From Cusco: Day Trip to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain

For those seeking an unforgettable day trip from Cusco, the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain excursion offers a truly remarkable experience. At just $45, this adventure promises a captivating journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Peru’s Andes. With a professional guide, travelers will delight in the vibrant hues of the mountain, the unique stone formations, and the serene beauty of the surrounding region. From a delicious breakfast to a scenic hike, this day trip promises to leave a lasting impression on all who embark on it.

Key Points

• Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain is a day trip from Cusco, priced at $45 per person, with a 1-day tour duration and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The tour features three colorful mountains, stunning views of the Sierra del Ausangate, and a unique stone forest geological formation.
• The day trip includes an early pickup, breakfast in Cusipata, a 40-minute walk to the Palcoyo viewpoint, and visits to three bridges in Checacupe before lunch and return to Cusco.
• The tour package includes transportation, meals, a professional guide, and extras like a walking stick, snacks, and cold drinks.
• The Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain day trip offers a convenient and flexible itinerary for travelers seeking to explore this captivating natural wonder near Cusco.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Trip Overview and Pricing

The day trip to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain from Cusco is priced from $45.00 per person.

The tour lasts 1 day, and travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Reservations don’t require immediate payment, allowing visitors to book their spot without an upfront cost.

The tour offers free cancellation and a pay-later option, providing flexibility and convenience for travelers.

Location and Highlights

Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain is a renowned tourist attraction in Peru, located in the Canchis district. It features three colorful mountains, offering visitors a unique and picturesque landscape.

The main highlight of the tour is the majestic views of the Sierra del Ausangate, showcasing the region’s stunning Andean culture and natural beauty.

Visitors can explore the stone forest, a captivating geological formation, and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

The Palcoyo viewpoint provides a panoramic vantage point, allowing guests to fully appreciate the vibrant and diverse colors of the mountains.

Itinerary and Schedule

The day trip to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain begins with an early start, as travelers are picked up from the city center or a designated meeting point around 4:00 a.m. by prior arrangement.

The first stop is breakfast in Cusipata, a 2-hour drive from Cusco.

Then, the group continues to Combapata, making a detour near the Salka River, which takes about 1 hour.

From there, it’s an approximate 40-minute walk to the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain viewpoint.

After exploring the colorful mountains, the group returns to the transport and visits three bridges in Checacupe before heading back to Cusco for lunch and drop-off.

Breakfast in Cusipata

After the early morning pickup, travelers arrive at Cusipata, a quaint town nestled in the Andes, where they enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel their day’s adventure.

The meal includes local specialties like ají de lengua (tongue stew), tamales, and fresh fruit juices. The group gathers around tables, sharing conversation and taking in the serene mountain setting.

With bellies full, they’re ready to continue their journey to the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain, eager to witness the stunning natural wonder.

Bellies full, they eagerly continue their journey to witness the stunning Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain.

The breakfast break provides a moment of respite before the exhilarating hike ahead.

More Great Tours Nearby

Combapata and the Salka River

From Cusipata, the group heads southeast towards Combapata, with a pleasant detour near the Salka River. This scenic route offers a chance to appreciate the region’s natural beauty. Along the way, the group encounters:

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Salka River | A picturesque stream meandering through the valley |

| Lush Vegetation | Verdant foliage and rolling hills surrounding the road |

| Andean Vistas | Breathtaking views of the towering peaks in the distance |

The one-hour journey to Combapata provides a serene transition before the group reaches the final destination of Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain.

The Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Viewpoint

Arriving at the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain viewpoint, visitors behold a breathtaking scene. The three distinct, colorful mountains rise majestically against the Andean backdrop.

Arriving at the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain viewpoint, visitors behold a breathtaking scene. The three distinct, colorful mountains rise majestically against the Andean backdrop.

The vibrant hues – crimson, ochre, and turquoise – create a stunning visual spectacle. Trekkers can spend time taking in the panoramic vistas and snapping unforgettable photos.

The stone forest, with its unique geological formations, adds to the mystique of the landscape. From this vantage point, travelers can gaze upon the Sierra del Ausangate, which dominates the horizon.

This viewpoint offers a true highlight of the day’s adventure to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain.

Checacupe Bridges

Following the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain tour, the group makes a stop at the Checacupe Bridges.

This detour provides a chance to explore three historic bridges located in the town.

The bridges offer:

1. Stunning architectural features, including intricate stonework and arched designs.

2. Insights into the region’s rich cultural heritage, as the bridges date back centuries.

3. Opportunities for photography, with the bridges set against a backdrop of lush, rolling hills.

4. A peaceful respite before the return journey to Cusco.

After exploring the bridges, the group enjoys lunch and rest in Cusipata before heading back to the city.

Inclusions and Additional Information

The tour package includes a variety of amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Pickup and transportation are provided, with a professional guide fluent in English and Spanish. Breakfast and lunch are included, and snacks and cold drinks are available throughout the day. Participants also receive a walking stick and entrance tickets to Palcoyo Mountain and the optional Checacupe bridges.

| Inclusions | Details |

| — | — |

| Transportation | Pickup and drop-off |

| Meals | Breakfast and lunch |

| Guides | English and Spanish |

| Extras | Walking stick, snacks, and drinks |

Since You Asked

Is This Trip Suitable for Families With Children?

The trip to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain could be suitable for families with children. The tour includes transportation, a guided walk, and scenic views, though the early start time and moderate hiking may pose challenges for younger kids. Families should consider their children’s abilities before booking.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Travelers are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the day trip to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain. However, breakfast and lunch are already included in the tour package, so guests may not need to pack their own meals.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?

There’s no minimum group size requirement for the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain day trip. Travelers can book individually, and the tour will operate regardless of the number of participants.

Can I Extend My Stay at Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain?

Unfortunately, the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain day trip doesn’t offer an option to extend one’s stay. The itinerary is fixed, with the tour returning to Cusco after the mountain visit and additional stops. Extending the stay would require booking separate accommodations.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

While the tour doesn’t offer specific student or senior discounts, travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance. This provides flexibility to adjust plans if needed.

The Sum Up

This day trip to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain from Cusco offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the stunning natural beauty of Peru. With a full itinerary including breakfast, transportation, and a professional guide, it’s an affordable and hassle-free way to explore this breathtaking landmark. Whether you’re a nature lover or seeking an unforgettable adventure, this excursion is not to be missed.

You can check availability for your dates here: