Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain with Picnic Tour (small groups)

Itinerary of the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour with Picnic:

6:30-8:00 hs Pick up - Transfer to Checacupe

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up at 6:30 a.m. to start the trip to Checacupe. We will stop to visit its picturesque bridge and the village, where you will have the opportunity to learn about local customs.

8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Transfer and Tour Palccoyo and Stone Forest

After visiting the town of Checacupe, a 1:30 hour trip to Palccoyo is undertaken, arriving at the destination between 9:30 and 10 am. Once there, you will take a two-hour hike through the mountain, reaching its highest point (5000 meters above ground level). Here you will be able to appreciate spectacular panoramic views, where you will find the Ausangate and the Rainbow Mountain. Once that's concluded, you will have the optional visit to the stone forest.

12:30 hs-5:00 hs Departure from Palccoyo and Picnic

At noon we will return to the transportation station and take a half hour ride to the edge of a river. Here we will have a picnic enjoying the spectacular mountain postcards. We will stay there between 45 and 60 minutes approximately just to return to Cusco around 5:00 pm.

The tour is highly recommended between March and December if you are looking for a quieter and less visited place. The hikes are short (45 minutes one way). Therefore, it is not necessary to make too much physical effort.

The price of the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour with Picnic includes: 

• Pick up from hotel in Cusco
• English speaking guide.
• Private transportation to/from Cusco.
• Entrance fees.
• Box lunch with picnic
• Thermal blankets in the car.
• Bag of coca leaves and sweets.
• First aid kit and oxygen bottle.

The price of the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour with Picnic does not include:

• Meals not described in the itinerary
• Souvenirs.
• Tips for the guide and driver (Voluntary contribution).

What to bring for the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour with Picnic?

• Backpack (about 30-40 liters)
• Long sleeve shirt
• Trekking shoes
• Thermal layers
• Waterproof trekking pants
• Hat.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Cash for extras
• Rain ponchos.
• Water bottle
• Camera

Considerations for the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour with Picnic:

• The seating arrangement on the transport is random, based on the order of arrival and pickup.
• The streets of the city are narrow, which limits vehicular access to certain places; in this case the guide will suggest a nearby point to pass by looking for you and enjoy the tour.
• This tour is not recommended for children under 10 years old.
• It is important that you enjoy a few days in Cusco before doing the tour of Palcoyo, an alternative to the Traditional Rainbow Mountain. This is the only way your body will be adapted to the altitude of the region.
• Due to environmental, climatic or other factors beyond our control, the itinerary of the trip may vary. If so, we will notify you in a timely manner.
• Guru Explorers value your time and strive to respect the tour schedule; however, it may vary for reasons beyond our control (weather, natural disasters, field conditions, among other demonstrable reasons). We will do our best to offer efficient options and solutions for your enjoyment.

Not Allowed:

• Pets.
• Smoke.
• Large suitcases or bags.

Not recommended for:

• People with heart problems, back problems, asthma or high blood pressure.
• People in wheelchairs.
• Pregnant women.

Cancellation Policy:

• With 3 days or less notice, there will be no reimbursement.
• Between 4 and 7 days’ notice, 70% reimbursement.
• More than 7 days, 90% will be reimbursed.

Date changes:

• Fees applied for change of date in private tours:
  • There will be no extra charge if notified more than 5 days in advance.
  • If notified between 3 and 5 days in advance, an additional charge of 20% will apply.
  • If notified 2 days or less in advance, it will not be possible to make the change and will not be subject to reimbursement.
• There will be no refund in case of delayed flights, train delays, bad weather or other external factors.

We want to be part of the experience that you will live in the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour with Picnic.

If you are still wondering why choose us, we would like you to read 7 outstanding features of our service:

1.  QUALITY: When you go to a teacher, it is because you want to answer all the questions. When it comes to travel, money, time and enjoyment there is a lot to solve and that's what Guru Explorers is all about, giving you the perfect balance for the adventure you DESERVE.
2.  EXPERIENCE: To become Guru Explorers, we are still world travelers, but experts in Cusco, Lima, and the most important destinations in Peru. We experienced bad and good experiences, finding that in the details is the difference, that's why we know what elements are essential for your trip, we are travelers and we strive to enhance your experience!
3.  TRANSPARENCY: We are here to provide you with the best information and description of our tours. We are not in favor of hidden costs. We provide the necessary information so you can choose the inclusions or upgrades you are looking for.
4.  SAFETY: You trust us with your time, your money and your expectations and that is why we fine-tune every detail to guarantee the trip you dream of.
5.  FLEXIBILITY: Although we have pre-established packages; we adapt to your needs and make tailor-made plans for you to visit any place in Peru, with the expertise of a Guru Explorers. We adapt trips for special occasions such as your corporate travel, honeymoon, birthday, social, cultural or sporting event in your visit to Peru, offering you complete advice to achieve and exceed your expectations.
6.  PASSION: Before being tour guides, we are travelers, explorers, adventurers; that makes us passionate about creating the best experiences in the time you invest for you and those you love.
7.  SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: We promote Responsible and Sustainable Tourism without affecting the traveler, nor exploiting the communities that receive us or their environment. We create experiences that are more humane and respectful of heritage.

Want a different trip to Cusco? We won't keep you waiting!

How difficult is the route to the Rainbow Mountain of Palcoyo?

At Guru Explorers we rate it as average. This route is a great alternative for those who do not feel capable of doing the Walk to the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca); it is not as challenging as it is less steep.

Take into account that all walks in Cusco can be considered demanding due to the height. It is recommended to be acclimatized a couple of days before taking this tour.

How long is the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike?

The average time for this walk is two to three hours roundway.

What advantages does the tour to the Colors Mountain of Palcoyo have vs the traditional Colors Mountain?

• Number of tourists: the traditional Rainbow Mountain or Vinicunca, counts a large number of visitors daily; while Rainbow Mountain of Palcoyo, has much smaller groups.The traditional Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) has become a super important and demanding attraction at a regional level and is promoted by many influencers on social networks.
• Length and difficulty of the walk: the route to the Rainbow Mountain of Palcoyo is easier and shorter; the classic Rainbow Mountain or Vinicunca is steeper and more extensive.

How is the weather in the Rainbow Mountain of Palcoyo?

It should be taken in consideration that the coldest period is between May and October, and the rainiest months are between November and April. However, the weather and altitude can be unpredictable, ranging from sunny, windy, coldy and even rainy from one moment to the next. We suggest you always be prepared with the equipment for all weather conditions. The sun is usually intense during the morning and part of the afternoon and the temperature can rapidly decrease from -5 to 18 ° C.

What luggage should I bring?

As it is a full day trip, you are not allowed to carry large suitcases or bags. However, you can carry a backpack with basic items such as water, camera, cap or hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, among others needed items.

What is the difference between group service and private service?

The main difference between Group and Private service is the type of experience provided. In the first one you share the experience with a small group of passengers, all departing from Cusco and being picked up at their respective lodgings. In the second one the service is personalized and you have the option of leaving earlier, to avoid other groups of tourists. Also, in private, the tour will be done at your own pace and you can customize the experience on special occasions: birthdays, anniversaries, family trips, among others.