PALCCOYO MOUNTAIN
1 DAY
Have it all with our Palccoyo Mountain one day tour! It’s the perfect alternative hike that lets you marvel at the stunning Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain while avoiding the crowds.
The Rainbow Mountains are composed of stratified layers of sandstone. These fine-grained rock layers contain large amounts of iron and other minerals, which give the mountains the pigments for the various colored stripes.
Marvel at the colourful striations of the “other” Rainbow Mountain, Palccoyo. Stroll through the fascinating Rock Forest and enjoy breathtaking views of the Red Valley and Ausangate mountains. On the way, stop at the quaint village of Checacupe to see Colonial and Inca bridges.
Adventure Rating
★★☆☆☆
Easy to moderate, high altitude
Solitude Rating
★★★☆☆
Remote, off the beaten track, can be busy in high season
Best Time to Visit
Year round. Best from March to November
Cost Per Person (USD)
6-10 trekkers: $110
3-5 trekkers: $145
2 trekkers: $200
Is This Trek Customizable?
Yes! Private, custom, add-ons all available.
Sites
Off the beaten path
Rainbow Mountains
Palcoyo
Views of Ausangate Mountain
Colonial bridge
Terrain
Snow-capped peaks
Rocky terrain
Paved roads
Dirt paths
Acclimatization
2-3 day acclimatization recommended
Duration
Day Hike
Distance
5 km (3.1 miles)
Altitude
3300 m (10,827 ft) to 5000 m (16,400 ft)
Departure
Daily departures with 2 or more people
TREK HIGHLIGHTS
WEATHER
The Three Rainbow (Palcoyo) Day Hike is very high altitude, therefore the weather can be quite cold, windy, and unpredictable. As you’ll arrive quite early in the morning it will be chilly then. During the day it can get quite warm if the sun is out; anywhere from 60-75F/15-24C. Keep in mind, if the weather is rainy, snowy, or cloudy it will be colder, and that the weather can change in an instant, particularly when up at the high-altitude passes. It is often quite windy at the top of the pass as well. As with any high-altitude hike you’ll need to bring plenty of layers to adjust to the fluctuating temperatures and conditions as well as appropriate sun/rain protection.
INCLUDED
Pre-Trek briefing the night before the trek to go over the itinerary, meet your guide(s) and answer any questions
Collection from your Cusco hotel in the morning
Private transport throughout the tour
English speaking professional guide
Small box breakfast, bottle of water, snacks, and box lunch at the bridge
Dietary needs: able to cater to any dietary preference/need
First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
Entrance to the Ausangate/Rainbow trail and colonial bridge
Private transport back to your hotel in Cusco