What should I wear for the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain tour?

Dress in layers! We recommend: Thermal base layers Warm fleece Waterproof jacket Hat, gloves, and scarf Trekking shoes Sunglasses and sunscreen Even on sunny days, the high altitude can make it cold and windy.

Can I rent a horse at Palcoyo?

Unlike Vinicunca, horse rentals are not common at Palcoyo, because the hike is relatively short and not as steep. However, if needed, our team can assist you with support or extra rest along the way.

Is the Palcoyo tour family-friendly?

Yes — it’s much more family-friendly than Vinicunca. Because of the short and gentle trail, it’s suitable for teens, adults, and active seniors who have spent at least a day or two acclimating. However, it’s not recommended for very young children or people with serious heart or breathing conditions due to the high altitude.

Are there restrooms during the tour?

Yes — basic toilets are available at the breakfast spot and trailhead. They may not be luxurious, so it’s smart to bring toilet paper and hand sanitizer just in case.

How difficult is the hike to Palcoyo?

Palcoyo is known for being an easy to moderate hike — much shorter and less steep than Vinicunca. You’ll only walk about 4 km (2.5 miles) in total 2 hours. However, keep in mind the altitude is still high (around 4,900 m), so it’s best to spend 1–2 days acclimatizing in Cusco first.

Rainbow Mountain Palcoyo

Admission Fee
Include
Meals
Breakfast/Lunch
Guide
Bilingual
Best Season
April to December
Minimum Age
18
Maximum Age
65

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Tucked away in the breathtaking Ausangate mountain range, about 100 km southeast of Cusco, Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain offers a serene and equally stunning alternative to the more crowded Vinicunca. Located near the communities of Cusipata and Checacupe, this spot is perfect for those looking for a colorful adventure without the intense hike.

At an altitude of 4,900 meters above sea level, Palcoyo is more accessible than its famous sibling, making it ideal for travelers who want to enjoy the beauty of the Andes without extreme physical effort. The short and gentle walk (about 1 km) takes you through an otherworldly landscape painted by nature itself — iron (red), sulfur (yellow), and copper (green) minerals combine to create the mountain’s dazzling rainbow stripes.

Beyond the colorful peaks, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains, peaceful valleys, and even a surreal Stone Forest — a series of sharp rock formations sculpted by time. The peacefulness of Palcoyo, combined with its raw beauty, makes it a hidden gem for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers alike. No crowds, just pure Andean magic.

TOUR NAME: Full Day Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour
100% LOCAL COMPANY: fully licensed Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour Operator, Highly Recommended! Check out our reviews on Trip Advisor & Youtube what our Passengers say about us
GROUP SIZE: Group Service
STARTING POINT: Pick-up from Cusco Hotel/Airbnb. From 6:00 am
ENDING POINT: Drop-off in Cusco at Hotel/Airbnb at 16:00 pm
DEPARTURE: Daily
HIKING DISTANCE: 4km
PHYSICAL LEVEL: Level 3. Rainbow Mountain Tour requires some physical preparation and we also recommend to Aclimatize 2 days before we begin the Rainbow Mountain Trek
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 4,900 meters (16,500 feet)
TRANSPORTATION: Private Van/Bus to Palcoyo (for our Passengers)
MEALS: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch (Vegetarian, Vegan and Free Gluten with NO extra cost, Upon Request)
GUIDE: Bilingual Guide Service

Highlights

Three Rainbow Mountains, One Easy Hike
Epic Photo Spots at Every Turn
The Surreal Stone Forest (optional)
Andean Wildlife and Local Life
Less Crowds, More Peace

Day 01 :

Cusco - Palcoyo - Cusco

This exciting adventure begins at 6:00 a.m. when we pick you up from the door of your accommodation in our tourist transport. During the three-hour journey to the South Valley of Cusco, you can rest a bit more thanks to the comfort of our vehicle.

Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of charming Andean villages, ancient Inca terraces, fertile valleys, and majestic mountains. We will make a stop to admire herds of llamas and alpacas while you enjoy a nutritious continental breakfast to prepare for the hike.

Our adventure continues to the starting point in Llacto, Palcoyo (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), where we begin our hike along a stream and a winding trail through the Andes. As we ascend, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Ausangate Mountain (6,372 m / 20,905 ft), considered a living deity by the local communities.

In this remote region, you will have the chance to see locals working the land and wearing their colorful traditional clothing, crafted using ancestral weaving techniques. Your guide will explain the significance of these garments, and if you wish, they can teach you a few words in Quechua, the language of the Incas, which is still spoken in the area.

After approximately an hour of hiking, we will reach the stunning Rainbow Mountain (4,900 m / 16,732 ft). Take in the surreal beauty of this natural wonder while your guide shares theories about its origin. Take your time to capture incredible photos or simply admire the landscape. Depending on the weather and the group’s pace, we will spend between 30 minutes and an hour at the summit.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Buffet Lunch
Lowest Elevation: 3,400 msnm
Highest Elevation: 4,900 msnm
Hike Distance: 4 km
Approximate hiking time: 2 hours
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Includes/Excludes

Includes

Expert Local Guides
Our friendly and knowledgeable guides have over 5 years of experience leading hikes to Palcoyo. They know every corner of the trail and are passionate about sharing the culture, colors, and stories of the Andes. With them, you’re in safe and inspiring hands.
First Aid Always On Hand
Safety first! Our guides always carry a complete first aid kit, including treatments for altitude sickness, stomach issues, and minor cuts—so you’re covered in case anything unexpected comes up.
Oxygen Tank for High Altitudes
Palcoyo sits at almost 4,975 meters above sea level, and yes, the air gets thinner up there. But no worries—our team brings a metal oxygen tank, just in case anyone needs a little extra help breathing at the top.
Walking Sticks
For better balance and support on the trail, we include walking sticks — especially helpful for the uphill sections or uneven paths.
Hotel Pickup & Drop-off
No need to stress about transport. We’ll pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and drop you off at the end of the tour, so you can just focus on enjoying the day.
WhatsApp Pre-Trip Briefing
One day before your adventure, we’ll reach out via WhatsApp to confirm all the details, answer questions, and make sure you feel totally prepared.
24/7 Support
Our team is always just a message or call away. We offer round-the-clock customer support, so you’re never alone during your journey with us.
Half-Liter of Water
Staying hydrated at high altitude is key, so we’ll provide a complimentary 500 ml bottle of water to keep you going.
Palcoyo Entrance Fee Covered
No hidden costs! Your entrance ticket to Palcoyo is already included — our guide will take care of it for you.
Private Transportation
Travel comfortably and safely in our modern, fully-insured vans, equipped with oxygen and a first aid kit. Our transport is tourist-certified and designed for scenic, smooth rides.

Excludes

Tips (optional)
Travel and health insurance.(bring copies with you please): Inca Memories highly recommend getting an insurance of trip cancellation/interruption insurance to protect your travel investment. Included with your pre-departure package, bring your travel insurance to cover trip cancellation, interruption, baggage loss, and delay, emergency medical evacuation insurance, and emergency medical expense insurance.