Discover a quieter, more peaceful alternative to the classic Rainbow Mountain hike with our full-day tour to Palcoyo. Just a few hours from Cusco, Palcoyo surprises travelers with not one, but three colorful mountains, each streaked with vibrant mineral layers that seem painted by nature herself.
As a friendly, low-cost operator, we offer competitive prices without sacrificing quality or personalized service. Enjoy easy hikes, stunning views of the Stone Forest and Ausangate Glacier, and authentic Andean culture throughout the day. Perfect for travelers seeking adventure, great value, and a warm, welcoming team.
Once your booking is confirmed, please contact us directly so we can coordinate your pickup details and share helpful tips to make the most of your Palcoyo experience. If your accommodation is outside the standard pickup area or has limited vehicle access, we’ll arrange a convenient meeting point at the main square (Plaza de Armas) at 4:15 a.m.
The convenient meeting point at the water fountain in the main square (Plaza de Armas), located right in front of Cusco’s Cathedral, at 4:15 a.m
Drop-off will be at Plaza Regocijo between 4:00 and 4:30 p.m., as per the regulations set by the Municipality of Cusco, which has designated this square as the official drop-off point for all tourist minivans to avoid the trafic in the historic center.
Start your day with an early pickup between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m. from your hotel in Cusco. Enjoy a scenic 2-hour drive to the southern town of Checacupe, where you’ll have breakfast near the iconic Inca bridge, a place where ancient, colonial, and modern bridges stand side by side. It’s the perfect moment to stretch, use the bathrooms, and ease into the mountain atmosphere. From there, continue for about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the trailhead at Palcoyo, perched above 4,800 meters. The hike is short and easy, just 2.5 km roundtrip, and takes about 40 minutes with breaks. Along the way, you’ll see three rainbow mountains, the Stone Forest, and—on clear days. the Ausangate Mountain. Unlike the busy Vinicunca trek, Palcoyo offers serenity and space to truly connect with nature. After soaking in the views, we return to Checacupe for a buffet lunch before heading back to Cusco. Per city regulations, all minivans drop off at Plaza Regocijo between 4:00 and 4:30 p.m.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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