Alpaca at Palccoyo MountainStone Forest in Palccoyo MountainPalccoyo Mountain coloresAusangate from Palccoyo Mountain

Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain 1 Day Tour

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Tour typeTrekking
Xplore Cusco Group size icon
Group sizeMax 12 persons
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LanguageEnglish, Spanish
Xplore Cusco Best time icon
Best timeApril - Nov
Xplore Cusco Difficulty icon
DifficultyEasy
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Duration1 Day

Overview

Welcome to the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain 1 Day tour, an unforgettable adventure that will take you to witness the mesmerizing Palcoyo Mountain Range, a new natural wonder in Peru. Our full-day trek will allow you to discover the impressive formations of colorful mountains, similar to the renowned Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain in Cusco. Located in the district of Checacupe, in the province of Canchis, this magnificent site is waiting to be explored by adventurous travelers like you. From the viewpoint of Palcoyo, you will be able to admire the 3 solitary and majestic mountains of colors in all their magnitude. Additionally, we will visit the forest of stones, an incredible geological labyrinth formed by rock peaks towering the height of trees. So, get ready to be captivated by the breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences of the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain tour.

Highlights

  1. Spectacular Views: Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the Palcoyo Mountain Range from the viewpoint, with its three magnificent and solitary colorful mountains.
  2. Unique Natural Wonder: Discover the Palcoyo Colorful Mountain Range, a new natural phenomenon that rivals the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain in Cusco.
  3. Geological Labyrinth: Explore the fascinating forest of stones, a geological wonder made up of towering rock peaks that resemble trees.
  4. Local Communities: Get to know the local communities of the Checacupe district and learn about their way of life, culture, and traditions.
  5. Off-the-beaten-path: Escape the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful and authentic experience compared to the popular Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain trek.
  6. Fully Guided: Enjoy a fully guided tour with expert local guides who will share their knowledge and passion for the region.
  7. Convenient and Comfortable: The tour includes transportation to and from your hotel, as well as all necessary equipment and supplies, making for a hassle-free and comfortable experience.
  8. Suitable for All: The tour is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, with an accessible route that allows you to enjoy the stunning scenery at your own pace.

Included

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TicketsEntrance ticket for the Palccoyo Mountain
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GuideEnglish speaking, professional local guide
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TranportationRound trip transportation
Xplore Cusco Meals icon
MealsBreakfast and Buffet lunch
Xplore Cusco Pick up icon
Pick upPick up from your accommodation in Cusco city
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MoreFirst aid box. Trekking Poles.

Not Included

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Accommodation
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Services not detailed in the program.
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Horses.
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Drinks
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Tips

Itinerary

Here’s the complete itinerary for the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain 1 Day tour:

5:00 am РHotel Pick-up and Drive to Trailhead: We will pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 am and drive south of Cusco towards the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain trailhead. The journey will take approximately 4 hours in private transportation, during which you will enjoy the beautiful Andes mountains, green valleys, and the local people working in their lands. We might also stop to observe vicu̱as in their natural habitat. Along the way, we will provide you with a breakfast.

9:00 am – Begin the Hike: Once we reach Apacheta, we will begin our hike towards Palcoyo Mountain. The trail is easy and will take around 10 minutes to reach the first viewpoint, where you will get a stunning view of the first Rainbow Mountain. We will take pictures and drink some water before continuing the hike for another 10 minutes to the second viewpoint to capture the second mountain. After another 10-minute hike, we will reach the third viewpoint, the place from where you can take the classical postcard picture of Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain.

11:00 am – Optional Stone Forest Hike: If you feel good after reaching the third viewpoint, you can opt to hike for another 10 minutes to the Stone Forest. The trail is steep and has switchbacks, but the view from the top is incredible. You can see Ausangate Mountain in the distance and all three Rainbow Mountains. The hike will be in a loop, so you won’t have to come back by the same trail.

12:00 pm – Hike Back to Trailhead: After enjoying the breathtaking views of the Rainbow Mountains and the Stone Forest (optional), we will hike back to the trailhead.

1:00 pm – Lunch in Local House: We will then take a 2-hour van ride to a local town, where we will have our lunch in a local house prepared by our chef. You will get to taste delicious local cuisine while experiencing the authentic Andean culture.

3:30 pm – Return to Cusco: After enjoying our meal, we will drive for another 1.5 hours back to Cusco, and drop you off at your hotel at around 5:00 pm.

That concludes our Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain 1 Day tour.

What to bring

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  1. Comfortable and sturdy hiking shoes
  2. Warm clothes (hat, gloves, scarf, jacket, and layers)
  3. Sun hat and sunglasses
  4. Sunscreen with a high SPF rating
  5. Daypack to carry your personal items
  6. A refillable water bottle
  7. Snacks and energy bars
  8. Personal medication (if needed)
  9. Cash for souvenirs and tips
  10. Camera or smartphone with enough memory and battery life

It’s also a good idea to bring some cash in small denominations, as there might be some local vendors selling souvenirs or snacks along the way. It’s important to pack light and only bring what you need for the day trip, as you’ll be hiking and moving around a lot.

What to wear

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  1. Comfortable and sturdy hiking shoes with good grip and ankle support
  2. Warm and breathable layers such as fleece jackets, long-sleeved shirts, and leggings or hiking pants
  3. Windproof and waterproof outer layers such as a jacket and pants
  4. Hat, gloves, and scarf to keep warm in colder temperatures
  5. Sun hat to protect your face and neck from the sun
  6. Sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun and glare off of the snow
  7. Hiking socks to keep your feet dry and prevent blisters
  8. A backpack to carry your personal items, water bottle, and snacks
  9. It’s important to avoid wearing cotton clothing, as it can get wet and cold quickly. Instead, wear synthetic materials that are quick-drying and moisture-wicking.
  10. Additionally, if you plan to visit the stone forest, wear shoes with good traction as the trail can be steep and slippery.

Not allowed

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  • alcohol

Recommendations

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  1. Be sure to acclimate to the high altitude before the tour, as the Rainbow Mountains are located at an altitude of over 16,000 feet (5,000 meters).
  2. Stay hydrated throughout the tour by drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol and caffeine.
  3. Take breaks as needed during the hike and don’t push yourself too hard, especially if you’re not used to high-altitude hiking.
  4. Bring cash in small denominations to purchase souvenirs or snacks from local vendors.
  5. Respect the local culture and customs, and be mindful of the environment by not littering and staying on designated trails.
  6. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather conditions and the type of terrain.
  7. Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the stunning views, but also take the time to appreciate the beauty of the natural surroundings without the distraction of technology.
  8. Follow the instructions and recommendations of your tour guide for a safe and enjoyable experience.
  9. Don’t forget to tip your tour guide and driver if you enjoyed the tour and received good service.
  10. Finally, have fun and enjoy the unique and breathtaking beauty of the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountains!

More info

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Welcome to the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain 1 Day tour, an unforgettable adventure that will take you to witness the mesmerizing Palcoyo Mountain Range, a new natural wonder in Peru.

FAQs

What is the altitude of the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountains?
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The Palccoyo Rainbow Mountains are located at an altitude of over 16,000 feet (5,000 meters) above sea level.
Do I need to be in good physical condition to take the tour?
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Yes, the tour involves hiking at high altitude, so it's important to be in good physical condition and acclimated to the altitude. If you have any medical conditions or concerns, please consult with your doctor before booking the tour.
What should I bring on the tour?
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It's recommended to bring comfortable and sturdy hiking shoes, warm and breathable layers, windproof and waterproof outer layers, hat, gloves, sunglasses, hiking socks, backpack, water bottle, and snacks. You can find a complete list of recommendations above.
Will I be able to take photos of the Rainbow Mountains?
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Yes, you will have plenty of opportunities to take photos of the Rainbow Mountains and the surrounding scenery. Just remember to be mindful of the environment and follow the instructions of your tour guide.
Is lunch included in the tour?
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Yes, lunch is included in the tour and will be provided at a local house.
Can I visit the Stone Forest?
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Yes, you can visit the Stone Forest, but it's an optional part of the tour and involves hiking for an additional 10 minutes. The trail can be steep and slippery, so wear appropriate footwear and use caution.
How long is the tour?
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The tour is a full-day tour, and typically lasts from around 5:00am to 5:00pm, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Is the tour suitable for children?
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The tour involves hiking at high altitude and can be physically demanding, so it's not recommended for young children or infants. However, older children who are in good physical condition and acclimated to the altitude may be able to participate. Please contact your tour operator for more information.

$ 120.00

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Palccoyo Rainbow MountainPalccoyo Rainbow Mountain 1 Day Tour
$ 120.00