Details
What’s better than one Rainbow Mountain? The three rainbow mountains of Palccoyo! This alternative route offers a lighter, less strenuous hike, without the crowds competing for photos. If you’re craving spectacular, remote scenery, join us for a one-day tour to experience the vibrant colors of Palccoyo in an unforgettable hike that feels like you have the whole place to yourself.
On this guided tour, you’ll visit Checacupe, famous for its historic bridges from the Inca, colonial, and republican eras. Afterward, enjoy a relaxed hour-and-a-half hike to see all three colorful peaks of Palccoyo. At your own pace, you’ll ascend to 4,900 meters, where you’ll take in stunning views of the sacred Ausangate, the highest snow-capped peak in Cusco. You’ll also feel a profound sense of tranquility as you walk through the Vilcanota mountain range’s unique Rock Forest, surrounded by pristine silence. Experience this journey and immerse yourself in history, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty.
Departure & Return Location
Cusco hotel transfer
Departure Time
4:00 AM
Price Includes
Price Excludes
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco - Checacupe - Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain
Your adventure begins at 4:00 a.m. with a hotel pickup in our private transport. After a two-hour drive, we’ll arrive in the village of Checacupe, where you’ll explore its iconic bridges from three distinct eras: the Inca hanging bridge, a colonial bridge, and a republican bridge. Checacupe is also known for its historic church and its role in Peru’s fight for independence, where the hero Tupac Amaru II made his last stand.
After another hour and a half, we’ll reach the village of Palccoyo and continue to the starting point of the hike. From here, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the vibrant Palccoyo Mountain. The hike to the viewpoint is a gentle 50-minute walk at your own pace, where you’ll spot alpacas grazing in the distance and may even be greeted by locals with their friendly alpacas, often adorned with colorful decorations.
Once at the viewpoint, you’ll be amazed by the sight of the three rainbow mountains that make up Palccoyo. Here, you’ll have time to soak in the views of the stunning landscape and gaze upon the imposing Ausangate (6,372 meters / 20,900 feet). You’ll also get a view of the Red Valley and catch a glimpse of the Blood River, formed by the area’s unique red sediments. Next, we’ll visit the nearby Rock Forest, a geological wonder shaped by millions of years of glacial activity, providing the perfect spot for a memorable photo.
To wrap up the experience, we’ll enjoy an open-air meal against the backdrop of these magnificent mountains before returning to Cusco, where we’ll drop you off at your hotel.
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