Day Tours

Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour – 1 Day

Explore the colorful landscapes of Palccoyo and its rock forest on a day trip from Cusco. This mountain excursion brings together panoramic Andean scenery and a walk through one of the region’s distinctive geological landscapes.

Editorial rating: 5/5

US$ 85: Price from
1 Day: Duration
4,971 msnm: Maximum altitude
Max 8: Maximum group size
Moderate: Difficulty
Cusco: Starting point
English & Spanish: Languages
Pre-booking: Availability

Overview

Guided experienceEnglish speaking, experienced and professional guide

Group sizeMax 8

Personal attentionAsk our team about your travel plans.

Your itineraryExplore the route and arrangements for your journey below.

Tour Highlights

Day 1

Cusco – Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain – The Rock Forest – Cusco:

Detailed Itinerary

1DAY 1: CUSCO – PALCCOYO RAINBOW MOUNTAINC – THE ROCK FOREST – CUSCO

Your adventure begins early, around 4:00 a.m., when our private transportation picks you up directly from your hotel. Sit back and enjoy the scenic journey to the town of Cusipata, where we’ll make a stop for a delicious and hearty breakfast.

After breakfast, we’ll continue our journey for approximately another 1.5 hours until we reach the starting point of the hike. From here, your adventure begins! You’ll enjoy a leisurely 25-minute walk at your own pace until reaching the first viewpoint of the spectacular Palccoyo mountains.

We’ll then continue along the trail for approximately 25 more minutes, arriving at the main Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain (4,900 m/16,076 ft). Prepare to be amazed by the breathtaking scenery! From this viewpoint, you’ll not only admire the main rainbow-colored mountain but also the two other colorful hills that make up the Palccoyo range.

Take your time to soak in the incredible landscape, capture unforgettable photos, and, if you’re lucky, meet some friendly alpacas along the way. These charming animals are often beautifully decorated by local communities as a traditional expression of affection and celebration.

Next, we’ll hike toward the fascinating Stone Forest, an impressive natural rock formation where you’ll have the chance to take spectacular photographs while appreciating the unique beauty of the Andean landscape.

After completing the hike, we’ll head to Checacupe, a charming town where we’ll discover its iconic bridges representing three important periods of Peruvian history: Inca, Colonial, and Republican. Checacupe is also known for its beautiful church and for its historical connection to Túpac Amaru II, the celebrated leader of the 18th-century rebellion for independence.

Finally, enjoy a well-deserved buffet lunch and take some time to relax before beginning our return journey to Cusco in our private transportation.

Meal: Breafastand, Lunch
Hiking Time: 3 hours
Hiking Distance: 3 km / 1.86 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

What’s Included?

Pick-up at your hotel the morning of your trek
Private transport from Cusco to the trailhead and back to Cusco
English speaking, experienced and professional guide
Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request)
Tickets to the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain.
Snacks wáter, some fruits
First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
Blanket: Blankets will be provided so you can sleep during the trip to the destination.

What’s Not Included?

Travel insurance. Please, we ask you to take out travel insurance
Trekking Poles – $8 USD
Tips for the driver, guide

Frequently asked questions

WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO BOOK THE PALCCOYO RAINBOW MOUNTAIN?

Step one: to book the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.

* Copies of each participant’s passport will be required at the time of booking.

Gender
Passport number
Full name
D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
Nationality

WHAT ABOUT THE REMAINING BALANCE?

The customer agrees to make an initial payment equivalent to the indicated percentage of the total agreed amount to secure the service date. The remaining balance must be paid one or two days prior to the start of the service in Cusco.

To avoid high credit card fees in Peru, you may choose to pay the balance in cash, either in U.S. dollars or Peruvian soles. There are many ATMs available in Cusco, or you may also complete the payment using the same method as the initial deposit.

Note: If you cancel your Cusco Machu Picchu Tour, the deposit is not refundable at all!

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?

Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your trek, other entrances and reservations.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO CHANGE THE DATE AFTER PURCHASING THE PERMITt?

Yes, but with some restrictions. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date.

If you cancel your Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour, the deposit is not refundable at all!

Note: If you cancel your Cusco Machu Picchu Tour, the deposit is not refundable at all!

HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR THE ALTITUDE AND AVOID ALTITUDE SICKNESS?

To prepare for the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain trek, spend at least three days acclimatizing in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. Stay hydrated, drink coca tea, and rest to prevent altitude sickness; our guides are trained and carry oxygen if needed. While acclimatizing, you can also enjoy our Cusco City Tour or Sacred Valley Tour, along with other day trips.

IS THE TREK DIFFICULT? DO I NEED TO BE FIT?

The Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain trek is short but challenging due to high altitude (4,900 m / 16,076 ft) and steep sections. Good fitness and at least three days of acclimatization in Cusco are recommended. For best results, plan this hike as your final activity in the region.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE PALCCOYO RAINBOW MOUNTAIN?

Weather on the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain trek is unpredictable, with possible cold, rain, or even snow at high altitudes. Bring warm clothing and rain gear, especially during the rainy season, as conditions can change suddenly.

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE IF I AM UNABLE TO COMPLETE THE TRAIL?

In the unlikely scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, Nomad In Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems in extreme cases. There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.

Plan your journey

Published prices and conditions

PRICES
The Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain 1 Day is available on any date that it’s best for you, as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers!We only do this tour in private, exclusively for families and couples. The price varies according to the number of people who book together.

Group Size Price (USD per person)
| 2 people | 145.00
| 3 people | 125.00
| 4 people | 105.00
| 5+ people | 85.00Required Pre-payment: US$ 50.00 per person
Balance (Cusco): Commonly paid in Cusco after the briefing

Important travel information

IMPORTANT INFO

ARRIVAL TO CUSCOYou will be welcomed at Cusco airport and we drive you to your hotel, please send us the information about flight details at least 15 days prior to your trek or tour. Look out for our representative holding an NOMAD IN PERU logo at the arrival terminal. It can be done on any date that is best suited to you!

THE BRIEFINGWe use to visit at your hotel 6 pm or if you prefer during the day, please you could send us an email with details to get your briefing time. Will be ready any time for our clients.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO BOOK THE PALCCOYO RAINBOW MOUNTAIN?Step one: to book the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.* Copies of each participant’s passport will be required at the time of booking.

Gender
Passport number
Full name
D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
Nationality

Step two: we require an initial payment equivalent to the indicated percentage of the total agreed amount, per person. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.

WHAT ABOUT THE REMAINING BALANCE?The customer agrees to make an initial payment equivalent to the indicated percentage of the total agreed amount to secure the service date. The remaining balance must be paid one or two days prior to the start of the service in Cusco.To avoid high credit card fees in Peru, you may choose to pay the balance in cash, either in U.S. dollars or Peruvian soles. There are many ATMs available in Cusco, or you may also complete the payment using the same method as the initial deposit.

Note: If you cancel your Cusco Machu Picchu Tour, the deposit is not refundable at all!

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your trek, other entrances and reservations.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO CHANGE THE DATE AFTER PURCHASING THE PERMITt?Yes, but with some restrictions. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date.If you cancel your Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour, the deposit is not refundable at all!

Note: If you cancel your Cusco Machu Picchu Tour, the deposit is not refundable at all!

HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR THE ALTITUDE AND AVOID ALTITUDE SICKNESS?To prepare for the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain trek, spend at least three days acclimatizing in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. Stay hydrated, drink coca tea, and rest to prevent altitude sickness; our guides are trained and carry oxygen if needed. While acclimatizing, you can also enjoy our Cusco City Tour or Sacred Valley Tour, along with other day trips.

IS THE TREK DIFFICULT? DO I NEED TO BE FIT?The Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain trek is short but challenging due to high altitude (4,900 m / 16,076 ft) and steep sections. Good fitness and at least three days of acclimatization in Cusco are recommended. For best results, plan this hike as your final activity in the region.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE PALCCOYO RAINBOW MOUNTAIN?Weather on the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain trek is unpredictable, with possible cold, rain, or even snow at high altitudes. Bring warm clothing and rain gear, especially during the rainy season, as conditions can change suddenly.

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE IF I AM UNABLE TO COMPLETE THE TRAIL?In the unlikely scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, Nomad In Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems in extreme cases. There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.

TIPPINGTipping after a trek, such as the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain is not mandatory but is a common and appreciated gesture to show gratitude for the efforts of the guide, porters, chefs, and other staff.

Packing recommendations

PACKING LIST
What to Bring for a Day Hike