Palccoyo Mountains Tour- Alternative to the traditional Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

Activity summary

Discover the secrets of the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain and more in this Tour made for you.

The Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour is a new route that will surprise more than one. The private service route includes a short and less demanding hike, compared to the excursion to the Rainbow Mountain or Vinicunca mountain. In this wonderful itinerary you will appreciate rock formations, views of the Ausangate mountain and you will have the opportunity to know beautiful jewels of history: The Colonial and Pre-Inca bridges in the district of Checacupe.

Enjoy this incredible adventure to the picturesque colors of Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain.
The walk on this route is designed for beginners, compared to the requirement of the excursion to the Rainbow Mountain tour (Vinicunca).
Alternative route to this is Cerro Colorado, with much less influx of people so that you can capture the best images in a more intimate experience.

As part of the private tour, you have the opportunity to add additional services, such as choosing a delicious lunch by a private professional chef in the mountains; adapt the schedule and enjoy the tour with your private group and our professional guide.

Itinerary

Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour Itinerary:

05:00 – 09:00: Pick up from hotel – Transport to Checacupe

The adventure starts very early when a representative of Guru Explorers picks you up at the hotel between 5:00 am and 6:00 am. (the schedule can be adjusted at the group’s request) Begin the transfer to the small Andean town of Checacupe (South of Cusco) where you enjoy the architecture, contrast, beauty and history of three historic bridges: the Inca, the Colonial and the Republican or Modern. In this magical town you can buy some last-minute items such as drinks, sandwiches, sunscreen, rain poncho, among others need items. Then, you will have breakfast at a rural restaurant.

09:00 – 11:30: Explore the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain

After connecting with the history and architecture of this friendly town, continue the 60-minute drive to base camp. Upon arrival, the short and gradual uphill walk begins (1 hour approx.) To Paso Palcoyo or Palccoyo (4880 m / 16,000 ft).

The gratifying panoramic view of the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and the spectacular peaks of Palcoyo will satisfy your senses. You can also see the highest mountain in the Cusco region, the Ausangate; as well as the Stone Forest at the highest point. You will enjoy an hour in the majestic Andean nature to take with you the most pleasant photographic memories and the feeling of recharging your energies from this place.

12:00 – 14:00: Return and Lunch in Cusipata

To return we take the same path to the base camp, for the transfer in our private transport and return to Cusipata, where the exquisite freshly prepared buffet lunch awaits you at a rural restaurant.

15:00 – 17:00: Cusipata – Return to Cusco

After recharging, we return in our private transport to Cusco, where we say goodbye at your Lodge or Plaza “Regocijo” (One block away from the Plaza de Armas in Cusco) around 5:00 p.m.

A goodbye will be the perfect occasion to invite you to explore a new destination with Guru Explorers, because life is all about discovering new sensations and emotions.

Include

Price of the Rainbow Mountain Tour includes:

Departure from the lodging in the historic center of Cusco.
Return to your hotel in the Historic Center of the city.
Entrance ticket to the Checacupe and Palcoyo Mountain bridges
Professional guide in English, Spanish, Portuguese (ask for availability for these or other languages).
Buffet breakfast and Lunch at a rural restaurant (vegetarian and vegan options available upon request). Being a rural area, the restaurant standards will be more basic compared to those in a city.
Trekking or hiking pole (on request).
Oxygen bottle available with the guide upon request in case of emergency.

Not included

Price of the Rainbow Mountain Tour excludes:

Transfer from hotels outside the city of Cusco (for private tours, ask for extra costs to pick up from the Sacred Valley or other places).
Tips for the guide.
Beverages.
Food not specified in the itinerary.

Recommendations

What to bring to the Palccoyo Mountain Hike?

Comfortable and optimal footwear for walks, warm jacket, caps or hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, bottles of water, clothing or rain poncho (especially between November – April).
Passport or DNI.
Travel insurance.
Devices for audiovisual recording (cell phone, camera, camcorders)
Cash (Local currency / Soles (S/.)

Considerations

What considerations should you have when taking the Rainbow Mountain Tour:

The streets of the city are narrow, an aspect that limits vehicular access to certain places; in this case the guide will suggest a nearby point to pass looking for you and enjoy the tour.
This tour is not recommended for children under 10 years of age.
It is important that you enjoy at least two days in Cusco before doing the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Treck, only then will your body be adapted to the height of the region.
Remember that, since these are outdoor activities, the natural features of the landscape may vary depending on weather conditions and the natural daylight. Each visit is an authentic experience, where nature reveals itself in unique and unrepeatable ways.

Not recommended for:

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

Terms and conditions

According to Peruvian regulations, foreign tourists may be exempt from the local tax IGV (VAT). As a formal and registered travel agency, we are required to submit to the local authorities a copy of the document you used to enter the country, as well as your date of entry. For this reason, a few days before your arrival, we will contact you to request a photo of that document and ask you to let us know the date you entered Peru. If we do not receive this information, we will be required to add the 18% corresponding to the IGV tax.

Thank you for your cooperation!

Cancellation Policy

More than 30 days in advance: Penalty is 20% of the total amount
Between 7 and 30 days in advance: Penalty is 40% of the total amount
Less than 7 days in advance: Penalty is 100% of the total amount

Date changes

More than 30 days in advance: Penalty is 5% of the total amount
Between 7 and 30 days in advance: Penalty is 10% of the total amount
Less than 7 days in advance: Penalty is 100% of the total amount
Subject to availability.
There will be no refunds in case of delayed flights, train delays, bad weather, or other external factors.

Force Majeure Policy

Guru Explorers values your time and makes every effort to follow the itinerary. However, it may be affected by force majeure events such as weather conditions, rain, natural disasters, protests, roadblocks, or other circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, no refunds or compensation will be provided, as these are unforeseeable and unavoidable situations. Nonetheless, we will do everything possible to offer efficient alternatives and solutions for your enjoyment. Any additional costs resulting from changes or alternative activities will be the responsibility of the client and not Guru Explorers.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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 duration of this hike is about two to two and a half hours round trip.

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 advantages does the tour to the 7 Colors Mountain of Palcoyo have vs the traditional 7 Colors Mountain?

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

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.