The Palcoyo Mountain Trekking Full Day excursion from Cusco offers an unforgettable adventure high in the Andes. This vibrant trek showcases stunning multi-colored landscapes, providing excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife spotting. With a moderate difficulty level and high customer satisfaction, it’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking unique natural beauty. But what awaits those who embark on this remarkable journey?

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Key Points

Full-day trekking excursion from Cusco to Palcoyo Mountain, known as the "new Rainbow Mountain," at an altitude of over 5,000 meters.
The tour includes hotel pickup, minibus transportation, guided trek, breakfast, and a buffet lunch, priced at €34.02 per person.
The itinerary involves a 2.5-hour journey to Cusipata, a brief stop in Pitumarka, and a 1.5-hour trek to Palcoyo Mountain.
Highlights include stunning views, opportunities for breathtaking photography, and potential sightings of South American camelids like alpacas and llamas.
The trek is suitable for most able-bodied individuals, with a moderate difficulty level, and includes travel insurance in the tour price.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Palcoyo Mountain trekking tour offers a full-day excursion from Cusco to the vibrant Palcoyo Mountain, often referred to as the "new Rainbow Mountain".

Priced at €34.02 per person, the tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.

Travelers can expect a picturesque trek at over 5,000 meters above sea level, showcasing the stunning multi-colored hues of Palcoyo.

The itinerary includes hotel pickup, minibus transportation, a guided trek, breakfast, and a buffet lunch, making it an ideal choice for photography enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.

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Itinerary Details

According to the itinerary, the tour begins with pickup from the hotel in Cusco at 4:00 a.m.

The tour begins with pickup from the hotel in Cusco at 4:00 a.m., according to the itinerary.

After a 2.5-hour journey by minibus, the group arrives in Cusipata, where a breakfast is provided before heading to Pitumarka for a brief stop.

The main event is a one and a half-hour trekking route to Palcoyo Mountain, offering stunning views of its vibrant colors.

The return trip includes a stop at a local restaurant for a buffet lunch, and the arrival back in Cusco is expected around 6:00 p.m.

Pickup at hotel in Cusco at 4:00 a.m.
Travel by minibus to Cusipata (2.5 hours).
Breakfast provided before heading to Pitumarka.

Highlights and Experience

Trekking at over 5,000 meters above sea level, the Palcoyo Mountain trek offers stunning views of the mountain’s vibrant colors.

Enthusiasts can capture breathtaking photography of the striking reds, oranges, and purples that decorate the landscape.

Along the way, trekkers may spot South American camelids like alpacas and llamas in their natural habitat.

This full-day adventure provides an ideal experience for outdoor enthusiasts, with a moderate difficulty level suitable for most able-bodied individuals.

The tour’s highlights make it a must-do activity for visitors to Cusco seeking a unique and visually impressive trekking experience.

Inclusions and Additional Costs

The Palcoyo Mountain trekking tour includes hotel pickup, minibus transportation, an English and Spanish speaking guide, breakfast, and lunch.

The tour also covers the entrance fee to Palcoyo Mountain, which is 15 S/ (4 US$) per person.

Additionally:

Travel insurance is included in the tour price.
Customers may incur extra expenses not specified in the inclusions.
The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users.

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Important Information

While the Palcoyo Mountain trekking tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users, there are a few other important considerations.

Travelers should bring their passport or ID card, as well as any necessary personal medication. Travel insurance is included, but customers may face additional expenses.

Overall, customer reviews indicate a high level of satisfaction, with a rating of 5/5 based on experiences.

The trek takes visitors over 5,000 meters above sea level, offering stunning views of Palcoyo Mountain’s vibrant colors and the opportunity to spot South American camelids in their natural habitat.

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Getting to Palcoyo Mountain

To reach the captivating Palcoyo Mountain, trekkers embark on a journey from the historic city of Cusco. The adventure begins with a 2.5-hour transfer by minibus to the town of Cusipata.

From the historic city of Cusco, trekkers embark on a 2.5-hour minibus journey to Cusipata, the starting point for the Palcoyo Mountain adventure.

Along the way, a brief stop is made in Pitumarka to fuel up before the trek.

The hiking route to Palcoyo Mountain spans one and a half hours, rewarding adventurers with:

Stunning views of the mountain’s vibrant, rainbow-like colors.
Opportunities to spot South American camelids in their natural habitat.
Incredible photographic moments amid the breathtaking landscape over 5,000 meters above sea level.

What to Expect on the Trek

What can trekkers expect on their journey to Palcoyo Mountain?

After an early morning hotel pickup, they’ll travel by minibus for 2.5 hours to Cusipata. A hearty breakfast is provided before continuing on to Pitumarka for a brief stop.

The trek to Palcoyo Mountain itself takes about 1.5 hours, with stunning views of the mountain’s vibrant colors.

During the return trip, trekkers will stop at a local restaurant for a buffet lunch. By approximately 6:00 p.m., they’ll be back in Cusco, having experienced the breathtaking Palcoyo Mountain at over 5,000 meters above sea level.

Post-Trek Experience

After the exhilarating trek to Palcoyo Mountain, trekkers can expect a well-deserved rest and refueling at a local restaurant.

The return trip includes a stop at a nearby eatery, where a buffet lunch is provided. This gives trekkers the opportunity to:

Savor authentic Peruvian cuisine and recharge their energy.
Engage with the local community and enjoy the culture.
Reflect on the stunning landscapes and memorable experiences from the day’s adventure.

Arriving back in Cusco around 6:00 p.m., trekkers can look forward to reliving the highlights of their Palcoyo Mountain expedition.

Since You Asked

What Level of Physical Fitness Is Required for This Trek?

The trek to Palcoyo Mountain requires a moderate level of physical fitness. Trekking occurs at over 5,000 meters above sea level, so participants should be in good shape and able to handle the high altitude conditions.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Trek?

Hikers can bring their own food and drinks on the trek. The tour includes breakfast and a buffet lunch, but travelers may want to pack extra snacks or beverages to have during the hike.

Is There an Option to Hire a Porter to Carry My Belongings?

Yes, you can hire a porter to carry your belongings on the trek. The tour provider offers this service for an additional cost, which allows you to enjoy the hike without having to carry everything yourself.

Can I Extend My Stay in Cusco After the Trek?

Yes, travelers can extend their stay in Cusco after the Palcoyo Mountain trekking tour. The tour operator doesn’t handle any additional accommodations, but they can provide recommendations on extending one’s trip in the Cusco region.

Are There Any Additional Safety Precautions for High-Altitude Treks?

Trekking at high altitudes requires extra safety precautions. Travelers should acclimate gradually, stay hydrated, and pack warm layers. Certain medical conditions may require specialized planning. It’s best to consult a guide or doctor before undertaking a high-altitude trek.

The Sum Up

The Palcoyo Mountain Trekking Full Day excursion from Cusco offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the vibrant and breathtaking landscapes of the Andes. With its stunning multi-colored terrain, diverse wildlife, and comfortable arrangements, this trek is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a unique and memorable adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a nature lover, this excursion is sure to leave a lasting impression.