Rainbow Mountain Tour Palcoyo

Lack of expertise and professionalism from the Tour Operator

My dream was to enjoy the trip. I came with the illusion of getting similar landscapes from what you see in the advertisement or internet, but unfortunately not... Starting with the transportation. The least the tour operator could do was ensure comfortable transportation. But, the vehicle came without A/C and the windows couldn't be opened. Considering that It's more than 6 hour round trip the experience was terrible. When we arrived, all the vehicles were the same, they weren't identified, with no signage it was very easy to get lost among so many buses, a small but very important detail. We were suffocating inside the vehicle, especially those sitting in the back. We stopped for breakfast and lunch, was nice the restaurant was basic, the bathrooms didn't even have toilet paper. The tour says it includes oxygen and a first aid kit, but we didn't see it at any where. I got altitude sickness during the climb (Nobody’s fault) but the guide didn't know what to do, they never offered me oxygen or assistance. It's something that can happen to anyone, considering that they are dealing with people from different countries and climates around the world. They should be trained to respond to those situations. Especially when you pay for a service that involves the people’s life. In the end I just couldn’t to continue, I felt I was going to die. I also didn't want to affect the rest of the group, so they left and I stayed with a local lady we found. I must admit that I felt more supported by the local lady than by the company.

Response from the operator: Sorry, but you did not take the tour with us. You should rate your operator. I would appreciate it if you could remove your comment and rate your operator directly. Thank you.

via Viator

Stunning. As close to heaven as you can get

Wow. What an excursion! Where to begin. First, there are two separate ways getting to the rainbow mountains, but they aren’t connected. The closer to Cusco (1-1.5 hrs shorter) and older and better known one is Vinicunca. It is considerably longer and a bit steeper then Palcoyo which at 16K (~4900m) makes a difference. We took Diamox and Coca+mint tea prior to ascent with a decent breakfast (stopped in Combapata at Luigi’s - a rafting place) and had no problem besides the expected high altitude reduced stamina. The drive from Combapata to Palcoyo feels long as it’s on a very bumpy dirt road. It’s beautiful though along massive, old and almost to the top of the mountains reaching Inca terraces and extended grassy, mossy meadows that are crowded by cute Alpacas and Llamas. You reach a parking lot that is right now in process of being properly built-out with restrooms (costs 1 Sol). The hike is easy, cool to cold depending on wind condition and make sure you wear a hat and SPF - the sun at this vast altitude is a killer. The views are stunning and out of this world from the getgo and it gets better as you proceed. It reaches a final ridge from which you can see the other (Vinicunia) visitation (crossing is not permitted) site and beyond that the massive Azungate glaciers and a 360 view of the impressive iron deposits and coloring for which the site is named for. You have the. The option to climb up a bit further to a rugged site trail if you choose. Palcoyo- per our guide - still sees way less tourists as it’s longer to get to and the cheaper touristic agencies in Cusco prefer Vinicuna since they can offer it as a half-day tour. Our guide was very experienced and his clear preference was Palcoyo. I have been to five continents and 35 countries and this was one of the top excursions I have done in my life. it was only second to Machu Picchu.

via Tripadvisor

Well worth the money

Well worth the early start and the bumpy ride. Views were spectacular. Was a little worried about the walk up at that altitude, but took my time and admired the scenery one the way with a few stops. So glad I did it.

via Tripadvisor

Beautiful Palccoyo ♥

We arrived, the walk is easy, a place where you can visit quietly and without many people. And the spectacular mountain magical and beautiful colors.

via Tripadvisor

Incredible mountain ♥

The color of the mountains are incredible, my trip was in private together with my friends and we were delighted with the beautiful place.

via Tripadvisor