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.
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.
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.
The hike takes you through the stone forest or bosque de Piedras. These are natural rock formations towering up to the sky.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
From the summit, you will get a spectacular view of the valley below.
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.
We will be reaching Cusco by 05:00 PM.
The Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour was a well-organized excursion that offered a glimpse into the breathtaking landscapes of the South of Cusco. Starting early from my hotel, the journey began with a visit to Checacupe, a charming colonial town rich in history and architectural marvels. The brief stop allowed for a quick refreshment before continuing towards Palccoyo, where the real adventure unfolded.
The trek up to the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain was invigorating, offering stunning views of the surrounding valleys and the majestic Ausangate Mountain. The highlight was undoubtedly reaching the summit, where the vibrant colors of the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain unfolded before my eyes, creating a truly unforgettable moment. The return journey was smooth, and a delicious lunch in Checacupe provided the perfect conclusion to a day filled with natural wonders. Overall, a highly recommended tour for anyone seeking to explore the hidden gems of Cusco’s countryside.
