Full-Day Trek to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain – Explore Colorful Peaks and Breathtaking Scenery Near Cusco

• TOUR RECOMMENDATIONS
• Layered Clothing: Comfortable layered clothing (thermal, fleece, and windproof/waterproof). Mornings are cold but the hike is short.
• Footwear: Comfortable sports shoes or light trekking sneakers with good grip. Special high-altitude boots are not required.
• Sun Protection: Sunscreen SPF 50+, sunglasses with UV protection, cap or hat with visor.
• Cash: Bring soles for entrance to Palcoyo (S/20 foreigners, S/10 nationals), voluntary tips, and personal purchases.
• Hydration: Water bottle of 1-2 liters. Staying hydrated is important at altitude.
• Small Backpack: Light backpack of 15-20 liters to carry water, snacks, camera, and personal items for the day.
• Camera or Cell Phone: Essential to capture the vibrant colors of the Palcoyo mountains and the stone forest. Bring extra battery.
• Medications: If you are sensitive to altitude, bring altitude sickness pills (Sorojchi pills) as a precaution. Also personal medications.
• Weather: Cold temperatures in the morning (5-10°C). During the day it can be sunny. Bring a warm jacket.
• Documents: Original ID or Passport (mandatory) and cash in soles to pay entrance.
• Acclimatization: Spend 1-2 days in Cusco before the tour. Drink coca tea and avoid excessive efforts the day before.
• Physical Condition: No special physical preparation required. The hike is short (45 min) and easy, accessible for all ages.
• Rainy Season: If traveling between November and March, bring a poncho or waterproof jacket. The landscape becomes greener and the river reddish.
• Snacks: Optional to bring chocolates, dried fruits, or light snacks. The tour includes full breakfast and lunch.

• FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
• Is previous high-altitude hiking experience necessary? No, this tour has an easy difficulty level and is accessible for all ages. The hike is short (approximately 45 minutes) and does not require previous trekking experience or great physical effort.
• What does this tour include? It includes tourist transportation to/from your hotel in Cusco, certified bilingual professional guide (Spanish and English), typical Andean breakfast, buffet lunch at a local restaurant, trekking poles, first aid kit, and oxygen cylinder.
• What services are NOT included? The entrance to Palcoyo (S/20 for foreigners and S/10 for nationals), voluntary tips for guide and driver, additional drinks (soft drinks, alcoholic beverages), or personal expenses are not included. The entrance is paid directly at the control point.
• How long does the tour last and what is the maximum altitude? The tour lasts 1 full day, approximately 12 hours. The maximum altitude is 4,900 m.a.s.l. in the Palcoyo rainbow mountains area. Pickup is between 04:00 and 05:00 a.m. and return to Cusco is in the afternoon.
• How many days do I need to be in Cusco before the tour? It is recommended to be in Cusco at least 1-2 days before the tour to acclimatize to the altitude. Although the altitude is not as extreme and the hike is short, it is important to be slightly adapted to better enjoy the experience.
• What places will we visit during the tour? You will visit the multicolored mountains of Palcoyo, naturally formed by mineral sedimentation showing red, green, and yellow tones. You will also see the famous stone forest (geological formation over 50 million years old), natural viewpoints with views of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain, and have interaction with Andean communities, llamas, alpacas, and local fauna.

• IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE BOOKING
• Total duration: 1 full day (approximately 12 hours).
• Departure: Between 04:00 a.m. and 05:00 a.m. with pickup at your hotel in Cusco.
• Maximum altitude: 4,900 m.a.s.l. (Palcoyo Rainbow Mountains).
• Difficulty level: Easy (short hike of approximately 45 minutes).
• Documentation: It is mandatory to carry original ID or Passport.
• Acclimatization: Recommended to spend at least 1-2 days in Cusco to adapt to the altitude.
• Guide language: Bilingual (Spanish and English).
• Service type: Group or private with equipped tourist transportation.
• Meals: Andean breakfast and buffet lunch included at local restaurants.
• Entrance fees: The entrance ticket to Palcoyo (S/20 foreigners, S/10 nationals) is NOT included and is paid on-site.
• Restrictions: Accessible for all ages and fitness levels. Does not require great physical effort.
• Weather: Cold temperatures in the morning; bring warm and waterproof clothing.
• Clothing: Comfortable layered clothing; trekking or sports shoes recommended.
• End: Return to Cusco in the afternoon.

Are you looking for adventure? Go to Palcoyo, Cusco. Explore the new Mountain of Colors. See details, video and map to plan your trekking. Live a unique and colorful experience!

Easily locate the Palcoyo Color Mountain in Cusco with this map. Discover routes, accesses and key points for your trekking adventure and enjoy unique landscapes.