Cusco : Full Day Palcoyo Mountain of Colors

The "Cusco: Full Day Palcoyo Mountain of Colors" tour promises an unforgettable adventure amidst stunning natural landscapes. Soaring at an elevation of 4,100 meters, the tour invites travelers to explore vibrant mountains, a unique stone forest, and more. While customer feedback raises some organizational concerns, the tour’s inclusive package and experienced guides suggest an opportunity to discover the wonders of this remarkable destination. What awaits those who embark on this colorful exploration?

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Key Points

This full-day tour takes visitors to the Palcoyo Mountain of Colors, located at an elevation of 4,100 meters near Cusco, Peru.
The tour includes round-trip transportation from Cusco, a professional bilingual guide, breakfast, and a buffet lunch.
Customers can expect a 50-minute trek to view the stunning natural scenery of the colorful mountains and stone forest.
While the tour has an overall rating of 3.3 out of 5, customers have reported issues with delays, unsafe driving, and overcrowding.
Proper preparation for high-altitude conditions, including acclimatization, is recommended to avoid altitude sickness.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour

Titled "Cusco: Full Day Palcoyo Mountain of Colors," the tour offers visitors a chance to explore the vibrant multicolored mountains of Palcoyo, located at an elevation of 4,100 meters above sea level.

Priced at $50 per person, the full-day excursion includes round-trip transportation from Cusco, a professional bilingual guide, breakfast, and a buffet lunch.

Customers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Trekking to the stone forest and colorful mountains takes around 50 minutes.

Reviews note delays, unsafe driving, and overcrowding as potential issues to consider.

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Tour Itinerary

The tour begins with an early morning pickup, around 4:00 a.m., from accommodations in Cusco’s historic center.

The first stop is the town of Cusipata for breakfast. Next, the group stops at an Inca bridge for photos.

Arriving at Palcoyo, a community located 4,100 meters above sea level, the group embarks on a 50-minute trek to view the colorful mountains and stone forest.

After the trek, the group enjoys a buffet lunch in Cusipata before the return to Cusco, arriving around 6:00 p.m.

What’s Included

The tour includes round-trip transportation from the hotel, with a professional bilingual guide accompanying the group throughout the day.

A breakfast stop in the town of Cusipata is provided, along with a buffet lunch after the trek.

Safety measures are in place, with a first aid kit supplied.

Entrance fees to the Palcoyo site are covered, totaling 15 soles per person.

However, travelers should note that additional costs may be incurred for travel insurance and muleteer service.

Additional Information

When planning for the tour, travelers should ensure they bring essential items like their passport or ID card, a sun hat, biodegradable sunscreen, and rain gear.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or individuals with heart problems. Any additional expenses, such as travel insurance or muleteer service, will incur extra costs.

Travelers can find the meeting point by opening the location details in Google Maps. It’s important to be aware of these important notes to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience on the Palcoyo Mountain of Colors tour.

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Customer Feedback

Customers have provided mixed reviews for the Palcoyo Mountain of Colors tour. Based on 4 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 3.3 out of 5.

While some customers appreciated the stunning natural scenery, others cited issues with the tour logistics. Common complaints include delays in pick-up due to an unprepared driver, unsafe driving practices, and poor vehicle condition.

Participants also reported overcrowding, with the tour exceeding the advertised maximum of 15 people. Despite the natural beauty of the Palcoyo Mountain, the tour’s organizational challenges have left some customers dissatisfied with their overall experience.

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Important Notes

Besides the included services, travelers should be aware of a few additional expenses that may arise during the Palcoyo Mountain of Colors tour.

The tour operator doesn’t cover the cost of:

Travel insurance, which is highly recommended to protect against unexpected incidents
Muleteer service, which may be required for those who need assistance with carrying their belongings during the trek
Any additional tips or gratuities for the guide or driver

Participants should also note that the meeting point is easily accessible via Google Maps, providing clear directions to the tour’s starting location.

Meeting Point

The meeting point for the Palcoyo Mountain of Colors tour is easily accessible via Google Maps, providing clear directions to the tour’s starting location.

The tour departs from the historic center of Cusco, allowing participants to conveniently meet at their accommodations before setting out on the adventure.

Guests can simply open the map on their smartphone or device and follow the navigation to the designated pickup point.

This ensures a smooth and efficient start to the day’s excursion, allowing the group to make the most of their time exploring the stunning Palcoyo Mountain.

Planning Your Visit

When planning your visit to Palcoyo Mountain of Colors, it’s essential to be prepared for the high-altitude conditions.

Dress in layers, as the weather can be unpredictable. Bring sturdy hiking boots, a warm jacket, and sun protection. Acclimatize properly before the trek to avoid altitude sickness.

Dress in layers, bring sturdy boots, a warm jacket, and sun protection. Acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness.

The 50-minute walk to the viewpoint can be strenuous, so be sure to hydrate and pace yourself. Remember to bring your passport or ID card, as it’s required for the entrance fee.

With the right preparation, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Palcoyo.

Since You Asked

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Palcoyo Mountain?

The best time to visit Palcoyo Mountain is during the dry season from April to October when the weather is mild and sunny, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and enjoying the colorful mountain scenery.

Can I Rent Hiking Gear or Equipment for the Trek?

Travelers can rent basic hiking gear like boots, jackets, and walking sticks from the tour operator or local outfitters. However, it’s recommended to bring your own equipment if possible for comfort and better fit.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

There are typically restroom facilities available at the starting point and lunch location during the tour. However, there may be limited or no restroom options along the trekking route itself. It’s recommended to plan accordingly.

Is There an Age Limit or Physical Fitness Requirement for Participants?

There’s no age limit, but the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with heart problems. Participants should be reasonably fit to handle the 50-minute trek at high altitude.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks on the Tour?

Participants can bring their own food and snacks on the tour. However, breakfast and a buffet lunch are already included in the tour package. Bringing additional provisions is optional and up to the individual’s preference.

The Sum Up

The "Cusco: Full Day Palcoyo Mountain of Colors" tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant natural scenery of Peru’s Andes. While the tour provides a comprehensive package, customer feedback suggests room for improvement in terms of organization and logistics. Travelers should carefully consider any potential challenges before booking to ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: