Photo gallery
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain tour photos
Tour overview
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain tour at a glance
Palccoyo is the quieter, gentler alternative to Vinicunca. Instead of one striped ridge, you see three rainbow mountains from a short trail at about 4,900 m, plus a forest of rock towers and views of snow-capped Ausangate, usually with only a few other visitors.
Our Cusco team checks the services, timings and availability for your dates and sends the options in a written quote.
Journey highlights
Highlights of the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain tour
- Three rainbow mountains seen from one ridge
- The Stone Forest, a field of tall rock formations
- Views of Ausangate (6,384 m), Cusco's sacred mountain
- Far fewer visitors than Vinicunca
Detailed itinerary
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain tour itinerary
Times and services are indicative. Your final schedule is confirmed in your written quote.
Pickup and breakfast in Checacupe
We pick you up at your hotel in Cusco and drive south along the Vilcanota River. Breakfast is in Checacupe, a village with a colonial church and bridges from Inca and colonial times over the river.
The road to the trailhead
The road climbs through farming communities and alpaca pastures, with wide views of the high Andes, to the trailhead of the Palccoyo community. The drive brings you almost to the top, which is why this hike is much gentler than Vinicunca.
The walk to the rainbow mountains
A gentle, mostly level trail leads to a series of viewpoints over three striped mountains, colored red, ochre, green and lavender by layers of minerals. On clear days the snow peak of Ausangate (6,384 m) shines on the horizon. With far fewer visitors than Vinicunca, you can take your time for photos.
The Stone Forest
The trail continues to the Stone Forest (Bosque de Piedras), a group of tall rock towers shaped by wind and rain, with views over the valleys below. Your guide explains how the local communities manage the site and share the income from tourism.
Lunch and return to Cusco
You walk back to the van and drive down to Checacupe for lunch, then on to your hotel in Cusco.
What's included
What's included in the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain tour
Included
- hotel pickup and drop-off
- transport
- professional guide
- breakfast and lunch
- Palccoyo community entrance fee
- emergency oxygen and first-aid kit
Not included
- horse rental (paid locally)
- tips
Plan with confidence
Duration, difficulty and price
Good to know
Good to know before you go
Planning guides
Planning guides
What to bring
What to pack
- Warm layers, hat and gloves
- Rain jacket
- Sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
- Hiking shoes
- Water and snacks
- Cash in soles
Carry the original passport used to book. Check your confirmed ticket and operator instructions for current baggage and site rules.
Frequently asked questions
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain tour FAQs
Palccoyo or Vinicunca?
Palccoyo is easier and quieter, with three mountains and a short, gentle trail, but it is a longer drive. Vinicunca is the famous one, higher and steeper, with the Red Valley nearby.
Can older travelers do it?
Yes, if they are acclimatized and in good health; it is one of the gentlest high-altitude walks near Cusco.
Is there a horse option?
Yes, horses can be hired at the trailhead and paid locally.
How long is the walk?
About 4 km round trip, 45 minutes to 1 hour each way, on a gentle, mostly level trail. The road brings you almost to the top, to a trailhead at about 4,700 m.
How high is Palccoyo?
About 4,900 m at the viewpoints. The walk is easy but the altitude is not, so spend at least 2 days in Cusco first.
When are the colors brightest?
In sunny, dry weather, from April to October. Snow can cover the mountains from December to March.
What is included?
Hotel pickup, transport, a professional guide, breakfast and lunch, the Palccoyo community fee, emergency oxygen and a first-aid kit.
Tripadvisor reviews
What travelers say about our team
Reviews of Traveleez Peru SAC, the operator of Machu-Picchu.tours, on our Tripadvisor profile Machu Picchu by Traveleez.
★★★★★
Once in a lifetime experience, curated by kind professionals.
“All this mess of mine was treated with kind understanding, prompt replies, and genuine friendliness.”
★★★★★
Professional attention and impeccable support
“Always responding quickly, clearly, and professionally.”
Translated from Spanish
★★★★★
Highschool’s travel buddies to Machu Picchu
“Traveleez team are so helpful in assisting our needs with their prompt response.”
