The full-day excursion from Cusco to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain, widely recognized as the alternative rainbow mountain hike, provides a more accessible opportunity to witness the captivating beauty of the multicolored Palccoyo Mountain in Cusco. This experience is a must-try while exploring Cusco.
In contrast to the challenging hike to the summit of Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain in Peru during a full-day tour, Palccoyo Cusco offers an optimal experience with a drive closer to the summit. This day trip is especially recommended for families and individuals seeking to witness the spectacular sights without the need for extensive hiking.
We will transport you in proximity to the summit, beginning the trail at 4900 meters above sea level and reaching the summit at 5000 meters. The gradual uphill hike through pristine wilderness takes approximately 45 minutes.
Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the snow-capped Ausangate Mountain, a sacred and the highest mountain in the region.
The Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour also includes a visit to the lesser-known colonial bridge in Checacupe, constructed during the Spanish era and bearing resemblance to the only surviving Inca rope bridge – Q’eswachaka.
Given the high-altitude nature of this experience, we strongly advise spending at least 2 days in Cusco before the tour to mitigate the risk of altitude sickness. For optimal conditions, consider scheduling your visit to Palccoyo Cusco during the dry season, between March and November, as the rainy season often envelops the area in dense fog.
Additionally, if you plan to embark on a hike to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail, participating in this trip can aid in acclimatization.
We encourage you to take a moment to peruse our reviews on Trip Advisor.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
0430 AM
We’ll pick you up from your Cusco hotel at 0430 AM, using our private transportation to journey through the South Valley of Cusco, ultimately reaching Checacupe, a charming colonial village. Here, you’ll have some free time to explore the town and traverse the historic suspended rope bridge constructed by Spanish conquistadors.
Subsequently, our ascent begins as we drive up the hill to the trailhead, passing through various communities along the way. At the trailhead, our guide will provide hiking tips and deliver a safety briefing.
Ready to embark, we’ll commence a gradual climb to the summit of Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain, passing through the enchanting “bosque de piedra” or rock forest. Upon reaching the summit, our guide will conduct a comprehensive tour, elucidating the significance of both Palccoyo and Ausangate in Incan mythology.
After absorbing the awe-inspiring views, we’ll descend back to the trailhead, returning by car to Checacupe. There, we’ll pause for lunch at a local restaurant.
Post-lunch, our journey back to Cusco will commence, with drop-off scheduled at Plaza Regocijo at 06:00 PM.
Our Cusco to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain tour with Peru Amazon Trips was absolutely incredible! The experience felt so genuine and natural, immersing us in the breathtaking beauty of the Andes. The journey to Palccoyo was filled with stunning landscapes and unique rock formations.
Peru Amazon Trips’ team was top-notch, providing excellent service and ensuring our comfort throughout the trip. The guide’s knowledge about the area and the local culture added a special touch to the adventure.
Visiting the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain was a dream come true, and the memories we made will stay with us forever. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind experience in the Andes, Peru Amazon Trips is the way to go!
As a family, our Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain tour with Peru Amazon Trips was a dream come true! From the moment we set off, the journey felt so natural and tailored to our needs. The guide was excellent with kids, making the trek exciting and engaging for them.
The landscapes were simply breathtaking, and witnessing the stunning Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain together was an unforgettable experience. Peru Amazon Trips took care of all the details, ensuring our safety and comfort throughout the trip.
Exploring the Andes as a family was a bonding experience like no other. We couldn’t have asked for a better adventure, and we’re grateful to Peru Amazon Trips for creating such cherished memories. Highly recommended for families seeking an incredible and nature-filled journey!
Our Cusco to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain tour with Peru Amazon Trips was beyond amazing! The natural beauty of Palccoyo left us in awe at every turn. The personalized service and attention to detail made the journey feel so effortless and enjoyable.
The trek to the Rainbow Mountain was an unforgettable experience, and the guides were not only informative but also fun to be around. We felt like we were exploring with friends rather than on a tour.
Peru Amazon Trips truly knows how to create an authentic and magical adventure. If you’re looking to witness the wonders of Palccoyo in a way that feels natural and special, look no further. This tour is a must for anyone visiting Cusco!
Highly recommend them. Everything was taken care so well. The tour co-ordinator, Hilda was very informative and provided excellent information which helped us a lot to prepare for the tour.
