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Offered languages
- English
- Spanish
Escape the crowds and discover a quieter, equally stunning alternative to Vinicunca on this full day Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour. With a short and scenic 45 minute hike, this experience is ideal for travelers of all ages looking for natural beauty without the intensity of a long trek.
Enjoy round trip transportation from Cusco, a hearty Andean breakfast, and a traditional lunch at a local restaurant. Along the way, explore three colorful rainbow mountains, take in panoramic views of the Andes, visit the otherworldly Stone Forest, and learn about the region’s geology and culture from your professional bilingual guide.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Pickup for the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour begins approximately 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time (around 4:00 a.m.) from Cusco. Travelers are kindly asked to be ready and waiting in the lobby of their hotel or accommodation at that time. Our guide will contact you by phone to coordinate the pickup and ensure there are no issues. Please make sure your phone is turned on and reachable, and that you’ve provided the correct contact details and pickup location when booking
Itinerary
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1Cusco
Early Morning Departure from Cusco Your adventure begins early as we depart Cusco around 4:00 a.m. in our private tourist transport. As we head south through the Andean highlands, you'll witness the first light of day over quiet villages and mountain landscapes. After approximately 3 hours of driving, we’ll stop for a traditional Andean breakfast at a local restaurant, giving you a moment to relax and fuel up before the hike.
3 hours • Admission ticket free -
2
After breakfast, we continue our journey to the Palccoyo trailhead, located at an altitude of approximately 4,800 meters. Here, we begin a short and easy hike through colorful, rolling landscapes. The trail is about 1.5 kilometers (roughly 45 minutes) and follows a gradual incline, making it accessible for most fitness levels. Along the way, we’ll be surrounded by spectacular views of the three Palccoyo Rainbow Mountains, each showcasing natural mineral colors in vibrant reds, greens, yellows, and oranges. Unlike the more crowded Vinicunca trail, Palccoyo offers a peaceful and less touristy experience. At the highest point of the trail, around 4,900 meters, we’ll pause to take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the Andes mountain range. On clear days, you may even spot llamas grazing in the distance.
3 hours • Admission ticket included -
3
Visit to the Stone Forest We continue our exploration to the nearby Stone Forest, a surreal landscape of towering rock formations sculpted by centuries of wind and erosion. These unique geological structures resemble towers, animals, or ancient temples, sparking imagination and wonder. While exploring, your guide will share insights into local myths and stories associated with the rocks. We’ll also reach another viewpoint that offers a stunning perspective of the Ausangate Glacier, the highest peak in the Cusco region, standing majestically in the distance.
3 hours • Admission ticket included -
4Cusco
After taking in the views and enjoying time at the Stone Forest, we will return via the same trail to our vehicle. The descent is easier and gives time to reflect on the amazing natural sights you’ve experienced. On the way back to Cusco, we’ll stop in a local village to enjoy a hearty Andean lunch, featuring regional dishes made with fresh local ingredients such as soups, potatoes, stews, and vegetables. We expect to arrive back in Cusco around 6:00 p.m., completing a day full of vivid scenery, fresh mountain air, and a deep connection to the Andean landscape.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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