About this experience

Discover a quieter, more peaceful alternative to the classic Rainbow Mountain hike with our full-day tour to Palcoyo. Just a few hours from Cusco, Palcoyo surprises travelers with not one, but three colorful mountains, each streaked with vibrant mineral layers that seem painted by nature herself.

As a friendly, low-cost operator, we offer competitive prices without sacrificing quality or personalized service. Enjoy easy hikes, stunning views of the Stone Forest and Ausangate Glacier, and authentic Andean culture throughout the day. Perfect for travelers seeking adventure, great value, and a warm, welcoming team.

At a glance

Duration: 11 hr–12 hr

Choose your tour option

Select a date and travellers to compare current prices and departure times.

Palcoyo Mountain Full Day Tour from Cusco

Pickup included

Palcoyo Tour+ Entrance fee

Entrance Fee : Enjoy of this alternative hike in Cusco all included.
Pickup included

Plan your experience

Time on the tour11 hr–12 hr

Getting therePickup offeredSee pickup details

Guide languagesEnglish (live guide), Spanish (live guide)

Set aside 11 hr–12 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.

Before you go

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Local guides to help you plan

Rainbow Mountain Day Trip From Cusco

Plan a Rainbow Mountain day trip from Cusco with practical guidance on altitude, tour options, costs, access, packing, and the demanding full-day schedule.

Machu Picchu Mountain Guide

Plan Machu Picchu Mountain with the correct Ruta 1-A ticket, clear Circuit 1 comparisons, arrival rules, packing restrictions, and live-status checks.

What is included

First Aid Kit
Buffet lunch (Vegetarian options available)
Pick up from your Hotel/Hostel or accommodation in Cusco
Light Breakfast
Briefing session once you book to give you helpful recommendations
Professional Bilingual Guide (English & Spanish)
Tourist Transportation from Cusco- Palcoyo- Cusco

Not included

Entrance ticket to Palcoyo Mountain (5 USD/15 soles)

Itinerary and highlights

Start your day with an early pickup between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m. from your hotel in Cusco. Enjoy a scenic 2-hour drive to the southern town of Checacupe, where you’ll have breakfast near the iconic Inca bridge, a place where ancient, colonial, and modern bridges stand side by side. It’s the perfect moment to stretch, use the bathrooms, and ease into the mountain atmosphere.

From there, continue for about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the trailhead at Palcoyo, perched above 4,800 meters. The hike is short and easy, just 2.5 km roundtrip, and takes about 40 minutes with breaks. Along the way, you’ll see three rainbow mountains, the Stone Forest, and—on clear days. the Ausangate Mountain. Unlike the busy Vinicunca trek, Palcoyo offers serenity and space to truly connect with nature.

After soaking in the views, we return to Checacupe for a buffet lunch before heading back to Cusco. Per city regulations, all minivans drop off at Plaza Regocijo between 4:00 and 4:30 p.m.

Meeting and pickup information

The convenient meeting point at the water fountain in the main square (Plaza de Armas), located right in front of Cusco’s Cathedral, at 4:15 a.m
Once your booking is confirmed, please contact us directly so we can coordinate your pickup details and share helpful tips to make the most of your Palcoyo experience. If your accommodation is outside the standard pickup area or has limited vehicle access, we’ll arrange a convenient meeting point at the main square (Plaza de Armas) at 4:15 a.m.

Languages and tickets

English — Guide
Spanish — Guide
Mobile Only

Tour operator

Nixon Expeditions

Meeting points and locations

Accessibility and practical details

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?

The supplier lists a duration of 11 hr–12 hr. Check your chosen tour option for its specific itinerary.

What are the pickup arrangements?

Once your booking is confirmed, please contact us directly so we can coordinate your pickup details and share helpful tips to make the most of your Palcoyo experience. If your accommodation is outside the standard pickup area or has limited vehicle access, we’ll arrange a convenient meeting point at the main square (Plaza de Armas) at 4:15 a.m.

Which guide languages are listed?

English (live guide), Spanish (live guide).

What ticket format is listed?

Mobile ticket.

What ticket age bands are listed?

Adult tickets: age 1+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.

What accessibility information is provided?

Service animals allowed

What is the cancellation policy?