Exploring the vibrant Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain from Cusco is a must-do adventure for nature enthusiasts. This guided tour promises stunning vistas, culture, and a chance to escape the city. Travelers will marvel at the rainbow-hued peaks, hike through the picturesque Red Valley, and discover a unique stone forest – all while enjoying the personal touch of a knowledgeable guide. With seamless transportation and delicious meals, this 12-hour excursion offers an unforgettable day in Peru’s breathtaking Andes.
Key Points
- A 12-hour guided tour from Cusco to the Palcoyo region, offering visits to three rainbow mountains, Red Valley, and stone forest.
- Tour priced at $40 per person, including pickup, transportation, guide, meals, and equipment.
- Departs between 4:00-5:00 am and culminates with photo opportunities at Checacupe’s historic bridges.
- Suitable for most travelers, but not recommended for individuals with high blood pressure or those over 95 years old.
- Overall positive customer reviews, with highlights including stunning scenery and an excellent guide.
Tour Overview
The Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Guided Tour is a 12-hour excursion that takes visitors from Cusco to explore the vibrant and awe-inspiring Palcoyo region.
A 12-hour excursion from Cusco exploring the vibrant and awe-inspiring Palcoyo region.
Priced from $40 per person, the tour includes pickup from Cusco hotels, transportation, a professional guide, meals, and necessary equipment.
It’s offered in English and Spanish, with a cancellation policy allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour departs between 4:00-5:00 am and visits three rainbow mountains, the Red Valley, and the stone forest, culminating in photo opportunities at Checacupe’s historic bridges before returning to Cusco.
Looking for more options in Palccoyo Mountain? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary Highlights
Departing Cusco between 4:00 am and 5:00 am, the tour heads to Cusipata, where a scenic drive and a buffet breakfast await.
Then, it’s off to Palcoyo to explore three rainbow mountains and the Red Valley.
Next, the group visits the stone forest and enjoys views of the impressive Ausangate mountain.
On the way back, the tour stops at Checacupe’s three bridges – Inca, colonial, and contemporary – for photo opportunities.
The day concludes with a drop-off in Cusco, just one block from the main square.
Included Features
The tour includes pickup service from hotels in Cusco’s city center, with transportation provided in a vehicle with a maximum capacity of 18 people.
A professional guide accompanies the group throughout the day, and a buffet breakfast and lunch are included.
Hiking poles and a first aid kit are provided, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience.
The entrance ticket to Palcoyo is covered, and an optional ticket to Checacupe Bridge is also available.
Cold drinks and snacks are provided during the tour.
However, the use of drones isn’t allowed, and the tour isn’t suitable for individuals with high blood pressure or those over 95 years old.
Not Suitable For
Individuals with high blood pressure or those over 95 years old may not be suitable for this tour. The strenuous hike and high altitude can pose risks for these individuals.
Drone usage is also not allowed during the tour, so anyone planning to capture aerial footage should keep this in mind.
While the tour give you an unforgettable experience, it’s essential to consider one’s physical capabilities and limitations before booking.
The tour operator’s primary concern is the safety and well-being of all participants, so they reserve the right to refuse entry if they deem a person unfit for the demanding nature of the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain trek.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Reviews
As reflected in the overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 21 reviews, the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Guided Tour has received generally positive feedback from customers.
Reviewers praised the knowledgeable and personable guide, who provided an excellent experience.
The knowledgeable and personable guide provided an excellent experience, according to reviewers.
However, some noted concerns about the comfort of the transportation, with mixed reviews on the quality of the included meals.
The tour offers great value, with customers highlighting the stunning scenery and photo opportunities as the top highlights.
For those seeking a unique rainbow mountain adventure, the Palcoyo tour seems a popular and recommended choice.
Scenic Drive to Cusipata
After an early morning departure from Cusco, the scenic drive to Cusipata allows travelers to take in the breathtaking Andean landscapes. Along the way, passengers enjoy a complimentary breakfast while gazing out at the rugged mountain terrain. The journey includes several stops, providing opportunities to stretch legs and capture photos of the stunning vistas.
| Scenery Highlights | Duration | Distance |
| —————— | ——– | ——– |
| Snow-capped peaks | 2 hours | 68 km |
| Quechua villages | 30 mins | 17 km |
| Pastoral farmlands | 1 hour | 35 km |
| Glacial river | 45 mins | 24 km |
The drive lays the groundwork for the adventure ahead at Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain.
Exploring the Rainbow Mountains
Upon arrival at Palcoyo, travelers embark on a moderate hike to explore the stunning rainbow-colored mountains and the captivating Red Valley.
The trail leads them through the otherworldly landscape, where vibrant hues of red, pink, and gold adorn the slopes. Stopping at various viewpoints, they take in the breathtaking vistas and capture the perfect shots for their social media.
The guided tour ensures visitors don’t miss the highlights, such as the stone forest and the panoramic views of the majestic Ausangate mountain.
After thoroughly seeing the natural wonder, the group returns to Cusco, their minds filled with the memory of this remarkable experience.
Visiting Checacupe’s Bridges
On the return journey to Cusco, the group makes a stop at Checacupe to explore the town’s three historic bridges.
They first visit the Inca bridge, marveling at the engineering of its stone construction. Next, they cross the colonial bridge, admiring its arched design.
Finally, they view the contemporary bridge, a modern concrete structure. The guide explains the significance of each bridge, highlighting Checacupe’s rich architectural heritage.
Visitors have the option to purchase a ticket to access the bridges for better photo opportunities. This cultural stop provides a fascinating glimpse into Peru’s layered history before the tour heads back to Cusco.
Since You Asked
What Is the Exact Meeting Point for Pickup in Cusco?
The tour provides pickup service from hotels in Cusco’s city center. The exact meeting point for pickup is not specified, but guests will be collected directly from their accommodations within the central area of Cusco.
Can the Tour Accommodate Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Dietary Requirements?
The tour can accommodate vegetarian and gluten-free dietary requirements. Customers should inform the tour operator of any special dietary needs when booking, so the provider can ensure appropriate meals are arranged.
Is There an Option to Add a Visit to Humantay Lake on This Tour?
Yes, there is an option to add a visit to Humantay Lake on this tour for an additional fee. Travelers can inquire with the tour operator about including the Humantay Lake stop in the itinerary.
What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?
The tour has a maximum capacity of 18 people, allowing for a comfortable group size. The exact group size may vary depending on demand, but it’s designed to provide an intimate experience for participants.
Can Guests Bring Their Own Hiking Equipment or Is It Provided?
The tour provides hiking poles, but guests can bring their own equipment if preferred. A first aid kit is also included in case any assistance is needed during the hiking portion of the tour.
The Sum Up
This guided tour from Cusco provides an unforgettable opportunity to explore the breathtaking Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain. With transportation, meals, and a knowledgeable guide, travelers can enjoy the stunning natural landscapes, including three vibrant rainbow mountains, the Red Valley, and a unique stone forest. Though the excursion may not be suitable for all, it promises incredible photo opportunities and a connection with nature, making it a must-do for those seeking an adventurous and scenic experience.
You can check availability for your dates here: