
Palcoyo Mountain Full Day Tour from Cusco
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 2 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Palcoyo Mountain Full Day Tour from Cusco worth booking?
Palcoyo Mountain Full Day Tour from Cusco is a 11-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $35 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 2 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 64 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (2)
- Duration
- 11 hours
- From
- $35 per person
Discover a quieter, more peaceful alternative to the classic Rainbow Mountain hike with our full-day tour to Palcoyo. Just a few hours from Cusco, Palcoyo surprises travelers with not one, but three colorful mountains, each streaked with vibrant mineral layers that seem painted by nature herself. As a friendly, low-cost operator, we offer competitive prices without sacrificing quality or personalized service. Enjoy easy hikes, stunning views of the Stone Forest and Ausangate Glacier, and authentic Andean culture throughout the day. Perfect for travelers seeking adventure, great value, and a warm, welcoming team.
What you get
About this experience
Discover a quieter, more peaceful alternative to the classic Rainbow Mountain hike with our full-day tour to Palcoyo. Just a few hours from Cusco, Palcoyo surprises travelers with not one, but three colorful mountains, each streaked with vibrant mineral layers that seem painted by nature herself. As a friendly, low-cost operator, we offer competitive prices without sacrificing quality or personalized service. Enjoy easy hikes, stunning views of the Stone Forest and Ausangate Glacier, and authentic Andean culture throughout the day. Perfect for travelers seeking adventure, great value, and a warm, welcoming team.
What's included
Included
- First Aid Kit
- Buffet lunch (Vegetarian options available)
- Pick up from your Hotel/Hostel or accommodation in Cusco
- Light Breakfast
- Briefing session once you book to give you helpful recommendations
- Professional Bilingual Guide (English & Spanish)
- Tourist Transportation from Cusco- Palcoyo- Cusco
Not included
- Entrance ticket to Palcoyo Mountain (5 USD/15 soles)
What you'll see and do
Start your day with an early pickup between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m. from your hotel in Cusco. Enjoy a scenic 2-hour drive to the southern town of Checacupe, where you’ll have breakfast near the iconic Inca bridge, a place where ancient, colonial, and modern bridges stand side by side. It’s the perfect moment to stretch, use the bathrooms, and ease into the mountain atmosphere. From there, continue for about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the trailhead at Palcoyo, perched above 4,800 meters. The hike is short and easy, just 2.5 km roundtrip, and takes about 40 minutes with breaks. Along the way, you’ll see three rainbow mountains, the Stone Forest, and—on clear days. the Ausangate Mountain. Unlike the busy Vinicunca trek, Palcoyo offers serenity and space to truly connect with nature. After soaking in the views, we return to Checacupe for a buffet lunch before heading back to Cusco. Per city regulations, all minivans drop off at Plaza Regocijo between 4:00 and 4:30 p.m.
720 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cusco
The convenient meeting point at the water fountain in the main square (Plaza de Armas), located right in front of Cusco’s Cathedral, at 4:15 a.m
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Drop-off will be at Plaza Regocijo between 4:00 and 4:30 p.m., as per the regulations set by the Municipality of Cusco, which has designated this square as the official drop-off point for all tourist minivans to avoid the trafic in the historic center.
Options you can book
Palcoyo Mountain Full Day Tour from Cusco
Pickup included
Palcoyo Tour+ Entrance fee
Entrance Fee : Enjoy of this alternative hike in Cusco all included. Pickup included
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
- Nixon Expeditions
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos


Traveler reviews
2 verified traveler reviews for Palcoyo Mountain Full Day Tour from Cusco. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
It was an awesome experience
This was awesome. Nixon was great with coordinating, explaining, and directing me even though I scheduled the tour like few days before the actual tour. Nixon and his staff ensured that I got on the train on time, and the bus as well to the Machu Picchu mountain, and I wasn’t even sure if I was going to witness this mountain but micron made it possible. All thanks to him and his excellent crew.
via Tripadvisor
Unforgettable experience
The trip was great, their service was well-organized and professional. The transportation was smooth and punctual, and the team provided everything needed for a successful trek. The breakfast and lunch was included which includes the warm coca tea. They also took the time to give tips about acclimation. The breathtaking views at the Rainbow Mountain were absolutely worth it! If you’re looking for a reliable and experienced tour company to take you to Rainbow Mountain, I highly recommend Nixon Expedición.
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
- $35 to $40
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Nixon Expeditions, who run 4 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 55.5.
See everything Nixon Expeditions runsWhy this scores 64
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Palcoyo Mountain Full Day Tour from Cusco: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does Palcoyo Mountain Full Day Tour from Cusco cost?
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Prices start at $35 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 Palcoyo Mountain Full Day Tour from Cusco 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 Palcoyo Mountain Full Day Tour from Cusco worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 2 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 Palcoyo Mountain Full Day Tour from Cusco?
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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 Palcoyo Mountain Full Day Tour from Cusco 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 Palcoyo Mountain Full Day Tour from Cusco?
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Around 1 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 Palcoyo Mountain Full Day Tour from Cusco 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, Full-Day Humantay Lake Trek (Meals Included), 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.
What is included in Palcoyo Mountain Full Day Tour from Cusco?
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Included: First Aid Kit; Buffet lunch (Vegetarian options available); Pick up from your Hotel/Hostel or accommodation in Cusco; Light Breakfast; and Briefing session once you book to give you helpful recommendations. Not included: Entrance ticket to Palcoyo Mountain (5 USD/15 soles). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Palcoyo Mountain Full Day Tour from Cusco include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 302 listed pickup locations in and around Cusco. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Palcoyo Mountain Full Day Tour from Cusco offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Palcoyo Mountain Full Day Tour from Cusco?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Palcoyo Mountain Full Day Tour from Cusco if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Cusco. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What booking options are available for Palcoyo Mountain Full Day Tour from Cusco?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Palcoyo Mountain Full Day Tour from Cusco, Palcoyo Tour+ Entrance fee. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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