Add-on: Palcoyo Rainbow Mountains

The Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain excursion offers an extraordinary experience in the Peruvian Andes, allowing you to witness the stunning beauty of not just one, but three colourful mountains in a single journey. Unlike the more crowded Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, Palcoyo is a lesser-known gem, ideal for those who want to experience the remote beauty of the Andes and gain an insight into Andean life, without a strenuous hike.

Palcoyo is an easy-moderate one hour (round trip) hike to enjoy incredible 360° views of the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountains, making it accessible to a wide range of trekkers. The trail winds through a surreal landscape where mineral-rich soil has painted the mountains in vibrant hues of red, orange, yellow, and green. Along the way, you’ll pass through high-altitude plains dotted with herds of alpacas and llamas, and you’ll have panoramic views of surrounding snow-capped peaks.

After an early morning pick up from your hotel at 04.30am, it's a 3.5 hour drive through the south-eastern Cusco Valley to the trailhead at 4326m. Along the way stop for breakfast at a local restaurant. Here you will start your 30-minute walk to the Palcoyo viewpoint where you're rewarded with breath-taking views of the Rainbow Mountains of Palcoyo, creating an unforgettable memory. You'll spend approximately 1 hour at the summer, giving you plenty of time to appreciate the beautiful landscape and take pictures before beginning the 30 minute hike back to the vehicle. After the hike you will stop for lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Cusco.