Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike Full Day

Full Day
Group Tour

palcoyo mountain (1)
palcoyo mountain (2)
palcoyo mountain (3)
palcoyo mountain (4)
palcoyo mountain (5)
palcoyo mountain (6)

Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike Full Day is the alternative Rainbow Mountain . You want to see the stunning colors from the rainbow mountain, but the long hike up Vinicunca scares you? There is a little-known but great alternative.

If the hike up Vinicunca is challenging as it is going up a lot, is long, and the altitude can cause problems to some people, the way from Palccoyo is easier, shorter and mostly flat. Moreover, 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. This tour is a must-do in the area.

overview

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

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.

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Price

Price of the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike Full Day:

Group Service

$30.00

per person

Shared Group

The group service is ideal for those looking for a social and economical experience. Share the tour with other visitors and enjoy the beauty of 7 lakes of ausangate.

Private Service

$350.00

2 to 6 participants

Private, $350 in total

2 to 6 participants, $350 in total
7 to 13 participant, $450 in total
14 or more, price to be arranged (Maximum Group Size, Up to 20 people)
The private service offers a more personalized and comfortable experience. Perfect for small and medium-sized groups seeking exclusivity. For groups of 14 or more, the tour representative will arrange and set the price according to the group’s needs.

Inclusions

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

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)

FAQs

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.