Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain

Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain
Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain
Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain
Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain

From

US$ 35.00

per person

4.9 +120 reseñas
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Tour Description

Palcoyo Cusco Trekking ? New Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca, also known as the Seven Colors Mountain, is located 100 km from Cusco at an altitude of 5,036 m.a.s.l. Its colors, formed around 56 million years ago, emerged due to Andean glacial melting. Since 2016, its fame has grown on social media, making it one of the most visited destinations after Machu Picchu. Nearby highlights also include Humantay Lake and the snow-capped Salkantay Mountain.

Are you looking for adventure? Go to Palcoyo, Cusco

Are you looking for adventure? Go to Palcoyo, Cusco

Are you looking for adventure? Go to Palcoyo, Cusco. Explore the new Mountain of Colors. See details, video and map to plan your trekking. Live a unique and colorful experience!

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Tour Description

8 key points

Review the tour format, effort level and the key details that help you decide faster.

  • Tipo / Modalidad Full Day ? Adventure and Nature
  • Duración Approximately 8 hours
  • Nivel de dificultad Moderate ? Adventure with Class III rapids
  • Altitud máxima 3,300 m a.s.l.
  • Palcoyo Cusco Trekking

    Duration: 12 hrs. Start: Cusco (between 04:00 – 05:00 AM) Maximum altitude: 4,900 m.a.s.l. Difficulty: Easy Guide: Bilingual (Spanish / English)

  • Description

    The hike to Palcoyo rainbow mountain takes you to a set of mountains naturally colored by minerals, displaying red, green, and yellow tones. Throughout the journey you will observe local community members in traditional clothing, adorned llamas and alpacas, as well as spectacular views of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain. One of the most striking attractions is the stone forest, a geological formation over 50 million years old. In the rainy season, even the nearby river can turn reddish, creating postcard-perfect landscapes that have gone viral on social media. This tour is accessible for all ages and does not require great physical effort, making it an excellent option for the whole family or for those who do not wish to undertake long hikes.

  • Tour highlights

    Multicolored mountains: Naturally formed by mineral sedimentation. Stone forest: A unique geological wonder in the Andes. Natural viewpoints: With views of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain. Interaction with Andean communities: Observation of local fauna such as llamas, alpacas, vizcachas, and condors.

  • Why choose this experience?

    Accessible route for everyone. Unlike other highly demanding hikes, Palcoyo offers a shorter, quieter experience perfect for travelers of any age or physical condition. Fewer tourists, more connection. You will enjoy spectacular landscapes without the crowds, allowing you a more intimate connection with nature and Andean culture. Unique and surprising landscapes. The rainbow mountains, stone forest, and views of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain make this tour a true visual gem. Ideal for photography. Every corner of Palcoyo seems designed to capture perfect postcards: vibrant colors, natural contrasts, and Andean fauna. Living culture on the way. You will get to know the local communities, their traditions and lifestyle up close, in an authentic and welcoming environment. Adventure without extreme effort. Perfect for those who want an unforgettable high-altitude experience without long hikes or prolonged high altitudes.

Things you should know about this tour

How to get to Palcoyo: Map of the Mountain of Colors

Easily locate the Palcoyo Color Mountain in Cusco with this map. Discover routes, accesses and key points for your trekking adventure and enjoy unique landscapes.
How to get to Palcoyo: Map of the Mountain of Colors

Layered Clothing

Comfortable layered clothing (thermal, fleece, and windproof/waterproof). Mornings are cold but the hike is short.

Footwear

Comfortable sports shoes or light trekking sneakers with good grip. Special high-altitude boots are not required.

Sun Protection

Sunscreen SPF 50+, sunglasses with UV protection, cap or hat with visor.

Cash

Bring soles for entrance to Palcoyo (S/20 foreigners, S/10 nationals), voluntary tips, and personal purchases.

Hydration

Water bottle of 1-2 liters. Staying hydrated is important at altitude.

Small Backpack

Light backpack of 15-20 liters to carry water, snacks, camera, and personal items for the day.

Camera or Cell Phone

Essential to capture the vibrant colors of the Palcoyo mountains and the stone forest. Bring extra battery.

Medications

If you are sensitive to altitude, bring altitude sickness pills (Sorojchi pills) as a precaution. Also personal medications.

Weather

Cold temperatures in the morning (5-10°C). During the day it can be sunny. Bring a warm jacket.

Documents

Original ID or Passport (mandatory) and cash in soles to pay entrance.

Acclimatization

Spend 1-2 days in Cusco before the tour. Drink coca tea and avoid excessive efforts the day before.

Physical Condition

No special physical preparation required. The hike is short (45 min) and easy, accessible for all ages.

Rainy Season

If traveling between November and March, bring a poncho or waterproof jacket. The landscape becomes greener and the river reddish.

Snacks

Optional to bring chocolates, dried fruits, or light snacks. The tour includes full breakfast and lunch.

Do I need to be in good physical shape?

A moderate physical condition is recommended. The hike includes ascents and is carried out at high altitude.

What does the tour include?

It generally includes transportation, a professional guide, and lunch. Please check the details when booking.

Total duration

1 full day (approximately 12 hours).

Departure

Between 04:00 a.m. and 05:00 a.m. with pickup at your hotel in Cusco.

Maximum altitude

4,900 m.a.s.l. (Palcoyo Rainbow Mountains).

Difficulty level

Easy (short hike of approximately 45 minutes).

Documentation

It is mandatory to carry original ID or Passport.

Acclimatization

Recommended to spend at least 1-2 days in Cusco to adapt to the altitude.

Guide language

Bilingual (Spanish and English).

Service type

Group or private with equipped tourist transportation.

Meals

Andean breakfast and buffet lunch included at local restaurants.

Entrance fees

The entrance ticket to Palcoyo (S/20 foreigners, S/10 nationals) is NOT included and is paid on-site.

Restrictions

Accessible for all ages and fitness levels. Does not require great physical effort.

Weather

Cold temperatures in the morning; bring warm and waterproof clothing.

Clothing

Comfortable layered clothing; trekking or sports shoes recommended.

End

Return to Cusco in the afternoon.

Are you looking for adventure? Go to Palcoyo, Cusco. Explore the new Mountain of Colors. See details, video and map to plan your trekking. Live a unique and colorful experience!

Are you looking for adventure? Go to Palcoyo, Cusco

Tour rates and options

extreme adventure

This tour is offered in shared and private service depending on the size of your group.

"Check 24 hours before to confirm availability and avoid setbacks".

Shared Service Price per traveler
$35.00 USD
Private service
Price Book
Group of 2 - 3 people Price per traveler
$100.00 USD
Group of 4 - 7 people Price per traveler
$90.00 USD
Group of 8+ people Price per traveler
$75.00 USD

Schedule office appointment

Urb. Dolorespata, Jr. Paititi F 3ª 270, Santiago-Cusco

Frequently asked questions

Is previous high-altitude hiking experience necessary?
No, this tour has an easy difficulty level and is accessible for all ages. The hike is short (approximately 45 minutes) and does not require previous trekking experience or great physical effort.
What does this tour include?
It includes tourist transportation to/from your hotel in Cusco, certified bilingual professional guide (Spanish and English), typical Andean breakfast, buffet lunch at a local restaurant, trekking poles, first aid kit, and oxygen cylinder.
What services are NOT included?
The entrance to Palcoyo (S/20 for foreigners and S/10 for nationals), voluntary tips for guide and driver, additional drinks (soft drinks, alcoholic beverages), or personal expenses are not included. The entrance is paid directly at the control point.
How long does the tour last and what is the maximum altitude?
The tour lasts 1 full day, approximately 12 hours. The maximum altitude is 4,900 m.a.s.l. in the Palcoyo rainbow mountains area. Pickup is between 04:00 and 05:00 a.m. and return to Cusco is in the afternoon.
How many days do I need to be in Cusco before the tour?
It is recommended to be in Cusco at least 1-2 days before the tour to acclimatize to the altitude. Although the altitude is not as extreme and the hike is short, it is important to be slightly adapted to better enjoy the experience.
What places will we visit during the tour?
You will visit the multicolored mountains of Palcoyo, naturally formed by mineral sedimentation showing red, green, and yellow tones. You will also see the famous stone forest (geological formation over 50 million years old), natural viewpoints with views of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain, and have interaction with Andean communities, llamas, alpacas, and local fauna.