Cusco: Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain 1-Day Trekking Trip

Tucked away in the stunning Andes Mountains, the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain near Cusco offers a breathtaking natural wonder that has captivated adventurous travelers from around the world. This one-day trekking excursion promises an immersive experience, where visitors can witness the vibrant, multicolored landscape and explore the enchanting Forest of Colorful Stones. With a challenging hike to the mountain’s peak at an altitude of 4,900 meters, this tour caters to those seeking an exhilarating outdoor adventure amidst the region’s unique geological formations. As the latest must-see destination in Peru, Palccoyo’s allure extends far beyond its striking visual appeal, inviting visitors to uncover the captivating stories that lie within this natural wonder.

Key Points

• A 12-hour excursion from Cusco to the multicolored Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain, priced at $40 per person.
• Includes scenic transfer, breakfast, 1-hour walk to the mountain, and 2 hours of exploration at an altitude of 4900 meters.
• Not suitable for children under 13, those with mobility issues, or individuals over 60, requiring physical fitness.
• Essential items include sunscreen, warm clothing, and comfortable shoes, with acclimatization in Cusco recommended.
• Overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 79 reviews, with the long, bumpy ride to the trailhead as a noted downside.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

Originating from the vibrant city of Cusco, the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain 1-Day Trekking Trip offers adventurers a chance to witness the stunning multicolored landscape of the Andes.

Priced from $40.00 per person, this 12-hour excursion takes travelers to an altitude of 4900 meters, where the Palccoyo Mountain’s mineral-rich soil creates a rainbow effect.

Departing Cusco between 4-5 am, the journey includes a scenic transfer to the starting point, a hearty breakfast, and a leisurely 1-hour walk to the main attraction.

Visitors can then explore the breathtaking mountain and the nearby "Forest of Colorful Stones" before returning to Cusco in the late afternoon.

Itinerary

The day begins with an early pickup from 4 am to 5 am in Cusco.

Travelers are then transferred to Checacupe, arriving around 7 am, where they enjoy breakfast.

Next, a bus takes them to the Palcoyo community, arriving around 10 am.

From there, it’s a 1-hour walk to reach the stunning Palccoyo Mountain.

Visitors have 2 hours of free time to explore the rainbow-colored landscape.

They then walk 10 minutes to the Forest of Colorful Stones, spending 40 minutes there before returning to the Palcoyo community.

After a buffet lunch, the group departs for Cusco, arriving at Plaza Kusipata around 5 pm to conclude the 12-hour adventure.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup, tourist transport, a professional guide, breakfast and lunch, and a walking stick.

Entrance tickets to Palccoyo (15 soles) and Checacupe bridge (10 soles) are also covered. However, the cost of alcohol and drugs isn’t included.

Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 13, people with mobility impairments, or those over 60.

Travelers are advised to bring sunscreen, warm clothing, and comfortable shoes, and to allow for at least one day of acclimatization before the trek.

Preparation and Recommendations

Travelers are advised to bring essential items like sunscreen, warm clothing, and comfortable shoes to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience on the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain trekking trip.

Proper acclimatization is also crucial, as the trek reaches an altitude of 4900 meters. It’s recommended to spend at least one day in Cusco prior to the trek to allow the body to adapt to the higher elevation.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 13, people with mobility impairments, or those over 60, due to the strenuous nature of the hike.

• Sunscreen
• Warm clothing
• Comfortable shoes
• Minimum 1 day of acclimatization in Cusco

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Customer Reviews

Customers who’ve experienced the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain trekking trip have provided mixed reviews. The tour has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 79 reviews.

Travelers praise the stunning natural beauty of the multicolored mountain but note the long, bumpy ride to reach the trailhead. While the guide is informative, some customers feel they could provide more insights.

The included meals are adequate but could use improvement. Despite these minor drawbacks, the majority of reviewers consider the tour good value for money and a worthwhile adventure.

With careful preparation and realistic expectations, the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain trek offers a unique and memorable experience.

Transportation and Accessibility

A significant portion of the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain trekking trip involves transportation.

The tour includes hotel pickup from Cusco, followed by a 2-hour transfer to Checacupe at an altitude of 3,400 meters. From there, a bus takes travelers to the Palcoyo community, a journey of around 2.5 hours.

The return trip follows the same route, with the total travel time from Cusco to the mountain and back again taking approximately 5 hours.

The transportation is described as a "long, bumpy ride," but the rewarding views at the destination make the journey worthwhile.

The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments, as it requires walking for at least an hour.

• Hotel pickup from Cusco
• 2-hour transfer to Checacupe (3,400 m)
• 2.5-hour bus transfer to Palcoyo community
• 5-hour total travel time from Cusco to the mountain and back

Booking and Payment

How does one book and pay for the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain trekking trip?

The tour can be booked directly through tour operators in Cusco, many of which offer online booking and payment options. Prices start from $40 per person.

To secure a spot, travelers must pay a deposit, typically around 50% of the total cost. The remaining balance is usually due a few days before the tour date.

Payment can be made via credit/debit card or local bank transfer. It’s recommended to book in advance, as spots tend to fill up quickly, especially during peak season.

Travelers should carefully review the inclusions, exclusions, and cancellation policies before making their reservation.

Additional Information

Trekkers can expect a challenging yet rewarding experience on the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain tour. The remote mountain setting at an altitude of 4,900 meters offers stunning, multicolored vistas, but the trek requires a good level of fitness and acclimatization.

Key considerations include:

• Strenuous 1-hour hike to the mountain viewpoint
• Potential for altitude sickness due to high elevation
• Not recommended for children under 13, mobility-impaired, or elderly individuals
• Proper preparation with warm clothing, sun protection, and hiking poles is essential

While the long bus ride to the starting point can be bumpy, the payoff of witnessing Palccoyo’s mesmerizing geological formations makes the effort worthwhile for adventurous travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food on the Trek?

Guests can bring their own snacks and lunch on the trek, but a buffet lunch is already included in the tour package. It’s best to check with the tour operator about any restrictions on outside food.

Are There Any Age or Health Restrictions?

The tour is not suitable for children under 13, people with mobility impairments, or those over 60. Participants must be able to walk for 1 hour at high altitude to reach the Palccoyo Mountain.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The tour has a flexible cancellation policy – travelers can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour and receive a full refund. A 50% refund is available for cancellations within 24 hours of the start time.

Do I Need to Book in Advance or Can I Just Show Up?

Customers can book the tour in advance to secure their spot, but they can also show up on the day of the tour. It’s recommended to book ahead to ensure availability, especially during peak seasons.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes That I Should Be Aware Of?

There are no additional fees or taxes that travelers should be aware of besides the entrance fees for Palccoyo (15 soles) and Checacupe bridge (10 soles). The tour package includes all other necessary costs like transportation and meals.

Recap

The Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain trekking tour offers a breathtaking adventure for nature enthusiasts. With a scenic transfer, hearty breakfast, and challenging hike to the multicolored landscape, the experience promises to be unforgettable. The inclusive entrance fees and meals make this a convenient and budget-friendly day trip from Cusco. Travelers can explore the enchanting Forest of Colorful Stones and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the region.

You can check if your dates are available here: