Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike Full Day

• Daily Departures: From 4:30 to 5:00 a.m.
• Duration: One day
• Return to Cusco: Between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m.
• Maximum Altitude:5,200 meters (17,060 ft)
• Walking distance: 2 km
• Walking Hours: 1 and a half to 2 hours
• Peak Season: April to December

Itinerary of the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike Full Day:

Our tour will start with an early pick-up from your accommodation in Cusco between 4:30 and 5:00 am. We will drive for 3 hours passing through many colorful colonial towns before reaching Cusipata district where we will have breakfast.

After breakfast, we will drive for 1 hour and a half more along the Salcca Valley. On the way, you will enjoy a nice view over the mountains as we follow a small river to get to the starting point of the hike (4850m/15912ft).

We will then start our hike  for 45 minutes to 1 hour (1km) to our viewpoint (5,000m/16,404ft.). From there, we will have the most unique views of Ausangate (highest snow-capped mountain of Cusco 6375m/20915ft) and of the three rainbow mountains.

As this is an alternative route to the well-known Vinicunca, you will be able to enjoy the views without crowds of tourists, to take magnificent photos and to remember forever the stunning views. After taking our pictures and appreciating the view, we will make our way back to our bus, have lunch and head back to Cusco. You will be dropped off in the center around 6:30 pm.

Do you want to know more adventures in Cusco?

Check our information on adventures such as:

• FULL DAY TOUR TO QESWACHAKA INCA BRIDGE -DAILY DEPARTURE
• WAQRAPUKARA TREK FULL DAY
• RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK FULL DAY
• HUMANTAY LAKE HIKE FULL DAY
• 7 LAKES OF AUSANGATE TREK FULL DAY

Price of the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike Full Day: 

• 120 soles   per person  for a  group services
• 30 dollars per person for a group services

We also offer  Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike  in  private service and the cost is based on your group size.

2 to 6 participants: $250 total
7 to 13 participants: $350 total
14 or more: Will be arranged and priced by your  tour representative.

NOTE: We sometimes offer to combine private tours (with your permission) into smaller groups with a discount. Let us know if you would be open to others joining you.

Included in the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike Full Day:

• Pick-up from your accommodation and drop-off near the main square
• Round trip transportation between Cusco and the starting point of the hike in Palccoyo
• English/Spanish-speaking professional guide
• Breakfast and lunch
• Vegetarian food available on request with no extra charge
• First aid equipment

Not Included in the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike Full Day:

• Dinner
• Snacks
• Tips for the guide and driver

What to Bring to the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike Full Day:

• Comfortable hiking shoes with good ankle support and traction
• Small daypack or backpack (approximately 20L)
• Comfortable, lightweight trekking clothes or activewear (layers recommended)
• Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
• Warm coat
• Hat and gloves
• Hand sanitizer
• Sun hat or cap
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Water (at least 1L)
• Personal medications
• Muscle relaxers
• Painkillers or anti-inflammatories
• Bandaids (especially those designed for blisters)
• Toilet paper
• Camera
• Cash (in small denominations of Peruvian Nuevos soles)

Faq of the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike Full Day:

Where is Palccoyo located?

It is located 3.5 hours by car from Cusco.

What is the difference between Palccoyo and Vinicunca and why should I choose Palccoyo?

The hike up Vinicunca is challenging as it is going up a lot, the hike is long, and the altitude can cause problems to some people. The way to see the rainbow mountains in Palccoyo is easier as it is shorter and mostly flat. It is probably more appropriate if you suffer from altitude sickness or if you are not able to hike up for a long time.

As Palccoyo is a new route, you will also most likely be alone with your group or with a few other groups. Your pictures will then be better, and you will also see three rainbow mountains instead of just one with the classic tour to Vinicunca.

When does the tour start and finish?

Since the location is 3.5 hours away we will have an early start between 5:00 and 5:20 am. The tour finishes around 6:30 p.m.

Is lunch included?

Yes, you will receive lunch.

Is there a toilet on the way?

Yes and we can stop for toilet breaks.

What is the maximum altitude?

The maximum altitude we will reach is 5,200 meters (17,060 ft)

What will I do if I suffer from altitude sickness?

We will treat you accordingly. We carry oxygen cylinders and altitude tablets.

Can I take a horse if I can’t walk up?

No. Palccoyo is not as popular as Vinicunca and there are no horses available. However, the way is mostly flat and short, so you should not need a horse.