Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Full Day Tour from Cusco with Breakfast and Lunch
by Palcoyo Tours
Overview
The main highlight is a short hike at Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain, where visitors see three colorful mountains with natural mineral stripes. The trail is about 1.5 kilometers and takes around 40 minutes to walk at a gradual incline, suitable for most fitness levels. At the top, around 4,900 meters, there are wide views of the Andes and possibly llamas grazing. This full-day bus tour lasts about 10 to 13 hours. It begins early with pickup from hotels in Cusco around 4:00 a.m., followed by a drive south through the highlands. After about 1.5 hours, there is a traditional Andean breakfast at a local restaurant. Then the group continues to the Palcoyo trailhead near Cusipata at 4,800 meters elevation, where the hike starts. After the Palcoyo hike, there is an optional visit to the Stone Forest, a site of unusual rock formations shaped by wind and erosion. The guide explains local stories connected to these formations. From a viewpoint here, visitors can see the Ausangate Glacier, the highest peak in the Cusco region. The tour then returns via the same trail to the vehicle. On the way back to Cusco, the group stops in a village for a traditional Andean lunch with regional dishes like soups, potatoes, and stews. The tour ends near Cusco’s main square around 4:30 p.m. Round-trip transportation is provided in a modern tourist vehicle, along with a bilingual English-Spanish guide. Included are walking sticks, first aid kits, and oxygen cans. Entrance fees to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain are not included.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Cusco
The tour starts early around 4:00 a.m. with departure from Cusco by tourist transport. The drive heads south through Andean highlands, passing quiet villages and mountain views. After roughly 1.5 hours, the group stops at a local restaurant for a traditional breakfast before continuing.
180 min
Cusipata
Arrival at the Palcoyo trailhead at approximately 4,800 meters altitude. The group begins a 1.5-kilometer hike lasting about 40 minutes along a gradual incline suitable for most fitness levels. Along the trail, visitors see the three Palcoyo Rainbow Mountains with vivid mineral colors including reds, greens, yellows, and oranges. At the highest point around 4,900 meters, there are panoramic views of the Andes and occasional sightings of llamas.
180 min
Stone Forest (optional)
Next is an optional visit to the nearby Stone Forest, featuring tall rock formations sculpted by wind erosion. The guide shares local myths about these unique shapes. From here, there is a viewpoint offering views of the distant Ausangate Glacier, the highest peak in the Cusco region.
60 min
Cusco
After the Stone Forest, the group returns by the same trail to the vehicle for the descent. On the way back to Cusco, there is a stop in a local village for a traditional Andean lunch with dishes such as soups, potatoes, stews, and vegetables. The tour concludes around 4:30 p.m. near Cusco’s main square.
240 min
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
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