Cusco Region, Peru
Palccoyo offers three mineral-striped peaks and a flat, short trail. It receives roughly 10% of the crowds compared to Vinicunca.
5.0 from 77 traveller reviews on Viator & GetYourGuide
Tickets & tours
A licensed guide is officially required to visit the mountain.
Top ratedThe Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain tour is ideal for anyone hoping to see the famous rainbow coloured mountains, but not wanting to trek for hours. It is far quieter and more...
Most bookedEscape the crowds and discover a quieter, equally stunning alternative to Vinicunca on this full day Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour. With a short and scenic 40 minute...
Best valueDiscover the peaceful beauty of Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain on a relaxed scenic adventure designed for comfort without sacrificing breathtaking views. Unlike the demanding...
Explore
Key spots along the 3-kilometer trail.
4 spotsThree Rainbow PeaksThree distinct mineral-striped ridges on an accessible, flat trail.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
3 spotsStone ForestA dramatic geological formation of jagged rock spires.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
4 spotsChecacupe & ValleysScenic stops and historic bridges on the drive to Palccoyo.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
The local community charges 20 Soles for foreign visitors.
Payable in cash at the checkpoint.
Plan your visit
The hike takes 45 to 90 minutes. The total day trip from Cusco takes 10 to 14 hours.
May to October offers clear skies. December to March brings rain but reveals the seasonal Red River.
Palccoyo is 100 to 125 kilometers southeast of Cusco. The drive takes roughly 3.5 hours each way.
Guided tours range from $50 to $70 USD. Bring extra Peruvian Soles for the entrance fee and toilets.
Palccoyo features three distinct mineral-striped ridges in the Peruvian Andes. It sits at a maximum elevation of 4,900 meters (16,076 feet). The site sees fewer than 200 people daily.
Visitors can also view the Ausangate glacier and a dramatic stone forest. The trail covers 3 to 4 kilometers round trip. This flat path requires only 45 to 90 minutes of gentle walking.
A licensed guide is officially required to enter. Learn more about Three Rainbow Peaks or read our advice on Prevent Altitude Sickness before you go.
We list standard rates from booking platforms.
We show if meals, transport, and oxygen are provided.
We highlight entrance fees you must pay in cash.
From Viator
77 reviews of the private palccoyo tour on Viator & GetYourGuide
Was so impressive and I’m so happy we did it. our Guide , Roland was great. This mountain is not crowded at all so it’s easy to get bloop no no
Wow what a place! We did this as part of a long trip round Peru with Into Peru and this was one of the highlights. Everything was well planned, picked us up on time and the guide was great. Big thank you, will recommend you to all!
Great service, great guide, great views :) we had a wonderful day with amazing views of palcoyo. Relatively easy hike to the viewpoints.
wonderful and friendly guide, Carlos. He was friendly and helpful throughout the experience. Highly recommended.
Awesome, worth all the way, Guillermo as our tour guide was great care!
Our experiences with Guillermo was very nice and fun! He was entertaining and informed us of everything we needed to know about this experience. I enjoyed it quite a bit; the food was also very good—both breakfast and lunch. I highly recommend it.
I am so glad I chose to visit Palccoyo Mountain instead of the famous Rainbow Mountain! The trail is much easier, and only a few other tourists are there. The whole 2 mile hike has beautiful views. Our guide Guillermo was fantastic. I highly recommend this tour if you are in Cusco!
The view is amazing, mountains and rocks have so many colors. There are Alpacas and llama around the area. Frank is amazing too, very professional and with a lot of knowledge. Highly recommend
An absolutely wonderful experience provided by the Inca Highlands tour operator! The Palcoyo Mountain tour was beautifully organized from start to finish. The scenery was breathtaking, and our guide Yusmer was knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive throughout the trip. Everything ran smoothly, making the day enjoyable and stress-free. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Cusco!
Travel tips
Palccoyo vs VinicuncaCompare hike difficulty, crowds, and scenery for both mountains.Read 
Prevent Altitude SicknessTips for dealing with the 4,900m altitude at Palccoyo.Read 
Without a guideRules on visiting Palccoyo independently.Read Best TimeFind the best season for clear skies, dry trails, or the seasonal Red River.Read Stone Forest GuideHike the jagged rock spires above the Palccoyo valley.Read 
Packing & gearEssential clothing and gear for the 4,900m Palccoyo trek.Read Palccoyo offers a shorter, flatter hike and sees fewer than 200 people daily. It features three striped peaks instead of one. Read more in our Palccoyo vs Vinicunca guide.
The round trip covers roughly 3 to 4 kilometers (1.8 to 2.5 miles). It requires 45 minutes to 1.5 hours of gentle walking.
Yes. A licensed tourism guide is officially required to visit Palccoyo. Security personnel strictly enforce this rule at checkpoints. See Without a guide for details.
Foreign visitors pay a 20 Soles entrance fee (roughly $5-6 USD). Peruvian nationals pay 10 Soles. You must pay this in cash at the checkpoint.
Palccoyo is located 100 to 125 kilometers southeast of Cusco. The drive takes 3 to 3.5 hours each way.
The dry season from May to October offers clear skies. The rainy season from December to March makes trails muddy. See Best Time.
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