Alternative Rainbow Mountain Trek to Palccoyo is one of the popular day tours in Cusco. If high altitude trekking is not your thing then you must consider the alternative Rainbow Mountain Palccoyo full day tour.
Also known as Montaña de siete colores, the seven colored mountains are so popular that they are just next in list to Machu Picchu. Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain was discovered early in 2016 when the dense snow started melting. It soon became a popular attraction in the Cusco region.
Palccoyo however, is fairly newer. This is perfect for those looking for an easier option to visit the hidden gem. Unlike the trek to Vinicunca, visiting Palccoyo is relatively easier. The trip starts at a reasonable hour of the day. It does not involve any long and arduous hikes.
We drive you to 4900 metres, where the trek begins. It’s just a 200 metres hike from there.
The full day trip also takes you to the remote Andean village known as Checacupe. It houses a suspended colonial rope bridge similar to Q’eswchaka. The trek goes through the Stone Forest or Bosque de Piedras which are a unique sight in the Andes.
Rainbow Mountains are a part of the Andes Mountains of Peru. It is subject to two seasons: rainy season and dry season. The best time to experience the most of this hidden gem is during the dry season which is from April to November.
The highest point of Palccoyo is at 5100 metres above sea level. We highly recommend you to spend at-least 2 days acclimatizing in Cusco to avoid altitude sickness.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
0700 AM
At 0700 AM, we will be picking you up from your hotel in Cusco. Then in our private transport we will be embarking on a drive to the South of Cusco.
We will stop in a colonial town called Checacupe. It houses a beautiful colonial church which dominates the main square. There is also a suspended rope bridge which was built during the Spanish era. It is somewhat identical to Qeswachaka.
Here you can also use the toilets and buy some snacks and water if needed.
Then along a route blessed with natural beauty, we will drive up to 4900 metres above sea level. This is the starting point of the Alternative Rainbow Mountain Trek.
From the car park, it is a 45 minutes hike up the hill to the summit of the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain. On our way up, we will be passing through the picturesque stone forest.
