Join us on a full day Cusco to Palccoyo tour to experience the best of this Alternative Rainbow Mountain Peru in a small group or in our exclusive private tour.
The seven coloured mountains are one of the most visited attractions in Cusco after Machu Picchu. Most travellers choose to hike Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. It’s preferable to visit the Rainbow Mountains during the dry season in Cusco, because the absence of rain makes any hike safer and easier.
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour is an easier option. It barely involves any hike as we will be driving you closer to the summit on this full day tour. The highest point of the tour is at 4900 metres above sea level and the trail begins at 4800 metres above sea level, so you will just be hiking 100 metres.
The trail offers enchanting views of the Stone Forest or Bosque de piedras which are a natural stone formation here. You will also get to see many flora and fauna. Vicunas are quite common here.
Unlike the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain trek, Trip to Palccoyo begins at a reasonable time from Cusco. Before reaching the trailhead, we will be stopping at a town called Checaupe. It is home to a colonial rope bridge that resembles Q’eswachaka and was built during the Spanish era.
You will also get to see the mighty Ausangate Glacier. This is a Sacred Andean Peak and dominates the southern skyline of Cusco on a clear day. The tour guide will share some information about the locals who have preserved their traditional Andean way of life.
Please note that this full day trip to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain is a high altitude experience. We highly recommend you to spend a few days in Cusco and acclimate to the altitude before the tour to avoid altitude sickness. For learning more about the trip, you can check our guide about the hike to the Rainbow Mountains.
Do take a moment to check our reviews on Trip Advisor.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
From 04:00 AM
We will be picking you up from your hotel in Cusco at 04:00 AM. Then along the South Valley of Cusco, we will be driving you to Checacupe. This is a colonial town. It is home to a colonial church and an ancient bridge that resembles Qeswachaka.
Here we will be having a brief stop so you can use the restroom. You can also buy some snacks here.
We will then drive you up the hill through some remote Andean communities. The trek begins at 4900 meters above sea level. It is a 45 minutes climb up to the summit at 5000 meters above sea level.
On your way up, you will be passing through some distinct rock formations. The place is popularly called the Stone Forest or bosque de piedras. You will also get a closer view of the mighty Ausangate Peak that marks the southern skyline of Cusco city.
Once at the summit, you will have some time to immerse yourself in the serenity of nature and witness one of the seven colored mountains of Peru.
We will then start descending through the same way we went up. On our way back to Cusco, we will be stopping at a local restaurant in Checacupe for lunch. We will be reaching Cusco by 06:00 PM.
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