Peru · Trekking

Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Trek Day Tour in Cusco

12 Hours Round trip from Pickup service provided in Cusco. Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Visit Palccoyo, an alternative Rainbow Mountain near Cusco
  • 02 Enjoy a scenic full-day adventure in the Andes
  • 03 Trek through high-altitude landscapes with alpacas and llamas
  • 04 Take in colourful mountains and sweeping valley views
  • 05 Have breakfast on the way and lunch in Cusipata
  • 06 Explore near the Ausangate mountain range
  • 07 Travel with an English- or Spanish-speaking guide

Discover an alternative to Cusco’s famous Rainbow Mountain on this full-day trek to Palccoyo, a striking Andean landscape of colourful striped hills, high-altitude scenery, and sweeping valley views. Recently revealed by changing conditions in the region, Palccoyo offers a rewarding mountain experience with a shorter hike and plenty of time to take in the surroundings.

Your day begins with an early departure from Cusco and a scenic drive south through the valley, followed by breakfast and a guided trek along a beautiful stream. Along the way, look out for alpacas, llamas, potato fields, chinchillas, and vicuñas before reaching Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain near the Ausangate range.

After exploring and taking photos at this remarkable natural site, continue with a downhill hike and enjoy a traditional Peruvian lunch in Cusipata before returning to Cusco.

Discover an alternative to Cusco’s famous Rainbow Mountain on this full-day trek to Palccoyo, a striking Andean landscape of colourful striped hills, high-altitude scenery, and sweeping valley views.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Not included
Transport Not included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Cusco, Ausangate
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Depart from Cusco

Very early in the morning, we will pick you up from the hotel.

South of Cusco

We will take a journey of 3:30 hours until the southeast of the Cusco Valley. You will enjoy a complete breakfast during the way, with natural fruits, breads, cereals, eggs, coffee and tea. Then, we will start the trekking following a beautiful stream. On the way, you will see alpacas and llamas around, potato fields, chinchillas and vicunas. 

Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain

After 1.5 hours of hike, we will reach our final destination. Enjoy this amazing jewel of the nature with colorful mountains, breathtaking landscapes in this fantastic place with more than nine thousand hectares. The Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain altitude is 5,020 m - 16,466 ft., and is located near the Ausangate snowy, in the Andes Mountains. Your will have plenty time to take pictures and explore this amazing place.  

Cusipata

After the visit, we will start a 2-hours hike downhill until get the transport to go back to Cusco City. During the way, we will make a stop to enjoy a traditional Peruvian lunch in a local restaurant, in the small town of Cusipata. The Alpaca and the Trout are widely used in the Andean cuisine, as well as potatoes, quinoa, rice and vegetables. The Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain is a treasure of the nature that was discovery recently, by the thaw produced by the global warming. The place consists of three beautiful mountains with colored stripes, and is located in the district of Checacupe, south of Cusco.   

Back to Cusco

 Back to the hotel in Cusco city.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Pickup service provided in Cusco. 2 cities · 12 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • A briefing 1 or 2 days before start the hike
  • Breakfast & lunch
  • Emergency oxygen bottle and medical Kit
  • Trekking pole

What's Not Included

  • Snacks
  • Horse
  • Gratuities

Know before you go

  • INFANTS MUST SIT ON LAPS
  • PASSPORT REQUIRED
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • Not recommended for people with back problems
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for people with heart conditions
  • Vegetarian and gluten free options available
  • Option to hire one horse if you need at the beginning of the trek, payment in cash
  • Centrally located hotels in Cusco City
  • Minimum 2 people

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup service provided in Cusco.
Tour start
Pickup service provided in Cusco.
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 12 hours finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in Cusco..

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