Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain 'Private Service'
Private tour (max 16 person)
Easy to moderate
Full-day experience
Up to 4,900 m
Mini 30–45 min hike
Breakfast + buffet lunch

The alternative Rainbow Mountain
Outside of Cusco lies a truly magical landscape of painted colored mountains and sweeping red valleys in the Andes. Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, has become something of a ‘must-see’ site on the traditional tourist circuit in Cusco, but is now besieged by hundreds of daily visitors who hike at altitude for a single instagram photo. Few travelers realize that nearby there are in fact multiple rainbow mountains dotting this other-worldly landscape and that Palcoyo, an area of truly breath-taking beauty, can also be visited as a day-trip from Cusco. Known as the ‘alternative rainbow mountain’, Palcoyo sees far fewer visitors and requires much less up-hill hiking, making it a great way to admire Peru’s natural wonders without having to jostle for the best vantage point.
Escape the crowds and discover one of the Andes’ best-kept secrets with Llama Path’s Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour. Offering breathtaking scenery, vibrant rainbow-colored mountains, and a peaceful atmosphere, Palcoyo is the perfect alternative to the more crowded Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain.
Located in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, Palcoyo is a natural wonder where colorful mineral-rich mountains stretch across the landscape, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, traditional Andean communities, and herds of llamas and alpacas. Thanks to its shorter and gentler hike, this experience is ideal for travelers of all ages and fitness levels who want to enjoy the beauty of the Andes without a strenuous trek.
One of the highlights of the tour is the opportunity to visit not just one, but three colorful Rainbow Mountains, each displaying unique shades of red, turquoise, yellow, green, and purple created over millions of years by natural mineral deposits. The adventure also includes a walk through the fascinating Stone Forest, an extraordinary collection of towering rock formations sculpted by nature over thousands of years, offering spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and glaciers.
Throughout the journey, our knowledgeable local guides will introduce you to the traditions, culture, and history of the Andean communities while explaining the fascinating geological processes that created these colorful mountains.
At Llama Path, we pride ourselves on providing small groups, personalized service, comfortable transportation, delicious local meals, and experienced guides who are passionate about sharing the beauty of Peru. Our carefully organized itinerary allows you to enjoy every moment without feeling rushed, giving you plenty of time to admire the scenery, take incredible photographs, and fully immerse yourself in this unforgettable landscape.
Whether you’re looking for an easy day hike, acclimatizing before a longer trek, or simply searching for one of Cusco’s most spectacular day trips, the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour promises an authentic Andean experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Tour Highlights
- Discover the spectacular Palcoyo Rainbow Mountains, one of Peru’s most beautiful hidden gems.
- Visit three colorful Rainbow Mountains in a single excursion.
- Hike through the impressive Stone Forest, featuring unique natural rock formations.
- Enjoy a short, easy, and scenic hike, suitable for most fitness levels.
- Escape the crowds and experience a quieter, more peaceful alternative to Vinicunca.
- Admire breathtaking views of the snow-capped Ausangate Mountain, the highest peak in the Cusco region.
- Observe llamas, alpacas, and traditional Andean communities along the route.
- Learn about the fascinating geology, history, and culture of the Peruvian Andes from expert local guides.
- Travel in comfortable transportation with delicious breakfast and lunch included.
- Experience the personalized service and small-group atmosphere that make Llama Path one of Peru’s leading adventure tour operators.
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain “Private Service” (Full day)
We will pick up from your Hotel: 4:00 AM with our Private Transport we will drive until the small village of Checacupe (located south of Cusco). Where, we will make a stop to see an inca and a colonial bridge and also to grab some last-minute ítems like drinks, snacks, sunblock, rain poncho, etc.
After the short stop we continue one more hour to the base camp. Once we arrive there, we take a short and gradual uphill walk (30-45 minutes) to the Palcoyo Pass (4880m/16,000ft). Here you will have spectacular panoramic views of the 3 Rainbow Mountains and the spectacular Palccoyo peaks as well, as the highest mountain in the Cusco region (Ausangate) and also the Stone Forest in the highest point. We will spend 1 hour at the pass taking pictures and enjoying the spectacular view.
Return and Lunch.
Once we are done enjoying the scenery we walk back down by the same way to the base camp. We now take our private transport and enjoy a delicious, freshly prepared, hot lunch.
After lunch, we will catch our private van back to Cusco. We will drop you off in your hotel.
You will be in Cusco aproximately 5:30 pm.
Included
- Pick up from you hotel.
- Round trip transportation in our bus (bed sit).
- Breakfast
- 1 Buffet lunch (eat as much as you like!)
- Hot drinks.
- Professional Tour Guide.
- Assistant tour Guide (only for 9 people or more)
- First Aid kit and Oxygen bottle.
- Entrance fee.
- Horse for emergencies.
Not included
- Alcoholic drinks and others not mentioned on the list
- Walking stick USD 5.00 (each).
- Rain poncho (can be bought anywhere in the city or along the trail).
- Horse for entire trip (USD 35.00)
What you need to take
- Daypack, warm clothes (scarf, sweaters, rainjacket, gloves)
- Walking boots.
- Walking sticks
- Rain poncho
- Sun hat + sunglasses.
- Toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
- Suncream
- Extra money, minimum 250.00 soles (USD $80.00)
Private service price 2022
Private (Imperial) Service Price: We run this tour only as a Private Service
- USD 199.00 per person for a Group of 2 people (prices reduce if there are more people in your group).
- USD 165.00 per person for a Group of 3 people.
- USD 140.00 per person for a Group of 4 people.
- USD 120.00 per person for a Group of 5 people.
- USD 99.00 per person for a Group of 6 people.
- USD 90.00 per person for a Group of 7 people.
- USD 75.00 per person for a Group of 8 +
Important: Max. Group Size 16 people with 2 Guides.
Your adventure begins with an early hotel pickup at 4:30 AM. We leave Cusco and travel through the beautiful South Valley, passing traditional Andean villages, scenic valleys, and spectacular mountain landscapes as the sun begins to rise over the Andes.
After approximately three hours of driving, we arrive at our base camp. While you take a few minutes to stretch your legs, use the restrooms, and get ready for the hike, our professional chef begins preparing a delicious, freshly cooked breakfast using fresh local ingredients. Once everything is ready, you'll enjoy a hot breakfast before continuing to the trailhead.
After breakfast, we drive a short distance to the beginning of the trail, where your guide will provide a brief introduction to the route, altitude, and the fascinating geology of the Rainbow Mountains.
The hike is gentle and gradual, making Palcoyo one of the easiest high-altitude hikes in the Cusco region. In approximately 30 to 45 minutes, you'll reach the first viewpoints overlooking the spectacular three Rainbow Mountains, where millions of years of mineral deposits have created vibrant bands of red, yellow, green, turquoise, and purple.
Along the trail, you'll enjoy incredible panoramic views of the majestic Ausangate Mountain, the highest peak in the Cusco region, while observing llamas and alpacas grazing peacefully across the Andean highlands.
For those who wish, there is an optional short climb to the impressive Stone Forest, a unique collection of towering rock formations that offers one of the most spectacular panoramic viewpoints in the region.
After spending plenty of time enjoying the scenery, taking photographs, and learning about the area's history and geology from your guide, we return to our vehicle and drive back to the base camp.
Upon your arrival, our professional chef will be waiting with a freshly prepared hot lunch, allowing you to relax and enjoy an excellent meal before beginning the drive back to Cusco.
Finally, we return to Cusco, arriving at your hotel at approximately 5:00–6:00 PM, concluding an unforgettable day in the Peruvian Andes.
Hiking Information
- Hotel Pickup: 4:30 AM
- Hiking Distance: Approximately 3 km (1.9 miles) round trip
- Hiking Time: 1.5–2 hours
- Maximum Elevation: 4,900 m (16,075 ft)
- Stone Forest Elevation: Approximately 5,000 m (16,404 ft)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Experience the beauty of the Andes with breathtaking landscapes, colorful mountains, authentic local culture, and the exceptional service that makes Llama Path one of Peru's leading adventure tour operators.
- Hotel Pickup and Drop-off : We will pick you up directly from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 AM and return you safely to your hotel at the end of the tour.
- Professional Tourist Transportation: Travel in a comfortable tourist vehicle with experienced drivers while enjoying the spectacular scenery of the Peruvian Andes.
- Professional English-Speaking Guide: Our knowledgeable guides will share fascinating insights into the history, geology, culture, flora, and fauna of the region while ensuring your safety throughout the day.
- Professional Chef: One of the highlights of our service is our professional chef, who prepares all meals fresh on-site, offering a much higher-quality dining experience than typical day tours.
- Freshly Prepared Breakfast: Enjoy a delicious hot breakfast prepared by our chef while you get ready for the hike, giving you plenty of energy for the adventure ahead.
- Freshly Prepared Lunch: After completing the hike, relax and enjoy a freshly cooked hot lunch prepared by our chef using fresh local ingredients.
- Entrance Ticket to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain: All entrance fees to the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Reserve are included, with no hidden costs.
- First Aid Kit & Emergency Oxygen: Your guide carries a complete first aid kit and emergency oxygen for your safety throughout the tour.
- Small Group Experience: We operate small groups to provide a more personalized experience and allow you to enjoy the breathtaking scenery at a relaxed pace.
What's Not Included
- Trekking Poles: Trekking poles are not included but can be rented before the tour. They are highly recommended for extra stability during both the ascent and descent.
- Tips for the Guide, Chef & Driver:Gratuities are optional but always appreciated if you feel our team has provided exceptional service.
- Personal Travel Insurance:Travel insurance is not included. We strongly recommend purchasing insurance that covers medical emergencies, cancellations, and unforeseen travel interruptions.
- Personal Expenses:Any purchases such as souvenirs, drinks, or additional snacks outside those provided by Llama Path are at your own expense.
- Additional Food & Beverages:Only the meals and snacks specifically mentioned in the itinerary are included. Additional food or alcoholic beverages are not included.
- Personal Hiking Equipment:Items such as hiking boots, rain gear, gloves, hats, backpacks, and other personal outdoor equipment are not included.
- Expenses Caused by Force Majeure:Additional costs resulting from road closures, strikes, extreme weather, natural disasters, or other events beyond our control are not included.
Packing List
- Small Daypack (20–30 Liters):A comfortable backpack is perfect for carrying your personal belongings, extra clothing, water, and camera during the hike.
- Original Passport or ID:Carry your original passport or a valid identification document, as it may be requested during the tour.
- Water (2 Liters Recommended : Staying hydrated is extremely important at high altitude. We recommend bringing at least 2 liters of water.
- Comfortable Hiking Boots:Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip, as portions of the trail may be rocky or uneven.
- Warm Layers :Temperatures can be cold in the early morning and at Rainbow Mountain's elevation of over 5,000 meters. Dress in layers so you can easily adjust throughout the day.
- Waterproof Jacket or Rain Poncho:Mountain weather changes quickly. A waterproof jacket or poncho is recommended throughout the year.
- Hat or Cap: Protect yourself from the intense Andean sun, especially during the hike.
- Sunglasses: UV-protective sunglasses are essential due to the strong sunlight at high altitude.
- Sunscreen: Apply high-SPF sunscreen before the hike and reapply as needed during the day.
- Gloves and Warm Hat:The early morning temperatures can be close to freezing, especially during the dry season.
- Personal Medication:Bring any prescription medications you require, along with altitude medication if recommended by your physician.
- Camera or Smartphone:Rainbow Mountain offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Peru—don't miss the opportunity to capture incredible photographs.
- Cash (Peruvian Soles):Bring a small amount of cash for optional horse rental, trekking pole rental, tips, or personal purchases.
- Extra Snacks (Optional):Although we provide snacks during the tour, you're welcome to bring your favorite energy bars, chocolate, or trail mix.
- Portable Power Bank:Cold weather can quickly reduce battery life, so a portable charger is highly recommended.
- Personal Toiletries:Bring tissues, hand sanitizer, lip balm, and any other personal hygiene items you may need during the excursion.
- A Positive Attitude and Adventurous Spirit: The altitude may challenge you, but the breathtaking views make every step worthwhile. Come prepared to enjoy one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the Peruvian Andes with the exceptional service of Llama Path.
Llama Path Terms and Conditions
DEFINITIONS: The definitions below will apply throughout these terms and conditions:
- Client means a person who books a trip offered by Llama Path and includes all participants that person may book a trip on behalf of;
- Day Tour means any Trip offered by Llama Path that only lasts one day in duration;
- Deposit means
- For Treks: USD $300 per participant, per Trek, payable to Llama Path at the time of booking the Trek. If a Client wishes to do Wayna Picchu Mountain, or Machu Picchu Mountain, the deposit will be $385 for all Inca Trail treks and any alternative treks e.g. Salkantay, Lares,Vilcabamba.
- PLEASE: Make sure to add the fees associated with your PayPal / VISA transaction (aprox. 4.5%) Llama Path will be sending you a receipt indicating the exact amount we received from you and the amount of the balance to be paid upon your arrival in Cusco.
- For Peru Itineraries: 50% of the total itinerary price, payable to Llama Path at the time of booking the Trip.
- Once the deposit is received, we proceed to purchase the permits and all services immediately through the Peruvian Goverment.
In the event of a cancellation by one or more participants in a private tour, the final price of the service will be adjusted based on the final number of travelers who attend the tour. The originally quoted price is based on the confirmed group size at the time of booking; therefore, any reduction in the number of participants will result in a recalculation of the total cost per person.
- Llama Path means Llama Path, a fully licensed, professional tour operator, based in Cusco, Peru and includes any employees, and associated persons of the company;
- Peru Itinerary means a multi-day Trip offered by Llama Path where trekking is not the main activity.
- Terms means these terms and conditions, as may be updated by Llama Path from time to time;
- Trek means a Trip where trekking is the main activity;
- Trip means any trip, tour or trek offered by Llama Path and booked by a Client.
- ACCEPTANCE: The Client agrees that the Client will be bound by these Terms upon payment of the Deposit.
- APPLICATION AND TERM: These Terms apply to all Trips from the date that a Deposit is paid, until the date the Trip finishes.
- PRICE: The prices of all Trips offered by Llama Path are as listed in the Llama Path offices and on the Llama Path website, and may be updated by Llama Path from time to time. All prices are based on double accommodation, an extra charge will be applied for single accommodation in case of Alternative treks and shot Inca Trail.
- PAYMENT:
- Deposit: the Client may pay the Deposit using one of the following two methods:
- PayPal: using www.paypal.com the option must be selected to ‘send money’ to the address deposits@llamapath.com, as a purchase of services, not a personal payment.
- Visa: follow the prompts to pay the Deposit using https://www.multimerchantvisanet.com/formularioweb/formulariopago.aspx, found on the payment section of the Llama Path website. The Client will receive an order number, and this must be sent in an email to Llama Path confirming the deposit has been paid.
- Balance: Following payment of the Deposit, the balance payable for a Trip is due as follows
- For Treks and Day Tours: no more than 48 hours before the first day of the Trek, at the Llama Path offices. Payments may be made in cash in USD or Peruvian soles (using the exchange rate on the day). If a Client is unable to comply with this clause, Llama Path must be notified at least 48 hours before the Trip, and will have full discretion as to whether late payment will be permitted.
- For Peru Itineraries or multi-day Trip offered by Llama Path: no less than two weeks before the start date of the Trip, using the payment method described in clause 5ai. If a Client is unable to comply with this clause, Llama Path must be notified at least two weeks before the Trip, and will have full discretion as to whether late payment will be permitted.
- AVAILABLE DATES: When a Client sends a booking enquiry to Llama Path, they must provide a range of dates that they are available to travel. Llama Path will prioritize the Client’s preferential dates, however the Client authorizes Llama Path to use any of the dates in the range provided by the Client to book a Trip.
- STUDENT AND UNDER 18’S DISCOUNT: A discount will be provided to students aged 25 or under, and persons under the age of 18, at the date the Trip begins. The amount of such discount will be advised by Llama Path. Students must send a copy of a valid university identification card to Llama Path at the time of booking, the identification must be valid for the duration of the Trip, and the physical card must be presented upon arrival in Cusco.
- TRANSFERS: The Client is not permitted in any way whatsoever to transfer a Deposit, including to a different Trip, date, to any other person, or to the balance of another Trip or person.
10. CANCELLATION:
a) If a Trip is cancelled or a Client wishes to leave a Trip, for any reason, the Deposit and any balance paid will not be refundable, . If the Trip has been paid in full, there may be components that the Client can still use, such as the Machu Picchu entrance, train ticket and bus ticket.
b) Deposit is non refundable , non transfarable to another tour ,date or person Because the permits are purchased through the Peruvian government and due to their rules the permits are not transferable and no refundable.
c) The deposit paid for your itinerary or multi-day Trip offered by Llama Path is non-refundable and non-transferable to another date or person. This is because the deposit is fully allocated to secure your services in advance with our providers (including tours, hotels, transportation,plan tickets and related arrangements).
- ALTERATION BY LLAMA PATH: The Client acknowledges that travelling in Peru requires flexibility, patience, and understanding that changes may be required. Llama Path may at any time alter a Trip’s itinerary, due to any circumstances that may occur beyond its reasonable control, and will not be liable for any such change
11.FORCE MAJEURE: Llama Path is not responsible or liable where any force majeure event or circumstance occurs which is beyond the control of Llama Path, including but not limited to acts of God, civil or military disturbances, extreme weather, disease, technological interruptions, labour strikes, or acts of war or terrorism . The Client recognizes that Llama Path may need to alter, or even cancel, a Trip in response to a force majeure event or circumstance, and will not be liable for any such alteration or cancellation.
12. PROTEST OR STRIKE EARLY DEPARTURE: In the event of a protest or a strike, which may affect the itinerary of a Trip, Llama Path, at its discretion, may decide to leave early for the Trip in order to provide the best service possible. In such cases, Llama Path will charge an increment to cover the extra costs incurred, such amount as to be determined by Llama Path, depending on the circumstances
13. HOLIDAY OR ELECTION EXTRA CHARGE: Where a Trip takes place on one or more of any of the following days, due to reasons of public holiday, or elections in Peru, an extra charge per person, per Trip will be applied: December 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, 31, January 1, and any day that an election may fall on. The extra charge will be determined by Llama Path (35 usd), and covers staff’s fines for missing elections, or is a bonus for staff missing a public holiday.
- EVACUATION: If a Client is not able to complete a Trip, transport costs back to Cusco or the final destination of the Trip, in the case of medical emergency will be covered by the Client. Any other loss, damage or costs related to a Client’s evacuation from a Trip and additional emergency services will also be the Client’s responsibility. The Client agrees to abide by all Llama Path’s guides’ decisions in all circumstances where a Client needs to be evacuated for any reason from a Trip CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES
- Insurance: Llama Path strongly recommends that the Client purchases adequate travel insurance to cover any cancellations, delays, medical expenses, emergencies, interruptions due to unforeseen circumstances, and loss or damage of personal possessions or equipment that may occur in relation to a Trip. The Client acknowledges that the Client is responsible for all loss or damage suffered by the Client, except as expressly provided in these Terms.
- Risk: The Client acknowledges that Trips are adventurous, and inherently involve a certain amount of personal risk, especially Treks. The Client accepts responsibility for all risks associated with a Trip and agrees to neither sue, nor hold liable in any way, Llama Path, or any of its employees for any loss, damage or injury suffered by a Client in relation to a Trip.
- Guide authority: The Client agrees that Llama Path guides have full and final authority on all matters and decisions in relation to the Trip, and the Client will act in good faith to follow such authority and advice of Llama Path guides.
- Preparation: The Client acknowledges that although Llama Path will act in good faith to assist the Client during the Trip, it is the Client’s sole responsibility to ensure that the Client is adequately prepared for the Trip with the correct gear, and any special medial or dietary requirements that he or she may require.
- Passport Validity: The Client must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months from the date of their arrival in Peru. This is a Peruvian government requirement, and failure to do so may result in permission being denied to enter the country.
- It is the responsibility of each tourist to check the requirements to enter Peru before organizing a tour in our country.
- Visa to visit Peru: It is the Client’s responsibility to ensure sure they organize and fulfill the visa requirements, if any, required for their entry and stay in Peru;
- Acclimatization: The Client acknowledges Llama Path’s very strong recommendation that the Client stays in Cusco, or another high altitude city above 3,000 meters, for at least three days before starting a Trek. This will help minimize any possible effects of altitude sickness.
- GEAR: Llama Path require that an additional price be paid by the Client to hire certain gear items that a Client borrows for a Trek. Such prices are listed on the Llama Path website, and may be updated by Llama Path from time to time at its sole discretion.
- PORTERS ON THE INCA TRAIL: Llama Path uses porters on the Inca Trail to carry cooking equipment and tents. This does not include sleeping bags or sleeping mats, these are the Client’s responsibility. A Client may hire an extra porter to assist them in carrying their personal belongings, including their sleeping bag and sleeping mat, however this will require payment of an extra cost, found on the Llama Path website.
- LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: Llama Path’s total liability to the Client is limited, to the maximum extent permitted by law, to the amount of money paid to Llama Path by the Client. Llama Path will be in no way liable for any further loss or damage suffered by the Client except as expressly provided in these Terms.
- GOVERNING LAW: These Terms shall be governed by the laws of Peru and the Client and Llama Path agree to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of Peru in relation to any dispute regarding these Term
- For tours outside of Cusco we work with our partners, reliable companies with many years of experience, we always make sure to provide you with the best possible experience through them.
- Prices are subject to change due to social, economic, political and other reasons that prevent us to continue doign our tours with the prices agreed upon prior to the reservation.
- Confirmation According to the authorities it is very important to confirm your reservation 24 hours before the tour so you have to confirm your presence at the tour at least 24 hours in advance.
Private (Imperial) Service Price: This tour is exclusively operated as a private service, offering a personalized experience tailored to your pace, interests, and preferences.
- USD 199.00 per person for a group of 2 people (prices are reduced if there are more people in your group).
- USD 165.00 per person for a group of 3 people.
- USD 140.00 per person for a group of 4 people.
- USD 120.00 per person for a group of 5 people.
- USD 99.00 per person for a group of 6 people.
- USD 90.00 per person for a group of 7 people.
- USD 75.00 per person for a group of 8+
Important: Max. group size 16 people with 2 guides.