Palccoyo rainbow mountain 1 Day

8 Days 5.0 130 Reviews

Hit the trail to Palccoyo where colors pop against the sky and you feel that high-altitude buzz.

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Palccoyo rainbow mountain 1 Day
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Overview

The Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain range is a new route that will take you on a true adventure through virgin countryside and well-preserved nature. Where you will experience a magical and spiritual encounter with sacred mountains, locally known as “Apus”. This excursion is the best alternative to the ever-popular Rainbow Mountain, being a physically easier trek and lesser-visited, for a more remote experience. You will take away with you, unforgettable experiences of travelling through sumptuous high-altitude, colourful mountains, that surround the famous Ausangate mountain range as well as, peaceful rural landscapes of alpaca herds, carefully tendered by local Andean farmers in their colourful, traditional dress.

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Introduction

What makes Palccoyo stand out is how accessible it feels compared to other hikes yet still delivers that wow factor without killing your legs. Groups are smallish up to 16 folks mixing travelers from everywhere sharing stories along the way adds a social vibe.

Guides often local Quechua speakers point out flora like wildflowers or explain how communities here herd llamas alpacas for wool living off the land in ways unchanged for generations.

Sure the cold bites especially early morning with winds whipping but layering up handles it and on clear days the sun warms you fast. Doubt creeps in if rain hits turning paths muddy but dry season avoids that mostly.

Overall this day trip packs culture nature exertion into one tight package leaving you with photos that’ll make friends jealous and memories of standing atop the world feeling small yet alive. It’s not just a walk it’s a peek into Peru’s raw beauty that sticks with you long after.

Trip Details

  • Type of Tour: Nature, hiking
  • Place visited on this tour: Cusco City, Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain
  • Maximum Altitude: 4100 m / 13, 450 feet
  • Best time to visit: Abril to October
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Guide: English/Spanish speaking guide
  • Minimum Group Size: 2 people
  • Departures: Daily
  • Security:  Covid-19 protocols

Trip Summary

  • 4:00 AM Pickup from your hotel in Cusco load into the van sleepy but excited drive south for about three hours passing farmland and small towns.
  • 7:00 AM Arrive at Cusipata or similar for breakfast hot tea eggs bread to fuel up chat with group.
  • 8:00 AM Short drive to trailhead at Palccoyo community pay entrance fee start gentle uphill walk about 1 hour to first rainbow mountain viewpoint.
  • 9:00 AM Explore the colorful mountains take pics wander to second and third viewpoints feel the altitude kick in.
  • 10:00 AM Head to stone forest area short detour for those rock formations snap more shots rest if needed.
  • 11:00 AM Start descent back to van easy downhill.
  • 12:00 PM Lunch picnic style sandwiches fruits local veggies eat with views.
  • 1:00 PM Drive back to Cusco stopping if group wants for photos or bathroom.
  • 4:00 PM Arrive in Cusco drop off at hotel tired but stoked.

Why you'll love this tour

  • That first glimpse of the colorful stripes on the mountains hits like a rush man after a chill hike you stand there jaw dropped thinking how did nature pull this off without the crowds shoving in like at other spots.
  • Guides share bits about local life how folks up here weave textiles from alpaca wool passed down through families keeps the cultural side real not just touristy fluff. And the stone forest part? Those jagged rocks look alien up close wind carved them over time adds this mysterious edge that photos don’t capture fully.
  • Breathing that crisp thin air at high altitude gives a natural high especially when you conquer the short climbs without huffing too bad easier than the famous rainbow hike so you feel accomplished without dying.
  • Breakfast and lunch included keep energy up simple local eats like corn empanadas hit the spot mid-adventure no worrying about packing food. Small group means chatting with other hikers from random places swaps travel tips turns the day into more than just sightseeing.
  • Views change every few steps from valleys below to snow-capped peaks afar keeps boredom at bay and if lucky spot vicuñas grazing wild adds wildlife thrill.
  • Back in Cusco by evening leaves time for a beer reflecting on the day that mix of exertion and awe sticks in your mind. Doubt if the weather holds but when it does pure magic.

Itinerary

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DAY 1 Palccoyo rainbow mountain 1 Day

We will leave Cusco bright and early to head off to the village of Pitumarka, where we will have breakfast. We will continue on to the colonial bridge of Combapata, along the left-hand side of the river Salcca along an unpaved road, where Alpaca farmers tend their herds, through incredible mountain landscapes.

We will eventually arrive at the community of Palccoyo, located at an altitude of 4100 metres, accompanied by privileged views over the colourful Palccoyo mountain range, with its 3 stripy mountains.

We will also enjoy the spectacular view over the “Stone valley” which is an excellent option for those who don´t like to hike too much! After an unforgettable trip to these remote Rainbow Mountains, we will return to the city of Cusco along the same route in which we arrived, enjoying a traditional lunch in Pitumarca, after which, we will return to your Cusco hotel, for a well-earned rest, arriving st 6pm approximately.


Reviews

Discover what fellow travelers have to say about their journeys through Turkey. From breathtaking landscapes to rich cultural experiences, these reviews highlight the unforgettable moments that make each trip truly special.

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Oswaldo Luiz C
5.0

A Agencia primou pela qualidade. Tanto nas programações, excelentes guias, qualidade dos transportes, horários e pontualidade.

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Ruan N
5.0

A agência Yacana foi perfeita! Organizou nossos passeios no Peru da melhor forma possível, nos deu todo suporte que precisamos, independentemente do horário, nos deu dicas valiosas para os passeios, sugestões, além do acompanhamento de tudo ao longo dos dias....

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Sunshine60374635165
5.0

Experiência indescritível! Fomos em 2 casais para o Peru e contratamos absolutamente todos os passeios com a Yacana. Vale Sagrado, Machu Picchu, 7 lagunas, montanha colorida, city tour cusco e islas ballestas e oasis em Lima. Segurança impecável, pontualidade perfeita...

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Diego R
5.0

Experiência incrível, passeios todos bem feitos com a Yacana. Guias muitos preparados e prestativos, em especial a Rosa. Recomendo!

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Daniele P
5.0

A agência tem um excelente atendimento, faz adaptações e oferece os melhores passeios, além de todo o pós venda que captura os feedbacks de forma atenta e cuidadosa. Recomendo para todos que posso os serviços da Yacana.

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Flávia F
5.0

Tivemos ótima experiência com nossos tour! Equipe pontual, muito organizada, guias bem preparados e simpáticos . Empresa de confiança!

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Tamara F
5.0

Tivemos uma experiencia maravilhosa com o guia Robert e motorista Hernan no passeio a Wanacancha + Pisac! O Robert é uma simpatia e cheio de cultura - um professor!!! Recomendamos muito!!

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Miliani Greco
5.0

Desde o início do atendimento até a execução do que contratamos, foram extremamente atenciosos e pontuais. Não precisávamos nos preocupar com nada, apenas em curtir o Peru e suas belezas.

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Included

  • Briefing the day before the trek.
  • Hotel Pick-up and drop off in The Plaza de Armas.
  • Tourist Transport
  • 01 breakfast, 01 lunch- vegan and vegetarian options available at no extra cost.
  • Professional bi-lingual guide
  • First Aid kit with oxygen tank.
  • Blankets
  • Entrance Ticket to Rainbow Mountain

Not Included

  • Walking Sticks.
  • Horses (Optional) (25.00 USD Per person. Paid directly in the destination).
  • Tips (Optional).

What to Bring

  • Comfortable clothing and with a warm jacket, gloves and woolly hat.
  • Sun protection.
  • Waterproof Jacket or Rain Poncho.
  • Comfortable hiking shoes/boots.
  • Small daypack
  • Water.
  • Snacks.
  • Coca Leaves for the altitude
  • Camera.

Is this trip right for you?

If you’re into day hikes that don’t wreck your body but still push a bit with altitude this fits perfect less strenuous than Vinicunca so folks with okay fitness dig it just acclimate first or risk feeling woozy up top.

Families with kids over 12 work if everyone’s game for cold mornings and uneven paths not stroller friendly though. Solo travelers love the group dynamic meets people easy without feeling forced.

Got knee issues or hate early starts? Maybe skip the 4 AM pickup drains some but the scenery compensates if you power through. Adventure seekers wanting culture mixed in yeah guides talk Quechua traditions shows how locals adapt to harsh heights adds depth beyond just photos. Not for those fearing heights some edges drop off but paths wide enough.

If budget’s tight tours run affordable around 60 bucks covering transport meals entrance worth it for hassle-free setup.

Health nuts or casual walkers both click as long as you layer for weather shifts from freezing to sunny. Wonder if rain ruins it sometimes does but dry months minimize that pick wisely.

Pricing


Updgrades

  • Private tour switch to solo or small family van instead of group around 150 USD extra gets personalized pace no waiting for slowpokes ideal if you want quiet or custom stops like extra time at viewpoints.
  • Horse rental if hike feels tough rent a mule for the uphill about 20 USD guides arrange locals provide eases knee strain especially if not fully acclimated but most skip it since trail’s short
  • Oxygen canister portable tank for altitude hits roughly 10 USD buy in Cusco or tour add-on breathes easier if headaches start not everyone needs but peace of mind for first-timers.
  • Box lunch upgrade fancier meal with quinoa salad fresh trout instead of basic sandwich about 15 USD extra tastier if you’re foodie supports local cooks.
  • Entrance fast pass skip any line though rare about 5 USD more but ensures smooth entry in peak season.

Travel Guide

  • Recommendations pack light but smart acclimate in Cusco couple days before chew coca leaves for oxygen flow stay hydrated avoid booze night prior. Clima cold mornings around 0C warms to 15C midday high winds possible sunny dry days best but prepare for rain. Temporada del año recomendada dry months April to October clearer skies less mud November to March wetter but fewer people if you risk it. Como vestir adecuadamente layer thermals under jacket waterproof pants if rainy good socks to avoid blisters sun protection like glasses. Como prepararse físicamente walk daily before trip build stamina cardio helps with altitude maybe yoga for breathing no need marathon training. Como son los pobladores locales Quechua folks friendly herd animals sell crafts at trailhead live simple highland life respectful chat if language allows. Para quienes es recomendado active folks seeking alternatives to crowded sites families couples solo hikers with moderate fitness not extreme athletes. Como es la comida en la ruta basic Peruvian fare breakfast porridge eggs lunch rice veggies meat options vegetarian available fresh but simple energy focused no gourmet but fills you up tastes better outdoors.
  • Palccoyo location South of Cusco in Canas province about 120 km drive.
  • Hike difficulty Easy compared to others short 1-2 hour walk gentle slopes but altitude makes it feel harder.
  • Best time visit Dry season May to September for blue skies avoid rain.
  • Entrance cost Around 15 soles for foreigners pay at site or included in tour.
  • Tour price range From 50 to 80 USD depending on company includes transport meals guide.
  • Altitude effects Common headache nausea acclimate first drink lots water.
  • What views like Three colorful mountains striped minerals plus stone forest valleys below.
  • Group or private Groups cheaper private more flexible.
  • Kids allowed Over 12 if fit supervise closely.
  • Vegetarian options Yes request ahead simple but available.
  • Weather unpredictable Yes pack for all check forecast.
  • How long drive Three to four hours each way from Cusco.
  • Stone forest what Eroded rock formations wind shaped look like woods from afar.
  • Local culture Quechua communities herd llamas share stories via guides.
  • Alternatives nearby Vinicunca busier harder or Ausangate longer.

Faqs

Palccoyo location

South of Cusco in the Canas province roughly 120 km away drive takes three to four hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

Hike difficulty

Easier than Vinicunca with a short walk around 1 to 1.5 hours gentle inclines but the high altitude up to 4900 meters can make it feel tougher if not acclimated.

Best time visit

Dry season from April to December offers clearer skies and less mud May to September ideal for best weather fewer rains.

Entrance cost

Approximately 10 to 15 soles for foreigners often included in tour packages but pay cash at the site if not.

Tour price range

Between 50 and 80 USD per person varies by company includes transport meals and guide check for 2025 deals.

Altitude effects

Headaches nausea or dizziness common due to thin air at over 4500 meters acclimate in Cusco for a couple days drink plenty of water.

What views like

Three striped mountains with red yellow green layers from minerals plus distant Ausangate glacier and valleys below stunning on clear days.

Group or private

Group tours cheaper up to 16 people private options around 150 USD extra for more flexibility and personal pace.

Kids allowed

Minimum age 12 years if they’re fit and supervised paths not too hard but altitude a concern for younger ones.

 Vegetarian options

Available on request most tours offer simple veggie meals like rice salads but confirm ahead no issue usually.

Weather unpredictable

Yes can shift from freezing mornings 0C to warmer 15C midday winds strong pack for rain even in dry season.

How long drive

About three hours from Cusco to trailhead each way south through valleys stops for breakfast extend it a bit.

Stone forest what

Wind-eroded rock formations that look like a petrified woods from distance unique shapes add eerie vibe to the hike.

Local culture

Quechua communities nearby herd alpacas and llamas sell handmade crafts guides share stories of traditional highland living.

Alternatives nearby

Vinicunca more popular but crowded and harder Ausangate for multi-day treks if you want longer adventure.

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