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.
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.
Share your travel preferences and a local specialist will confirm availability and prepare the best option for you.
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.
Discover what fellow travelers have to say about their journeys through Peru with Yacana Peru.
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.
South of Cusco in the Canas province roughly 120 km away drive takes three to four hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
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.
Dry season from April to December offers clearer skies and less mud May to September ideal for best weather fewer rains.
Approximately 10 to 15 soles for foreigners often included in tour packages but pay cash at the site if not.
Between 50 and 80 USD per person varies by company includes transport meals and guide check for 2025 deals.
Headaches nausea or dizziness common due to thin air at over 4500 meters acclimate in Cusco for a couple days drink plenty of water.
Three striped mountains with red yellow green layers from minerals plus distant Ausangate glacier and valleys below stunning on clear days.
Group tours cheaper up to 16 people private options around 150 USD extra for more flexibility and personal pace.
Minimum age 12 years if they’re fit and supervised paths not too hard but altitude a concern for younger ones.
Available on request most tours offer simple veggie meals like rice salads but confirm ahead no issue usually.
Yes can shift from freezing mornings 0C to warmer 15C midday winds strong pack for rain even in dry season.
About three hours from Cusco to trailhead each way south through valleys stops for breakfast extend it a bit.
Wind-eroded rock formations that look like a petrified woods from distance unique shapes add eerie vibe to the hike.
Quechua communities nearby herd alpacas and llamas sell handmade crafts guides share stories of traditional highland living.
Vinicunca more popular but crowded and harder Ausangate for multi-day treks if you want longer adventure.
A gentle, crowd-free alternative to view three distinct rainbow mountains in one day.
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.
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.
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.
Travelers to Peru require a passport valid for at least 6 months from entry. Most nationalities (USA, Canada, EU, UK, Australia, Brazil) do not require a tourist visa for stays up to 90 days. Comprehensive travel insurance covering high altitude is strongly recommended.
Hotel nights feature comfortable 3-star boutique hotels in private en-suite rooms. On mountain treks, we provide premium 4-season Eureka tents (2 persons in a 4-person tent), foam sleeping mattresses, spacious dining tents with tables and chairs, and clean portable toilet facilities.
Your tour begins in Cusco, Peru. We include airport arrival transfer to your hotel. An informative briefing with your professional trekking guide takes place at your Cusco hotel at 6:00 PM the evening before your tour begins.
We had great tours with them! Rosa Guide very good and with a lot of information!
We had an incredible experience with the tours! Everything was very well organized, from the schedules to the support during the trips. The guides were very attentive, helpful, and gave us a lot of interesting...
A wonderful experience, very punctual, capricious, service at all times, no doubt was the best choice, me and my friends felt very safe.
The Yacana was our best choice of trip. Always inquisitive and ready to serve us. Super we indicate!
