Palcoyo & Rainbow Mountain Day Tour Cusco Peru
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Palcoyo & Rainbow Mountain Day Tour Cusco Peru worth booking?
Palcoyo & Rainbow Mountain Day Tour Cusco Peru is a 9-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $179 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (6)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $179 per person
The adventure begins at Palccoyo, where the magnificent mountain of 7 colors, Vinicunca, awaits. Palccoyo itself showcases breathtaking coloration, ranging from pink to fuchsia. This stunning palette is created by a mixt
What you get
- Other
- Oxygen
- First Aid Kit
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- In-vehicle air conditioning
About this experience
The adventure begins at Palccoyo, where the magnificent mountain of 7 colors, Vinicunca, awaits. Palccoyo itself showcases breathtaking coloration, ranging from pink to fuchsia. This stunning palette is created by a mixture of red clay, mud, sand, as well as off-white sandstone (quartz sand) and limestone. Over millions of years, these elements have accumulated, resulting in a visual spectacle that captivates the senses. Unlike the challenging journey to Vinicunca, reaching the Palccoyo mountain range is relatively moderate and accessible. It involves a pleasant 45-minute walk with minimal steep slopes, culminating at a maximum elevation of 4,900 meters above sea level. From this vantage point, visitors are treated to awe-inspiring views of the region's former glacial landscapes, including the towering Nevado (mountain peak) in the Cusco region, known as Ausangate. Additionally, the area offers sightings of camelids such as alpacas and llamas, further enhancing the overall experience.
What's included
Included
- Other
- Oxygen
- First Aid Kit
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Bilingual Guide
What you'll see and do
The adventure begins at Palccoyo, where the magnificent mountain of 7 colors, Vinicunca, awaits. Palccoyo itself showcases breathtaking coloration, ranging from pink to fuchsia. This stunning palette is created by a mixture of red clay, mud, sand, as well as off-white sandstone (quartz sand) and limestone. Over millions of years, these elements have accumulated, resulting in a visual spectacle that captivates the senses. Unlike the challenging journey to Vinicunca, reaching the Palccoyo mountain range is relatively moderate and accessible. It involves a pleasant 45-minute walk with minimal steep slopes, culminating at a maximum elevation of 4,900 meters above sea level. From this vantage point, visitors are treated to awe-inspiring views of the region's former glacial landscapes, including the towering Nevado (mountain peak) in the Cusco region, known as Ausangate. The entire adventure at rainbow mountain will take 4-6 hours with 1.5 hours travel each way.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 60 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 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Wonders of Peru Expeditions
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- 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 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
6 verified traveler reviews for Palcoyo & Rainbow Mountain Day Tour Cusco Peru. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Mount Iris and Red Valley
Excellent tour, we start by Valle Rojo, climb in quad-cycle and a short walk to the Mount Arc Iris. 5036m altitude, a spectacle of nature. The company of guide Percy, sharing his knowledge, guiding and helping us was essential, as was the driver Albert.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Awesome private Rainbow Mountain tour!!
We had an awesome day at Rainbow Mountain with our private guide, Juan Carlos! We were picked up right at our front door by a private car and driven through the Peruvian countryside to Vinicunca- a truly stunning drive. Being our first full day in Cusco, we struggled with the altitude a bit, but JC was very patient and our biggest cheerleader! He shared experiences from his life, Incan history, and about the Rainbow Mountain area, answering our many many questions. Breakfast and lunch were also included along the way. Would 10/10 recommend!!!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind review. Juan Carlos is one of our most experienced guides and he always works hard to make everyone feel comfortable and also to provide a memorable experience.
via Tripadvisor
Happy to take another tour
Today we had an unforgettable tour to the Rainbow Mountains and the Red Valley. In addition to the fantastic skyline, we received a lot of background information, tips and very good food. We had a lot of fun with our guide JC, the driver Elvis and the chefs Bruno and Tino. Keep it up, please. We felt incredibly comfortable.
Response from the operator: Vielen Dank für Ihre Bewertung. Wir freuen uns, dass Sie ein so tolles Erlebnis hatten und es war uns eine Freude, Ihnen dieses Naturwunder zeigen zu können.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
THE BEST
Again, it was very good organized. JC ( Don Juan 😉) is the perfect guide. He explains everything very worthfully, is friendly and laughs very often. Also Elvis is a very good driver. We felt very safe driving with him! AND today, after the Rainbow and Red Mountains we get a first class lunch in a tent. It was so impressive and delicous, we really never forget this! Thank to the Chefs Bruno and Tino. And also Sam answers directly when you send a Message. We really recommend Wonders of Peru Expeditions. Thank you all ! Daggi, Achim, Michael, Gabriele
Response from the operator: We are thrilled you had such a wonderful time here with us in Peru. We hope to see you again in the future and of course we will make sure Juan Carlos (Don Juan) is your guide : )
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful and challenging hike with unbelievable view of Rainbow mountain.
I had an incredible experience. The guide JC was amazing. He was so patient, kind and informed. I was nervous about going as I’m not great with high altitude. However, the hike went much better than I could have ever anticipated.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 6+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Palcoyo & Rainbow Mountain Day Tour Cusco Peru: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does Palcoyo & Rainbow Mountain Day Tour Cusco Peru cost?
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Prices start at $179 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 & Rainbow Mountain Day Tour Cusco Peru take?
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Plan for about 9 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 & Rainbow Mountain Day Tour Cusco Peru worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 6 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 & Rainbow Mountain Day Tour Cusco Peru?
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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 & Rainbow Mountain Day Tour Cusco Peru suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 6. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 9-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Palcoyo & Rainbow Mountain Day Tour Cusco Peru?
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Around 2 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 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Palcoyo & Rainbow Mountain Day Tour Cusco Peru 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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