breakfast

Stop: 2.5 hours

Admission included

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Checacupe bridges

Stop: 30 minutes

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Trailhead briefing

Stop: 30 minutes

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Palcoyo viewpoints

Stop: 1.5 to 2 hours

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Stone Forest

Stop: 30 to 45 minutes

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Lunch and return

Stop: 3 to 4 hours

Admission included

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End

End of the tour

Meals:

Breakfast and lunch included.

Accommodation:

Not applicable.

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Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Full-Day Tour

Palcoyo: three colorful ridges and a shorter hike

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