What to Expect on the Rainbow Mountain Motorcycle Tour This exciting adventure mixes the fun of motorcycle riding with t
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour – Easy 1-Day Trail
Uncover hidden beauty at the legendary Palccoyo Alternative Rainbow Mountain with a tour guide! Go on an unforgettable journey and see the mountain’s many jaw-dropping colors.
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain, also known as Palcoyo, is a hidden gem south of Cusco, Peru. It is a stunning alternative to Rainbow Mountain, featuring three vibrant peaks instead of just one.
On this Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour (1 Day), you will avoid the crowds. You will enjoy a shorter, more leisurely hike of about 4 km round-trip to amazing views. Reach up to 4,900 meters and marvel at layers of red, yellow, and green minerals streaking across the mountainsides. As you travel, enjoy views of the snow-capped Ausangate.
You will also visit the lovely Andean town of Checacupe. This town has bridges from the Inca, Colonial, and Republican eras. This full-day Palccoyo tour is perfect for families and solo travelers. It is ideal for anyone who wants to see Peru’s Rainbow Mountain. Enjoy this experience in comfort and style.
Explore the Rainbow Mountain Palccoyo Tour from Cusco: The trail at Palcoyo is shorter and mostly flat. It offers amazing views of the Andes and the colorful mountains. Enjoy the gentle walk from Palcoyo in the magnificent landscape in front of the Ausangate glacier. Spend a great day exploring the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour Full Day on your next vacation.
Take an adventure to one of Peru’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Visit the Rainbow Mountain Palccoyo Tour and take in stunning views of the Andes Mountains.
A Simple Option for Vinicunca: If you want to see Peru’s rainbow mountains without the crowds, consider the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour. It is an excellent choice for a more straightforward experience. Palccoyo is different from the famous Vinicunca trek. It offers a shorter and easier walk. This makes it ideal for families, casual hikers, and travelers who prefer comfort over a challenge. This private tour with Kondor Path Tours offers scenic drives, short hikes, and real cultural experiences. Enjoy a relaxing day in the high Andes.
Most Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Day Trips follow a similar schedule. Below is a typical 1-day Cusco to Palccoyo itinerary, highlighting the main attractions. Discover the beauty of the Rainbow Mountain of Palccoyo in Peru on an unforgettable adventure!
Early Morning Pick-Up (05:20 AM). Begin your Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour from Cusco with a pre-dawn pickup. Travel comfortably by van or bus towards the southeast. Enjoy dramatic sunrise views over the Andean highlands as you leave the city behind.
Scenic Drive & Red River View. Continue through valleys and mountain scenery. On the way, you may stop briefly at a Red Valley lookout to marvel at a riverside gorge with reddish clay walls – a striking contrast against green fields and the blue sky.
Visit Checacupe (9:00–10:00 AM). Arrive at Checacupe, a small Andean town known for three historical bridges spanning the Vilcanota River. Walk across the Inca stone bridge, built hundreds of years ago, and see the colonial and republican (modern) bridges nearby. These are photogenic sites that showcase Peru’s rich and layered history. This stop typically lasts 30–45 minutes.
Arrival at Palccoyo Trailhead (~11:00 AM). Drive from Checacupe to the trailhead parking area (near the town of Palccoyo). Here you can use simple facilities and meet your trekking guide. At 4,700 m elevation, you’re already relatively high, so it’s essential to stroll at first. The landscape is dry puna grassland dotted with grazing llamas and alpacas.
Hike to Palccoyo Viewpoints (11:15 AM – 12:15 PM). Begin the hike on a semi-flat trail. Over about 45 minutes, you’ll gradually ascend to the viewpoints. The path is well-worn and, in places, paved with flat stones. This short trek (about 4 km round-trip) gains only ~200 m of elevation, so it’s not strenuous. Along the way, you’ll pass two smaller rainbow-colored hills, then reach the largest one.
Spectacular Views of Three Rainbow Mountains (~12:15 PM). At the main viewpoint, you’ll see three magnificent mountains painted in stripes of red ochre, mustard yellow, and emerald green. These “Rainbow Mountains of Palccoyo” are the highlight of the day. Your guide will point out the colored strata and talk about the geology. Be sure to take lots of photos and enjoy the unforgettable panorama of the Andes, including distant Ausangate peak.
Optional Stone Forest Hike (if time permits). For those who want a bit more adventure, you can hike a short spur to a nearby rock forest (an area of jagged white limestone spires). This adds about 20–30 minutes extra, but rewards you with another unique landscape and higher-altitude views (up to ~5,000 m).
Return to Trailhead & Lunch (~1:00 PM). Descend back down (about 20–30 minutes) to the van. Then enjoy a late lunch at a local Andean restaurant or eat your packed lunch. Typical tours include a buffet lunch with Peruvian favorites. This is a good time to relax and share stories of the hike as you sit among the mountains.
Drive Back to Cusco (2:00–5:00 PM). Return to the van and depart Palccoyo for Cusco. The ride back usually retraces the morning route, sometimes with different views of the highlands. You’ll arrive in Cusco by around 4:00–5:00 PM, just in time for dinner.
Box Lunch
Moderate
2.5km (1.2 miles)
36-Minutes
Palccoyo Parking Lot: 4,800m (15,748 ft)
Palccoyo Parking Lot: 4,800m (15,748 ft)
Palccoyo Pass: 4,900m (16,076 ft)
1-Day Palccoyo Tour from Cusco
Distance & Walking Time: The main hike is about 4 km round-trip. It takes about 45–60 minutes to walk up the hill and 20–30 minutes to walk back down. This 1-day Palccoyo trek is much shorter than the 10 km trek of the main Vinicunca route. Overall, including stops, the tour lasts approximately 8 to 10 hours.
Elevation & Difficulty: The trailhead is located at approximately 4,700 meters (15,400 ft). It reaches a high point of around 4,900 meters (16,076 ft). At this altitude, the air is thin, so even though the hike is easy, it’s still important to be acclimatized. Plan to spend at least 2 days in Cusco (3,400 m) before visiting Palccoyo to minimize the risk of altitude sickness. The elevation gain is modest (200 m), and the path is mostly gradual. The tour is rated easy to moderate, so travelers of any age can do it if they move slowly and take breaks.
Trail Conditions: The Palccoyo trail is well-defined. At first, it’s a dirt path on a gentle slope, then it becomes a stone-paved zigzag as you near the top. There are no horses or mules on this route (the walk is short and easy). Good hiking boots or sturdy shoes are recommended for this activity. The trail can be muddy after rain, so a walking stick can help with balance.
Weather & Clothing: Weather in the Andes can change rapidly. In the morning, it will be cold and windy (2–5°C or 35–41°F), but once the sun rises higher, it can warm to 15–20°C (59–68°F) at midday. Dress in layers: start with thermal base layers, then add a fleece or warm jacket, and finish with a waterproof shell. Bring gloves, a warm hat, and a sunhat or cap. UV intensity is high, so wear sunglasses and apply strong sunscreen on your face and hands. Even if the skies are blue, a sudden snow shower or fog is possible, so a light rain poncho or windbreaker is essential.
Altitude Advice: If you experience headache, dizziness, or nausea due to altitude, notify your guide immediately. They will have oxygen and first aid on hand. Drink lots of water on the way. Chew coca leaves or drink coca tea if offered; locals use it to help alleviate the effects of altitude. Take it easy on the hike and rest often. Most tours carry oxygen bottles just in case.
The best time for a Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour is during the dry season (April to October). This is when there is little rain and clear skies. Morning departures are recommended (as most tours do) because afternoon weather in the Andes can become cloudy or stormy. From April to October, you have the best chance of crisp, blue skies and complete visibility of the mountains.
The wet season (November–March) sees frequent rain and even snow above 4,500 m. While tours still run, the mountains’ colors may be muted, the ground may be muddy, and the hike may be slippery. If you visit during the wet season, expect to bring a long-sleeve base layer and waterproof gear. Many travelers prefer June to September (Cusco’s winter), which is cool and dry.
Year-round, always check the weather forecast in Cusco and communicate with your tour operator. Sometimes, the trail may close for a day due to heavy snow for safety reasons. Otherwise, the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain is generally accessible most days of the year.
Palccoyo is often referred to as the “alternative Rainbow Mountain” because it offers a multicolored mountain experience similar to Vinicunca (the famous “7-color mountain”), but with several advantages. First, the hike at Palccoyo is much shorter and easier – only about 4 km total versus 10 km at Vinicunca – and the starting elevation (4,700 m) is lower. Even though 4,900 m is still high, the gradual 1-hour climb is typically manageable, especially for those who have spent a few days in Cusco to acclimatize. Second, Palccoyo sees far fewer tourists. You won’t be jostling for space with tour buses full of travelers; instead, you can enjoy the vibrant landscape in relative peace.
Another highlight: Palccoyo has three rainbow mountains in one place. As you walk along the ridge, one colorful peak after another comes into view, each with its own pattern of red, green, and gold stripes. On clear days, you’ll also see the snowy peak of Ausangate, the tallest mountain in the Cusco region, towering above the Andean horizon. This mix of “Rainbow Mountains” and majestic glaciers is absolutely breathtaking.
For adventure-seekers who want to mix culture and nature, Palccoyo is ideal: you’ll pass by local villages, llamas and alpacas grazing on the Puna grasslands, and people wearing traditional Andean clothing. Many tours point out llamas and alpacas along the trail – these friendly camelids even pose for photos if you have a bit of grain or snacks!
In summary, a Palccoyo Mountain Tour is an adventurous, informative, and family-friendly way to experience Peru’s Andes. It’s full of photo ops and unique landscapes, without the crowds and climb of the main Rainbow Mountain trek.
It’s a full-day hiking trip from Cusco to Palccoyo Mountain, where you trek to see three Rainbow Mountains instead of one. The tour includes transport, a guide, meals, and stops at local sites (often Checacupe). It’s an alternative, less-crowded Rainbow Mountain experience.
Palccoyo is about 125 km (78 miles) southeast of Cusco. By car or van, the journey takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours each way, including stops. Most tours leave Cusco by 5-5:20 AM and return by 4–5 PM, making it a one-day excursion.
The Palccoyo hike is much easier than the Vinicunca (Vinicunca is steeper and longer). Palccoyo is classified as easy to moderate: short distance (~4 km round trip) and gradual ascent (only ~200 m gain). No prior hiking experience is needed, but the altitude makes it challenging for some. Strolling and taking breaks usually suffice. There are paved steps on parts of the trail.
The trailhead starts at 4,700 m (15,400 ft) and peaks around 4,900 m (16,076 ft). Yes, spend at least 2 days acclimatizing in Cusco (3,400 m) before the tour. Drink plenty of water, avoid heavy meals and alcohol, and consider coca tea. If you have severe altitude sickness symptoms, it’s best to descend.
You’ll see three colored mountains (hence “Rainbow Mountains”), panoramic vistas of snow-capped Ausangate and the Andes, Andean flora and fauna (alpacas/llamas), and the Three Bridges of Checacupe (Inca, colonial, republican). Some tours also include the Stone Forest of Palccoyo.
The round-trip hike is about 1.5 to 2 hours total. Wear layered clothing: thermal layers, a windproof/waterproof jacket, a warm hat, and gloves. Good hiking shoes are essential. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen.
The two places are beautiful for their natural tourist attractions. Between Palcoyo and Vinicunca, what would be the lightest adventure? The most leisurely excursion is from Palccoyo, just 25 minutes on foot.
Palccoyo cold floor (Altitude of Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain: 4,000 to 5,000 m/13,123 to 16,404 ft.) The weather is cold, with high atmospheric dryness and thermal variations.
The weather at Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain is typically cold and dry, with temperatures ranging from -5 °C to 10°C.
The Rainbow Mountain of Palccoyo is a vibrant mountain range in Peru’s Cusco region.
By taking a guided tour with an established company like Kondor Path Tours, you can easily reach Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain.
The Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour lasts all day, usually departing early in the morning and returning to Cusco late (16:30).
Prices vary according to the number of people in each group. We invite you to see the price list for the Palccoyo tour on our KONDOR PATH TOURS website. The tour usually includes private transport, a knowledgeable guide, admission costs, and lunch.
Usually: round-trip transport from Cusco, professional guide, breakfast, lunch, entrance fees, and all necessary gear (poles, oxygen, first aid). Not included: personal expenses, tips, extra snacks, or drinks beyond the provided meals.
The hike to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain is considered easy to moderate and suitable for most people with a basic fitness level.
You can visit Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain on your own, but for safety reasons, it is highly recommended that you take a guided tour.
A guide/tour is highly recommended for safety, logistics, and cultural insight. Independent travelers could arrange private transport to Checacupe and Palccoyo, but the remote roads and altitude make a guided tour (with transportation, food, and emergency supplies) much easier. Many agencies run daily tours.
The altitude of Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain is around 4,900 meters (16,000 feet) above sea level.
There are restrooms available at the entrance to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain.
The best months are April through October (Andean winter and dry season) for sunny, stable weather. The ground is dry, and the skies are clearer. Avoid the rainy season (Nov–Mar) if possible, as snow and rain can obscure the views.
Foreign tourists currently pay around 20 soles (~$6) at the Palccoyo entrance (prices can change, so carry cash). Peruvian nationals pay less (around 10 soles). Some tour operators include this fee in the package.
The cancellation policy for the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain tour varies depending on the tour operator. Contact Kondor Path Tours for their cancellation policy.
Generally, yes, children (8 years and older) and active seniors can often do it, as the walk is short. However, consult a doctor if you or your child has any heart or respiratory issues. The high altitude is the main challenge. Elderly participants may want to take it extremely slowly or choose to stay at base if they are unsteady.
You can bring your food on the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain tour, but Kondor Path Tours provides lunch.
The maximum group size for the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain tour varies depending on the operator. Contact Kondor Path Tours for their group size policy.
The minimum group size for the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain tour is between 1 and 4 people.
The ability to change your tour date for the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain tour depends on the tour operator’s policy. Contact Kondor Path Tours for their tour date change policy.
For many travelers, yes: Palccoyo’s vibrant colors and Ausangate views are equally stunning, but the trail is easier and you’ll enjoy a more tranquil experience. It’s especially great for those short on time or not up for a strenuous climb. However, if seeing Vinicunca itself is a priority, you’d need a separate tour to that leading site.
Palcoyo Mountain Day Hike
Palccoyo Full Day Tour Peru Season 2026
To get the best deal and support, notify us if your group size exceeds ten.
| Persons | Price (p/p) | |
| 1 | $ 293.00 USD | |
| 2 | $ 170.00 USD | |
| 3 | $ 131.00 USD | |
| 4 | $ 106.00 USD | |
| 5 | $ 96.00 USD | |
| 6 | $ 86.00 USD | |
| 7 | $ 78.00 USD | |
| 8 | $ 72.00 USD | |
| 9 | $ 68.00 USD | |
| 10 | $ 64.00 USD |
Join this unforgettable experience in the Palccoyo Andes Mountains, where you can marvel at its breathtaking landscapes and spectacular colors! Book your next vacation for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
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