Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour Full Day | Easy Hike Alternative to Vinicunca

4:30 AM – 5:00 AMHotel Pickup in Cusco

Your adventure begins with early morning pickup from your Cusco hotel. Settle into our comfortable private vehicle equipped with blankets and travel pillows for the scenic journey ahead. Watch the sunrise paint the Andean peaks as we drive through traditional villages.

30 minutes

7:00 AMTraditional Breakfast in Checacupe

Stop at a local family restaurant in the authentic village of Checacupe. Enjoy a hearty Andean breakfast featuring fresh bread, eggs, local cheese, jam, butter, coca tea, and coffee. This meal will energize you for the adventure ahead while you acclimatize to the altitude.

45 minutes

7:45 AMColonial Bridge Photo Stop (Optional)

Explore the historic colonial-era bridge of Checacupe, a remarkable example of Spanish colonial architecture. Your guide will share fascinating stories about its construction and importance during the Inca and colonial periods. Perfect opportunity for unique photos!

15 minutes

8:00 AM – 9:30 AMScenic Drive to Palccoyo Trailhead

Journey through spectacular Andean landscapes, passing through remote communities, red valley formations, and potato fields. Your guide will point out interesting geological features and explain the traditional agricultural practices of the region. The road offers stunning views of the Ausangate Mountain range.

1.5 hours

9:30 AM – 10:15 AMEasy Trek to the Three Rainbow Mountains

Begin your gentle uphill walk on a well-maintained path. Unlike the crowded Vinicunca, this easy 45-minute trek (1.4 km) leads you to a viewpoint showcasing three distinct rainbow mountains. The gradual incline makes it accessible for children, elderly visitors, and those concerned about altitude. Walking sticks and oxygen are available if needed.

45 minutes

10:15 AM – 12:00 PMExploration Time & Photography Session

Enjoy ample time at the summit to capture the incredible rainbow striations created by mineral deposits over millions of years. Your guide will explain the geological formation while you explore the stone forest, interact with friendly alpacas and llamas, and take in 360-degree views of the Ausangate glacier. This is the perfect time for that Instagram-worthy shot!

1 hour 45 minutes

12:00 PM – 12:45 PMDescent to Parking Area

Take a leisurely walk back down the trail, enjoying different perspectives of the colorful mountains and perhaps spotting viscachas (Andean rabbits) along the way. Your driver will be waiting with the vehicle for the return journey.

45 minutes

2:00 PM – 3:00 PMBuffet Lunch in Checacupe

Return to Checacupe for a delicious buffet lunch featuring traditional Peruvian dishes including soup, multiple main course options (chicken, trout, alpaca, vegetarian), sides, and desserts. Coca tea and other hot beverages are included to help you relax after your mountain adventure.

1 hour

3:00 PM – 5:00 PMReturn Journey to Cusco

Relax on the comfortable drive back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel in the late afternoon. Your guide can provide recommendations for dinner or activities for your evening in Cusco. You’ll return with incredible photos and unforgettable memories of Peru’s hidden rainbow mountain treasure.

2 hours