Palcoyo Mountain

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Duration

Full Day

Departures

Year-round

Difficulty

Intermediate

Age

All ages

If you love nature but are looking for an easier hike than the famous Rainbow Mountain, Palcoyo is the perfect destination for you. Located at 4,800 meters above sea level, this hidden gem features a range of vibrant-colored mountains that light up under the sun, creating an otherworldly landscape. You’ll also have the chance to see an impressive red river, unique to this region, and enjoy a gentle yet breathtaking hike.

This tour is designed for those who want to experience the magic of the Ausangate area without intense physical effort—perfect for the whole family.

Lugar de Salida:Your hotel / Lugar de Retorno:Cusco City / Hora de Salida:6:00 am a 7:00 am / Hora de Retorno:6:00 a 6:30 pm

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Checacupe – Palcoyo – Cusco

Hotel pickup between 6:00 and 7:00 am.
We will drive towards the South Valley of Cusco and stop in the town of Checacupe to admire its beautiful Colonial Bridge.
We’ll continue to the district of Combapata, visiting various communities along the way that showcase their traditional Andean textile techniques.
The vehicle will take us as far as it is allowed; from that point, you’ll enjoy views of colorful mountains and part of the majestic Ausangate glacier.
We’ll begin a 40-minute hike, during which you can take in stunning landscapes and have plenty of time to take photos.
After the hike, we’ll head by car to a local restaurant and enjoy a delicious semi-buffet lunch to recharge.
Finally, we’ll return to Cusco by vehicle, arriving between 6:00 and 6:30 pm.

Inclusions

Included:

Breakfast in Cusipata
Round-trip transportation
Professional bilingual guide
Semi-buffet lunch (vegetarian option available)
First aid kit (includes emergency oxygen tank)
Entrance ticket to Palcoyo

Not included:

Tips for guide and driver (optional)

We recommend to bring

Small backpack
Rain poncho / waterproof clothing (jacket and pants)
Warm sweater or jacket
Fully charged cellphone
Toilet paper (inside and outside your backpack)
Sunscreen

Important Information

We use modern vehicles and keep group sizes between 13 and 15 people, with a maximum of 18 per group.
Our professional guides speak both Spanish and English, and are equipped with first aid kits and oxygen tanks for any emergencies.
The entrance fee to Palcoyo is included and is collected by the local communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How difficult is the hike to Palcoyo?
The hike is considered easy to moderate, taking about 40 minutes—perfect for travelers looking for a less strenuous experience.

2. How is Palcoyo different from Rainbow Mountain?
Palcoyo is less crowded, more peaceful, and features several colorful mountains, not just one. The hike is also shorter and easier.

3. What should I bring for this tour?
Warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, water, and light snacks. Trekking shoes are also recommended.

4. How high is Palcoyo? Could I get altitude sickness?
Palcoyo sits at 4,800 meters above sea level. We recommend staying in Cusco for at least 1–2 days beforehand to properly acclimate and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

5. Does the tour include meals?
Yes, the tour includes a buffet lunch at a local restaurant after the hike.