Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain – Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour

• 1 Day

Availability Daily departures
Transport Hotel pickup
Service type Shared service
Cancellation policy Non-refundable
Difficulty Not specified

Summary
Itinerary
Inclusions
FAQs
Reviews
Inquire

About this activity

Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain hits 4,900 m, high even by Cusco standards. The hills and valleys show streaks of color, reds, yellows, greens, all coming from mineral layers sitting in the rock for centuries. Our guide points out how that formed and where to stand for the best shots. Super Tour Machu Picchu takes care of the logistics.

Around 1.5 km of trail, slopes are gentle so the distance itself isn’t the issue, the altitude is. Stops for rest and photos happen throughout, no fixed rushing. Ichu grass and queuña line the path, both typical at this elevation; the guide covers why they matter up here.

Geology and history of the area come up during the walk, nothing heavy, just enough context. The Andes and grazing lands sit visible around you the whole time. Questions go at any point, pace moves with the group.

100% customizable

Build your ideal package

Build my package WhatsApp

No commitment

Get a free quote

Get a quote Quote

Itinerary

Day 01

Cusco - Cusipata - Palccoyo Mountain - Cusco.

The tour begins with departure from Cusco between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m., traveling to Cusipata at 3,400 m. We will stop for breakfast and prepare for the hike while enjoying views of the valley and the Andean landscape. During the journey to Palcoyo, at 4,900 m, we will observe multicolored mountains and unique rock formations, stopping at strategic viewpoints for photos and explanations from the guide.

Upon arrival in Palcoyo, we will embark on a guided 1.5- to 2-hour round-trip hike along gentle trails, covering approximately 1.5-2 km. We will explore the multicolored mountains, colorful bands on hills and valleys, and visit the Stone Forest. The guide will explain the geology of the area, the local flora such as ichu grass and queuña trees, and show us the best spots for photographs as we hike at our own pace.

After the hike, we'll return to Cusipata for a buffet lunch with Peruvian, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. We'll have time to relax, review our photos, and discuss the details of the hike with the guide. The visit will allow us to admire the scenery from Cusipata once more before beginning our return to Cusco.

The return to Cusco will take place after lunch, arriving at approximately 4:30 PM. We'll have time to stop for photos or simply enjoy the scenery along the way. This itinerary guarantees a comfortable, safe, and informative day about Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain and its surroundings.

Statistics

Distance: 1.5–2 km
Maximum Altitude: 4,900 m
Minimum Altitude: 3,400 m
Route: Cusco – Cusipata – Palcoyo – Cusco
Difficulty Level: Moderate

What's included

Inclusions

Pick-up and drop-off service to hotels within Cusco.
Transport to and fro in comfortable cars.
Good breakfast in Cusipata.
Buffet lunch, vegetarian choice.
Professional bilingual (English/Spanish) guide.
First aid and oxygen first aid kit and emergency oxygen.

What's Not Included

Palccoyo Mountain entrance fee (20 soles as a foreigner and 10 soles as a local).
Personal costs (snack, souvenirs, drinks)
Travel or medical insurance
Tips for guides or staff

Tour Policies

Initial Deposit:

To guarantee your reservation for a tour or package with Super Tour Machupicchu, a non-refundable initial deposit is required. The amount of this deposit varies depending on the selected itinerary.

Payment can be made via PayPal or credit/debit card. Please note that a 5% service fee will be applied to card payments, and an 8% fee will be applied to PayPal transactions.

By proceeding with the reservation, you confirm that you have read, understood, and fully accepted our Terms and Conditions.

Reservation Confirmation:

Your reservation will be considered confirmed and binding once Super Tour Machupicchu has received all your information and verified your deposit. At that moment, a legally binding contractual agreement will be established between both parties, marking the official beginning of your next adventure.

Shared Responsibility:

All individuals included in the reservation are jointly responsible for the agreement with Super Tour Machupicchu. The person signing the contract represents each individual listed in the reservation, meaning all parties are informed and agree to our Terms and Conditions.

Required Information for Reservation:

Along with the non-refundable deposit, it is essential to provide the following personal details during the reservation process:

Full name
Passport or ID number
Gender
Nationality
Date of birth

These details are crucial to ensure your experience with Super Tour Machupicchu is safe, organized, and memorable.

Recommendations

Clothes

Trekking shoes or boots

Warm jacket

Essential

Personal medications and basic first aid kit

Reusable water bottle

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the ascent to the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain?

The hike takes around 1.5 to 2 hours along smooth, well-marked trails that are manageable for most fitness levels, giving enough time to rest and enjoy the scenery.

What is the elevation of the tour?

The highest point reaches 4,900 meters above sea level at Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain, offering vibrant rainbow-colored landscapes and incredible panoramic views of the Andes.

How difficult is the hike?

The trek is easy to moderate, with minimal elevation gain, making it suitable for beginners, families, and travelers who want a light but rewarding outdoor adventure.

Does the tour include meals?

Yes, the tour includes a healthy breakfast in Cusipata and a buffet lunch with vegetarian options, providing enough energy to fully enjoy the hike and activities.

Is a guide provided?

Yes, a professional bilingual guide leads the group, sharing detailed explanations about the geology, local culture, and wildlife, making the tour informative and engaging.

When is the optimal season of Palccoyo?

The best time to visit is during the dry season from May to October, when skies are clear and the rainbow-colored mountains are most visible and photogenic.

Do they include entrance tickets?

No, entrance tickets are not included in the tour. Visitors must pay on-site, with foreigners paying 20 soles and locals paying 10 soles at the park entrance.

How do we get back to Cusco?

After the hike and lunch, private transport returns travelers to Cusco, usually arriving around 5:30 P.M., ending the day comfortably after a scenic experience.

Can children join the tour?

Yes, the easy trails make the tour suitable for children and older travelers, although basic acclimatization to the altitude is recommended for safety and comfort.

What do you think we should carry on the tour?

Bring comfortable hiking shoes, warm layered clothing, rain protection, sunwear, water, snacks, and a camera to enjoy the trail and capture the stunning landscapes.

Is this tour crowded?

No, Palccoyo is less visited than Vinicunca, allowing for a more peaceful experience and an intimate connection with the unique mountain scenery and surroundings.

Then what shall we see besides the rainbow mountains?

Visitors can explore the Stone Forest, interact with llamas and alpacas, and enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the Andean mountains along the trail.

Can’t find the answer to your question?

Get in touch with the experts at Super Tour Machu Picchu for your inquiry.

Ask a question

Traveler reviews

Have questions about this tour?

Our travel experts team is ready to customize your experience. Guaranteed response in less than 1 hour.

WhatsApp Send email +51 906 405 594

5000+ happy travelers

Deje que nuestros expertos locales le ayuden a encontrar la aventura perfecta en Perú. Estamos aquí para hacer de su viaje una experiencia inolvidable. ¡Contáctenos hoy mismo!

Your data is protected. We do not share your information with third parties.

Verified reviews

Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain – Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour