Private Palccoyo Rainbow Hike Without the Crowds
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 89 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Palccoyo Rainbow Hike Without the Crowds worth booking?
Private Palccoyo Rainbow Hike Without the Crowds is a 12-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $109 per person. It scores 80 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 89 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 80 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (89)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $109 per person
Escape the crowds: Be among the first to witness the captivating Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain and enjoy a leisurely 50-minute hike on a flat path, skipping the challenging and crowded 2-hour ascent of Vinicunca. Intimate G
What you get
- Modified transportation for a more comfortable experience to avoid any back problems
- Hiking poles, first-aid kit & oxygen
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Tour with private guide (only for tours booked after 3.11.2025; tours booked before are group tours)
- Lunch
- Breakfast
About this experience
Escape the crowds: Be among the first to witness the captivating Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain and enjoy a leisurely 50-minute hike on a flat path, skipping the challenging and crowded 2-hour ascent of Vinicunca. Intimate Group Setting: Immerse yourself in the adventure with like-minded travelers in a small group limited to a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring a personalized and engaging experience. Llama Companionship: Experience a unique bond with the Andean landscape as you hike alongside delightful alpacas/llamas, an exclusive opportunity for our travelers in collaboration with the local community. Seamless Comfort: Travel in style and comfort. We prioritize your ease with our top-notch transportation, ensuring your journey is as remarkable as the destination itself.
What's included
Included
- Modified transportation for a more comfortable experience to avoid any back problems
- Hiking poles, first-aid kit & oxygen
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Tour with private guide (only for tours booked after 3.11.2025; tours booked before are group tours)
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Professional local tour guide
- Hike with alpaca or llama from the local community (depends on availability)
Not included
- Entrance fees
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Cusco
3:30 am: We'll pick you up at your hotel earlier than everyone else because of one reason - to be one of the first ones at Rainbow Mountain. 5:30 am: Energetic breakfast in one of the best restaurants in the area.
60 minutes here
7:30 am: Briefing at the parking lot, from where you can already see a rainbow mountain. 7:45 am: 'Walk the alpaca' while we're on our way to the main viewpoint. Once there, you'll see all three rainbow mountains. The hike to the stone forest with a spectacular panoramic view of the entire valley is optional. 11:45 pm: Delicious lunch in local restaurant consisting of either a buffet or 3-course menu.
180 minutes here · Admission not included
Cusco
3:30 pm: Arrival in Cusco and drop-off at your accommodation. Note: All times are approximations.
20 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
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- exploor
Know before you go
- 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
- Minimum age is 12 years (due to the altitude)
- Bring your backpack, a rain cape and layers of clothes so you'll be warm and prepared for every kind of weather
- Take gloves, a hat, hiking shoes + an extra pair of socks with you (in case of snow) and if you want to you can bring hiking poles as well
- Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, some cash and snacks
- Be in Cusco min. 24 h before the start of the tour to get used to the altitude
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 89 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Physical effort
6 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
89 verified traveler reviews for Private Palccoyo Rainbow Hike Without the Crowds. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing raimbow mountain
Amazing trekking trough the avinicunca raimbow mountain with Junior. Ecpert guide
via Tripadvisor
Delightful experience
Amazing experience and 5* service. Maik (and the driver German) made us feel well taken care of every single moment of the trip. Excellent explanations, cool attitude, friendliness and the itinerary was well executed. The lunch was also delicious which adds to the overall experience. We were the first to start the hike on foot without the crowds so promise to beat the crowds was honoured.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the wonderful review! Maik and German are a great team and it's fantastic to hear every moment felt so well looked after. Getting you on that hike ahead of the crowds is something we plan carefully, so we're glad it delivered exactly as promised. And that lunch - always a highlight! Best wishes from the entire Exploor Peru team
via Tripadvisor
Lifetime experience of the Rainbow Mountain
We had a 1-day private tour of Rainbow Mountain organized by Exploor today. We simply had an amazing time with Jesus as our English speaking local guide and Harold as our driver. They both made our day fantastic, a lifetime experience of the beautiful Peruvian Andes. Jesus is patient, helped pace our very high elevation hike Anya’s a wealth of knowledge about Peru, Cusco and the majestic Andean mountain range. Harold is a super safe and attentive driver; he made our journey very comfortable. I highly recommend them for any tours in and around Cusco.
Response from the operator: Thank you for this wonderful review! Rainbow Mountain at that altitude is no small undertaking and it's great to hear Jesus kept the pace just right and made the whole experience feel manageable and meaningful. His knowledge of the Andes, Cusco and Peruvian culture really does add a special layer to what is already a breathtaking landscape. Harold will also be glad to hear your kind words - safe and comfortable driving on those mountain roads matters more than people realise! We hope to welcome you back to South America one day! Best wishes from the entire Exploor Peru team
via Tripadvisor
A lovely walk in Palcoyo
We had a fantastic time exploring Palcoyo, thanks to our experienced guide, Jesús Carrion. The tour started promptly, and Jesús took great care of us throughout the day. Although the walk to Palcoyo, also known as the alternative Rainbow Mountain, was relatively easy and moderate, the high altitude of 4900m caused my husband to feel short of breath. Jesús made a concerted effort to ensure his well-being while also keeping an eye on the rest of the group. Compared to Vinicunca, Palcoyo was noticeably less crowded, and it offered breathtaking views of three rainbow mountains, the red valley, and the stone forest. Unfortunately, we had to skip the stone forest due to my husband's condition. Nevertheless, we thoroughly enjoyed the walk and appreciated Jesús' guidance.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your thoughtful review, Pauline! We’re really happy to hear that you had such a positive experience exploring Palccoyo and that Jesús took such great care of you throughout the day. It’s great to know that you enjoyed the quieter atmosphere and the stunning views of the rainbow mountains and Red Valley. Thank you again for sharing your experience. Best wishes from our entire Exploor Peru team!
via Viator
Amazing day trip!
Very personal experience. John Mike was very knowledgeable and accommodating to our needs. He made sure we were having the best time of your lives yet safe. He has a very interesting background to chat along the hike as well and a pretty good cameraman.
Response from the operator: What an amazing message, Wilson - thank you for sharing it! We’re so glad you had such a memorable experience with John Mike. His deep knowledge, friendly personality, and care for every detail truly make him one of a kind. It’s wonderful to hear that he made sure you felt both safe and inspired along the way, and that you enjoyed his great conversation (and camera skills!) during the hike. Warm regards from all of us at the Exploor Peru team.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 12+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $109 to $199
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 31
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 80
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Palccoyo Rainbow Hike Without the Crowds: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does Private Palccoyo Rainbow Hike Without the Crowds cost?
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Prices start at $109 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 Private Palccoyo Rainbow Hike Without the Crowds take?
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Plan for about 12 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 Private Palccoyo Rainbow Hike Without the Crowds worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 80 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 89 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 Private Palccoyo Rainbow Hike Without the Crowds?
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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 Private Palccoyo Rainbow Hike Without the Crowds suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 12. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 12-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Private Palccoyo Rainbow Hike Without the Crowds?
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Around 31 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 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Palccoyo Rainbow Hike Without the Crowds 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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