Private Palccoyo Rainbow Hike Without the Crowds

Recommended by 99% of travelers

Cusco, Peru

12 hours (approx.)
Pickup offered
Group discounts
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Peru's Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain is one of the most well-known destinations around Cuzco. Travelers on this full-day tour to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain take in a less-visited alternative that also features a mountain dramatically marked by distinct naturally-occurring bands of color. Some travelers also find the hike to Palccoyo shorter and less steep than the hike to Vinicunca.

Get off the beaten path
Hassle-free pickup from Cuzco hotels
Avoid crowds with a maximum of 8 people
Stay energized with breakfast and buffet lunch included

What's Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Professional local tour guide
Hiking poles, first-aid kit & oxygen
Breakfast
Lunch
Hike with alpaca or llama from the local community (depends on availability)
Modified transportation for a more comfortable experience to avoid any back problems
Tour with private guide (only for tours booked after 3.11.2025; tours booked before are group tours)

Entrance fee - Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain

PEN15.00 per person
Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

You will be picked up from your hotel/hostel/Airbnb (if it's close to the Cusco city center). IMPORTANT: After you made your reservation, please send us immediately via the TripAdvisor messenger the pickup location and food preferences. This messenger will be available within your booking confirmation.

Operating hours
.3:45 am

Itinerary

Cusco

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain

3 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included

Cusco

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate

Minimum age is 12 years (due to the altitude)
Bring your backpack, a rain cape and layers of clothes so you'll be warm and prepared for every kind of weather
Take gloves, a hat, hiking shoes + an extra pair of socks with you (in case of snow) and if you want to you can bring hiking poles as well
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, some cash and snacks
Be in Cusco min. 24 h before the start of the tour to get used to the altitude
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

5.0

based on 86 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

A lovely walk in Palcoyo

Pauline_S, Dec 2025

We had a fantastic time exploring Palcoyo, thanks to our experienced guide, Jesús Carrion. The tour started promptly, and Jesús took great care of us throughout the day. Although the walk to Palcoyo, also known as the alternative Rainbow Mountain, was relatively easy and moderate, the high altitude of 4900m caused my husband to feel short of breath. Jesús made a concerted effort to ensure his well-being while also keeping an eye on the rest of the group. Compared to Vinicunca, Palcoyo was noticeably less crowded, and it offered breathtaking views of three rainbow mountains, the red valley, and the stone forest. Unfortunately, we had to skip the stone forest due to my husband's condition. Nevertheless, we thoroughly enjoyed the walk and appreciated Jesús' guidance.

Response from Host, Dec 2025

Thank you so much for your thoughtful review, Pauline! We’re really happy to hear that you had such a positive experience exploring Palccoyo and that Jesús took such great care of you throughout the day. It’s great to know that you enjoyed the quieter atmosphere and the stunning views of the rainbow mountains and Red Valley. Thank you again for sharing your experience. Best wishes from our entire Exploor Peru team!