Embark on an unforgettable adventure from Cusco to the stunning Palccoyo community and the enchanting Bosque de Piedras, a unique alternative to the crowded Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. This full-day tour, priced at $306.99 per person, offers a chance to explore breathtaking multicolored mountains and historical bridges while immersing in nature’s beauty. With a knowledgeable guide, included meals, and transportation, it’s a perfect excursion for adventure enthusiasts. But what makes this tour truly special? Discover the answer as you explore the tour’s unique features and scenic landscapes.

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Key Points

Explore the multicolored mountains, historical bridges, and the mystical Bosque de Piedras (Stone Forest) on this 11-hour full-day excursion from Cusco.
Enjoy a hassle-free experience with transportation, bilingual guide, entrance fees, and meals included in the $306.99 per person price.
Discover an accessible alternative to the crowded Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, with less strenuous hiking suitable for various fitness levels.
Support the local economy by purchasing handicrafts from the community stores during the tour.
Be prepared for limited cell phone signal and a lack of lodging facilities in the Palccoyo area.

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Tour Overview and Pricing

This unforgettable adventure in Palccoyo and the Bosque de Piedras (Stone Forest) departs from Cusco, offering a full-day excursion priced from $306.99 per person.

The 11-hour tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and allows you to reserve your spot now and pay later.

Highlights include visiting three historical bridges, experiencing the multicolored mountain range, and exploring the mysterious Bosque de Piedras.

The tour includes transportation, a bilingual guide, entrance fees, and meals.

With no lodging or restaurants in the area and limited cell phone signal, this tour offers a unique, scenic, and adventurous experience for nature lovers.

Looking for more options in Cusco? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary and Highlights

The early morning journey takes travelers to the Palccoyo community, southeast of Cusco. Along the way, they’ll view three historical bridges: the Inca Bridge from the 15th century, the Colonial Bridge from the 17th-18th centuries, and the Modern Bridge built in 1895. After a brief breakfast stop, the group arrives at Huallatakunka, the starting point for the hike. The multicolored mountain range and spectacular views captivate, with three viewpoints to admire the colorful mountains and the majestic Ausangate. The tour then explores the mysterious Bosque de Piedras, or Stone Forest.

| Destination | Duration | Highlights |

| — | — | — |

| Palccoyo Community | – | View 3 historical bridges |

| Huallatakunka | – | Hike start point |

| Multicolored Mountains | – | 3 viewpoints |

| Bosque de Piedras | – | Mysterious stone forest |

| Ausangate Mountain | – | Majestic views |

Inclusions and Services

The tour includes transportation to and from Cusco, as well as a bilingual tour guide who can provide information in both English and Spanish.

Entrance fees are also covered, so you won’t have to worry about any additional costs. Meals are provided as well, with breakfast and lunch included during the excursion.

Whether you’re a nature lover or an adventure seeker, this tour offers a unique and memorable experience exploring the Palccoyo mountain range and the mystical Bosque de Piedras, all while having the convenience of these essential services.

Unique Features of the Tour

One unique feature of this tour is that it provides an accessible alternative to the popular Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. Visitors can experience the multicolored mountain range and spectacular views without the crowds and difficulty of the Rainbow Mountain hike. Plus, the tour offers the opportunity to visit local stores for handicrafts and souvenirs typical of Cusco, allowing guests to support the local economy. The tour’s scenic and mystical landscapes are perfect for nature and adventure lovers, providing a truly unforgettable experience.

| Unique Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Accessible Alternative | Palccoyo offers views of colorful mountains without the crowds and difficulty of Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. |

| Local Handicrafts | Guests can visit local stores to purchase handicrafts and souvenirs typical of the Cusco region. |

| Scenic Landscapes | The tour explores scenic and mystical landscapes perfect for nature and adventure enthusiasts. |

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Accessibility and Alternative to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain

Although the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain has become a popular tourist destination, the Palccoyo tour offers an accessible alternative for visitors.

Unlike Vinicunca, Palccoyo’s multicolored mountain range is less crowded and easier to reach. The hike is shorter and less strenuous, making it suitable for a wider range of fitness levels.

This tour provides an opportunity to witness the region’s stunning natural beauty without the challenges associated with the more famous Rainbow Mountain.

For those seeking a scenic and mystical adventure, the Palccoyo and Bosque de Piedras tour presents a convenient and rewarding option.

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Local Stores and Handicrafts

Along With the stunning natural landscapes, the Palccoyo and Bosque de Piedras tour also provides an opportunity for visitors to explore local stores and discover traditional handicrafts typical of the Cusco region.

Along the tour route, guests can visit small shops and markets selling a variety of locally-made items, including alpaca wool products, ceramic pottery, woven textiles, and intricate carvings.

These handicrafts make for unique souvenirs and gifts, allowing travelers to bring a piece of Cusco’s rich cultural heritage back home.

Browsing the local stores is a great way to support the community and take in the region’s artistry.

Scenic and Mystical Landscapes

The tour of Palccoyo and the Bosque de Piedras offers visitors a chance to enjoy the region’s breathtaking and enigmatic landscapes.

The multicolored mountain range, with its vibrant hues of red, pink, and purple, creates a mesmerizing backdrop for the journey.

The multicolored mountain range, with its vibrant hues of red, pink, and purple, creates a mesmerizing backdrop for the journey.

Trekking through the Bosque de Piedras, or Stone Forest, is a truly mystical experience, as the weathered rock formations rise up like ancient sentinels, whispering tales of a bygone era.

The stunning views of the Ausangate mountain, one of the most revered peaks in the Andes, add to the tour’s sense of grandeur and wonder.

Important Tour Details

As visitors embark on this unforgettable adventure, they should be aware of a few important details.

There are no lodging facilities or restaurants in the area, so travelers should come prepared. Cell phone signal is also unavailable during the tour, so communication may be limited.

However, transportation to and from Cusco is included, along with a bilingual tour guide and entrance fees. Meals such as breakfast and lunch are provided as well.

Ultimately, this tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning Palccoyo and Bosque de Piedras, but visitors should plan accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difficulty Level of the Hiking Trail?

The hiking trail is considered moderate in difficulty. It involves a brief climb to reach the viewpoints, but the trail is well-maintained and suitable for most fitness levels. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended for the uneven terrain.

Are There Any Age or Fitness Requirements for the Tour?

This tour doesn’t have any strict age or fitness requirements, but it involves moderate hiking. It’s suitable for most travelers in good health who can manage a 2-3 hour hike over uneven terrain.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?

While the tour includes breakfast and lunch, guests are welcome to bring their own snacks and water. However, no outside food or drinks are permitted during the hiking portions of the tour.

Is There Any Additional Cost for Luggage Transportation?

There’s no additional cost for luggage transportation. The tour includes transportation to and from Cusco, so you can bring your own luggage without any extra fees. Just be sure to pack light for the hike.

Can We Modify the Itinerary to Include Other Attractions?

The tour’s itinerary can be modified to include other attractions, though additional fees may apply. Travelers should discuss any desired changes with the tour operator prior to booking to ensure availability and pricing.

The Sum Up

This unforgettable adventure from Cusco takes you to the stunning Palccoyo community and the enchanting Bosque de Piedras. It’s a full-day tour that offers breathtaking multicolored mountains, three historical bridges, and a less crowded alternative to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. With included meals, transportation, and the opportunity to support the local economy, it’s a perfect excursion for adventure enthusiasts.