Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain

Treks In Cusco

Spain
0 booked

Duration:1 Day
Language Ingles
Transport: Bus
Accommodation: no
N. Pax: 20

Discover one of the best-preserved natural gems of the Andes with the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour (1 day). Explore three stunning colorful mountains and enjoy unique Andean landscapes with less physical exertion than other high-altitude routes. Along the way, visit the picturesque village of Checacupe, where you can admire ancient Inca and colonial bridges, witnesses to the region's rich history. During the tour, you'll also observe the daily life of local communities and high-altitude wildlife such as alpacas and llamas.

Cusco - Palcoyo Mountain Tour - Cusco

Get ready to explore the new and breathtaking Cusco tour circuit!
A professional guide and tour vehicle assigned by our staff will pick you up from your Cusco hotel between 4:00 and 4:30 am (depending on your hotel’s location). You’ll then travel for 1 hour and 40 minutes to the village of Cusipata, where you’ll have a short stop to enjoy a carefully prepared buffet breakfast made with local ingredients. Restrooms are also available. Next, take a 20-minute drive to the village of Checacupe and visit the legendary bridges built at different times. Admire the history and architectural legacy of two distinct cultures, which remain remarkably well-preserved even after centuries.

After admiring these masterpieces, continue your journey for another 1 hour and 30 minutes to the Rainbow Mountain of Palccoyo. Along this route, you’ll see hundreds of South American camelids and observe the local people going about their daily lives. From the bus parking lot, walk for 40 minutes to the viewpoint overlooking the three rainbow mountains and enjoy unique and incredible panoramic views. If you are in good physical condition, ascend to the highest point (4,900 meters above sea level), where you will see a kind of stone forest. From there, you will also enjoy breathtaking panoramic views.
Afterward, take your tourist transport back to the town of Cusipata and enjoy delicious Peruvian cuisine. After a refreshing rest, continue your journey back to Cusco. Arrival in Cusco is approximately between 5:30 and 6:00 pm.

What’s Included

Pick up from your hotel (hotel must be located in the city center)
Round-trip tourist transportation
Professional tour guide in Spanish
Food: Breakfast and Lunch
First aid kit and oxygen
Group or private tour

Not Included

Entrance fee to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain (S/ 20 PEN)
Dinner
Travel insurance. We highly recommend you obtain travel insurance
Entrance fee to the Checacupe bridges (5 PEN)
Altitude sickness pills (soroche)
Tips (optional)

What to Bring:

Original passport and ISIC card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
Waterproof jacket / rain poncho, a warm jacket, T-shirts, comfortable pants, and a sun hat
Sunscreen (factor 35 or higher) and insect repellent
Personal medication
Camera and extra battery
Basic first aid kit
Sandals and swimwear for the hot springs

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Palcoyo and Vinicunca?
Palcoyo is a more accessible alternative to the classic Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), as it requires shorter and less demanding hikes, ideal for those who prefer a gentler experience.
How long is the tour?
The tour is a full-day tour, lasting approximately from 4:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Is it necessary to be in good physical condition?
Not necessarily. This tour is designed to be easy to moderate, recommended for families, children, and people who don't want to do long hikes at high altitude.
What should I bring for the tour?
We recommend bringing warm clothing, hiking boots, water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and a lightweight backpack.
What should I bring for the tour?
We recommend bringing warm clothing, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, water, snacks, and a camera to capture the scenery.