Discover a quieter, more peaceful alternative to the classic Rainbow Mountain hike with our full-day tour to Palcoyo. Just a few hours from Cusco, Palcoyo surprises travelers with not one, but three colorful mountains, each streaked with vibrant mineral layers that seem painted by nature herself.
As a friendly, low-cost operator, we offer competitive prices without sacrificing quality or personalized service. Enjoy easy hikes, stunning views of the Stone Forest and Ausangate Glacier, and authentic Andean culture throughout the day. Perfect for travelers seeking adventure, great value, and a warm, welcoming team.
Highlights
From 11 hours to 12 hours
Offered in English & Spanish
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
From 11 hours to 12 hours
Offered in English & Spanish
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
First Aid Kit
Buffet lunch (Vegetarian options available)
Pick up from your Hotel/Hostel or accommodation in Cusco
Light Breakfast
Briefing session once you book to give you helpful recommendations
Professional Bilingual Guide (English & Spanish)
Tourist Transportation from Cusco- Palcoyo- Cusco
Entrance ticket to Palcoyo Mountain (5 USD/15 soles)
Meeting Points
Departure
Cuzco Main Square
The convenient meeting point at the water fountain in the main square (Plaza de Armas), located right in front of Cusco’s Cathedral, at 4:15 a.m
Return
Plaza Regocijo
Drop-off will be at Plaza Regocijo between 4:00 and 4:30 p.m., as per the regulations set by the Municipality of Cusco, which has designated this square as the official drop-off point for all tourist minivans to avoid the trafic in the historic center.
Important Information
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Service animals allowed
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
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Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
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If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
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This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
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Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Become our Lokal Curator
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Discover a quieter, more peaceful alternative to the classic Rainbow Mountain hike with our full-day tour to Palcoyo. Just a few hours from Cusco, Palcoyo surprises travelers with not one, but three colorful mountains, each streaked with vibrant mineral layers that seem painted by nature herself.
As a friendly, low-cost operator, we offer competitive prices without sacrificing quality or personalized service. Enjoy easy hikes, stunning views of the Stone Forest and Ausangate Glacier, and authentic Andean culture throughout the day. Perfect for travelers seeking adventure, great value, and a warm, welcoming team.
Highlights
From 11 hours to 12 hours
Offered in English & Spanish
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
From 11 hours to 12 hours
Offered in English & Spanish
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
First Aid Kit
Buffet lunch (Vegetarian options available)
Pick up from your Hotel/Hostel or accommodation in Cusco
Light Breakfast
Briefing session once you book to give you helpful recommendations
Professional Bilingual Guide (English & Spanish)
Tourist Transportation from Cusco- Palcoyo- Cusco
Entrance ticket to Palcoyo Mountain (5 USD/15 soles)
Meeting Points
Departure
Cuzco Main Square
The convenient meeting point at the water fountain in the main square (Plaza de Armas), located right in front of Cusco’s Cathedral, at 4:15 a.m
Return
Plaza Regocijo
Drop-off will be at Plaza Regocijo between 4:00 and 4:30 p.m., as per the regulations set by the Municipality of Cusco, which has designated this square as the official drop-off point for all tourist minivans to avoid the trafic in the historic center.
Itinerary
1
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain
Start your day with an early pickup between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m. from your hotel in Cusco. Enjoy a scenic 2-hour drive to the southern town of Checacupe, where you’ll have breakfast near the iconic Inca bridge, a place where ancient, colonial, and modern bridges stand side by side. It’s the perfect moment to stretch, use the bathrooms, and ease into the mountain atmosphere.
From there, continue for about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the trailhead at Palcoyo, perched above 4,800 meters. The hike is short and easy, just 2.5 km roundtrip, and takes about 40 minutes with breaks. Along the way, you’ll see three rainbow mountains, the Stone Forest, and—on clear days. the Ausangate Mountain. Unlike the busy Vinicunca trek, Palcoyo offers serenity and space to truly connect with nature.
After soaking in the views, we return to Checacupe for a buffet lunch before heading back to Cusco. Per city regulations, all minivans drop off at Plaza Regocijo between 4:00 and 4:30 p.m.
