Palcoyo Mountain Hiking + Stone Forests

Nestled in the heart of Peru, Palcoyo Mountain offers a captivating trekking experience amidst its dramatic stone forests and vibrant rock formations. This lesser-known gem promises an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts, with a moderate 2-hour hike leading them through breathtaking landscapes. Priced at $53 per person, the guided tour includes hotel pickup, meals, and an experienced guide, ensuring an enriching and hassle-free exploration of this remarkable natural wonder. What secrets does Palcoyo Mountain hold, and how can visitors fully enjoy its captivating beauty?

Key Points

• The Palcoyo Mountain hiking tour provides an opportunity to explore unique rock formations and stone forests in the Cusipata region.
• The 2-hour moderate hike through the Rainbow Mountain area offers stunning views of the colorful geological landscape.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, breakfast, and lunch, ensuring a comprehensive and convenient experience for travelers.
• The tour is not suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions or wheelchair users, requiring specific physical capabilities.
• Customer reviews highlight the tour’s punctuality, excellent guide, and delicious meals, though some note the lack of air conditioning and hot, dusty conditions during the return trip.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Palcoyo Mountain hiking tour offers visitors a chance to explore the stunning stone forests and rainbow-colored mountains of the Cusco region.

Priced from $53 per person, the 1-day tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, a professional guide, meals, and the entrance fee to the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain.

The tour starts with an early morning pickup, followed by a drive to the trailhead. Hikers enjoy a moderate 2-hour trek at their own pace, taking in the unique rock formations and vibrant landscape.

After the hike, the group returns to Cusipata for lunch before heading back to Cusco in the evening.

Itinerary and Schedule

After hotel pickup between 4:00 – 5:00 a.m., travelers embark on a drive to Cusipata for breakfast before continuing to the parking lot to begin the hike.

The 2-hour hike at a moderate pace with breaks takes them to the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain.

Upon return to Cusipata, they’ll enjoy lunch before heading back to Cusco, arriving near Plaza de Armas around 6:00 p.m.

The tour includes a professional guide, tourist transportation, meals, and hiking equipment.

It’s not suitable for wheelchair users or those with certain medical conditions.

Inclusions and Requirements

This tour includes hotel pickup, tourist transportation, a professional guide fluent in English and Spanish, a provided breakfast and lunch, handmade walking sticks, a first aid kit, and the entrance fee to the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain. However, the hike is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with vertigo, respiratory issues, pre-existing medical conditions, or recent surgeries.

| Requirements | Restrictions |

| — | — |

| Passport | Smoking |

| Warm clothing | Alcohol |

| Windbreaker | Drugs |

| Breathable clothing | Littering |

| Sunglasses, water | Nudity |

What to Bring and Restrictions

Hikers should bring their passport along with warm, windproof, and breathable clothing to stay comfortable during the hike.

Bring your passport and dress in warm, windproof, and breathable gear to stay comfortable on the hike.

Sunglasses and a water bottle are also essential. Smoking, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed. Littering and nudity are prohibited.

The hike isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with vertigo, respiratory issues, pre-existing medical conditions, or recent surgeries. These restrictions are in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.

Following the guidelines will help make the Palcoyo Mountain hiking experience a memorable one.

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Pricing and Cancellation Policy

The Palcoyo Mountain hiking tour is priced from $53.00 per person, offering excellent value for the full-day experience. Customers can conveniently reserve their spot and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexible policy provides peace of mind for travelers.

| Feature | Details |

|———|———|

| Price | From $53.00 per person |

| Duration | 1 day |

| Cancellation | Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance |

| Reservation | Reserve now, pay later |

The tour includes round-trip hotel transportation, professional guides, meals, and all necessary equipment, making it a hassle-free adventure.

Transportation and Pick-up

Customers are conveniently picked up from their hotels near or within the Historic Center of Cusco between 4:00 – 5:00 a.m.

The tour then travels to Cusipata for breakfast before continuing to the parking lot to begin the hike.

The 2-hour hike at a moderate pace with breaks takes guests through the stunning Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain and stone forests.

After the hike, the group returns to Cusipata for lunch before the drive back to Cusco, where they’re dropped off near the Plaza de Armas around 6:00 p.m.

Guided Tour Highlights

During the guided tour, visitors can expect to marvel at the stunning Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain and surrounding stone forests.

The hike takes approximately 2 hours at a moderate pace, offering breathtaking views along the way. Along the route, the knowledgeable tour guide provides insights into the formation and history of this unique geological wonder.

The hike takes around 2 hours at a moderate pace, offering breathtaking views. The knowledgeable guide provides insights into the formation and history of this geological wonder.

Visitors can utilize handmade walking sticks to assist with the trek. After the hike, guests can refuel with a delicious local breakfast and lunch, all included in the tour package.

With its vibrant colors and otherworldly landscapes, Palcoyo Mountain delivers an unforgettable hiking experience.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

According to the provided information, the guided tour of Palcoyo Mountain has garnered an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars based on 10 customer reviews.

Reviewers highlighted the tour’s punctuality, excellent guide, and delicious food as its key strengths.

However, some areas for improvement were noted, such as the lack of air conditioning in the minibus and the hot, dusty conditions during the return trip.

Since You Asked

How Difficult Is the Hike up Palcoyo Mountain?

The hike up Palcoyo Mountain is moderately difficult, requiring a moderate pace for about 2 hours. It’s not suitable for those with respiratory issues, vertigo, or recent medical conditions, but the trail has breaks and walking sticks are provided.

Can I Bring My Own Lunch Instead of the Provided Meal?

Yes, you can bring your own lunch instead of the provided meal. However, the tour package includes breakfast and lunch, so bringing your own may not be necessary. It’s best to check with the tour operator if you’d like to opt-out of the included lunch.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

According to the tour overview, the standard tour duration is 1 day. There’s no option to extend the tour duration, but travelers can book additional tours or activities separately to lengthen their experience.

Are Hiking Poles Required or Just Recommended?

Hiking poles are recommended but not required for this tour. They can provide extra stability and support during the moderate 2-hour hike, but the tour includes complimentary handmade walking sticks for those who prefer them.

Are There Any Age or Fitness Level Restrictions for This Tour?

The tour has no specific age or fitness level restrictions, but it’s not suitable for wheelchair users, people with vertigo, respiratory issues, medical conditions, or recent surgeries. Moderate fitness is recommended to manage the 2-hour hike at a steady pace.

The Sum Up

The Palcoyo Mountain hiking tour offers an unforgettable adventure exploring Peru’s stunning stone forests and vibrant rock formations. Priced at $53 per person, the one-day experience includes hotel pickup, meals, and a professional guide, making it a perfect outing for nature enthusiasts. With a moderate 2-hour hike and breathtaking landscapes, this lesser-known gem provides an enriching trekking experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: