Tour from Cusco
Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain
Three rainbow mountains seen from a single viewpoint, with only a 30- to 45-minute walk: the easier alternative to Vinicunca. Includes the Checacupe suspension bridge, breakfast, lunch and a mountain guide.
- We assist you in English on WhatsApp
- English-speaking guides
- Local agency in Cusco since 2003, registered with MINCETUR
Pickup at your lodging in Cusco between 4 and 4:30 a.m.
Explanations in English or Spanish throughout the tour
The three rainbow mountains of Palcoyo, the stone forest and the Checacupe suspension bridge
We confirm your booking in under 2 hours
Three rainbow mountains from a single viewpoint, with only a 30- to 45-minute walk
The Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain tour is the easy-access alternative to Vinicunca: from the viewpoint you see three colorful mountain ranges at once, and the walk takes only 30 to 45 minutes, on a short, gently rising trail. We leave early heading south of Cusco toward Combapata, past local wildlife and high plateau scenery.
At the top, the guide explains how the mineral bands formed and there is time for photos, without the lines or the steep climb of the classic route. On the way back we visit the Checacupe suspension bridge, built in the Quechua tradition, where we have lunch and rest before returning to the city.
It costs US$ 58 per person and includes breakfast and lunch, trekking poles, round-trip transportation from your hotel, a mountain guide and a first-aid kit with an oxygen tank. It is the best option if you do not feel ready for the climb to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), and it works well after the Sacred Valley during your first days in Cusco.
Three rainbow mountains from one viewpoint
Unlike Vinicunca, at Palcoyo you see three colorful mountain ranges from the highest point, with open views over this part of the Andes.
Checacupe suspension bridge
An impressive suspension bridge built in the Quechua tradition to make communication easier across the Inca Empire. A stop on the way back, with lunch and rest.
A short, easy walk
Only 30 to 45 minutes of walking on a short, gentle trail. It is the best option if you want to see rainbow mountains without a big physical effort.
Mountain guide and safety
Professional mountain guide, trekking poles, first-aid kit and an oxygen tank for altitude-related emergencies.
Itinerary
Your full day, step by step: from Cusco to Palcoyo and Checacupe
- 4 – 4:30 a.m. · Pickup at your lodging in CuscoWe leave in tourist transportation heading south of Cusco toward Combapata, enjoying the Andean wildlife and scenery along the way.
- Hearty breakfast on the wayA breakfast stop to get ready for the walk.
- Combapata · Start of the walkAn easy 30- to 45-minute walk to the Palcoyo viewpoint, with your guide.
- Palcoyo rainbow mountainsFrom the highest point you see three colorful mountains. Explanation from your guide and time for photos.
- Checacupe suspension bridgeBack to the vehicle and a visit to the suspension bridge built by the Quechua people, with lunch and a short rest.
- ≈6 p.m. · Return to CuscoDrive back and arrival in the city, where the tour ends.
What's included in your Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain tour?
No surprises and no fine print: here is exactly what the service covers and what you will pay separately on the day of the tour.
1 day (full day), approx. 4:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Up to 5,000 m (16,410 ft) above sea level
Daily predawn departure, pickup between 4 and 4:30 a.m.
English or Spanish
Included
- Full meals: a hearty breakfast and a generous lunch along the route
- ATVs for part of the route (according to the program)
- Trekking poles for extra stability
- Round-trip transportation from your hotel and a professional mountain guide
- First-aid kit and oxygen tank for altitude-related emergencies
Not included
- Entrance fee, paid directly at the community checkpoint (amount subject to local changes)
- Extra snacks and drinks
- Tips
- Personal expenses
Note: the entrance fee is paid directly at the community checkpoint on the day of the tour, and the amount is subject to local changes, so it is not included in the price. We recommend bringing cash in soles.
Frequently asked questions
Here we answer the most common questions so you can book with peace of mind.
Do I need to acclimatize before the Palcoyo tour?
Yes, it is recommended. Although the walk is short and gentle, the tour takes place at high altitude. We recommend spending at least one or two days in Cusco before the tour. Because it takes little physical effort, Palcoyo is usually a good alternative if you do not feel ready for Vinicunca.
How difficult is the tour?
Easy. The walk takes 30 to 45 minutes on a short, gently rising trail. We provide trekking poles, and the guide stays with the group the whole time.
Which tickets do I need to buy separately?
The Palcoyo entrance fee, paid directly at the community checkpoint on the day. The amount is subject to local changes, so bring cash in soles.
What time does it start and how long does it take?
We pick you up at your hotel between 4 and 4:30 a.m., and the tour runs from about 4:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., ending back in Cusco.
What should I bring?
Warm layers and a windbreaker, gloves and a warm hat for the cold early morning, comfortable sneakers or hiking boots, a rain poncho, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, cash in soles for the entrance fee and your passport.
How do booking and payment work?
You can book right on this page by choosing the date and the number of travelers. We confirm your booking in under 2 hours and agree on the exact pickup time with you. If you prefer, you can also message us on WhatsApp before booking. We have English-speaking guides; just let us know if you need one.
What happens if the weather affects the departure?
The tour runs year-round. In the rainy season the trail can get slippery, so bring a rain poncho. If conditions do not allow a safe visit, we agree with you on a date change or the most suitable alternative.
How much does the Palcoyo tour cost?
The price is US$ 58 per person. It includes a hearty breakfast and lunch along the route, ATVs for part of the route according to the program, trekking poles, round-trip transportation from your hotel, a professional mountain guide and a first-aid kit with an oxygen tank. The entrance fee is paid directly at the community checkpoint.
Is Palcoyo easier than Vinicunca?
Much easier. At Palcoyo the walk takes 30 to 45 minutes on a short, gently rising trail, while at Vinicunca the climb reaches 5,000 m and takes 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes each way. Palcoyo is the recommended option if you are traveling with children, if your fitness is limited or if you have only been acclimatizing in Cusco for a few days.
What else do you see besides the rainbow mountains?
From the Palcoyo viewpoint you can see three rainbow mountains at once, and on the way back you visit the Checacupe suspension bridge, built in the Quechua tradition to connect the Inca Empire, where we stop for lunch and a rest.
Ready to book or have a question?
Talk to one of our travel advisors in English. We reply Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Peru time, GMT-5).