The Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain trek offers a unique opportunity to witness the vibrant, multicolored landscape of Peru’s South Sacred Valley. Trekkers can expect an exhilarating 14-hour journey, ascending over 5,000 meters to reach the breathtaking viewpoint. Though the trek is challenging, the all-inclusive tour provides the necessary support to ensure a memorable experience. With stunning views of Ausangate Mountain and the surrounding natural beauty, this trek promises to captivate those in search of an adventurous yet accessible outdoor excursion.

Contents show

Good To Know

A 14-hour guided trek to Palccoyo Mountain, a 5000-meter peak with stunning views of the Ausangate Mountain, including roundtrip transportation from Cusco.
The trek features a scenic drive through the South Sacred Valley, a 1.5-hour hike to the summit, and a stop in the colonial village of Checacupe.
The tour cost is $66 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and includes a bilingual guide, meals, and necessary equipment.
The trek is not recommended for pregnant women, those with back problems, or travelers over 70 years old, due to the high altitude and strenuous hike.
Guests should bring essential items like sunglasses, sun hat, biodegradable sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing, and be prepared for potential altitude sickness.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The 1 Day Trek to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain costs $66.00 per person and offers a convenient option to explore this natural wonder.

Travelers can reserve their spot and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The tour lasts 14 hours and includes roundtrip transportation, a bilingual guide, meals, and necessary equipment.

Visitors will embark on a scenic drive, hike to the Palccoyo Mountain at 5000 meters, and enjoy a guided tour with stunning views.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, though certain medical conditions may restrict participation.

Looking for more options in Palccoyo Mountain? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with pickup at 04:00 AM from the traveler’s hotel within the Historic Center of Cusco or the main square if located outside.

After a 2.5-hour van transfer, they’ll have a 1-hour break in Checacupe to explore the colonial village and ancient rope bridge.

The hike to Palccoyo Mountain takes 1.5 hours, reaching an altitude of 5000 meters.

Travelers will enjoy a guided tour and photo stop at Palccoyo for 1 hour.

Lunch in Checacupe lasts 1 hour before the 2.5-hour return van transfer to Plaza San Francisco, arriving by 06:00 PM.

Highlights of the Trek

A scenic drive through the South Sacred Valley sets the stage for this 1-day trek, offering stunning views along the 3.5-hour journey.

The highlight of the trek is the experience of Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain. Hikers will:

Set out on a guided hike to an altitude of 5000 meters, providing stunning vistas of Ausangate Mountain and unique rock formations.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Checacupe.
Explore the colonial village and ancient rope bridge during the break in Checacupe.
Capture awe-inspiring photos of the vibrant, multicolored landscape of Palccoyo.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The trek includes round-trip transportation, a bilingual tour guide, a box lunch, breakfast, entrance fees, a first aid kit, and an oxygen can.

These inclusions ensure a comfortable and well-supported experience for trekkers. However, the tour doesn’t cover personal expenses, tips, gratuities, or travel insurance. These exclusions are the responsibility of the participants.

It’s important to note that the trek isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, those susceptible to altitude sickness, or those over 70 years old.

Proper preparation and packing are essential for a successful and enjoyable Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain adventure.

More Great Tours Nearby

Important Information

Although the 1 Day Trek to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain offers a breathtaking experience, it’s not suitable for everyone.

The 1 Day Trek to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain offers a breathtaking experience, but may not be suitable for everyone.

Certain individuals should avoid this trek, including:

Pregnant women
Those with back problems
People prone to altitude sickness
Travelers over 70 years old

Visitors should come prepared with the essentials like passport, sunglasses, sun hat, biodegradable sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Littering and unaccompanied minors are strictly prohibited.

With proper preparation and caution, the Palccoyo trek can be an unforgettable adventure amidst stunning natural beauty.

There's plenty more to explore in Palccoyo Mountain

Cusco: Tour to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Booking this 1 Day Trek to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain is easy and flexible. You can reserve your spot and pay nothing today using the "Reserve now & pay later" option.

If your plans change, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour is priced at $66.00 per person, making it an affordable way to experience the stunning beauty of Palccoyo Mountain.

With a live tour guide available in English and Spanish, you’ll receive insightful commentary throughout the day. The booking process is straightforward and hassle-free.

Meeting Point and Pickup

To begin the tour, the pickup takes place at 04:00 AM from Cusco hotels within the Historic Center or the main square if your accommodation is outside of this area.

This early departure allows for a scenic 2.5-hour drive through the South Sacred Valley.

The itinerary includes:

Visiting the colonial village of Checacupe
Exploring the ancient rope bridge
Hiking for 1.5 hours to reach the summit of Palccoyo Mountain at 5000 meters
Enjoying a guided tour and photo opportunities at the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain

The tour returns to Plaza San Francisco in Cusco by 06:00 PM.

What to Expect on the Trek

The trek to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain offers a captivating journey through the stunning South Sacred Valley.

After a 2.5-hour van transfer, you’ll enjoy an hour-long break in the colonial village of Checacupe, where you can explore the ancient rope bridge.

The 1.5-hour hike to Palccoyo Mountain takes you to an altitude of 5000 meters, rewarding you with breathtaking views of the Ausangate Mountain and unique rock formations.

During the guided tour at Palccoyo, you’ll have ample time to capture stunning photos of the rainbow-colored mountain.

The day concludes with a delightful lunch in Checacupe before the return transfer to Cusco.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Trek Suitable for Children?

The trek is not suitable for children, as the itinerary requires a 1.5-hour hike to an altitude of 5,000 meters, which can be challenging for young travelers. However, the tour may accommodate families with older children who are experienced hikers.

What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?

The tour typically has small group sizes, with an average of 8-12 participants. This allows for a more personalized experience and ensures the guide can provide attentive care to each traveler.

Can I Request a Specific Language for the Tour Guide?

Yes, you can request a specific language for the tour guide. The tour offers live guides available in both English and Spanish, allowing you to choose the language that best suits your needs.

Is There an Option to Upgrade the Lunch Provided?

Yes, you can upgrade the included lunch. For an additional cost, travelers can choose to have a more premium meal at a local restaurant in Checacupe during the tour break.

Do I Need to Have Prior Hiking Experience for This Trek?

No prior hiking experience is required for this trek to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain. The hike is considered moderate, and the tour guide will provide support throughout the 1.5-hour ascent to the mountain’s viewing point.

The Sum Up

The 1 Day Trek to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain offers an unforgettable adventure through the South Sacred Valley. With stunning views of the vibrant landscape and Ausangate Mountain, this all-inclusive tour is perfect for those seeking natural beauty. However, it may not be suitable for certain individuals, so it’s essential to review the important information before booking.