Palcoyo Rainbow Mountains: A fantastic alternative tour to the popular “Rainbow Mountain", Palcoyo offers a more relaxed and peaceful place option that is best for those who don’t want to hike 3 hours round trip, providing an amazing view of 3 distinct rainbow mountains, the stone forest, and the Ausangate glacier in the distance in only a short 30 minute walk (one way).
Checacupe 3 bridges: Checacupe is a special place where you will see 3 different bridges and have the opportunity to cross the Inca bridge, which is an amazing experience.
Don't miss our excursions to Rainbow Mountain, a true spiritual portal to the Andean gods and Pachamama. We guarantee unique and unforgettable experiences. We also offer two-day tours, and we can put together complete packages for your trip to Cusco, including this wonderful adventure.
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.
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.
| 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 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Juan C
April 15, 2025
Nuestro trek de 3 días fue increible, por el recorrido y paisajes, que son únicos, pero también por el equipo de guía, cocinero y arriero (Elio, Benigno y Mitchel). Elio fue nuestro guía y fue una gran fortuna contar con él. Elio mejoró la experiencia al máximo, combinando capacidad y conocimiento del lugar y la naturaleza, con cultura e historia incaica que supo transmitir con total pasión. Además, una calidad humana absoluta Si hacen este recorrido con esta empresa, consulten por su disponibilidad. La compañía es confiable en comparación con otras opciones, pero no quedamos muy conformes con los manejos.
NorthStar46491105498
April 14, 2025
Our Salkantay Trek with ITEP Expeditions Peru was more than we could ever have imagined and it surpassed all expectations From the beginning with Flor in the office at ITEP in Cusco .Her communication was clear and she was very patient with us .Exceptional service muchos Gracias Flor. I can't begin to describe the beauty of the Salkantay Track itself , it is a challenging yet immersive experience especially for our group of 4 age range between 59 to 71 years !! We were outliers in age on the track and a would advise that you should not take this Trek on with no multi day hiking experience especially if you are a bit older. We were led by our guide Santiago. This beautiful man was present with us every step of the 70 kilometres , both physically and emotionally through the rain, mud , steep ascents and descents to and from altitude, and the heat and cold of this incredible journey through this amazing part of Peru He understood the needs of everyone of the 4 of us in his group and was able to engage us all at our own level , encouraging, educating and advising in a humble and quiet way . His love of what he does, his country and his heritage was a humbling experience to be in his presence for these 5 days Santiago mi Amigo we can never express enough our thanks to you... you are what made our experience so humbling and non forgettable !!! We also had the privilege of travelling in the company of Julio our chef and Jenaro our Horseman These 2 beautiful men also made our trek memorable not only for their skill at providing amazing meals but transporting everything for us so we could be immersed in the splendour of this experience . It was humbling to share this time with these 2 amazing patient and humble men of the mountains , muchos Gracias amigos!! We can't recommend this hike through ITEP enough especially if you are a bit older The groups are smaller than the bigger groups full of younger hikers and the care and attention given to us can't be faulted Thankyou so much to everyone
Toñi C
April 13, 2025
Henrry es genial y muy amable. Nos contó muchas historias interesantes. La experiencia ha sido muy bonita. El camino precioso
Tamara C
April 12, 2025
Hicimos el camino inca acompañadas de Henrry, la experiencia fue inolvidable y el la hizo mucho más amena y divertida. Nos hizo un regalo al final del viaje que nos encantó, muchísimas gracias por todo.
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