Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain 'Private Service'

Full day

Private tour (max 16 person)

Easy to moderate

Full-day experience

Up to 4,900 m

Mini 30–45 min hike

Breakfast + buffet lunch

Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain 'Private Service'

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.

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