The Most Peaceful & Scenic Alternative
5.0 on Google (13) · 132 reviews on TripadvisorPalcoyo is a chain of three rainbow mountains in Canchis province, about three hours from Cusco, with the same mineral stripes as Vinicunca (we compare them here) but one decisive difference: the vehicle reaches 4,800 metres and from the car park to the viewpoint it is a thirty-minute, almost flat walk. It is the option for families with older, acclimatised children, older people, anyone with little acclimatisation time or who simply prefers the scenery without the climb. It also receives a fraction of Vinicunca’s visitors. Everything about the place, getting there and when to go is in our Palcoyo guide.
We leave Cusco around five in the morning, with breakfast at a roadside restaurant, and climb via Checacupe and Pitumarca to Palcoyo. The walk covers the viewpoint of the three mountains, with the Ausangate snow peak behind, and can be extended to the stone forest, a field of rock needles at almost 5,000 metres, if the group wishes. Unhurried free time, lunch on the way back and arrival in Cusco mid-afternoon.
Although there is hardly any walking, the viewpoint is at 4,900 metres and you feel it: allow a couple of days in Cusco first, walk slowly and wrap up warm. The guide carries oxygen and the vehicle is minutes away. More advice in the acclimatisation guide.
| Palcoyo | Vinicunca | |
|---|---|---|
| Viewpoint altitude | 4,900 m (16,076 ft) | 5,200 m (17,060 ft) |
| Hike | About 30 minutes, almost flat | About 5 km (3.1 miles) uphill, 1 h 30 – 2 h |
| Departure from Cusco | Around 5:00 am | 3:30 am |
| Length of the day | About 12 hours | About 14 hours |
| Crowds | Few | Many |
If you want the most famous rainbow mountain and you are fit, choose Vinicunca. If you prefer the scenery without the climb, with older children or with little acclimatisation, choose Palcoyo.
There is a third rainbow mountain, further away and with very few visitors: Pallay Punchu, with vertical ridges like a poncho.
From May to September the sky is usually clear and the colours are sharp, although early mornings drop below freezing. From December to March it can snow and the snow covers part of the stripes; in return, the landscape is green.
The community fee is paid at the gate, in cash, and is not included. It is cold even in sunshine: warm jacket, hat, gloves, sunscreen and water. The full list is in what to pack for Rainbow Mountain. In the rains, December to March, bring a waterproof.
Click each segment to see the detailed itinerary.
Hotel pickup around five in the morning and a drive of about three hours via Checacupe and Pitumarca. Breakfast at a roadside restaurant.
Thirty minutes of almost flat path from the car park to the viewpoint over the three rainbow mountains, with Ausangate behind.
Optional, if the group wishes: twenty minutes more to the field of rock needles at almost 5,000 metres. Free time for photos.
Lunch on the way back and arrival in Cusco mid-afternoon.
Although the walk is easy, the altitude (4,900 m) can affect sensitive individuals. We recommend prior acclimatization in Cusco.
| Ticket | Price | Where to pay |
|---|---|---|
| Palcoyo | About 10 soles | At the gate; charged by the community |
Approximate prices for a foreign adult. Paid in cash, in soles, and subject to change.
Quick answers to the most common questions about this tour.
Much easier. The vehicle reaches 4,800 metres and from the car park to the viewpoint it is thirty almost flat minutes, against the two-hour climb at Vinicunca.
They are the same mineral stripes, spread over three mountains and seen from further away than at Vinicunca. In exchange, there is hardly anyone there.
Yes, with older, acclimatised children and with older people it is the mountain tour we recommend. With young children, better avoid any excursion above 4,000 metres. The only demand is the altitude, so go slowly and warmly dressed.
Allow a couple of days in Cusco. Although there is little walking, the viewpoint is at 4,900 metres.
No. The community charges it at the gate, in cash. Tips and extra drinks are not included either.
We design itineraries with generous pacing, so you can truly immerse yourself and connect with Cusco.
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