palccoyo rainbow mountain day trip

 Highlights

Palcoyo Mountain offers a unique opportunity to reach altitudes rarely experienced. Enroute, you’ll pass through charming Andean villages and encounter numerous llamas and alpacas. Upon arriving at the base of Palcoyo Mountain, you’ll catch sight of one of its three peaks right from the parking area. The best part? You’ll likely have this breathtaking vista all to yourselves, providing a refreshing break from the often crowded tourist spots in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

The hike to the summit is predominantly what locals refer to as “Andean flats,” a gradual ascent to the peak that takes around 35-40 minutes. Your guide will entertain you with fascinating insights once you reach the summit. Post-hike, a van will transport you to Ttio town, where you’ll savor lunch in a local home.

Why choose us for your Palcoyo Mountain hike?

• Skip the Crowds: We depart from Cusco at 05:00 am, ensuring you reach Palccoyo Mountain ahead of the crowds that all arrive simultaneously.

• Authentic Lunch: Enjoy lunch prepared by our skilled chef in a local family’s home and even have the chance to feed the family’s guinea pigs.

• Dietary Considerations: Our Inca trail specialist chef can accommodate any dietary restrictions or preferences you may have.

• Safe Transport: Our drivers navigate the narrow roads with care, and our well-maintained vans are in excellent condition.

• Oxygen Provision: We always carry oxygen tanks, crucial at altitudes exceeding 5,040 meters (16,500 feet). Not all tour operators provide this vital service.

• Small Groups: We keep our groups small, with a maximum of 8 people, allowing you to savor the hike at your own pace.

• Knowledgeable Guides: Our tour guides are friendly, attentive, fluent in English, and well-versed in all aspects of Palcoyo Mountain in Peru.

• Reliability: Inca Trail Specialist is a trusted and highly rated tour operator. Check out our reviews on Trip Advisor.

PALCCOYO RAINBOW MOUNTAIN ITINERARY

We kick off our day with a hotel pick-up at 5:00 am, setting out for the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain trailhead. Situated south of Cusco, our journey spans approximately 4 hours in private transport, complete with a nourishing breakfast stop along the way.

During the drive, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Andes mountains and verdant valleys, with glimpses of local life as people tend to their fields and the charming presence of alpacas and llamas. If luck is on our side, we might even pause to observe vicuñas in their natural, untamed habitat. Once we reach Apacheta, our hike to Palcoyo Mountain commences.

Within just 10 minutes of hiking, we’ll reach the first viewpoint, providing a splendid view of the initial Rainbow Mountain. Here, we’ll capture photographs and hydrate. Another 10-minute hike takes us to the second viewpoint, where we’ll snap pictures of the second mountain. Continuing for another 10 minutes leads us to the third viewpoint, where the awe-inspiring third mountain unfolds before you. This particular viewpoint is where you can capture the iconic postcard picture of Palcoyo.

After relishing the stunning colorful mountains, we’ll backtrack to the trailhead. From there, we’ll embark on a 2-hour van ride to Ttio town, where a delightful lunch prepared by our chef awaits in a local home. Following this satisfying meal, we’ll journey for an additional 1.5 hours before returning to Cusco. We aim to have you back at your hotel around 5 pm.

Inclusions

• English-speaking guide with an assistant for larger groups.
• Comprehensive first aid kit, including oxygen.
• Breakfast and lunch provided.
• Trek snacks included.
• Private hotel-to-hotel transportation in Cusco.
• Entrance fees for Palcoyo Mountain.
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off.
• Pre-trek briefing the night before, covering the itinerary, introductions to your guide(s), and addressing any queries.

Not Included

• tips
• Snacks and drinks during the tour.

What To Bring For Palccoyo Rainbown Mountain

• Valid passport.
• Sneakers or running shoes.
• Long, comfortable trousers and a windbreaker.
• Sweater and a lightweight shirt.
• Raincoat or poncho – as it can rain at any time of the year.
• Camera with a fully charged battery and ample memory.
• Insect repellent (for sandflies).
• Sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Personal first aid kit (personal medications).
• Water bottle with 1-2 liters of water.
• Compact backpack.
• Snacks (prices are higher in Aguas Calientes!).
• Padlock for a locker at the hostel.
• Towel.

Aditional Info

The operator strives to offer tours and activities with a low level of risk and difficulty, ensuring the safety of the participants. However, it is important to take into account the following considerations:

•  Client’s Responsibility: Any loss of personal belongings or accident occurring during the tour is the sole responsibility of the client. It is recommended to take adequate precautions to protect your belongings and personal safety.
• Variations in the Service: The service is subject to variations without prior notice due to adverse weather conditions (rains, floods, floods, etc.), strikes, demonstrations or other unforeseen events that may affect the planned itinerary. In case of cancellation for these reasons, no refunds will be made. The operator will endeavor to offer a contingency plan with an alternative tour.
•  Itinerary Flexibility: The itinerary may be modified by the operator, always prioritizing the safety of the travelers and the optimal development of the service as a whole. These modifications will be made according to the operator’s criteria and in order to guarantee the best possible experience.
• Early Withdrawal: If a participant decides to withdraw before the end of the service, no refund will be made for the unused portion of the tour.
• Recommended Snacks: If you choose to bring or purchase snacks during the tours, we recommend that they be light, such as dried fruits, cookies and water, to maintain comfort during the activity.
•  Attendance on the Day of the Service: If a client does not attend the day of the service without prior notice, the service will be considered to have been carried out and there will be no room for claims, postponements or refunds.

Please be aware of these conditions when participating in tours and activities with this operator. The safety and well-being of travelers are a priority, but it is important to be prepared and understand the company’s policies in order to enjoy the experience to the fullest.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.What is Palcoyo and why should I visit it?

Palcoyo is a colorful mountain in the Cusco region of Peru that offers stunning natural landscapes and unique geological formations. You should visit it to experience the natural beauty of the Andean region and to see its colorful mineral strata.

2. How long does the day tour to Palcoyo last?

Generally, the tour lasts about 1 full day, from morning to afternoon.

3. What should I bring with me on the tour?

You should bring comfortable and warm clothes, waterproof clothes, hiking boots, a small backpack, water, sunscreen, hat, camera and cash.

4. What is the altitude of Palcoyo and is there a risk of altitude sickness?

The altitude of Palcoyo is approximately 4,900 meters above sea level. There is a risk of altitude sickness, so it is important to acclimatize properly before the tour. Most tours include oxygen in case of need.

5.Is lunch included in the tour?

Yes, most tours to Palcoyo include lunch.

6.How do I get to the starting point of the tour from my hotel in Cusco?

Usually, the tour includes private transportation to and from your hotel in Cusco.

7. Do I need to be in good physical shape to do the tour?

The trekking in Palcoyo is not extremely difficult, but it is advisable to be in reasonable health and in good physical condition due to the altitude.

8. What is the best time of the year to visit Palcoyo?

The best time to visit Palcoyo is during the dry season, which generally runs from May to September.

9. Is photography allowed in Palcoyo?

Yes, photography is allowed and is highly recommended due to the scenic beauty of the place.