12-13 hours
Rainbow Mountain ATV Tour Full Day
From
US$95
Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Full Day Tour
12-13 hours | Price from $ 42 USD per person
12-13 hours
Up to 12
4,200m / 13,780ft
moderate
12-13 hours
12 pax
moderate
4,200m
Overview
Alternative to Vinicunca with a short, easy hike. 3 rainbow mountains, Red Valley, Stone Forest and Ausangate glacier views at 5,000 m.a.s.l.
Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour – Full Day
Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain (5,000 m.a.s.l.) is an incredible alternative to Vinicunca, ideal for those seeking an easy-access, less physically demanding trek. Located southeast of Cusco, this natural wonder offers a spectacular display of colors on its peaks and slopes, surrounded by the majestic Andes mountain range and the imposing Ausangate glacier (6,385 m.a.s.l.), the highest in the region.
Beyond its scenic beauty, the tour allows you to explore the impressive Red Valley and the enigmatic Stone Forest, perfect settings for capturing unforgettable photographs. You can also observe Andean communities and highland animals such as llamas and alpacas, living an authentic experience in the Peruvian Andes.
Palcoyo is located 20 km from Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain and is one of the most visited. It offers a hike of about 2 hours to reach it. It is much easier to access and is suitable for all ages.
Ready to Travel Peru invites you to discover this place through the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain tour.
Duration: 12-13 hours (full day). Schedule: 4:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Experience Highlights
Tour Route
Hotel pickup
04:30 hrs
Pick up from your hotel in Cusco
Breakfast in Cusipata
06:30 hrs approx.
Enjoy a buffet breakfast at a local tourist restaurant.
Stop at the village of Checacupe
07:30 hrs aprox.
Discover its historic bridges, including the Inca Q’eswachaka Bridge and the Colonial Bridge. You will have the opportunity to cross them and enjoy this unique cultural experience.
Palcoyo Community – Start of hike
09:30 hrs approx.
From the vehicle parking area, we will begin our hike to the colorful Palcoyo Mountain.
Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Viewpoint
09:40 hrs approx.
We will make an additional stop to admire the Red River and the stunning landscapes along this route. If you wish, you can also visit the Stone Forest.
Descent
10:40 hrs approx.
Descent to the starting point and back to Cusco
Lunch in Cusipata
13:00 hrs approx.
Buffet lunch at the local tourist restaurant
Return to Cusco
17:30 hrs approx.
At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off at a central square in Cusco, conveniently located near hotels and main attractions.
What Is Included?
Included
- Pickup from your hotel in Cusco
- Round-trip tourist transport
- Certified bilingual tour guide (English and Spanish)
- Entrance tickets
- Buffet breakfast and lunch
- First aid kit
Not Included
- Meals not mentioned in the program
- Personal expenses
- Tips (optional)
Before You Go
Recommendations
Valid passport or original ID document
Entrance tickets to attractions (provided by your guide)
Trekking shoes
Hat for sun and cold, gloves, sunscreen, snack
Rain poncho
Sunglasses
Water bottle
We recommend chewing coca leaves to help adapt to the altitude
Camera to capture unforgettable moments
Pricing
2026 Tour Price
Shared Service
Accessible Plan
Without entrance tickets
Desde
US$42
per person
Total Package
Best valueAll inclusive
Desde
US$52
per person
Private Service
Accessible Plan
Minimum 2 people
Without entrance tickets
from
US$195
for 2 people
Total Package
Minimum 2 people
All inclusive
from
US$215
for 2 people
Prices are in US dollars (USD). Prices may vary by season and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the hike to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain?
A 20-minute walk from the entrance to the first mountain viewpoint.
How much does the Palcoyo tour cost?
From $37 USD (Accessible Plan, without tickets) or $43 USD (Total Package, all inclusive) per person on shared service.
How long does the Palcoyo tour take?
The tour takes 12-13 hours, departing at 4:30 AM and returning around 5:00 PM.
Can I get to Palcoyo on my own?
You can take transport to Cusipata and then to Palcoyo community, but we recommend going with an organized tour for safety and comfort.
Distance from Cusco to Palcoyo?
Approximately 140 km from Cusco city, about 3-4 hours by vehicle.
What is the weather like in Palcoyo?
The weather is cold and dry, with temperatures that can drop to 0°C in the mornings. Warm clothing is recommended.
Can children visit Palcoyo?
Yes, Palcoyo is suitable for children as the hike is short and low difficulty compared to Vinicunca.
Are horses available at Palcoyo?
No, there is no horse service at Palcoyo since the hike is short (20-30 minutes).
What is the best month to visit Palcoyo?
April to October (dry season) is best for clear skies and optimal conditions.
Is there an entrance fee for Palcoyo?
Yes, there is an entrance ticket. It is already included in the Total Package.
Differences between Palcoyo and Vinicunca?
Palcoyo has a shorter hike (20 min vs 1.5 hrs), lower altitude, fewer tourists, and offers 3 rainbow mountains plus the Red Valley and Stone Forest.
Have questions?
Our travel experts are ready to help you plan your perfect adventure.
Duration
12-13 hours Departure
04:30 hrs Return
17:00 hrs Group
Up to 12 pax Altitude
4,200m Difficulty
moderate Secure payment
Instant confirmation
Flexible cancellation
24/7 Support
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