Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Full Day Tour
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 33 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Full Day Tour worth booking?
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Full Day Tour is a 13-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $100 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 33 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (33)
- Duration
- 13 hours
- From
- $100 per person
Palcoyo Mountain is beautiful place to get to an altitude you usually never get to. You will pass by small Andean villages and a lot of Llamas and Alpacas. Once at the base of the palcoyo mountain, you could see one of t
What you get
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Transportation
- Professional tour guide
- Oxygen and First Aid Kit
About this experience
Palcoyo Mountain is beautiful place to get to an altitude you usually never get to. You will pass by small Andean villages and a lot of Llamas and Alpacas. Once at the base of the palcoyo mountain, you could see one of the three peaks from the parking lot itself. You will be the only ones there, so we pretty much had the mountains to yourselve, which is kind of nice after visiting all the other places in Cusco/Sacred valley which are over-crowded with tourists. The hike to the summit is mostly, as the locals like to call it, Andean flats, i.e., a gradual incline to the summit. It takes around 35-40 minutes to reach the summit. Once there you will be entertained by your guide with some interesting facts. After the hike, you will take a van then drive to Ttio town where you will have your lunch in a local house.
What's included
Included
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Transportation
- Professional tour guide
- Oxygen and First Aid Kit
Not included
- Tips
- Travel insurance
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
The Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain is the new hidden gem and secret of Cusco. With less than 1 hour to hike to the peak and 3 beautiful Rainbow Mountains with tons of wild alpacas around, this is the new alternative Rainbow Mountain to the still popular Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. But the preferences are changing, as travelers don't want to suffer under the 3-4 hour hike to the Vinicunca, especially as the altitude makes it a bad experience. So compare and decide what's the best option for you here.
540 minutes here · Admission not included
Checacupe
This bridge has ancient buildings that are from Inca times, colonial times and republican times. We will stop at this place and see the 3 bridges that are still working for the andean people.
60 minutes here
Cusipata
Is an small town o the way to thew Rainbow Mountain Palccoyo. This is a place where we will take the breakfast and Lunch.
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- pt, en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- no recomendable para infantes
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 33 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
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Physical effort
3 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
33 verified traveler reviews for Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Full Day Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A non-touristy rainbow mountain experience that will take your breath away
Although we didn't do the traditional rainbow mountain day trip for comparison, we can say that this was probably our favorite experience during our 10-day trip to Peru! We chose Palccoyo because we weren't sure how we would do hiking in the altitude and we wanted to avoid the crowds -- and we were so glad we did! We actually got to see several rainbow mountains, gorgeous vistas from the top of our hike and the so-called "stone forest," a series of large angular rocks that were incredibly photogenic. Becker, our guide from AB Expeditions, did a great job of making sure we were handling the altitude well, and he shared lots of interesting details and stories about the area. It's a long drive to get there, mostly on windy dirt roads, but we stopped for a delicious buffet breakfast on the way there and at the same place for lunch on the way back. Overall, definitely a worthwhile expedition!
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful views from the top.
It is a long day of about 12 hours with a very early start at 4 or 5 am. Breakfast is provided at a mass kitchen about 2-3 hours later in a buffet style. The drive to the base of the hike is scenic but much of it is on gravel/dirt roads and a lot of zigzagging drive, sometimes scary as the road is narrow. The hike to the top of the mountain takes about 50-60 minutes but if the weather is good and you make it to the top you see 3 colourful rainbow mountains. Even in summer, the temperature can drop to zero or even lower. The effort is worth the views. You have to be reasonably fit to attempt this due to the rarified atmosphere at almost 5000 metres. Unlike the other rainbow mountain in Peru, Vincunca, Palccoyo is easier hike but still can be tough depending on your age and fitness. More importantly it has far fewer visitors than Vinicunca so it is better. From the top of the mountain you see 3 different rainbow mountains compared to a single one at Vincunca. You also see many al paca and llamas on this trip as well as local villages. It is worth the effort.
via Tripadvisor
Great view of the Rainbow mountains
We chose Palccoyo rainbow mountain instead of Vinicunca mountain because we thought it will be too rigorous on our 55+ year old bodies :). It was a great choice and we had a great tour guide Junior. He wanted us to leave at 3.30 AM from Cusco because we will be the first on the mountain. We had a light breakfast from the hotel and some coffee midway at a restaurant. By around 6.30 AM we were on the mountain. 1. We were the first on the mountain, which in some places the track is somewhat narrow. We took our own time to climb enjoying the beautiful views. My recommendation is to go early, enjoy the serene scene with no one disturbing you. 2. Mountain dwelling Vicuña, an animal that is rare were there. When people start to come they disappear to the mountains. 3. Though the climb takes you to 16,000 ft, we were ok with oxygen since we had already spent around 4 days in Cusco area. 4. It was very cold in the morning, almost freezing, therefore take good warm clothes. Towards our way back the winds started and that can create some dust storms in dry winter. Out of the three mountains we could see rainbow patterns on two, the other was covered in snow. About one hour later the other travelers started coming and soon it was all packed. Luckily, we were on our way back then. Enjoy the mountains, rock forest, take some pictures with Alpacas and breathe the Andean air. This is a must do.
via Tripadvisor
Excellent tour
Incredible views. We had a great guide in Alfredo. He knew everything and was great to work with with. Very knowledgable, patient, and warm. Excellent tour!
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful tour!
Views are amazing! One of our best experiences in Peru! Our guide was awesome and we learned a lot from his explanations. Will recommend!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 13 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 8+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $100 to $165
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 12
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 73
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Full Day Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Full Day Tour cost?
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Prices start at $100 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 Full Day Tour take?
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Plan for about 13 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 Full Day Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 33 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 Full Day Tour?
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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 Full Day Tour suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 8. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 13-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Full Day Tour?
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Around 12 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 13-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Full Day Tour 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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