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Palccoyo is one of the best alternatives to discover the multicolored landscapes of the Andes in a calm and accessible way. This one-day tour allows you to admire three colorful mountains, explore an impressive stone forest, and enjoy spectacular views, all through a short and easy hike. Additionally, the visit combines nature, culture, and unique landscapes in a less crowded experience.
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain tour overview
Why choose this experience with us?
- Private experience for 2 to 6 passengers: Enjoy an exclusive experience with your group, without sharing the tour with other travelers. You will have greater privacy, flexibility to adjust the pace of the visit, and more personalized attention throughout the entire tour.
- Meals included: Buffet breakfast and lunch before and after the hike, for a more complete and comfortable experience.
- Professional guide throughout the tour: From the pickup at your hotel to the end of the experience, our guide will answer your questions and provide information and safety along the way.
- Enjoy every destination without rushing: An itinerary designed to explore each highlight of the route calmly, taking in the natural landscapes and the cultural richness of the destination.
Programme summary
Cusco – Cusipata – Palccoyo – Cusco
Discover the three rainbow mountains of Palccoyo and its remarkable stone forest on a full-day excursion from Cusco, with a gentle hike and spectacular views of the Andes.
Tour facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Hiking distance | Approx. 3 km / 1.86 miles, round trip |
| Hiking time | Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes, round trip |
| Maximum altitude | Palccoyo: 4,900 m / 16,076 ft above sea level |
| Minimum altitude | Cusipata: 3,310 m / 10,860 ft above sea level |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperature | Mostly clear days, with a maximum of around 15 °C / 59 °F. Mornings are very cold because of the altitude, so warm clothing is recommended from the start of the tour. |
Highlights
- Cusipata: a traditional Andean village south of Cusco, where breakfast and lunch are served during the excursion.
- Palccoyo rainbow mountains: three multicoloured mountains seen from a single viewpoint, formed by minerals that give them their characteristic tones.
- Palccoyo stone forest: a remarkable geological formation of rock needles and columns that creates a unique landscape, exclusive to this route.
- Views of Mount Ausangate: from the viewpoints you can see the glaciers of Ausangate, the most important apu in the region.
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain tour itinerary
Cusco – Cusipata – Checacupe – Wallata Qasa – Palccoyo Mountain – Stone Forest – Cusipata – Cusco
An unforgettable journey through the dreamlike landscapes surrounding the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain.
- The tour begins very early, between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m., with the pickup from your hotel in Cusco. The journey crosses the South Valley towards the village of Cusipata (3,310 m / 10,860 ft), where, after around 2 hours on the road, you will enjoy a hearty buffet breakfast to start the adventure with energy.
- We continue to Checacupe (3,450 m / 11,319 ft), where we make a short stop to admire its colonial bridge and take photographs of this beautifully preserved Andean gem.
- The journey then continues to the Wallata Qasa area (4,600 m / 15,092 ft), the starting point of the hike to the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain. From here you can take in the mountain scenery that surrounds the route, including the Warsaqyani peak.
- A gentle hike of 45 minutes to 1 hour then begins, up to the Palccoyo viewpoints (4,790 m / 15,715 ft), passing the Stone Forest and its incredible natural formations along the way. As the route is undemanding and the slopes are moderate, it is ideal for families and for anyone who prefers a relaxed walk.
- On arriving at Palccoyo there is time to explore the viewpoints, relax, take photographs and connect with nature, while your guide explains how the colours formed and the importance of the apus, or sacred mountains, in Andean culture. From here you can see the three rainbow mountains and, weather permitting, views of Mount Ausangate.
- The group then descends to the meeting point with the transport to return to Cusipata, where a buffet lunch is waiting.
- Finally we set off back to Cusco, arriving at around 5:00 p.m.
What the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain tour includes
Guaranteed entrance
- Entrance ticket to Palccoyo, included in the service, so you can avoid the long payment queues on site.
Support and safety
- Virtual assistance before the tour. Before departure, our team answers all your questions about the programme so you can enjoy the trip without worries.
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English). A team of guides highly trained in history, culture and tourist information accompanies you throughout the tour.
- First-aid kit and oxygen tank. Our guides receive ongoing first-aid training, which ensures timely assistance along the route.
- 1 trekking pole, which provides greater stability and support on the ascents and descents, reducing the effort required.
- 24/7 customer service, with an emergency number available from start to finish.
Meals
- Buffet breakfast and lunch in Cusipata, before and after the hike. The menu combines traditional Andean flavours, prepared with local ingredients and accompanied by a selection of typical regional desserts.
- Special Sakura Moment, at the end of the walk, enjoy a special mate to recharge and conclude the experience.
Transport
- Pickup in tourist transport from your hotel in Cusco.
- Private tourist transport throughout the tour.
Not included
- Horse hire (optional). Available on this route to reduce the effort of the climb. It costs around 80 soles, paid in cash directly to the community muleteers on the day.
- Travel insurance (recommended): cover for flight cancellations or delays, lost or delayed luggage, illness, accidents, trip interruptions and medical assistance.
- Tips (optional). All of our team receives fair pay, so any gratuity is entirely at the traveller's discretion.
- Expenses arising from causes beyond the agency's control: adverse weather, itinerary changes for safety reasons, illness, strikes, political instability or changes in government policy.
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain tour price
Rates by group size
| Your group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2 people | 130 USD |
| 3 people | 95 USD |
| 4 people | 77 USD |
| 5 people | 75 USD |
| 6 people | 65 USD |
Plan your visit
We recommend booking early to secure your date. Travelling soon? Ask us about availability: depending on the date, you can also book just a few days ahead.
The best time to visit Palccoyo
The dry season, from April to October, offers clearer skies and better conditions for appreciating the colours of the mountains. In the rainy season, from November to March, the landscape is greener but there is a higher chance of rain.
What to bring to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain
These are the most important items for this high-altitude excursion.
Required documents
- Original, valid passport or ID card.
Luggage
- A light 20 to 30 litre backpack or day bag for the essentials.
- Water bottle and a snack.
- Cash in Peruvian soles, preferably in small notes, for purchases and souvenirs.
Clothing and footwear
- Trekking shoes or boots with good non-slip soles.
- Layered clothing: a breathable base layer, a warm layer and a waterproof jacket.
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- Woollen hat and gloves for the morning.
- Hat or cap and sunglasses.
- Bandana or buff to protect yourself from the wind, dust and solar radiation.
- A special outfit for your photographs at Palccoyo.
Personal items
- Sunscreen.
- Personal medication and a basic first-aid kit.
- Wet wipes or toilet paper and hand sanitiser.
- Energy snacks: chocolate, nuts or bars.
Equipment and extras
- Camera or mobile phone.
- Extra cash for drinks, souvenirs or tips.
Important considerations
- Acclimatise for at least 2 days in Cusco before this tour.
- Avoid heavy luggage so you can enjoy the experience more.
- Always keep your documents and valuables with you.
Frequently asked questions about Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain
How difficult is Palccoyo?
It is easy. The hike is short and the slopes are gentle, which makes it one of the most accessible rainbow mountain routes. Even so, it takes place at altitude, above 4,700 m / 15,420 ft, so we recommend proper acclimatisation in Cusco beforehand.
What is the difference between Palccoyo and Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain?
Palccoyo is a quieter, more accessible alternative. It offers three rainbow mountains from a single viewpoint and a remarkable stone forest, with a much shorter and simpler hike of less than an hour, and it receives fewer visitors.
Vinicunca, on the other hand, reaches a higher altitude of around 5,200 m / 17,060 ft and requires a more demanding hike. Palccoyo is ideal for families, children, older travellers or anyone looking for a relaxed experience.
Could I suffer from altitude sickness?
Yes, altitude sickness (soroche) is possible, as the hike takes place above 4,700 m / 15,420 ft, where there is less oxygen. To prevent it we recommend acclimatising in Cusco beforehand, staying hydrated and walking at a calm pace.
Is this a good tour for families with children or older travellers?
Yes. Thanks to its short, low-difficulty hike, Palccoyo is one of the best options for families with children, older travellers or anyone who prefers a gentle route, provided they have acclimatised in Cusco beforehand.
Can I hire a horse at Palccoyo?
Yes. The horse service is available on this route for the uphill section. It is not included in the tour: it costs around 80 soles, paid in cash directly to the community muleteers on the day.
Does the agency provide an oxygen tank during the tour?
Yes. We carry an oxygen tank for the group during the tour, and our guides are trained in first aid to assist you with anything related to the altitude.
When is the best time to visit Palccoyo?
The dry season, between April and October, offers clearer skies and better conditions for appreciating the colours of the mountains. In the rainy season, from November to March, the landscape is greener but there is a higher chance of rain.
How many people are in the group?
The groups are private from 2 passengers and have a maximum of 6 passengers. For a shared service, you can also join a group of 18 passengers, the price varies depending on the number of people.
How far is Palccoyo from Cusco?
Palccoyo is approximately 130 km southeast of Cusco. The journey takes around 3 to 4 hours each way before the hike begins.
How long is the hike at Palccoyo?
The hike up to the viewpoints takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour, on gentle slopes. The total round trip takes approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes.
What is the Palccoyo stone forest?
It is a remarkable geological formation of rock needles and columns found on the Palccoyo route itself. It is an attraction exclusive to this tour, which does not exist at Vinicunca, and one of its great distinguishing features.
What should I wear?
The best approach is to dress in layers, to adapt to the cold, the wind and the intense sun. Essentials are a warm jacket, comfortable trousers, trekking shoes, gloves, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a rain poncho.
What happens if I feel unwell during the hike?
Your safety is our top priority. Our guides are trained in first aid and will assess any discomfort during the tour. Depending on the situation, we will arrange your return to the vehicle or provide the assistance you need.
Is there mobile phone signal or internet during the visit?
The signal is very limited and, in most cases, unavailable during the hike. We recommend letting family or contacts know that you may be out of touch for several hours.
What is the booking process?
Step 1. Availability enquiry. Write to us at info@sakuraexpedition.com to check dates. We will send you a booking form for each participant to complete.
Step 2. Passenger details. To process the booking we need, exactly as they appear on your passport, your full name, gender, passport number, date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) and nationality.
Step 3. Deposit and confirmation. A deposit per person is required to secure your place. We recommend booking in advance, especially on public holidays and in high season.
Step 4. Final confirmation. Once the booking is confirmed, you will receive the official invoice and your place will be 100 % guaranteed.
Can I cancel or change the date?
Yes. You can cancel or change your booking date up to 48 hours before departure. In these cases an administrative fee applies, which is deducted from the total amount as appropriate.
Any further questions?
You can contact our sales team on WhatsApp at +51 993 150 947 or +51 941 411 418, or by email at info@sakuraexpedition.com.
Why choose Sakura Expedition for your trip?
Sakura Expedition is a 100 % local, Peruvian company specialising in adventure and cultural tourism in Cusco and Peru. We have a team of certified guides, porters and operations staff committed to delivering unique, safe and high-quality experiences.
We stand out for responsible and sustainable tourism, respect for local communities and personalised attention in every service. Backed by our tourism quality certification, we guarantee standards of excellence in every detail of the operation, from planning through to the tour itself.
