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Palcoyo Mountain

Explore Palcoyo Mountain on a one-day tour from Cusco

Summary

Discover the stunning Rainbow Mountains of Palcoyo on this full-day adventure through the heart of the Andes. Unlike the classic Vinicunca trek, Palcoyo offers an easier and more relaxed hike while still showcasing the incredible natural beauty of Peru’s colorful landscapes. Journey through picturesque valleys, traditional Andean villages, and breathtaking mountain scenery before reaching the spectacular multi-colored ridges of Palcoyo. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including the mighty Ausangate, and marvel at the surreal palette of colors created by mineral deposits. Perfect for travelers seeking a less crowded, scenic, and authentic experience at over 4,900 meters above sea level — an unforgettable day of Andean beauty and tranquility.

Itinerary

Palcoyo Full Day

The experience at Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain begins with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco at 4:00 a.m.. We will head by private transport to the town of Cusipata, where we will enjoy a nutritious breakfast.

Then we will continue the trip by bus to the community of Palcoyo, from where we will take a short walk to admire the stunning rainbow-colored mountains and the Andean landscape.

At the end, we will return to Cusipata to enjoy a delicious lunch, before making the journey back to the city of Cusco.

Tour Summary

  • Pickup: From hotel in Cusco (4:00 a.m.)
  • Breakfast: In Cusipata
  • Transport: Cusipata – Palcoyo
  • Visit: Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain
  • Lunch: In Cusipata
  • Return: Cusipata – Cusco

Inclusions

Includes

  • Entrance ticket to Palcoyo.
  • Tourist transportation.
  • Bilingual guide (Spanish/English).
  • First aid assistance.
  • Medical kit.
  • Oxygen.
  • Water.
  • Breakfast and lunch.
  • Vegetarian and special diets upon request.
  • Trekking pole.

Not Included

  • Tips.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Horseback rides (optional).

Price - per Person

Sacsahuamán Qurikancha

Palcoyo Mountain

Price $150.00

Recommendations for the Palcoyo Tour

To fully enjoy your hiking experience to Palcoyo, we recommend bringing the following:

What to bring

To fully enjoy your hiking experience to Palcoyo, we recommend bringing the following:

What to bring

  • Passport or ID: not mandatory, but recommended to keep it in a safe place.
  • Comfortable hiking shoes, ideal for dirt paths and gentle slopes.
  • Warm jacket or light fleece for the cold Andean mornings.
  • Wool gloves and hat for the cold.
  • Rain gear: waterproof jacket and poncho (the mountain weather is unpredictable).
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, and lip balm, as the solar radiation at high altitude is intense.
  • 1 to 2 liters of water per person to stay hydrated.
  • Energy snacks like cereal bars, chocolates, or nuts.
  • Extra money (50 – 100 soles) for personal expenses or souvenirs.
  • Small, lightweight backpack to carry your belongings.
  • Basic first aid kit: band-aids, painkillers, and altitude sickness medication.
  • Camera or phone with a charged battery to capture the scenery.
  • Trekking poles (included in the tour, but you can bring your own if you prefer).

Frequently Asked Questions about the Palcoyo Tour

Palcoyo is located in the Canchis province, about a 3-hour drive from Cusco. It sits at 4,200 meters above sea level in the Andes Mountain Range.

The tour lasts approximately 10 to 11 hours. It starts around 6:30 a.m. and ends near 5:00 p.m. in Cusco.

The hike to Palcoyo is easy to moderate. The trail is short (about 30 minutes) with gentle slopes, ideal for those looking for a less demanding option than Vinicunca.

Yes, the tour includes lunch at a local restaurant in Cusipata after visiting Palcoyo.

No prior trekking experience is necessary. It is an accessible hike for most travelers, as long as they are acclimated to the altitude.

The best time is from April to November (dry season), as the trails are in better condition and the skies clearer for panoramic views.

It is recommended to bring layered warm clothing, comfortable shoes, rain poncho, water, snacks, sunscreen, hat, gloves, and a camera.

No, horses are not available for rent at Palcoyo since the trail is short and easily accessible.

Yes, you will have a professional bilingual guide (Spanish/English) who will provide information about the local culture, geography, and traditions.

Yes, Palcoyo is an excellent option for families with children, seniors, or travelers who prefer a short and less demanding hike.

PAYMENT METHODS

The agency requires a 50% deposit of the total cost of the contracted services. This deposit can be made through any of the authorized payment methods. The remaining balance must be paid 15 days before your arrival in Peru.

OPTION A: BANK TRANSFER

If you choose this option, please increase the deposit amount by $24 (bank commission). This is the fee our bank charges for each international transfer.

Accounts in US Dollars and Soles:

OPTION B: PAYMENT LINK (CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS)

We accept all major credit and debit cards through our secure payment link system. A 5% commission will be applied to the total tour amount. You will receive a secure payment link from one of our representatives.

OPTION C: INTERNATIONAL TRANSFER

OPTION D: DIGITAL WALLET

If you choose this option, please increase the deposit amount by $24 (bank commission).

  • Bank: BCP
  • Account in Soles: 420-3005150123
  • CCI Soles: 00342000300515012374
  • Account in USD: 420-3005951869
  • CCI USD: 00342000300595186973
  • SWIFT Code: BINPPEPL
  • Account Holder: JULIAN PEREZ CONCHA

We accept all major cards via payment link. A 5% commission applies to the total amount.

  • Beneficiary: JULIAN PEREZ CONCHA
  • ID (DNI): 25318323
  • City: Cusco - Peru
  • Holder: SHEYLA PEREZ AYNA
  • Phone: +51 974 550 926

Travel associations and certifications

Contacto

Find us

Calle Nueva Baja 585, Primer Piso Oficina 1,
Cusco, Cusco, Perú

📞 +51 968 163 793

✉ sales@vicunaexpeditions.com

Contacto
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Tour Information

Maximum Altitude: 4,900 m.a.s.l.

Duration: Full Day

Group Size: Minimum 2 people

Physical Level: Moderate

Travel Style: Adventure / Nature

Type of Accommodation: Not included

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