The Rainbow Mountain “Palcoyo” Full Day

Itinerary

Day 1 | Rainbow Mountain

By car from Cusco to Checacupe, Hike to Palcoyo rainbow mountain

The adventure begins very early with our team picking you up from your hotel at 06:00 hrs. and heading to the small village of Checacupe (located south of Cusco). Where we will make a stop to see an Inca and a colonial bridge and also to grab some last-minute items like drinks, snacks, sunblock, rainponcho, etc.

After the short stop, we continue one more hour to the base camp. Once we arrive there, we take a short and gradual uphill walk (30–45 minutes) to the Palcoyo Pass (4880 m/16,000 ft). Here you will have spectacular panoramic views of the 3 Rainbow Mountains and the spectacular Palccoyo peaks as well, as well as the highest mountain in the Cusco region (Ausangate) and also the Stone Forest at the highest point. We will spend 1 hour at the pass taking pictures and enjoying the spectacular view.
Once we are done enjoying the scenery, we walk back down the same way to the base camp. We now take our private transport to the village called Cusipata to enjoy a delicious, freshly prepared, hot lunch.
After lunch, we will catch our private van back to Cusco.

• Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
• Difficulty:  Easy
• Base Camp Hike – Palcoyo:  2 km (2.15 miles).
• Walking Time: Approximately 1 hour.
• Maximum Altitude:  4,880 m./ 16,000 ft.
• Tour duration: approximately 13 hours.

 

What is the difference between Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain and Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain?

Unlike Vinicunca, the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain is a lesser-known attraction and therefore less crowded during the day. Reaching this tourist attraction is much easier because it includes only a 1-hour hike and the altitude is also much lower. From its summit, you can appreciate the Ausangate snow-capped mountain like nowhere else. Additionally, there is a forest of stones and a unique landscape all around.

What's Included?

• Touristic Transport: You will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco in the morning and will travel by private transportation to Palcoyo base camp, the starting point of the trek to the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain.
• Adventure Experienced Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain trek Tour Guide: English speaking, professionally educated, and official tour guide with tourism certification. They all grew up in this region and have a true passion to teach others about their heritage. Your guide will explain the culture and surroundings along the entire route, including leading your group in ancient ceremonies! He or she will keep you safe, sound, and comfortable on your trek so that you can enjoy your time along the Inca path and will ensure you are safe and happy.
• Entry ticket to the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain
• 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, (Vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost) 
• Medical kit and Oxygen bottle: Our crew will bring a first-aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle.
• Transfer back to Cusco: Private touristic transportation back to your hotel in Cusco.
• 24-hour guest service: We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication and preparation with the agency leading up to your trek.
   

What's not Included?

• Walking Sticks: You can rent a set from our company if you would like.
• Personal clothing and gear
• Travel Insurance
• Additional costs or delays out of control of the management (landscape, bad weather condition, itinerary modification due to a safety concern, illness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc.)

Additional Services

What to Bring?

• Cap and Hat.
• Sunscreen.
• Water.
• Trekking poles.
• Ideal shoes for hiking.
• Sunglasses
• Warm and waterproof clothing
• Rain poncho (necessary during the rainy season).
• Snacks.
• Daily backpack.

PRICES

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Important information

Diferencias	Montaña Palcoyo	Montaña Vinicunca
Atractivos	Montaña de los 7 Colores de Palcoyo.	Montaña de los 7 Colores Vinicunca.
Altura	4,900 m.s.n.m.	5,200 m.s.n.m.
Dificultad	Fácil	Difícil
Tiempo de caminata	1 hora (2 kilómetros).	3 horas (5 kilómetros)
¿Necesita caballo?	No	Sí (opcional)
Número de visitantes	Bastantes	Pocos
Clima	Frío	Frío

Where is it located?

The Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain is located south of Cusco in the Checacupe district and Canchis province, a short distance from the Ausangate snow-capped mountain, in the Andes Mountains of Peru.

What are the visiting hours?

Tours of Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain are only available in the mornings and part of the afternoon. Due to the cold weather, the opening hours are from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

When is the best time to visit Palcoyo?

The best time of year and month to visit Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain is during the dry season (April to October). Rainfall is less frequent during these months, making the hike easier.

How much does the entrance ticket to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain cost?

You must purchase an entrance ticket in the town of Palcoyo. The cost for foreigners is 10 soles (3 dollars). Domestic tourists pay 5 soles (2 dollars). If you booked with us, the ticket is included.

The Rainbow Mountain “Palcoyo” Full Day Map