Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain - Palccoyo Cusco
Rainbow Mountains in Peru are the second most visited tourist attraction after Machu Picchu. Cusco, the former capital of the Incas is home to two iconic Rainbow Mountains – Palccoyo Cusco and Vinicunca.Â
Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Trek is the most popular activity among the two. However, it involves challenging hikes at high altitudes. Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour full day or Alternative Rainbow Mountain as it is popularly known as is a much easier option and seldom involves any hike.Â
Set at 4900 meters above sea level, the colors of Palccoyo are the result of mineral deposits. From the car park, it is an easy 45 minutes hike to the summit. You will be getting staggering views of the Ausangate, the sacred Andean peak.Â
The hike takes you through the stone forest or bosque de Piedras. These are natural rock formations towering up to the sky.Â
On this full-day trip from Cusco with a local tour guide, you will be getting an insight into the life of local communities who live in this untouched region. They maintain their age-old traditions and customs. Explore the colorful mountains of Cusco with us.
Best time for Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour full day?
Palccoyo Cusco is a part of the Andean Mountain Range. It is subject to two seasons, wet season and dry season.Â
The best time to visit Palccoyo Cusco is during the dry season, between March and November. During the rainy season, the path leading up gets slippery. Because of the altitude, the mountain often gets covered in snow during the rainy season.Â
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour full-day recommendations:
Please note, that Palccoyo Cusco Trek is a high-altitude experience. We highly recommend that you spend at least three days in Cusco city before the tour to avoid altitude sickness.
Why SAMEX Tours Peru?
SAMEX Tours Peru is a fully locally owned licensed tour operator based in Cusco. We have an excellent team of professionals who are passionate about what they do. They have excellent knowledge about the routes, history, and culture. Â
Rainbow Mountain tour from Cusco is one of our signature treks. We maintain high safety standards. Our main aim is to offer you a pleasant and safe experience on any of our tours.Â
Do take a moment to check out our reviews on TripAdvisor.Â
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain tour from Cusco Highlights:
One of the best and the most sold full day tours in Cusco. Palccoyo Cusco Rainbow Mountain tour is widely preferred by those who are not keen on long hikes. It is an ideal relaxed full day trip from Cusco. You will be visiting the ancient colonial town of Checacupe which is home to a colonial white washed church and a suspended rope bridge.Â
Palccoyo Cusco Tour Information:
Tour Type: Hiking, nature adventure, history
Total Duration: 1.5 hours approximately
Good For: FamiliesÂ
Difficulty: Moderately easy
Considerations: 2-3 days in Cusco before to acclimate
Highest Altitude – 4900m / 16,076 ft.
Overall Difficulty – Easy to Moderately Difficult (depends on your level of fitness and aclimatization)Cusco
Day 1: Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour Full Day – Palccoyo Cusco
Your epic Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour full day begins early in the morning at 0700 AM with a transfer from your hotel in Cusco. We will be transferring you to the South of Cusco to Checacupe.Â
At 3446 meters above sea level (11305 ft.) Checacupe is a colonial town and home to three distinct bridges – Incan, Colonial, and Republican. The colonial bridge is built using straw and widely resembles the only surviving Inca bridge, Q’eswachaka.Â
We will be having a brief stop in Checacupe. Since this is the last village en route to Palccoyo Cusco, you can pick up some snacks and use the toilet if needed. We will then continue the drive up the hill to the starting point of Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain.
The Tour:
On our way up, we will be passing through different remote communities and schools. Often a community member joins us on the trek. We do this as this would enhance their life and will also give an understanding of different cultures while they interact with travelers.Â
We will be trekking up with the Sacred peak of Ausangate Mountain in sight. It is roughly a 45-minute hike. On our way, we will be crossing the stone forest or bosque de piedra.Â
From the summit, you will get a spectacular view of the valley below.Â
Once you have had your fill of this site, we will begin our hike back down to the car park. We will then drive back to Checacupe village for lunch. After lunch, we will be driving you back to Cusco city.Â
We will be reaching Cusco by 05:00 PM.
What is Included:
- Trip briefing.
- Bilingual tour guide (English-Spanish).
- Lunch
- Transportation to the start point.
- First-aid kit and oxygen.
- Samex tours Peru uses walkie talkies.
- All trash produced during the trek returns to Cusco.
Service not Included:
- Domestic flights. (we can book for you)
- Cusco and Sacred Valley tours (we can book for you)
- Breakfast
- Travel Insurance.
- Walking Pole set: $20.
We recommend that you bring:
- Trekking poles with rubber tips. (metal tips are not allowed on the trail).
- Water bottle
- Extra money for drinks
PRICE IN REFERENCE
Group Tour from USD 35
Private Tour from USD 140
Feel free to reach us via email at info@samextoursperu.com or by calling us directly at WhatsApp +51942926118, +51962794556
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour Frequently Asked Questions
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain is 4900 metres above sea level – 16076 feet.
There is no minimum or maximum age limit However, tour companies will operate according to their own guidelines and policies (South American Exclusive Tours Peru minimum is 12 years old).Â
Personally, we wouldn’t recommend anyone under the age of 5 to do the trek due to group dynamics.
Guest Reviews
Thanks SAMEX
We wanted to do the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley tour but ended up hiking to Palccoyo with SAMEX. It was relatively an easier experience. Mateo is fantastic.
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