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Palcoyo Mountain
The most accessible alternative to the rainbow mountain: three colorful mountains, the Ausangate mountain range and the Stone Forest, with an easy 3-hour hike from Cusco.
The route, at a glance
Discover Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain, the easiest alternative to Vinicunca: three colorful mountains almost side by side, the imposing Ausangate mountain range (6,385 m.a.s.l.) and the surreal Stone Forest, with a hike of just 3 hours.
Day by day
A full day at the most accessible rainbow mountain in Cusco. Open the day to see the details.
Between 3:30 and 4:00 a.m. we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and start the journey south. After approximately 2 hours, we arrive at the town of Cusipata, where you enjoy a continental breakfast.
We continue driving for another hour and a half to the starting point of the hike to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain. This route is easier than Vinicunca and takes approximately 3 hours round trip, including time to enjoy the panoramic views.
Along the way you will marvel at the colorful Palcoyo mountains (three rainbow mountains very close together), the impressive Ausangate mountain range (the highest in Cusco, at 6,385 m.a.s.l.) and the unique rock formations of the Stone Forest. If the weather allows, you can also explore this surreal landscape.
After the hike we return to the restaurant for a traditional lunch and go back to Cusco around 5:00 p.m.
- Breakfast and lunch included
- Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain excursion (approx. 3-hour hike)
- Maximum altitude: 4,900 m.a.s.l. (16,076 ft)
- Easy to moderate difficulty
- Round-trip transport from your hotel
What's included
- Round-trip transport from your hotel in Cusco to the starting point of the hike
- Bilingual guide (ES/EN)
- Continental breakfast and traditional lunch
- Entrance ticket to Palcoyo
- Permanent assistance during the route
- Emergency line and 24-hour support
Not included
- Trekking poles (optional rental)
- Personal expenses, drinks and tips
Good to know
- We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 1 day before to acclimatize to the altitude
- Tailor-made price depending on group size and date
- Rates subject to change and availability
Before your Palcoyo Mountain
Tour cancellations due to bad weather are not refundable, as they are factors beyond our control.
The Palcoyo route is easier than Vinicunca and takes approximately 3 hours round trip, including time to enjoy the panoramic views. It is considered easy to moderate difficulty.
The hike to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain reaches up to 4,900 m.a.s.l. (16,076 ft), with views of the Ausangate mountain range, the highest in Cusco at 6,385 m.a.s.l.
Palcoyo offers three rainbow mountains very close to each other, lower altitude (4,900 m.a.s.l.) and a shorter, simpler hike. Along the way you can also see the Stone Forest formations and, weather permitting, explore this surreal landscape.
Bring warm, layered clothing, a hat, sunscreen, water and a small backpack. Trekking poles are available to rent (additional cost). Mountain weather changes fast: intense sun and cold with possible rain.
Booking is simple
A direct process with the local agency. We confirm your booking within 48 hours.
Tell us your date
Message us on WhatsApp with your travel date and number of travelers. We confirm availability and tailor your itinerary.
Confirm with your 50%
The agency requests a 50% deposit of the total to secure your booking. We confirm it through the same channel.
Pay the balance and travel
The remaining balance is paid 15 days before your arrival in Peru. Then you only need to enjoy the trip.
Combine it with other tours
Ready for Palcoyo Mountain?
A day at 4,900 m.a.s.l. on the most accessible rainbow mountain, with a local agency, meals and guide included. We quote your date within 48 hours.