Between 3:30 and 4:00 AM, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and begin our drive south. After approximately 2 hours, we will arrive in the town of Cusipata, where you will enjoy a continental breakfast.
We continue driving for another 1.5 hours until we reach the starting point for our hike to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain. This route is easier than the one to Vinicunca and takes approximately 3 hours round trip, including time to enjoy the scenic views.
Along the way, you’ll marvel at the colorful Palcoyo mountains (three distinct rainbow mountains located close together), the breathtaking Ausangate range—the highest in Cusco at 6385 m.a.s.l.—and the unique Stone Forest rock formations. If time permits, you may also explore this surreal stone landscape.
After the hike, we return to the restaurant for a traditional lunch and then head back to Cusco, arriving around 5:00 PM.
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch included
- Excursion: Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain (approx. 3 hours hike)
- Altitude: Up to 4900 m.a.s.l. (16,076 ft)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Included
- Round-trip transportation from your hotel in Cusco to the starting point of the hike.
- Bilingual guide (Spanish/English).
- Basic breakfast and traditional lunch.
- Entrance ticket to Palcoyo Mountain.
- Permanent assistance during the tour.
Not included
- Trekking poles.
We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 1 day before the start of your adventure to acclimatize to the altitude.
What to Bring
- Water bottle
- Windbreaker jacket
- Warm clothing, waterproof jacket, rain poncho
- Hiking shoes
- Sunglasses and hat
- Sunscreen
What is Palcoyo Mountain?
Palcoyo Mountain, also known as Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain or Vinicunca Palcoyo, is a colorful Andean hill formation near Cusco, famous for its bright mineral stripes and stunning landscapes.
Where is Palcoyo Mountain located?
Palcoyo Mountain is located in the Andes of Peru, in the southeast of the Cusco region, within the Pitumarca area, along the route towards the Ausangate snow-capped mountain.
How high is Palcoyo Mountain?
The mountain reaches an altitude of around 4,900–5,000 meters above sea level, so altitude can affect some visitors.
Is the hike difficult?
Yes, the hike is usually considered moderate due to the altitude, cold weather, and physical effort required, but it is generally shorter and less demanding than the main Rainbow Mountain.
Do I need to acclimatize before going?
Yes, it is recommended to spend at least 1–2 nights in Cusco before visiting Palcoyo to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
What symptoms can altitude cause?
Altitude can cause headache, dizziness, insomnia, loss of appetite, and fatigue, especially in people who are not used to high elevations.
What should I bring on the tour?
It is recommended to bring a warm jacket, rain poncho, water, sunscreen, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, and, if possible, trekking poles.
Are horses available?
Yes, in some areas horse services are available to help those who prefer not to walk the entire route, although there may be an additional cost.
What is the best time to visit Palcoyo Mountain?
Many travelers recommend the dry months, as the weather is usually more stable and the views of the colors are clearer.
Can children visit Palcoyo Mountain?
Yes, but it is recommended to check with the agency before the tour. It is also important to consider the altitude, cold weather, and the child’s physical condition.
PAYMENT METHODS
The agency requests a 50% deposit of the total cost of the services to be contracted. This deposit can be made through authorized payment systems. The client must pay the balance 15 days prior to arrival in Peru.
All reservation requests will be responded to via the same means within 48 hours at the latest. If you do not receive a response within the indicated timeframe, please contact our phone numbers: +51 989 781698 – +51 958 383038.
OPTION A: BANK TRANSFER
If you want to use this option, remember to increase the deposit amount by $24. This is the fee our bank requires for each transfer.
Account in dollars:
Payments must be made to the following bank account in Lima, PERU:
Name: PERU CREDIT BANK – MIRAFLORES AGENCY
Address: Larco Avenue # 611 MIRAFLORES, LIMA – PERU
Telephone: (+51) 3119898
Account number: 285-90887840-1-63
CCI: 00228519088784016350
Account name: PERU INKAS TOP SAC
SWIFT code: BCPLPEPL
OPTION B: CARD PAYMENTS
We accept all major credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, and American Express. A 3% surcharge will be applied to the final tour amount for credit card payments. A payment link will be issued via We Travel through one of our representatives, allowing you to make the payment securely.
OPTION C: TRANSFER BY WESTERN UNION
With Western Union, you can quickly send and receive money between any agent or branch worldwide. Be sure to request the To Send Money form; send money in US dollars.
Western Union has offices internationally and also online at www.westernunion.com.
If using this method, please send an email confirming the deposit and the Western Union transaction number.
Beneficiary: Jose Luis Naivares Mamani
Address: General Collanta Q-2
Department: Cuzco
Province: Cuzco
District: Cuzco
Telephone: 913851073
Document Type: DNI
Document Number: 70418002
