Full dayRainbow Mountain Tour
Vinicunca above 5,000 m, with the Red Valley as an optional way down.
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Day Hikes
Three colored mountains and a stone forest on an easy, quiet trail.
The Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain hike is the calm way to see the colored mountains of Cusco. About 125 km south of the city, Palccoyo has three striped mountains in a row, a forest of stone spires and an open view of Ausangate, and it gets a small fraction of the visitors that Vinicunca does.
The trip at a glance
4:30 to 5:00 a.m.
Hotel pickup in Cusco and departure for the South Valley around 5:00 a.m.
7:00 to 8:00 a.m.
Breakfast in Cusipata, a small Andean town on the route.
8:00 to 9:30 a.m.
Drive from Cusipata to Palccoyo past villages and terraced hillsides.
9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Guided walk among the rainbow mountains and up to the stone forest.
11:30 a.m. to noon
Free time for photos.
1:30 to 2:15 p.m.
Buffet lunch back in Cusipata.
2:15 to 4:30 p.m.
Return drive, reaching Cusco between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m.
Highlights
Three rainbow mountains
A rare group of three colored peaks that you see from a single path.
The stone forest
A cluster of natural rock towers found only on the Palccoyo circuit.
Llamas and alpacas
They graze freely beside the trail.
Big views
Ausangate and the Vilcanota range fill the skyline.
Room for photos
With so few people around, you will not have to wait for a clear shot.
Short and gentle
45 minutes to 1 hour of walking on an easy slope, manageable for most ages.
From our guidesThe walk takes less than an hour on a gentle path. It suits families, older travelers and anyone who wants high Andean scenery without a long, tiring climb.
Itinerary
Full day: Cusco, Cusipata, Palccoyo and back
Hotel pickup (4:30 to 5:00 a.m.)
We collect you from your Cusco hotel while the city is still quiet and head south into the mountains.
Breakfast in Cusipata (around 7:00 a.m.)
After a drive through the countryside at dawn, we stop in the village of Cusipata for a good breakfast at a local restaurant.
Road to Palccoyo
The drive is part of the experience. The road climbs past high peaks and wide valleys, and the total journey from Cusco is about 3.5 hours.
Guided walk on the rainbow mountains (about 2 hours)
This is what you came for. Your guide leads an easy walk along the colored slopes, with around two hours to take in the stripes, visit the stone forest and stop at each viewpoint.
Lunch in Cusipata
Back in Cusipata a buffet of Peruvian dishes is waiting. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are available on request.
Return to Cusco (around 4:30 p.m.)
The drive back gives you one more look at the Andes. We can drop you at your hotel, the airport or the bus station if arranged beforehand.
- Distance
- 4 km (2.5 mi) round trip
- Walking time
- 45 minutes to 1 hour, about 2 hours with the viewpoints
- Highest point
- 4,900 m (16,076 ft)
- Places
- Palccoyo rainbow mountains and the stone forest
What is included
Transport
Pickup. From your hotel or Airbnb between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m.
Round trip transport. Comfortable tourist vehicle with a professional driver.
Meals
Breakfast. A filling Andean breakfast in Cusipata.
Buffet lunch. A range of local dishes in Cusipata.
Guiding and safety
Small group. 12 to 16 people at most.
Guide. Professional bilingual guide (English and Spanish).
Safety. First aid kit and oxygen tank.
Not included
Entry fee. 20 soles per person, paid at the checkpoint in cash. Cards are not accepted.
Travel insurance. Personal travel or medical cover is not included.
Palccoyo hike prices 2026
| Regular price | $35 |
|---|---|
| Promo price | $30 |
How to get the promo price
- The 30 USD rate is for hikers who also book one of our treks or Machu Picchu tours. Reserve that first and then write to info@incaoutdoors.com to have the discount applied.
Private Palccoyo hike prices 2026
- Leave when it suits your plans
- Transport for your group only
- Extra photo stops on the way
- No one hurrying you along
- A guide for your group alone
- More time at the viewpoints you like most
- A good fit for couples, families and friends
| 1 person | $255 |
|---|---|
| 2 people | $275 |
| 3 people | $290 |
| 4 people | $310 |
| 5 people | $330 |
What the private service includes
Private tourist transport
Professional bilingual guide
Hotel pickup and drop off
Breakfast and lunch
First aid kit and oxygen
Personal help before and during the hike
What to pack
Essentials
Original passport
Small daypack
Water bottle
Camera or phone
Warm layers
Hiking boots
Quick dry t-shirts
Fleece jacket
Waterproof jacket
Trekking pants
Neck buff
Warm beanie
Gloves
Sun protection
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Extras
Energy snacks
Cash in soles
Good to know
Getting ready for Palccoyo
Use the days before the hike to adapt to the altitude. The top viewpoint is at about 4,900 m (16,076 ft), so plan 1 or 2 nights in Cusco or the Sacred Valley first.
Travel insurance that covers activities at altitude is a sensible idea. Mornings on the trail are cold and midday can be sunny and windy. Dress in layers and expect the weather to change, most of all from November to April, when rain is likelier.
Respect for the place
The colored ridges and the stone forest are fragile. Please keep to the marked paths and do not touch or walk on the mineral soil.
Want something more demanding? The classic Rainbow Mountain hike to Vinicunca is a harder walk to one famous ridge. Palccoyo is the softer, quieter choice. General travel information is on Peru Travel, the official tourism portal.
Frequently asked questions
Is Palccoyo easier than Vinicunca?
Yes. The walk is much shorter and the slope far gentler. Altitude is still the main thing to respect.
How long is the walk and how high is it?
About 4 km (2.5 mi) round trip. The highest viewpoint is at roughly 4,900 m (16,076 ft).
How difficult is it?
Easy to moderate. The distance is short and the gradient mild, but at this height you should go slowly and drink plenty of water.
When is the best time of year?
May to October, the dry season, for clearer skies, stronger colors and steadier weather.
Can I hire a horse?
No. Horses are not offered at Palccoyo because the path is short and level enough to walk comfortably.
What should I bring?
A windproof jacket, warm layers, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, 1 to 1.5 liters of water, snacks and cash for the entry fee.
Are breakfast and lunch included?
Yes. Breakfast and a buffet lunch with vegetarian options are served in Cusipata.
What time do we leave and return?
Pickup is between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. and we are back in Cusco between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m.
How big is the group?
We travel in a modern tourist van with 12 to 16 people at most.
Is it suitable for children and older adults?
Yes, provided they are well acclimatized. The path is gentle, but the altitude is significant.
Do I need to acclimatize first?
We strongly recommend it. Spend at least 1 or 2 nights in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before the hike.
What is the weather like?
Cold in the morning, often sunny and windy at midday. Rain is far more likely from November to April.
Is the entry fee included?
No. It is paid in cash at the checkpoint, 20 soles per person. Small notes help.
Are there toilets?
Yes. There are proper toilets at the restaurant in Cusipata and basic ones near the trailhead parking.
Can you drop me at the airport or bus terminal?
Yes, if you let us know in advance. We reach Cusco around 4:30 p.m., so leave a comfortable margin before any departure.
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