Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour
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Explore the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour from Cusco
Experience our Alternative Rainbow Mountain tour in Peru. Unlike the typical Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain tour crowded with hundreds of tourists, this Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain tour offers the opportunity to see three different rainbow mountains. With minimal trekking required, witness the breathtaking, vibrant-colored mountains without the need for extensive hiking and crowds.
Embark on a breathtaking day hike to the stunning painted hills of the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountains in the Peruvian Andes. This adventure offers a blend of colorful landscapes, snow-capped peaks, and encounters with llamas and alpacas. Your local private guide will lead you to marvel at the natural and fascinating colors of the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain.
This is not the classic tour to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain where you will be standing along with hundreds of other tourists waiting to get the best photo without people on it. This is the alternative rainbow mountain tour where you will not only see “one” but three Rainbow Mountains. Besides, the hike is only 1 hour (1.5 km/0.9 miles each way) instead of the 2-hour hike on the classic one.
Are you planning to see the Classic Rainbow Mountains but you are NOT prepared for a challenging hike? No problem! The Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain tour is a perfect option as you only hike for 45 min. to the viewpoint and see the colored mountains. It is a great option for those who want to see the beauty of the Andes Mountains without the crowds and the difficulty of the classic Rainbow Mountain hike.
Why you will love this tour
- Escape the Crowds and experience the alternative Rainbow Mountains of Palccoyo with a local guide
- Unlike the standard bus tours to Rainbow Mountain, we prioritize the safety of our customers by offering an exclusive private tour. This ensures that our knowledgeable guide can provide individual attention and assistance if needed, especially regarding altitude sickness.
- Explore the stunning beauty of the 3 Rainbow Mountains on an easy 45-minute hike.
- If you are not prepared for a hard hike, this is the best option to see the rainbow mountains
- Visit a lesser-known Rainbow Mountain than the classic Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. It is a perfect destination to enjoy the solitude of the Andes away from large crowds.
- Stroll through the fascinating Rock Forest and enjoy breathtaking views of the red valley and Ausangate mountain
- Experience a personal and flexible private guided tour to the Rainbow Mountains. Go at your own pace while enjoying the scenery. You will be able to talk to your guide and ask questions and be involved during the tour.
- Capture Instagram-worthy views of the colorful Rainbow Mountain, we know the best spots for photos.
Trip Details
- Tour Type: Private Tour basis
- Tour duration: Full-day tour
- Activities: Hiking, culture, and nature
- Meeting location: Your hotel lobby in Cusco. We can also depart from Hotels in Urubamba
- Pick-up time: At 7.00 am from your hotel in Cusco
- Good For: Those with a sense of adventure and in good hiking shape
- Physical rating: Easy to Moderate due to the altitude of the trail
- Consideration: Please make sure you are acclimatized to Cusco’s altitude before you set off on this hike and bring comfortable shoes – lots of walking around.
- Hiking time: 2 -3 hours including the Rock Forest
- Customizable? Yes! Custom, add-ons are also available. You can add this tour to any trek or multi-day tour
ITINERARY
Full Day Tour from Cusco
Pickup time from your Hotel will be @7:00 AM and we start the day’s adventure with a 3.5 Hours drive to the trailhead (3,800 m.a.s.l) Enjoy a stunning car ride, as you reach the Alternative Rainbow Rainbows near the town of Palccoyo.
From the trailhead, you will walk about 30 – 40 minutes to reach the viewpoint of the Tres Rainbows. Take your time and enjoy the views around you, as this is a leisurely day to enjoy the scenery.
These recently discovered colored mountains, are a perfect option for those wanting to avoid the massive crowds in the Classic Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain and experience High Mountain and the remote beauty of the painted hills without the strenuous hiking. This is also an excellent option for families with children.
Stone forest (optional)
If you feel comfortable with the altitude and you are adventurous, we can hike another 10 minutes to the Stone forest to get an even better view of the beauty around you. You will see beautiful rock formations once you get to the top. The trail is switchbacked and steep. But the view from the top is amazing. You will see Ausangate Mountain in the distance and all 3 Rainbow Mountains.
After some free time, we will start our descent to the trailhead and enjoy a deserved Lunch and then we will return to Cusco.
Note on the Itinerary
While we make every effort to follow the schedule outlined above, please note that this itinerary is subject to change due to various factors beyond our control. These factors may include strikes, political unrest, local festivals, severe weather conditions, and site closures during certain hours due to regulations beyond the control of Cusco Local Friend. Please note that we cannot be held responsible for any changes or amendments resulting from these circumstances.
In some cases, we may need to modify our original schedule to accommodate these conditions. In such cases, we will offer the best alternative options available to ensure you have a memorable experience.
Included
- Private transportation from/to your hotel in Cusco
- Bilingual Local Friend Tour Guide
- Entrance Tickets to the private land of Rainbow Mountain
- Lunch
- First-aid kit + Oxygen tank.
Not Included
- Water
- Gratuities
Book this Experience
Prices are based on a private service, you decide the size of your group.
What to Expect
* Impressive views, mild to moderate temperatures although kind of glacier wind at the viewpoint of Rainbow Mountain; mostly sunny days during the months of May, June, July, and August; Stops at scenic spots en route; Friendly English-speaking tour guide; Your journey your way!* The Rainbow Mountain tours are subject to weather conditions; the view as in the pictures will depend on the weather and time of year of the visit. Normally the rainy season (December to March) can be foggy and snowy.
* The hike to the top is no joke. Constantly changing weather conditions, combined with high altitude, can be a challenge for experienced hikers. But if done right it’s manageable even for those who don’t hike much.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I pack for this day hike?
- Daypack
- Good hiking Shoes: hiking or Running shoes
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
- Hat and gloves
- Warm clothes, warm fleece, Layers, socks gloves
- Comfortable trousers
- Sun hat and Sunscreen
- Water (in a reusable plastic/metal water containers, or camel bags if possible)
- Personal medication
- Camera(s)
Are the Altitude Sickness will affect me ?
Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a condition that can occur when a person ascends to high altitudes too quickly without proper acclimatization. It typically occurs at altitudes above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) and is caused by a decrease in air pressure and a lower concentration of oxygen in the air.
Symptoms of altitude sickness may include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, difficulty breathing, and sleep disturbance. In severe cases, it can lead to high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) or high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), which are life-threatening conditions.
As Rainbow Mountain in Peru is located at an altitude of over 16,000 feet (5,000 meters), it is likely to experience altitude sickness while hiking there. However, the risk can be minimized by taking the necessary precautions if you follow our recommendations below:
- Make sure you are acclimatized to Cusco’s altitude before you set off on your hike to Rainbow Mountain. This is important to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Rainbow Mountain. We highly recommend spending at least 2 days in Cusco prior to the day trip.
- Also, don’t forget to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated and alleviate altitude sickness. We advise carrying at least 1.5 liters per person and leaving an extra bottle in the van for after the hike.
- Getting enough sleep the night before the hike is crucial, as this is a physically demanding hike. It’s recommended to avoid drinking or partying the night before to ensure you feel your best and enjoy the trip.
- If you experience any symptoms of altitude sickness, it’s important to descend as quickly as possible.
- Lastly, if you plan to visit Machu Picchu the day before your Rainbow Mountain tour, make sure to book an early return train ticket through your travel company.
How about the Weather on this trip ?
Weather is unpredictable, Some days could be sunny with blue sky, while other days foggy, rainy, or snowy. Be prepared for 4 seasons!
* The Rainbow Mountain tours are subject to weather conditions; the view as in the pictures will depend on the weather and time of year of the visit. Normally the rainy season (December to March) can be foggy and snowy.
No matter which month you plan to hike to Rainbow Mountain, make you have adequate clothing including a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. Furthermore, higher elevation also means colder so be prepared for a chilly day during the Rainbow Mountain tour as it gets considerably colder and windier at the top.
Why Travel with us
Local Knowledge & Expertise
It's great to travel with professional experts from the same destination you are going, that's how you get first-hand information. With deep in-country knowledge, We know the ins and outs of all the logistics, we will ensure you can make the most of your time away.
Personalized Experiences
Your time is precious - we know that. Your experience is our top priority. No big bus groups, No flags to follow! Traveling with a private guide and driver you’ll do what you want, when you want with the freedom to change your plans on the fly.
Friendly Local Guides
Great sights don’t make an amazing tour. Great guides do! Our guides don’t read from a script, we give them the freedom to make each tour their own, and your experience unique. We love what we do and it shows. From the moment you arrive, you'll feel the buzz and excitement that Cusco Local Friend to offer.
Exclusive Itineraries
It’s not all about the destination, it’s also about the journey. We offer only the best itineraries and tours. As local experts, we know first-hand what tours or experiences are the ones that most travelers enjoy and request. Escape the crowds! Never waste any minute, never miss any highlight!
Trip Reviews
Cusco Local Friend has been awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence due to the most consistent 5-star reviews in Cusco, the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu for exceptional levels of service and care.
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