The Rainbow Mountain Alternative

PALCOYO HIKE

Discover the colorful beauty of Palcoyo on a unique tour!

Discover the stunning Palcoyo Mountain, a hidden gem in the Andes near Cusco, Peru, known as the “Alternative Rainbow Mountain.” This full-day tour from Cusco takes you to a breathtaking landscape of vibrant colored striations, far less crowded than Vinicunca but equally mesmerizing. Perfect for nature lovers and photographers, Palcoyo offers mild hiking trails (ideal for all fitness levels) and panoramic views of the Sacred Valley. At Eco Home View, we ensure a small-group with expert local guides who share the cultural and geological wonders of this unique destination.

1.- Early Departure from Cusco (5:00 AM)

Pick-up from Eco Home View Guest House (or your accommodation in Cusco).
Scenic drive through the Andean highlands with stops for breakfast and photo ops.

2. Arrival at Palcoyo (4,700 masl)

Guided 3-hour hike through surreal landscapes of rainbow-colored hills and rock forests.
Visit the iconic Stone Forest and viewpoints overlooking the Ausangate Glacier.

3. Return to Cusco

Lunch at a local restaurant (included).
Drop-off at your hotel by 5:00 PM.

Pro Tip: Acclimatize in Cusco for 2+ days before the tour!

Trip Includes
✔ Round-trip transportation (private van from Cusco).
✔ Professional bilingual guide (Spanish/English).
✔ Breakfast and lunch (traditional Peruvian dishes).
✔ Oxygen tank & first aid kit (for safety).

Not Included:
✖ Travel insurance (recommended).
✖ Any other not mentioned

GALLERY / PHOTOS

Palcoyo the other Rainbow Mountain from Eco Home View Guest House

Most Popular Questions.

Here we answer the most popular questions

Is Palcoyo easier to hike than Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain)?

Yes! Palcoyo is considered the “easy alternative” to Rainbow Mountain. The hike is shorter (1.5–2 hours round-trip) and at a lower altitude (4,700m vs. 5,200m), making it ideal for beginners or those avoiding strenuous climbs.

Do I need to acclimatize before the Palcoyo tour?

We recommend spending 2–3 days in Cusco (3,400m) before the tour to adjust to the altitude. Palcoyo’s elevation (4,700m) can cause mild altitude sickness—stay hydrated and avoid heavy exertion beforehand.

What should I pack for the Palcoyo hike?

Layered clothing (cold mornings, sunny afternoons).
Sturdy hiking shoes (trails can be rocky/muddy).
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses (strong UV at high altitude).
Water & snacks (energy for the hike).

Are there bathrooms or facilities at Palcoyo?

Basic toilets (paid, ~1–2 PEN) are available at the trailhead, but none during the hike. Bring toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

Can children or seniors join the Palcoyo tour?

Yes! Palcoyo is family-friendly due to its gentle trails. However, seniors or travelers with health conditions should consult a doctor before booking.

USD 33.00

USD 30.00

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What people say

GUESTS' VIBES

This by far is my favorite hike of all times. We went with a tour we booked in Cusco. The ride to get there was a super bumpy and dusty 3 hour drive. But so worth it. It was a bit challenging hiking it with the altitude. But we just made many stops to gaze at the out of this world landscape

Very beautiful mountain! Palcoyo Mountain is very beautiful and you can see several colored mountains and a stone forest very close to the mountain

Variety of colorful mountains ♥ We visited the colorful mountain of Palcoyo and they really are several mountains and it is a landscape that I recommend visiting, we were delighted!.

Palcoyo Mountain Tour