What is Palcoyo and why is everyone talking about It?

Palcoyo Mountain, or Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain, is another rainbow-colored mountain that was discovered after the more famous Vinicunca. It’s located in the beautiful Vilcanota mountain range, close to the Red Valley, and surrounded by mountains in every direction. Some travelers call it the “little brother” of Vinicunca or the alternative rainbow mountain.

Unlike Vinicunca, it’s more accessible and much easier to hike thanks to its lower altitude. It’s actually made up of three different colored hills, and before you even reach the viewpoint, you’ll already be surrounded by colorful landscapes. You’ll also see a strange rock forest, alpacas grazing nearby, and a distant view of Ausangate Mountain.

Where is Palcoyo Mountain

Palcoyo is tucked away in the Pitumarca district, about 150 kilometers southeast of Cusco and around a roughly 3-hour drive by car. It’s pretty remote, which makes the experience feel even more special.

Once you arrive by car, you’ll do a short and scenic hike to explore the colorful hills. The trail itself is manageable and doesn’t take long.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Altitude: 4,900 meters (16,070 ft)
• Hike time: Around 2 hours (round trip)
• Difficulty: Moderate

What makes it different from Rainbow Mountain?

If you’ve been looking into Rainbow Mountain tours, one thing you’ll notice right away is that Palccoyo is shorter, and if you're short on time or just don’t want a challenging trek, that’s a big win. It's also a great place for hiking and an amazing day tour in Cusco.

Let me break down what makes it stand out:

Less altitude, less effort: Palcoyo sits a bit lower than Vinicunca, and the hike is way easier. There’s no steep final push to over 5,100 meters like at Rainbow Mountain. You’re dropped off pretty close to the viewpoint and just wander through the mountains from there. 

• Vinicunca: 5,100 m (16,732 ft)
• Palcoyo: 4,900 m (16,076 ft)

Three rainbow hills instead of one: Yes, Palccoyo isn’t actually one colorful mountain—it’s three. The first one is the biggest and most colorful, and just a short walk away, you’ll find two more rainbow-painted hills, which makes it more unique.

Fewer crowds, more peace: This is probably my favorite part. There’s no bottleneck viewpoint where everyone’s pushing to get “the shot.” You can explore at your own pace, take photos anywhere, and just enjoy the moment without the crowd stress.

Bonus views: rock forest + Ausangate: You’ll also get a chance to see the rock forest and Ausangate mountain. Sure, you can spot Ausangate from Vinicunca as well, but the peaceful setting here makes the whole experience feel calmer and more special.

As we like to say: if it weren’t for the altitude and the crowds, Vinicunca would be amazing, but Palcoyo gives you all the beauty without the hassle, making it the perfect alternative rainbow mountain.

How to get to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain

Like most day trips from Cusco, visiting Palcoyo means an early start—but it’s totally worth it. You can go with a tour (easiest option) or do it on your own (a bit more complicated). Here’s how both work:

With a tour

Most tours start early in the morning, with pickup times between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. You’ll hop on a van and drive about 3 hours to reach Palccoyo. On the way, many companies stop in villages like Cusipata or Checacupe, where you’ll usually get breakfast (check the details—some tours include it, some don’t).

Once you arrive, the guide will explain the place and walk with the group through the route. The best part? These groups are usually smaller than the ones going to Vinicunca. After the hike, you’ll have lunch and then return to Cusco. 

• Departure time: between 4:30 and 5:00 am
• Return: Around 5:00 pm.
• Price: Around $80 USD for group tours, and $150 USD for private tours.

These hours may vary depending on the company, and some give you extra hours of sleep. Always check for company reviews!

Want to check availability? → Contact Us

On your own

Going on your own is definitely doable but more of a challenge, and not necessarily cheaper. There’s no direct public transportation to Palcoyo, so you’ll need to plan the journey. The trip lasts for around 3 hours.

• First, take a colectivo (shared van) from Cusco to Checacupe.
• Then take another ride (taxi or local transport) to the trailhead. You have to follow the same route as the tours.
• You can stop at Checacupe or Cusipata for breakfast, just like the tours do, and then continue to the entrance parking lot. 

Alternative: The other option is to take a private car or van to the place (expensive but direct). The whole transportation is around 450–500 soles (around USD 120).

Having everything organized makes it much easier, but if you're the adventure type, this might be a good chance to experience something different.

What’s the experience like?

The Trail

Palcoyo is one of those places that catch you from the very first moment. The trail starts right at the entrance; no need for an extra trek to get to the good part. As soon as you arrive, you're already surrounded by mountains, and the first stretch is a breeze. You’ll spot the first rainbow hill almost immediately, and from there, the trail gently climbs toward the other colorful ridges.

There isn’t much rugged terrain, so it’s more of a steady walk than a hard hike—but don’t be surprised if the altitude makes you stop to catch your breath now and then. Take it slow and enjoy the views; they start early and don’t let up.

In total, you can spend 1 or 2 hours exploring Palcoyo; it isn’t really much of a hike so that you can enjoy everything.

The Stone Forest

Once you’ve explored the rainbow hills, there’s an optional uphill section that leads to a group of strange and beautiful rock formations—locals call it the "Stone Forest".

It’s basically a natural playground of jagged stones that stand out like ancient sculptures. The photos? They don’t do it justice. It almost feels like a mini Mars up there, and what really hits you is the silence, the wind, and the reddish landscape all around. If you’re up for the extra walk, it’s absolutely worth it.

From there, it’s about 40 minutes back to the trailhead. Some tours include a packed lunch or picnic-style meal at the end of the hike. Either way, I definitely recommend bringing a few snacks—some calories go a long way at this altitude.

The Alpaca Vibe

Alpacas totally own this place. They’re built for this weather, with that fluffy fleece that makes them look like royalty in the high Andes. You’ll probably see a few grazing freely near the trail, often with their local owners nearby.

If you're lucky, you can take a picture with one, and they don’t push you to pay for it like in more touristy spots. The locals were very kind and even chatted with us for a bit. You don’t need to speak Quechua to feel welcome; a smile and a few friendly words go a long way here.

Read more: Differences between alpacas, llamas and vicunas

Best time to visit Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain

The dry season (May to October) is the best time to visit. You’ll get clearer skies and more intense colors. Although it doesn’t mean you can't get bad weather. This part of the Andes is likely to have overcast storms, but definitely not as much as the rainy season.

Avoid:

• January to March (heavy rain, muddy trails, cloudy skies)
• Snowstorms (occasionally cover the colors—check the forecast before you go)

Tips for your hike

If you’re seriously thinking about hiking Palcoyo (and you should!), here are some simple tips to help you have the best experience:

What to bring:

• Dress in layers: Mornings are really cold, but it warms up as the sun comes out.
• Sun protection: Don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy.
• Water and snacks: Bring enough to stay hydrated and keep your energy up.
• Good hiking shoes: The trail is short, but you’ll still want solid grip and comfort.
• Altitude pills (optional): Just in case, you’ll be at 4,900 meters.
• Rain poncho: The weather can change fast, especially in the rainy season.
• Toilet paper and hand sanitizer are always useful.

Recommendations:

• Check the weather before you go: During the rainy season, the trail can get muddy or even covered in snow. Storms are also possible, so always double-check the forecast.
• Book with a reputable tour operator that includes everything you need (entry tickets, breakfast, meals, etc) so you’re not stuck paying extras along the way.

Pro tip: The earlier you go, the better the light (and fewer people around). Plus, morning skies are often clearer!

Is Palcoyo Worth it?

Like I always say, when a place passes my test, absolutely! If you're looking for a colorful adventure with fewer crowds, easy hiking, and unforgettable landscapes, Palcoyo Mountain is more than worth it.

I enjoyed it way more than Vinicunca, mainly because I didn’t have to elbow-to-elbow with strangers while trying to snap a photo. Plus, the walk is way shorter, which means more time to actually enjoy the views instead of catching your breath every five minutes.

Want to explore Palcoyo with us? Book your trip