Escape the crowds and step into an authentic rainbow mountain experience
The Palccoyo Day Tour brings you to a quieter, equally stunning alternative to Vinicunca: gentle walks, rainbow-hued slopes, alpine panoramas, and mysterious stone formations. Perfect for travelers who value beauty, grace, and conscious adventure.
Why Book This Tour?
✔ Discover a rainbow mountain—three colorful peaks—without the crowds and environmental strain of Vinicunca.
✔ Gentle 45-minute walk with breathtaking views over the Andes, alpaca herds, and the surreal Stone Forest.
✔ Visual and mindful experience: enjoy wide-open spaces and a more sustainable alternative.
✔ Includes local cuisine and insight from expert guides—practical, immersive, respectful.
Why not Vinicunca?
Many travelers have heard of the famous Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca. Unfortunately, in the last decade it has become one of the most crowded day tours in Cusco. Mass tourism has led to congested trails, long queues, and increasing pressure on the local community and environment.
At Green Andes Travel we consciously choose Palccoyo as a more sustainable, less crowded alternative. Here you’ll find three rainbow mountains, breathtaking views, and the space to truly enjoy — without the downsides of mass tourism.
Ready to explore Palccoyo consciously?
Book your tour today or send us your questions—let’s create a mindful Andean journey together.
Overview
- Price: 40 USD per person
- Departure: Early morning from your hotel in Cusco
- Duration: Full day (approx. 12–13 hours round trip)
- Difficulty: Moderate (easier than Vinicunca; altitude-friendly walk)
- Altitude: Up to around 4,900 m; acclimatization is strongly advised before the tour
Route
- Hotel pick-up (around 4:00–5:00 AM), drive south through scenic valleys. Stop in Checacupe for breakfast and restrooms.
- Continue to Palccoyo trailhead, where a moderate, 30–45 minute walk leads to one of three rainbow-colored peaks.
- Optional short walk to the remarkable Stone Forest for dramatic rock formations and views of the Ausangate range.
- Return by vehicle to a local restaurant in Cusipata (or nearby) for buffet lunch.
- Arrive back in Cusco in the early evening.
Expert local knowledge — decades of experience in sustainable tourism in Cusco;
