1 / 5

View All Photos

Day Tours 53 Reviews

Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain & Stone Forest – Full-Day Tour from Cusco

Full Day (approx. 1.5 hours hiking round trip)

Palccoyo

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Tour Overview

Discover the incredible beauty of Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain, a spectacular natural destination in the Peruvian Andes. This full-day adventure from Cusco is an excellent alternative to the more challenging Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain hike, offering colorful mountain landscapes, fewer crowds, and a more relaxed hiking experience.

Enjoy a scenic journey through the Andean countryside before reaching the starting point of your hike. From there, take a gentle walk to the viewpoints, where you can admire the stunning natural colors of the mountains and capture unforgettable photographs.

With a shorter and less demanding hike than the classic Rainbow Mountain route, Palccoyo is an excellent option for travelers who want to experience Peru’s colorful landscapes without undertaking a strenuous trek. If you have extra energy, you can also continue to the impressive Rock Forest viewpoint for even more spectacular scenery.

Overviews

Tour Type: Private tour for 2–6 people.
Hotel Pickup: We pick you up directly from your hotel in Cusco. The exact pickup time will be coordinated with you one day before the tour.
Departure Time: Early morning, usually between 4:00 AM and 5:00 AM.
Duration: Full day, approximately 12–13 hours, round trip from Cusco.
Hiking Distance: Approximately 3 km round trip, depending on the route taken.
Hiking Time: Approximately 1.5 hours round trip to explore the main viewpoints. Additional time is needed if you choose to visit the Rock Forest.
Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate. The walk is relatively short, but the high altitude can make physical activity more challenging.
Hotel Drop-off: We take you back to your hotel in Cusco at the end of the tour.
Special Offers for Larger Groups: Traveling with more than 6 people? Contact our sales team to receive a special promotional price for your group!

Highlights

Admire the spectacular colors of Palccoyo’s Rainbow Mountains.
Enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the Peruvian Andes.
Experience a less strenuous alternative to the classic Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain hike.
Explore the impressive Rock Forest viewpoint, if you wish.
Enjoy a private experience with a personalized pace and a professional local guide.

An Unforgettable Andean Experience

Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain is perfect for travelers who want to discover the natural wonders of the Andes at a more relaxed pace. Enjoy breathtaking landscapes, connect with nature, and create lasting memories in one of Peru’s most remarkable destinations.

Discover the colorful side of the Andes with our local team!

From

$ 99 USD

Date

Travellers

Traveler(s) (1)

Adults

Min 1 $99 USD

Students

Student ID $99 USD

Children

2 to 17 years $94 USD

Make it private $136/pp

Your own guide & vehicle · personalized pace

Subtotal US $0.00

TOTAL PRICE US $0.00

Choose a travel date to enable booking.

Free cancellation up to 72 hrs

24/7 Professional emergency support

Itinerary

Day 1: Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike

Day 1: Discover Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain & the Stone Forest

A colorful Andean adventure away from the crowds

Your adventure begins with an early-morning pickup directly from your hotel in Cusco. Your exact pickup time will be coordinated with you one day before the tour.

Enjoy a scenic drive of approximately 3.5 hours through the beautiful landscapes of the southern Andes. Along the way, admire traditional Andean villages, open valleys, and impressive mountain scenery as you travel toward Palccoyo.

Explore the Rainbow Mountains

Upon arrival, begin your guided walk through the spectacular landscapes of Palccoyo. Enjoy a relatively short hike toward the viewpoints, where you will discover colorful mountain formations created by natural geological processes.

Take your time to admire the remarkable colors, appreciate the peaceful surroundings, and capture unforgettable photographs of this unique Andean destination. Your local guide will share interesting information about the landscape and the region throughout the experience.

Visit the Fascinating Stone Forest

If you feel comfortable and have enough energy, continue toward the impressive Stone Forest, where unusual rock formations create a dramatic natural landscape. This additional walk offers a different perspective of the surrounding mountains and rewarding panoramic views.

Inclusions

Included

Personal pick-up at your hotel
Private transportation
Local guide in your language
Box breakfast
Lunch
First-aid kit
Oxygen

Not Included

Bottle of water
Personal gratuities

What You Need For This Hike

Daypack
Good hiking shoes
Warm clothes
Hat and gloves
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Waterproof jacket or plastic poncho
Water container or camel bag
Personal medication
Camera

Pricing

Private tour price (per person, USD)

2 peopleFrom $130

3 peopleFrom $115

4 peopleFrom $99

5+ peopleContact us for a special price

Tour price includes all entrance fees, meals, guide and vehicle.

Faqs

How difficult is the hike to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain?

The hike is considered easy to moderate. Unlike the classic Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, the walk here only takes about 30-40 minutes from the trailhead to the viewpoint. It’s a great option for families and travelers who want to avoid long, strenuous treks.

What is the maximum altitude of the tour?

The highest point you’ll reach is around 4,900 m (16,076 ft) above sea level. Most of the walk is gradual, but altitude can still affect some travelers.

Do I need to be in top physical condition to do this tour?

No. Palccoyo is perfect for travelers looking for a less demanding hike. As long as you are in reasonable health and walk slowly, you can enjoy this experience.

What should I bring with me?

Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, warm clothing (layers), sunblock, sunglasses and a hat, a reusable water bottle, and a camera.

When is the best season to visit Palccoyo?

The dry season (April-October) is the best time, with clear skies and vibrant colors. The rainy season (November-March) is still possible, but trails may be muddy.

What's the difference between Palccoyo and Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain?

Palccoyo is easier, with a shorter hike, fewer crowds, and three rainbow mountains plus a stone forest. Vinicunca is longer and more challenging, at a higher altitude, but with one main rainbow mountain. It depends on your fitness level and how much time you have.

Can children or elderly travelers join this tour?

Yes. Palccoyo is much more accessible than Vinicunca, making it suitable for families with children and travelers who prefer a less intense hike.

Related Tours

Explore other hand-crafted premium expeditions and hiking journeys curated by our local specialists.

Real stories, true adventures.

What Our Clients Say

TripAdvisor 5.0

Google 5.0

Memorable trips generate grateful hearts and we are lucky to have received over 53 reviews from satisfied customers telling us about their wonderful experiences in their South America journeys thanks to our advice, support, and services. So, be part of them!

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 53 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Ángela B 
 
 
 
 Verified Experiencia 10/10
Ha sido una experiencia de 10, impresionante el camino inka y la explicación de la ciudadela de Machu Picchu. Todo esto ha sido tan especial gracias a la dedicación y conocimiento de nuestro guía Jimmy. Ha hecho el contacto súper fácil para la gestión de la reserva, siempre disponible, una vez en Perú estuvo con nosotros el primer día para explicarnos todos los detalles y durante la visita y camino sus explicaciones han sido impecables, mejorando aún más si cabe la experiencia. Le estamos muy muy agradecidos.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sharon G 
 
 
 
 Verified An Unforgettable Trek, Flawlessly Organized
From start to finish, our experience with Machu Picchu Center was extremely professional. Immediately after booking, we received a detailed itinerary and all the e-tickets we would need, and the team was always available by email to answer questions as we prepared for our arrival in Cusco. The entire experience was incredibly well organized. From the pick-up and transfers to guidance about equipment and what we would need for the trek, everything was taken care of, allowing us simply to enjoy the experience. A very special mention goes to our wonderful guide, Jimmy, who met us at the train station and stayed with us throughout the day. He was extremely knowledgeable, attentive and, above all, incredibly supportive — especially during the more challenging moments of the climb. His encouragement and help made a real difference. The trek itself is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful experiences in the world, and having such a professional and caring team made it even more memorable. The only area that could perhaps be improved was the briefing the evening before the trek, which we found a little unclear. However, once the day began, everything ran flawlessly. A truly unforgettable experience, beautifully organized by an excellent team. Highly recommended!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Hansel V 
 
 
 
 Verified Great day at Machu Picchu
Our tour was excellent, largely thanks to our guide Jimmy. He went above and beyona, using his deep knowledge of the area, history, and culture to greatly enhance our experience while patiently answering all our questions. From our arrival in Cusco, he helped plan and organize the entire itinerary, ensuring everything ran smoothly and exactly as expected, allowing us to fully relax and enjoy the trip. We are very grateful for his professionalism, friendliness, and outstanding support throughout.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   patricia c 
 
 
 
 Verified Empresa de alto nível
O apoio do Jimmy foi essencial para o sucesso da nossa viagem. Desde as reservas dos passeios, trens e ônibus aos aconselhamentos sobre comida e cuidados com nossa saúde em Cusco. Parabéns pelo profissionalismo, qualidade e pontualidade em todos os compromissos.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   patricia c 
 
 
 
 Verified Empresa de alto nível
O apoio do Jimmy foi essencial para o sucesso da viagem. Parabéns pela pontualidade, seriedade e qualidade dos serviços prestados. Recomendo demais a empresa.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Compass20566067176 
 
 
 
 Verified Lifelong adventure!
I lead a group from Los Angeles and brought along 16 kids ages 15- 21. As I prepared the trip, one of my biggest concerns was who would the tour guide would be like. I have to say that the success of my trip was in part due to Mr. Jimmy. He was knowledgeable, passionate and and an overall great human being. Mr. Jimmy understood my group’s concerns and acted patiently and supportive, specifically during an emergency situation when one of my students got dangerously ill before getting to Puno. His assistant and coordination with ambulance, hospital and hotel, allowed me to focus on my student. I will be forever grateful for his support and encouragement. In short, if you’re planning on going to Peru anytime soon or in the future, make sure to go with Mr. Jimmy.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   ricardo i 
 
 
 
 Verified Visita Valle Sagrado - Macchu Picchu, Cusco ciudad
En mayo realizamos viaje a Cusco, Puno. Tours privados a la medida para la familia, Valle Sagrado, Macchu Picchu, City tour en Cusco, Ruta del Sol a Puno y Titicaca. Excelente servicio, atención personalizada con mucha coordinación y adaptación a los requerimientos de la familia. Grata experiencia y notorio profesionalismo. Muchas gracias a los guias Jimmy, Edith, Raúl; muy al pendientes de que se concrete una buena experiencia y con mucha explicación histórica.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Gill L 
 
 
 
 Verified Machi Picchu
Oh wow, wow, wow! What a fabulous time we have had with our tour guide Jimmy and his excellent driver Carlos. From the moment we meet our holiday experience was second to none. Jimmy catered for all our needs and shared his abundance of knowledge with us. Jimmy went above and beyond to make our trip the most memorable. We would definitely recommend him. If your thinking about a trip think no more speak to Jimmy and then wait the most amazing experience of your life time to unfold before your very eyes. Have fun.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Mar M 
 
 
 
 Verified Experiencia cercana y enriquecedora
Viaje muy bien gestionado, el guía estuvo atento en todo momento de nosotros y nos enseñó tanto los lugares de interés cultural como sitios gastronómicos increíbles. Recomendado 100%