Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain, All Inclusive

Trek to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain on a guided day trip from Cusco. The 11-hour outing runs as an all-inclusive day of trekking.

Overview

This full-day trek from Cusco takes you to Palccoyo, the quieter alternative to the famous Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. The whole outing runs about 11 hours, starting with a very early pickup between 4 and 5 am and ending back near the main square in the late afternoon. Three rainbow-colored mountains and the Forest of Colorful Stones are the payoff, reached on foot at around 4,900 meters above sea level.

The day is structured around two long bus transfers with two buffet meals in between. After breakfast in Cusipata, the bus continues to the Palccoyo community, from where a walk of roughly 30 to 40 minutes reaches the colored mountains. There is free time there with the guide, plus an optional short walk to the Stone Forest before returning on foot for a buffet lunch and the drive back to Cusco.

It suits travellers who want the rainbow mountain scenery without the crowds or the demanding climb of the better-known route. Reviewers repeatedly describe the trails as calm and uncrowded, and one called it the most beautiful day trip they took from Cusco. Acclimatization matters, though: the listing recommends being adjusted to altitude before booking, and the hike reaches roughly 4,900 meters.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Early pickup in CuscoPickup happens between 4:00 and 5:00 am, depending on where you are staying, or you meet at the Church of the Society of Jesus on the Plaza de Armas.
2. Bus to CusipataA roughly 2-hour van transfer from Cusco to the town of Cusipata.
3. Buffet breakfastA 30-minute buffet breakfast stop in Cusipata, with vegetarian and vegan options available.
4. Drive to Palccoyo communityAnother van transfer of about 100 minutes from Cusipata to the community of Palccoyo.
5. Walk to the rainbow mountainsA 30 to 40-minute walk from the community up to the Palccoyo mountains at about 4,900 meters, with a guided tour, free time and photo stops.
6. Stone Forest, optionalAn optional 10-minute walk leads to the Forest of Colorful Stones, with about 40 minutes of free time there.
7. Return walk and lunchWalk back down to the community, then a buffet lunch in Cusipata lasting about an hour, with vegetarian and vegan options.
8. Drive back to CuscoThe return transfer to Cusco ends near the main square, at Regocijo Square, around late afternoon.

What To Expect From The Tour

Here is what the day actually involves, based on the booking page and what travellers report back.

• Altitude and pace. The walk tops out around 4,900 meters, and the listing recommends acclimatizing before the tour. Guides pace the hike and check on how people are feeling, according to several reviewers. Take it slowly and rest along the way.
• What to wear. Bring warm and waterproof clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and water. Mountain weather in this area can change quickly, with rain, fog, hail or snow all possible on the same day.
• Food included. Both buffet breakfast and buffet lunch are included, with vegetarian and vegan options if requested. Reviewers often praise the food, with one calling out the ceviche at lunch as a highlight.
• Crowds and photos. Palccoyo is far less crowded than Vinicunca, which reviewers mention repeatedly as a reason to choose it. Expect room to take photos without queues of people in the frame, and keep an eye out for alpacas and llamas along the route.
• The long rides. Several travellers say the bus transfers are long and the seats are not the most comfortable, with some describing hard seats and a rough ride on the roads. The listing also warns that mountain weather can slow transfers or shift stopping points.
• Children. The listing says the excursion works for well-acclimatized children and young people. The path is described as less demanding than the classic rainbow mountain route.

Common issues. The main complaints concern the vehicle: some travellers mention the ride feels cramped and hot, and one reviewer described hard seats and weak suspension on the long transfers. One reviewer also reported an unexpected fee for flying a drone at the site, so ask about extra charges before launching anything. Weather can force minor adjustments to schedules and stopping points, which the operator considers normal for a high-altitude mountain tour. Guides vary in quality too; while many reviewers praise theirs, one described an impatient guide who was not attentive when a traveller felt unwell.

Common Questions