Your journey to the breathtaking Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain begins early in the morning, with pickup from your hotel in Cusco between 4:30 and 5:00 AM. As we leave the city behind, you'll travel south in a comfortable tourist vehicle, enjoying a scenic 3.5-hour drive through the stunning Andean highlands. Along the way, you’ll witness picturesque valleys, colonial bridges, and remote villages that seem frozen in time, offering a glimpse into authentic Peruvian rural life.
We’ll stop for a light local breakfast in the village of Cusipata or Checacupe, where you'll have the opportunity to fuel up and acclimate to the increasing altitude. From there, the drive continues along a winding unpaved road that leads deep into the Cordillera Vilcanota, with panoramic views of glacier-covered peaks and vast highland plateaus.
Upon arrival at the trailhead (approximately 4,800 m / 15,748 ft), you'll begin a gentle 45-minute to 1-hour walk on a relatively flat path — a welcome contrast to the challenging hike to Vinicunca. Along the trail, you’ll be rewarded with views of three distinct rainbow-colored mountains, shaped by centuries of mineral sedimentation, and surrounded by herds of alpacas and llamas.
One of the highlights of this experience is the chance to see the Stone Forest of Palccoyo, a unique natural formation of jagged rock pinnacles that stand dramatically against the sky. On clear days, you can also enjoy spectacular views of the mighty Ausangate Mountain, the highest peak in the Cusco region.
For those seeking a little more adventure, there is an optional short hike to the Red Valley viewpoint, a surreal landscape of crimson-hued hills that feels like another planet. This side trek takes around 30–40 minutes round trip and is well worth the effort for avid photographers and nature lovers.
After enjoying ample time to take photos, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and absorb the beauty of this serene environment, we’ll begin our descent back to the vehicle. The drive returns through the same scenic route, stopping once again in Cusipata or a nearby village for a hearty buffet lunch featuring local cuisine.
We arrive back in Cusco around 4:30–5:30 PM, just in time to relax or enjoy a quiet evening in the city. This unforgettable day trip offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural insight, and physical ease — making Palccoyo one of the best alternatives to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain.
