Icon_Trek_Hike

Hike to Palcoyo, the Other Rainbow Mountain

overview

Get Off the Beaten Track While Still Discovering the Best of Peru

Palcoyo is another one of Peru’s famous Rainbow Mountains. The difference? It’s more of a rainbow valley with a fraction of the tourists seen by Vinicunca, the more famous trip. You can see why we advise against that trip here.

This one-day hike offers a relatively untaxing hike into the spectacular Vilcanota Mountain range. Boasting views of the Ausangate mountain range and its own rock forest alongside the Rainbow Mountains, a day hiking to Palcoyo is one that will never be considered wasted .

Travelers should give themselves 2 to 3 days to acclimatize before going on this 4km hike.

Did you know: We plant two trees per person, per day that they travel with us- making us the sustainable choice.

 

Trip Highlights
  • See several incredible rainbow mountains
  • Experience these incredible sites without the typical crowds
  • Explore the high altitude rock forest that sits above the mountains.
Included
  • English-speaking guide
  • Transport
  • Box lunch
  • Snacks and drinking water
  • Trekking poles
  • Carbon Positive travel: carbon emissions offset, two native trees planted per person per day
NOT Included
  • Hotels
  • Flights (international or domestic)
  • Tips
  • Travel Insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Personal expenses

This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience waiting for you. You will appreciate the views of the mountain valley, discover different Rainbow Mountains, and lose yourself in the herds of alpacas that call this place home.

Our day starts early, as we pick you up from your accommodation and begin the 3.5-hour drive to Palcoyo. Sit back and watch the mountains roll by, or try to catch a little more sleep as you travel.

Once we arrive in Palcoyo we begin the 2km trek to the mountains (4km in total). On a clear day, you can see the snow-capped peaks of Ausangate, Mariposa, Nevado del Inca and the diversity of this montainous region. At the highest point of the trail, explore the Bosque de Rocas (Rock Forest) with it’s unique formations.

Summary
  • Scenic Drive & Early Start: Begin your day with an early pickup and a 3.5-hour drive to Palccoyo, enjoying mountain views along the way.
  • Rainbow Mountain Trek: Embark on a 4km round-trip trek (2km each way) to discover multiple Rainbow Mountains and observe herds of alpacas.
  • Panoramic Views & Rock Forest: On clear days, admire snow-capped peaks like Ausangate. At the trail’s highest point, explore the unique formations of the Bosque de Rocas (Rock Forest).
Palcoyo Rainbow mountain

Equipment & Packing List

Trekking Kitlist

Important Trip Details

Trip length
1 Day
Difficulty
Moderate
Peak altitude
~4,800m
Season
March to December (Avoid Jan - Feb due to rain)
Trip Availability
Private upon request

See What Past Travelers Have to Say

Palcoyo, Pomacanchis & Waqrapukara 3D

We would like to thank you all for organizing an outstanding and amazing trip for us. It was an absolute highlight in the trip we did through the Sierra. The layout of the trip, the organization, the food, the guide, all really perfect. Thank you very much. Hope to be back in Cusco next year for another adventure. Wish you well and best regards
Herbie & Claudia
Recommendations

Explore More Hiking Trips

Design My Trip
This is the first step. Tell us a bit about what you’re looking for. Whether it’s a family trek, a biking challenge, or something totally off the beaten path. The more details you share, the better we can tailor the experience to you. Someone from our team will be in touch soon to help plan your journey!
Trekking out of Waqrapukara
















    Day ToursPeruvian CultureCultural & Soft AdventureTrekkingBudget Friendly ToursBikingRafting & KayakingSingle Day Rafting TripsFamily ToursMulti-Activity TripsSustainability




    * indicates a required field

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

    Design My Trip

    Every great trip starts with a conversation. Share what excites you about Peru, and we’ll help turn it into an unforgettable journey.
    Palcoyo Rainbow mountain
















      Day ToursPeruvian CultureCultural & Soft AdventureTrekkingBudget Friendly ToursBikingRafting & KayakingSingle Day Rafting TripsFamily ToursMulti-Activity TripsSustainability




      * indicates a required field

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

      Discover your next adventure…

      Cusco & The Sacred Valley of the Incas
      Machu Picchu
      Amazon Rainforest
      Arequipa & Colca Canyon
      Puno & Lake Titicaca
      Lima & the Pacific Coast
      Multi Sport Adventures