Itinerary
Discover what awaits you in the PALCOYO RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TOUR – 1 DAY
day 1
PALCOYO MOUNTAIN
Three rainbow mountains from a single viewpoint.
The easiest way to see Cusco’s rainbow mountains: a short, gentle hike to Palcoyo and its stone forest, with far fewer visitors than Vinicunca.
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Pickup and breakfast in Cusipata
By tourist transport, approx. 2 hours · Cusco → Cusipata
We pick you up early at your hotel in Cusco and drive south as the sun rises. In Cusipata a hot breakfast buffet awaits.
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Checcacupe bridges
Short stop · Checcacupe
We stop in Checcacupe to see two bridges that tell their own story: the Inca bridge, a masterpiece of ancient engineering, and the colonial bridge, from viceregal times. The guide explains this blend of cultures and there is time for photos.
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Hike to Palcoyo
On foot, gentle uphill, 45 minutes to 1 hour · Parking area → Palcoyo viewpoint
From the area known as the “parking lot” we walk along a gentle trail, with views of Andean valleys, grazing alpacas and small communities.
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Palcoyo viewpoint Highlight
Free time for photos · Palcoyo viewpoint
From the viewpoint you will see three rainbow mountains side by side, with unique hues created by minerals and natural erosion. It is less crowded than Vinicunca, but just as impressive.
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Stone forest
Free time · Palcoyo stone forest
From the viewpoint we explore the stone forest, rock needles and columns sculpted by the wind over centuries, like stone guardians of the landscape.
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Lunch in Cusipata and return to Cusco
On foot and by tourist transport · Palcoyo → Cusipata → Cusco
We walk back down to the vehicle and return to Cusipata for a buffet lunch. Then we drive back to Cusco.
Day details
- Hike: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes round trip, on gentle slopes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Maximum altitude: Over 4,700 m / 15,420 ft (Palcoyo)
- Meals: Breakfast and buffet lunch
Three rainbow mountains, a stone forest and a gentle hike in Palcoyo. Looking for a bigger challenge? Discover the Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca Tour 1 Day.
What is this day like? check our photos
Includes
Guide, assistance and safety
- Professional bilingual guide: Spanish or English.
- Eco-friendly trekking poles.
- First aid kit.
- Oxygen tank: In the vehicle and during the hike.
Transport
- Pickup from your hotel in Cusco.
- Tourist transport: Round trip.
Meals
- Breakfast buffet in Cusipata.
- Buffet lunch in Cusipata.
Not include
Entrance fees and optional extras
- Palcoyo entrance fee.
- Checcacupe colonial bridge entrance fee.
- Horse rental: Optional (see Additional services).
Other
- Drinks and meals not mentioned.
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses.
Prices PALCOYO RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TOUR – 1 DAY
Rates per person
Traveling soon? We recommend booking early to secure your date, but we have daily departures and, depending on the date, you can also book just a few days ahead. Ask us about availability.
Additional services
- Approx. 80 soles · Horse for the climb: Offered by the community’s horsemen and paid in cash on the day.
Need accommodation in Cusco?
Our team will help you find the best option for your stay.
Packaging list
- Documents and money: Passport or ID, and cash for personal expenses.
- Layered clothing: Warm jacket, gloves and a warm hat (it is almost always windy), comfortable pants and a rain poncho.
- Footwear: Hiking shoes with non-slip soles (the trail is rocky and slippery in places).
- Sun protection: Sunscreen, UV sunglasses and a cap.
Recomendations
- The easiest rainbow mountain: Palcoyo is very close to Vinicunca and takes little effort, so it is ideal for older adults and children.
- Acclimatize first: Although the hike is gentle, it is above 4,700 m. Spend a few days in Cusco before the tour.
- Mind the altitude: Stay hydrated and walk calmly.
- Best time to go: The dry season, from April to October, has clearer skies. From November to March the landscape is greener, but it rains more often.
- Non-slip shoes: The trail is rocky and slippery in places.
- Optional horse: If you want to ride up, it costs about 80 soles in cash.
- No signal: Let your family know you may be out of contact for several hours.
F.A.Qs
How difficult is Palcoyo?
It is easy. The hike is short with gentle slopes, making it one of the most accessible rainbow mountain routes. Even so, it is above 4,700 m (15,420 ft), so we recommend acclimatizing in Cusco first.
What is the difference between Palcoyo and Vinicunca?
Palcoyo is a quieter, more accessible alternative: three rainbow mountains from one viewpoint and a unique stone forest, with a much shorter and easier hike of less than an hour, and fewer visitors. Vinicunca, on the other hand, is higher, at about 5,200 m (17,060 ft), and the hike is more demanding. Palcoyo is ideal for families, children, older adults or anyone looking for a relaxed experience.
Can I get altitude sickness?
Yes, it is possible, as the hike goes above 4,700 m, where there is less oxygen. To prevent it, acclimatize in Cusco first, stay hydrated and walk calmly.
Is it a good tour for families with children or older adults?
Yes. Thanks to its short, easy hike, it is one of the best options for families with children, older adults or anyone who prefers a gentle route, as long as they have acclimatized in Cusco first.
Can I rent a horse?
Yes, for the uphill section. It is not included: it costs about 80 soles, paid in cash to the community’s horsemen on the day.
Do you carry an oxygen tank?
Yes. We carry an oxygen tank for the group during the tour, and our guides are trained in first aid to help you with any altitude-related issue.
When is the best time to go?
The dry season, from April to October, with clearer skies to enjoy the colors. In the rainy season, from November to March, the landscape is greener, but it rains more often.
How far is it from Cusco?
About 130 km (81 miles) southeast of Cusco, 3 to 4 hours each way before starting the hike.
How long is the hike?
Reaching the viewpoints takes 45 minutes to 1 hour, on gentle slopes. The round trip takes between 1 hour and 1 hour 30 minutes.
What is the stone forest?
A geological formation of rock needles and columns on the same Palcoyo route. It is an attraction unique to this tour, not found at Vinicunca.
What should I wear?
Ideally, dress in layers for the cold, the wind and the strong sun. A warm jacket, comfortable pants, hiking shoes, gloves, a warm hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a rain poncho are essential.
What happens if I feel unwell during the hike?
Your safety comes first. Our guides are trained in first aid and assess any discomfort. Depending on the case, we arrange your return to the vehicle or give you the assistance you need.
Is there phone signal or internet?
Very little and, in most cases, none during the hike. We recommend telling your family you may be out of contact for several hours.
How does the booking process work?
1. Availability check: Write to us at info@sakuraexpedition.com or on WhatsApp at +51 941 411 418 to check your dates. We will send you a booking form that each participant must complete.
2. Traveler details: To manage the booking we need, exactly as shown in the passport, full name, gender, passport number, date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) and nationality.
3. Guarantee: We ask for a guarantee per person to secure your space. We recommend booking early, especially on holidays and in high season.
4. Final confirmation: Once the booking is confirmed, you will receive the official invoice and your place will be 100 % guaranteed.
Can I cancel or change the date?
Yes, up to 48 hours before departure. In that case an administrative fee applies, which is deducted from the total amount as appropriate.
Why choose Sakura Expedition?
We are a 100 % local Peruvian company, specialized in adventure and cultural tourism in Cusco and Peru. Our team of certified guides and operations staff works to give you unique, safe, high-quality experiences.
We stand out for responsible and sustainable tourism, respect for local communities and personalized service. With our tourism quality certification, we take care of every detail, from planning to the very last moment of the tour.
Do you have more questions?
Message us on WhatsApp at +51 941 411 418 or email info@sakuraexpedition.com.
