Discover the magic of Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain on this expertly guided tour. Marvel at the array of natural colors that paint the landscape, and enjoy a less strenuous hike compared to other routes. Our tour ensures a comfortable journey with plenty of time to take in the breathtaking views and capture unforgettable photos.
The full day Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour, popularly known as the alternative rainbow mountain hike is an easier way to see the captivating beauty of the multi colored mountain in Cusco, Peru.
Unlike the full day tour to the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, which involves a challenging hike to the summit, Palccoyo offers the best experience with a drive up closer to the summit. This tour is highly recommended for families and those wanting to see the most without hiking.
We will be driving you closer to the summit. The trail head is at 4900 metres above sea level and the summit is at 5000 metres. It’s a 45 minutes gradual uphill hike through pristine wilderness.
You will be rewarded with amazing views of the snow capped Ausangate Mountain. It is a sacred mountain and the highest in the region.
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour also takes you to the lesser known colonial bridge in Checacupe. It was built during the Spanish era and resembles the only surviving Inca rope bridge – Q’eswachaka.
This is a high altitude experience, we highly recommend you to spend at least 3 days in Cusco before the tour to avoid altitude sickness.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
0700 AM
We will be picking you up from your hotel in Cusco at 0700 AM. In our private transport, we will be driving you along the South Valley of Cusco to Checacupe. It is a small colonial village. Here you will have some free time to explore the town and walk on the suspended rope bridge built by Spanish conquistadors.
From here, we will begin our drive up the hill to the trail head. On our way, we will be passing through different communities. Once at the trailhead, our guide will share some tips on hiking and will give you a safety briefing.
All set, we will start climbing gradually to the summit of the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain. On our way, we will also be passing through bosque de piedra or the stone forest. Once at the summit, our guide will give you a guided tour explaining the importance of both Palccoyo and Ausangate in Incan mythology.
Once you have had your fill of the breathtaking views, we will start descending back to the trailhead. Here we will be taking the car back to Checacupe. We will be stopping at a local restaurant for lunch.
After lunch, we will be driving you back to Cusco. We will be dropping you off at Plaza Regocijo at 05:30 PM.
A: Palccoyo’s Rainbow Mountain is located at an elevation of 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level.
A: The best time to hike to Palccoyo’s Rainbow Mountain is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. During these months, the weather is generally clear and sunny, providing the best conditions for hiking.
A: The hike to Palccoyo’s Rainbow Mountain is considered moderately difficult. The trail is steep and rocky in some places, and the altitude can be challenging, but the stunning views make it worth the effort.
A: As with any high-altitude hike, there are potential safety concerns when hiking to Palccoyo’s Rainbow Mountain. It is essential to acclimatize to the high altitude before attempting the hike and to be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness. It is also important to follow the advice of your guide and to stay on the designated trail.
