Palcoyo Rainbow Mountains: A fantastic alternative tour to the popular “Rainbow Mountain", Palcoyo offers a more relaxed and peaceful place option that is best for those who don’t want to hike 3 hours round trip, providing an amazing view of 3 distinct rainbow mountains, the stone forest, and the Ausangate glacier in the distance in only a short 30 minute walk (one way).
Checacupe 3 bridges: Checacupe is a special place where you will see 3 different bridges and have the opportunity to cross the Inca bridge, which is an amazing experience.
Don't miss our excursions to Rainbow Mountain, a true spiritual portal to the Andean gods and Pachamama. We guarantee unique and unforgettable experiences. We also offer two-day tours, and we can put together complete packages for your trip to Cusco, including this wonderful adventure.
The adventure begins very early with our team picking you up from your hotel at 06:00 hrs. and heading to the small village of Checacupe (located south of Cusco). Where we will make a stop to see an Inca and a colonial bridge and also to grab some last-minute items like drinks, snacks, sunblock, rainponcho, etc.
After the short stop, we continue one more hour to the base camp. Once we arrive there, we take a short and gradual uphill walk (30–45 minutes) to the Palcoyo Pass (4880 m/16,000 ft). Here you will have spectacular panoramic views of the 3 Rainbow Mountains and the spectacular Palccoyo peaks as well, as well as the highest mountain in the Cusco region (Ausangate) and also the Stone Forest at the highest point. We will spend 1 hour at the pass taking pictures and enjoying the spectacular view.
Once we are done enjoying the scenery, we walk back down the same way to the base camp. We now take our private transport to the village called Cusipata to enjoy a delicious, freshly prepared, hot lunch.
After lunch, we will catch our private van back to Cusco.
Unlike Vinicunca, the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain is a lesser-known attraction and therefore less crowded during the day. Reaching this tourist attraction is much easier because it includes only a 1-hour hike and the altitude is also much lower. From its summit, you can appreciate the Ausangate snow-capped mountain like nowhere else. Additionally, there is a forest of stones and a unique landscape all around.
| Diferencias | Montaña Palcoyo | Montaña Vinicunca |
| Atractivos | Montaña de los 7 Colores de Palcoyo. | Montaña de los 7 Colores Vinicunca. |
| Altura | 4,900 m.s.n.m. | 5,200 m.s.n.m. |
| Dificultad | Fácil | Difícil |
| Tiempo de caminata | 1 hora (2 kilómetros). | 3 horas (5 kilómetros) |
| ¿Necesita caballo? | No | Sí (opcional) |
| Número de visitantes | Bastantes | Pocos |
| Clima | Frío | Frío |
The Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain is located south of Cusco in the Checacupe district and Canchis province, a short distance from the Ausangate snow-capped mountain, in the Andes Mountains of Peru.
Tours of Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain are only available in the mornings and part of the afternoon. Due to the cold weather, the opening hours are from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The best time of year and month to visit Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain is during the dry season (April to October). Rainfall is less frequent during these months, making the hike easier.
You must purchase an entrance ticket in the town of Palcoyo. The cost for foreigners is 10 soles (3 dollars). Domestic tourists pay 5 soles (2 dollars). If you booked with us, the ticket is included.
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Pbl H
July 7, 2025
Realizar el camino Inka de dos días con esta empresa ha sido una experiencia difícilmente olvidable y totalmente recomendable. La gestión de traslados, reserva de alojamiento, desayunos y comidas ha sido inmejorable. Tuvimos la suerte de contar con un guía llamado Javier que mostró amplísimos conocimientos sobre todos los lugares que visitamos, así como sobre animales, pájaros, mariposas, flores y plantas que observamos, lo cual enriqueció enormemente la experiencia. Además organizó anticipadamente todas las gestiones relacionadas con la ruta para despreocuparnos de todo. Tuvimos mucha suerte de que Javier fuera nuestro guía, así que recomiendo sin duda vivir la experiencia con esta empresa y si tenéis suerte Javier quizás os pueda acompañar.
Elisabeth T
July 7, 2025
El camino Inca corto es una forma inolvidable de llegar a Machu Picchu. Todo el camino y la visita fue inmejorable, Javier fue un guía muy atento y amable, que respondió a todas nuestras preguntas y con el que fue muy interesante conversar. Recomendaría la experiencia a cualquiera.
Manu
July 5, 2025
We did the 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with Javier, and we couldn’t have asked for a better guide. From start to finish, he was knowledgeable, patient, and incredibly supportive, especially on the uphill climbs! He shared so much insight about Inca history, the significance of the sites along the way, and even little details that made the experience more meaningful. You can tell he truly cares about the land, the culture, and the people he’s guiding. On a practical level, he was extremely organized and thoughtful. He checked in with us throughout the hike, adjusting the pace as needed, offering encouragement during the tougher climbs, and making sure we felt supported and safe. He also knew the best spots for breaks and photos and trust me, the man has a great eye for capturing the perfect picture! If you’re thinking about doing the Inca Trail whether it’s a short trek or the full journey do yourself a favor and request Javier. He doesn’t just guide you to Machu Picchu, he guides you through an experience that stays with you long after the hike is over.
Sean M
July 1, 2025
The trip on the Salkantay Pass was absolutely amazing. Beautiful views and an unbelievable overall atmosphere. Our guide, Johann went above and beyond making sure we had a safe, informative, and fun trip. I don’t know if we could’ve done this with anybody else. The porters, chef, and overall crew were all amazing and did so much to make the experience amazing, and share the landscape and history with us. Amazing trip I can’t recommend more, especially with Johann
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