Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain – Exclusive Private Tour, Easier Hike
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 11 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain – Exclusive Private Tour, Easier Hike worth booking?
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain – Exclusive Private Tour, Easier Hike is a 11-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $45 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 11 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 68 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (11)
- Duration
- 11 hours
- From
- $45 per person
The Cordillera Rainbow of Palccoyo is the first sister of the famous mountain of the seven colors "Vinicunca" but with better accessibility. Its more than nine thousand natural hectares have a color similar to the rainbo
What you get
- Transport
- First Aid Kit
- Hotel Pickup with in the historical center of Cusco
- 1 Brekfast 1 Buffet Lunch
- Professional bi-lingual guide
About this experience
The Cordillera Rainbow of Palccoyo is the first sister of the famous mountain of the seven colors "Vinicunca" but with better accessibility. Its more than nine thousand natural hectares have a color similar to the rainbow, which gives it a cheerful and at the same time mystical atmosphere. In addition, in this tour in addition to appreciating this geological beauty we will visit other sites that will make this trip an unforgettable experience.
What's included
Included
- Transport
- First Aid Kit
- Hotel Pickup with in the historical center of Cusco
- 1 Brekfast 1 Buffet Lunch
- Professional bi-lingual guide
Not included
- Entrance to Palccoyo
What you'll see and do
Once again the nature of the city of Cusco shows us another impressive natural attraction "The rainbow mountain range of Palccoyo" where we will enjoy the beauty and colour of the region, likewise we can appreciate the variety of flora and fauna that shows us this beautiful place. This attraction is relatively new and many people of the region did not know about this Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Range, since before it was covered by snow, which did not allow to see its coloration; However, due to global warming, the snow has disappeared and now with our new excursion it is possible to visit the Palccoyo Rainbow Range (Combapata). Cusco - Checacupe - Raqchi - Rainbow Archipelago of Palccoyo - Cuatro Lagunas - Cusco Our company Machu Picchu Peru Tours will pick you up at your different hotels from 06:30 a.m. to 07:00 a.m., then head for two hours south of Cusco to the town of Checacupe arriving at approximately 09:00 a.m. Upon arrival to Checacupe we will observe the evolutionary process of the road system through three colonial bridges located in the same town of Checacupe: Incan bridge, Colonial Bridge and the Republican Bridge, you can also see a colonial temple with fine carving works in wood, gold leaf and that houses the paintings of the Cusco school (Diego Quispe). Once the visit of this archaeological centre is finished, we will depart to the Rainbow Mountain Range of Palccoyo, located at 4,900 meters above sea level. Once arrived at this point we will begin our walk of 40 minutes approx. Where we will appreciate the valleys of eroded glaciers and the Permian formations of brilliant colours that stand out among the others and that is inhabited by alpacas and llamas. We can also appreciate some communities and farmers that live in the low areas of the Rainbow Mountain Range of Palccoyo. We will also appreciate the Ccacca Loma stone forest and the red mountain. After having visited the Rainbow Mountain Range of Palccoyo, we will continue with our circuit and we will go to Raqchi (Palace of God Wiracocha), in this place we will appreciate more than 151 colcas (QULLQAS) or granaries that were used to store grains like corn and quinoa, potato, chuño, dried fish brought from the coast, dried alpaca meat, brought from the Collao plateau, which were used for ceremonial purposes. The most important structure of Raqchi is the Temple of God (wiracocha), a huge rectangular structure of two floors that measures 92 meters long by 25.5 wide. The structure is composed of a central adobe wall between 18 and 20 meters high, with an andesite stone base. It has windows and doors, flanked on both sides by a row of 11 circular columns with the lower part in stone and the upper one in mud. Continuing our tour of the Rainbow Mountain Range of Palccoyo, we will go to San Pedro to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch. After having enjoyed our lunch we will go to the circuit of the four lagoons, where we will observe the different lakes (Acopia, Pomacanchis, posposqo cocha, misky cocha), here we will have enough time to observe the variety of birds and the landscape that surrounds us. After all this beautiful tour and having visited the Rainbow Mountain Range of Palccoyo, we will return to the city of Cusco arriving at approximately 6:30 p.m. IMPORTANT: Our tours to the Rainbow mountain range of Palccoyo are suitable for travellers to enjoy these landscapes as all operators arrive early until 11:00 am; while we will be after them and with the ideal daylight to make excellent photographs.
300 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Minka Peru Expeditions
Know before you go
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 11 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
6 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
6 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Physical effort
4 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
11 verified traveler reviews for Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain – Exclusive Private Tour, Easier Hike. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Rainbow Mountain Easier Option with Fredy
We had an amazing day at Rainbow Mountain that booked with Minka Peru Expeditions. Fredy was our tour guide and he was great!!! We got lucky as no one else booked for the day so Fredy just had the three of us. We told him that we had been mountain climbing for the two days prior and that we wanted to take our time going up the mountain. He kept saying “don’t worry be happy” and we walked up slowly and took breaks to sit or take pictures which was good because the high altitude was no joke. On the way we stopped at a restaurant and had buffet breakfast and one the way back we had buffet lunch the food was delicious and managed by local staff. The views on the mountain were absolutely beautiful. We highly recommend Minka Peru Expeditions. The pick up was on time at 5am, Fredy was knowledgeable and professional and the van driver was skillful going around all the windy bends going up the mountain to RM. We had a fantastic memorable day. Thank you Fredy !
via Tripadvisor
Excellent tour and provider
Excellent experience. The trip was well organized and a good value. Breakfast and lunch were at a family owned restaurant in the mountains, supporting local economy. There is an hour of unpaved road to travel. The scenery on it is gorgeous and the drivers skilled. Transportation was clean and modern. I am 70+ female, and anxious about hiking at 16k feet. You can see the first rainbow mountain within minutes! The guides explained the trails, length, and let us go as far as we wanted at our own pace. He checked back on us frequently. I easily completed the trail to all three rainbow mountains. The were spectacular! This is a full day trip and a great value. Side note: the hotel pickup was an hour late due to unavoidable circumstances. The operator stayed on What's App Chat with me until the bus came. That evening the operator personally came to my hotel to apologize. I was offered a free 2 hour walking tour of Cusco the next day, which was FABULOUS. I HIghly RECOMMEND this company. They go the extra mle.
via Viator
Fabulous tour operator
Excellent experience. The transportation was clean and modern. The breakfast and lunch were at a family run and operated restaurant, supporting local economy. The scenery on the journey was gorgeous. There is over an hour of travel on unpaved road . The drivers were very skilled but may be hard if you have motion sickness. The guide led us to the base of the trail, where you can see one mountain! He explained the length and difficulty of the options and let us choose our trails and pace. He checked on us frequently while we hiked. The mountains are stunning. I am 70+, female, and was able to reach the top of the trail to view the third mountain. Even if you can't hike you can see the first mountain. Well run tour. Side note: Due to unforseen circumstances, the pickup was an hour late. The tour operator stayed on Whats Up Chat, keeping me informed. That evening Freddy personally came to my hotel to apologize in person. The next day he took me on a complimentary 2 hour walking your of Cusco which was FABULOUS. This tour provider goes the extra mile. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
via Tripadvisor
Excellent!
Great experience with the company, I recommend it 100%. The guides are very trained and experienced. Sunny day, with lunch and breakfast included. One of the best prices in Cusco in terms of quality and price. If I returned, I would repeat with the company. Thanks for the attention
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Amazing views!
What a cool experience! The views around Palccoyo were unreal, and it was fun to hike around and see the rainbow hills and stone outcroppings. In the morning, we were picked up around 4:30am and drove for about an hour-ish to a restaurant for breakfast. It was tasty but light (maybe bring some snacks if you like a big breakfast). From there we visited a recreation of an Inca rope bridge. The last hour or so of driving was up a bumpy dirt road that switched back up the mountain. The views at the top were worth the ride! It's a stunning view, and we had a couple hours to explore and hike the loop trail up to some view points and through the "stone forest" (rocky outcroppings along the ridge of a nearby hill). The views were incredible! It's at a pretty high altitude (4,900 m or 16,000 ft), so make sure you are acclimated beforehand and/or use some local remedies like coca leaves. On the way back, we stopped at the same restaurant for a hearty lunch. They even took food sensitivities into account (gluten-free, no nuts, vegetarian, etc), and the food was very good. I was very happy with this trip and highly recommend it for anyone who wants to see colorful mountains in Peru!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 11 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $45 to $242
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 68
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain – Exclusive Private Tour, Easier Hike: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain – Exclusive Private Tour, Easier Hike cost?
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Prices start at $45 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cusco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain – Exclusive Private Tour, Easier Hike take?
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Plan for about 11 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cusco is not rushed.
Is Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain – Exclusive Private Tour, Easier Hike worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 11 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain – Exclusive Private Tour, Easier Hike?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain – Exclusive Private Tour, Easier Hike suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 11-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain – Exclusive Private Tour, Easier Hike?
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Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cusco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cusco and add a light layer if any part of the 11-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain – Exclusive Private Tour, Easier Hike start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cusco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cusco?
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On Outty we rank every Cusco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sacred Valley Full Day Tour, Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails and Market Tour in Cusco, Cusco: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Premium Day Trip with Meals. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cusco?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cusco?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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