Discover the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain hike, the best alternative to the famous Vinicunca. Unlike the crowded Rainbow Mountain trek, Palcoyo offers an easier and shorter hike, perfect for families, beginners, and travelers looking for a relaxed adventure. Along the way, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of three rainbow-colored mountains, the majestic Ausangate Glacier, and the unique Stone Forest, making it one of the most scenic day trips from Cusco.
Book your Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain tour from Cusco with Tunqui Expeditions and escape the crowds while connecting with nature, culture, and Andean traditions. Our expert local guides ensure a personalized and sustainable experience, combining comfort with adventure. If you’re searching for an easy alternative to Rainbow Mountain, Palcoyo is the perfect choice for a once-in-a-lifetime journey in Peru.
Palcoyo Mountain is a stunning hidden gem in the Peruvian Andes, offering a less crowded and easier alternative to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain.
Located about 3.5 hours from Cusco, this unique destination features three colorful mountains, shaped by mineral deposits over millions of years. With a short and accessible hike, Palcoyo is perfect for travelers looking to experience Peru’s natural beauty without the strenuous climb of Vinicunca.
Beyond its vibrant mountains, Palcoyo is home to the mystical Stone Forest, a collection of towering rock formations shaped by erosion. The area is rich in Andean wildlife, including llamas, alpacas, and the majestic Andean condor.
Along the way, visitors pass through traditional Quechua villages, where locals maintain their ancestral customs and colorful textiles, offering a glimpse into authentic Andean culture. Palcoyo Mountain: The Ultimate Guide to Peru’s Hidden Rainbow Mountain.
We will pick you up for the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain hike at 4:00 – 4:30 am from any hotel, Airbnb, or hostel in Cusco. The drive takes about 3½ hours south of Cusco, passing traditional Andean villages and breathtaking landscapes along the way. We will arrive at the trailhead around 8 am. Here, our chef will prepare a delicious breakfast including coffee, hot chocolate, teas, bread, fruit salad, eggs, and hot drinks. Cusco’s elevation is 3300m / 11,300ft, while the trailhead of Palcoyo sits at approximately 4900m / 16,076ft.
Mornings in this region are very cold, so we recommend bringing a warm jacket, scarf, hat, and gloves.
After breakfast, we begin the easy Palcoyo hike. Unlike Vinicunca, this trek is short and gentle – only about 45 minutes to 1 hour of gradual uphill walking. The wide trail makes it suitable for all travelers, including families and beginner hikers. Along the route, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of three stunning rainbow-colored mountains, herds of llamas and alpacas, and the striking Stone Forest, a unique geological formation that resembles towers of natural rock.
With Tunqui Expeditions, this short and easy hike becomes an unforgettable adventure. You’ll enjoy spectacular views of the three rainbow-colored mountains, the impressive Stone Forest, and the majestic Ausangate Glacier. It’s no wonder that Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain has become a favorite for photographers and Instagram travelers, offering stunning landscapes without the crowds according to CNBC!.
Once at the main viewpoint, you’ll have about 1 hour to take in the spectacular scenery. From here, you can see the majestic Ausangate Glacier (6,384m / 20,944ft), the highest peak in Cusco, as well as endless valleys and colorful mountain ranges. Your guide will share insights about the geology, the formation of the rainbow colors, and local Andean traditions.
After plenty of time for photos and exploration, we will begin our descent, which takes around 45 minutes back to the trailhead. There, our chef will be waiting with a freshly prepared meal, including appetizers, soup, and a delicious main course.
Finally, we return to Cusco on a scenic 3½-hour drive, arriving back at your hotel around 5:00 – 5:30 pm, with unforgettable memories of this hidden gem of the Andes.
At Tunqui Expeditions, we specify the included and non-included services under all the tour itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please pay attention to the details to avoid missing anything. Some items may be different for specific programs, so please read carefully before booking with us.
Before starting your trekking, your tour guide will provide you a cloth bag with local fruits, cookies, chocolate, caramels, etc. Every morning, we’ll refill it so that you can enjoy your snacks during the walk.
The safety of our clients and our team will always be our number one priority. All of our guides have been thoroughly trained to meet any challenge that may arise during a mountain adventure. With direct access to professional and medical facilities, as well as the support of close friends, we ensure that everyone feels safe during the trip. Although the radios carried by each guide have limited range, we have taken extra precautions by equipping each excursion with satellite phones.
These devices are fully charged and offer global connectivity, ensuring that we can communicate with anyone, anywhere on the mountain. In addition, our clients can use these phones for non-emergency communications. Although the cost of using them is not minimal, they offer peace of mind, even for personal updates, such as checking on the puppy you left with grandma.
We are the safest operator of Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike, for this reason, we can guarantee you the absolute funniest experience as you trek through the high Andes.
At Tunqui Expeditions, our difference isn’t just in the adventure we offer—it’s in how we treat people, communities, and the planet.
Our porters are the backbone of every trek. Silvio Tunqui, who began his career as a porter, understands their challenges and ensures they are fairly paid, properly equipped, and respected. Each porter receives warm jackets, walking boots, rucksacks, hats, headlamps, sleeping gear, and tents.
We also support their families with village schools, medical care, dental visits, and environmental projects, such as planting trees in their valleys. Over 300 porters on our team benefit from these initiatives, making your trek part of a bigger mission.
While our porters trek to Machu Picchu many times each year, they rarely enter the citadel. We organize four annual trips so our team and their families can experience Machu Picchu firsthand and connect with the history of their ancestors.
We value diversity and equality. Since 2022, our team has included female guides, porters, and cooks. We strive toward a future where men and women are equally represented across all roles in the mountains.
Tunqui Expeditions is a leader in sustainable tourism. We ensure no trace is left behind on any trek, even employing an extra porter to clean up litter left by others. Whenever possible, we use biodegradable and organic local products, respecting both the environment and the communities we visit.
All Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike briefings take place at our main office in cusco (or your hotel) at 17:00 the evening before the tour. the meeting lasts between 30 and 45 minutes.
if you cannot attend, please contact us by email, phone, or directly at our office to arrange another time.
Yes, of course! during your Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Hiking Tour, you can safely store your main luggage at our office in cusco (arrange this during the briefing or by email) or at your hotel — both free of charge.
joining a group Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain trek (Only Tunqui Pasangers) means sharing with travelers of different ages and physical conditions. everyone will move at their own pace.
Changes to the tour may be requested by the group, but the final decision rests with the guide, who will consult all participants.
in peru, strikes and protests are common and may affect roads or railways.
Please take care of your belongings throughout the trek. remember to collect everything from:
👉 you are responsible for your items during the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike.
Packing properly for the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike is essential to ensure comfort, safety, and enjoyment throughout your adventure. Below is our recommended packing list, organized into categories and optimized for high-altitude trekking.
The “Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike” can leave any day of the week, the whole year.
Guaranteed Departures with small groups for a more personalized experience.
⚠️ Note: PayPal charges a 5% transaction fee, which we kindly ask you to cover. This fee only applies to the online deposit. The remaining balance in Cusco is paid in cash with no extra fees.
Once your booking has been confirmed, we guarantee the price won’t increase, whatever the circumstances. So please, before booking, ensure you’ve read all our important tour information.
Free cancellation
Palcoyo Mountain is a stunning hidden gem in the Peruvian Andes, offering a less crowded and easier alternative to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain.
Located about 3.5 hours from Cusco, this unique destination features three colorful mountains, shaped by mineral deposits over millions of years. With a short and accessible hike, Palcoyo is perfect for travelers looking to experience Peru’s natural beauty without the strenuous climb of Vinicunca.
Beyond its vibrant mountains, Palcoyo is home to the mystical Stone Forest, a collection of towering rock formations shaped by erosion. The area is rich in Andean wildlife, including llamas, alpacas, and the majestic Andean condor.
Along the way, visitors pass through traditional Quechua villages, where locals maintain their ancestral customs and colorful textiles, offering a glimpse into authentic Andean culture. Palcoyo Mountain: The Ultimate Guide to Peru’s Hidden Rainbow Mountain.
We will pick you up for the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain hike at 4:00 – 4:30 am from any hotel, Airbnb, or hostel in Cusco. The drive takes about 3½ hours south of Cusco, passing traditional Andean villages and breathtaking landscapes along the way. We will arrive at the trailhead around 8 am. Here, our chef will prepare a delicious breakfast including coffee, hot chocolate, teas, bread, fruit salad, eggs, and hot drinks. Cusco’s elevation is 3300m / 11,300ft, while the trailhead of Palcoyo sits at approximately 4900m / 16,076ft.
Mornings in this region are very cold, so we recommend bringing a warm jacket, scarf, hat, and gloves.
After breakfast, we begin the easy Palcoyo hike. Unlike Vinicunca, this trek is short and gentle – only about 45 minutes to 1 hour of gradual uphill walking. The wide trail makes it suitable for all travelers, including families and beginner hikers. Along the route, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of three stunning rainbow-colored mountains, herds of llamas and alpacas, and the striking Stone Forest, a unique geological formation that resembles towers of natural rock.
With Tunqui Expeditions, this short and easy hike becomes an unforgettable adventure. You’ll enjoy spectacular views of the three rainbow-colored mountains, the impressive Stone Forest, and the majestic Ausangate Glacier. It’s no wonder that Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain has become a favorite for photographers and Instagram travelers, offering stunning landscapes without the crowds according to CNBC!.
Once at the main viewpoint, you’ll have about 1 hour to take in the spectacular scenery. From here, you can see the majestic Ausangate Glacier (6,384m / 20,944ft), the highest peak in Cusco, as well as endless valleys and colorful mountain ranges. Your guide will share insights about the geology, the formation of the rainbow colors, and local Andean traditions.
After plenty of time for photos and exploration, we will begin our descent, which takes around 45 minutes back to the trailhead. There, our chef will be waiting with a freshly prepared meal, including appetizers, soup, and a delicious main course.
Finally, we return to Cusco on a scenic 3½-hour drive, arriving back at your hotel around 5:00 – 5:30 pm, with unforgettable memories of this hidden gem of the Andes.
At Tunqui Expeditions, we specify the included and non-included services under all the tour itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please pay attention to the details to avoid missing anything. Some items may be different for specific programs, so please read carefully before booking with us.
Before starting your trekking, your tour guide will provide you a cloth bag with local fruits, cookies, chocolate, caramels, etc. Every morning, we’ll refill it so that you can enjoy your snacks during the walk.
The safety of our clients and our team will always be our number one priority. All of our guides have been thoroughly trained to meet any challenge that may arise during a mountain adventure. With direct access to professional and medical facilities, as well as the support of close friends, we ensure that everyone feels safe during the trip. Although the radios carried by each guide have limited range, we have taken extra precautions by equipping each excursion with satellite phones.
These devices are fully charged and offer global connectivity, ensuring that we can communicate with anyone, anywhere on the mountain. In addition, our clients can use these phones for non-emergency communications. Although the cost of using them is not minimal, they offer peace of mind, even for personal updates, such as checking on the puppy you left with grandma.
We are the safest operator of Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike, for this reason, we can guarantee you the absolute funniest experience as you trek through the high Andes.
At Tunqui Expeditions, our difference isn’t just in the adventure we offer—it’s in how we treat people, communities, and the planet.
Our porters are the backbone of every trek. Silvio Tunqui, who began his career as a porter, understands their challenges and ensures they are fairly paid, properly equipped, and respected. Each porter receives warm jackets, walking boots, rucksacks, hats, headlamps, sleeping gear, and tents.
We also support their families with village schools, medical care, dental visits, and environmental projects, such as planting trees in their valleys. Over 300 porters on our team benefit from these initiatives, making your trek part of a bigger mission.
While our porters trek to Machu Picchu many times each year, they rarely enter the citadel. We organize four annual trips so our team and their families can experience Machu Picchu firsthand and connect with the history of their ancestors.
We value diversity and equality. Since 2022, our team has included female guides, porters, and cooks. We strive toward a future where men and women are equally represented across all roles in the mountains.
Tunqui Expeditions is a leader in sustainable tourism. We ensure no trace is left behind on any trek, even employing an extra porter to clean up litter left by others. Whenever possible, we use biodegradable and organic local products, respecting both the environment and the communities we visit.
All Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike briefings take place at our main office in cusco (or your hotel) at 17:00 the evening before the tour. the meeting lasts between 30 and 45 minutes.
if you cannot attend, please contact us by email, phone, or directly at our office to arrange another time.
Yes, of course! during your Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Hiking Tour, you can safely store your main luggage at our office in cusco (arrange this during the briefing or by email) or at your hotel — both free of charge.
joining a group Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain trek (Only Tunqui Pasangers) means sharing with travelers of different ages and physical conditions. everyone will move at their own pace.
Changes to the tour may be requested by the group, but the final decision rests with the guide, who will consult all participants.
in peru, strikes and protests are common and may affect roads or railways.
Please take care of your belongings throughout the trek. remember to collect everything from:
👉 you are responsible for your items during the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike.
Packing properly for the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike is essential to ensure comfort, safety, and enjoyment throughout your adventure. Below is our recommended packing list, organized into categories and optimized for high-altitude trekking.
The “Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike” can leave any day of the week, the whole year.
Guaranteed Departures with small groups for a more personalized experience.
⚠️ Note: PayPal charges a 5% transaction fee, which we kindly ask you to cover. This fee only applies to the online deposit. The remaining balance in Cusco is paid in cash with no extra fees.
Once your booking has been confirmed, we guarantee the price won’t increase, whatever the circumstances. So please, before booking, ensure you’ve read all our important tour information.
Free cancellation
