TourismCusco

Tours & experiences

Palcoyo Mountain Tour Explore Colorful Peaks and Stone Forest

About this experience

Discover the vibrant hues of the Palcoyo Mountain Range, an alternative to the bustling Rainbow Mountain. This tour offers a less strenuous hike at 4,900 m (16,070 ft) above sea level, showcasing breathtaking landscapes of red, green, blue, and yellow mountains. Begin your day with a traditional Andean breakfast before a scenic drive to the Palccoyo community. Enjoy an approximately one-hour hike, with the option to visit the stunning Stone Forest for panoramic views. Experience the beauty of the Red River during the rainy season and conclude your adventure with a delicious lunch before returning to Cusco.

- Less crowded hike to the colorful Palcoyo Mountains
- Traditional Andean breakfast and lunch included
- Optional visit to the impressive Stone Forest
- Return to Cusco around 6:30 p.m. after a full day of exploration

At a glance

  • Duration: 12 hr

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Palcoyo Mountain Tour Explore Colorful Peaks and Stone Forest
Pickup included

Plan your experience

Time on the tour12 hr
Getting therePickup offeredSee pickup details
Guide languagesEnglish (live guide), Spanish (live guide)

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

Before you go

  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Local guides to help you plan

What is included

  • Assistance during the tour
  • Professional guide
  • Lunch
  • Breakfast
  • Full tourist transportation

Not included

  • Personal expenses and purchases
  • Entrance fee to Palcoyo

Itinerary and highlights

The Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour begins with an early hotel pickup in Cusco (4:30–5:00 a.m.) and a scenic drive south through the Andes. After about two hours, the group arrives in Cusipata to enjoy a traditional Andean breakfast.

The journey continues for about one more hour to the community of Palccoyo, the starting point of the hike. During the trip, travelers can see alpacas, llamas, and beautiful high-Andean landscapes. The tour then includes an easy panoramic hike of about one hour, where visitors can admire three colorful mountains, unique rock formations, and the famous Stone Forest.

After exploring and taking photos, the group returns to the starting point and travels back to Cusipata for a traditional lunch. Finally, the tour returns to Cusco, arriving around 5:00–6:00 p.m., ending this memorable adventure

Meeting and pickup information

  • Your guide will pick you up directly at your hotel. Please wait in the lobby at the time indicated in your reservation. The guide will be wearing a full uniform and will contact you via WhatsApp a few minutes before pickup to make it easier to find each other.

Languages and tickets

  • English — Guide
  • Spanish — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Chullos Tours Peru

Accessibility and practical details

  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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 12 hr.
What are the pickup arrangements?
Your guide will pick you up directly at your hotel. Please wait in the lobby at the time indicated in your reservation. The guide will be wearing a full uniform and will contact you via WhatsApp a few minutes before pickup to make it easier to find each other.
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 4+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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