Trip Overview

Most travelers have heard of the famous Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, but few know that another—far quieter—set of rainbow-colored peaks lies in the same mountain range. Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain is the lesser-known sibling of Vinicunca, located in the Vilcanota Range near Ausangate. It receives a fraction of the crowds yet offers equally impressive landscapes, making it a perfect alternative for those seeking a peaceful experience.

Palcoyo’s colors originate from mineral-rich sediments laid down some 65 million years ago, long before the Andes rose to their current heights. Tectonic uplift eventually exposed and tilted these layers, creating sweeping bands of red, gold, turquoise, lilac, and rose. Iron oxide, sulfur, and other minerals paint the slopes with natural pigments, giving the mountains their distinctive patterns.

One of the unique aspects of this tour is that Palcoyo is not a single peak—it is a cluster of three rainbow-colored mountains, accompanied by a striking red valley and the surreal stone forest of Ccacca Loma at 4,900 m (16,076 ft). Towering rock spires, ancient agricultural terraces, and expansive views toward the sacred Apu Ausangate complete the panorama.

Compared to Vinicunca, Palcoyo involves shorter walking distances, gentler slopes, fewer visitors, and lower overall altitude on the main route. Because the hike is only about 45 minutes, it is ideal for families, travelers adjusting to elevation, or anyone seeking a rewarding Andean experience without a strenuous trek. A couple of days of acclimatization in Cusco is still recommended.

For travelers wanting wild scenery, cultural immersion, wildlife, and tranquility all in one place, Palcoyo offers one of the most stunning—and underrated—day tours in the Cusco region.

Your Day-by-Day Adventure

Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain – Cusco Day Trip

Your adventure begins early, with pickup from your hotel in Cusco around 5:00 a.m. A private vehicle from Path Finder Peru will take you southward through highland valleys until reaching the village of Cusipata, where a buffet breakfast is served.

After breakfast, the drive continues for about 1.5 hours toward the Palcoyo trailhead. Even before stepping onto the path, you’ll be surrounded by unusual formations, rolling hills painted in soft mineral tones, and dramatic views across the Vilcanota Mountains.

Before the hike begins, your guide will offer a brief orientation about the region, the geology that created these colors, and safety considerations. The walk to the viewpoint takes around 40 minutes, depending on your pace. From the main lookout, you’ll have breathtaking vistas of the three rainbow mountains, the sweeping Red Valley, and the open highlands where alpacas and llamas roam freely.

Those who want to explore further can take a short uphill extension to reach the stone forest of Ccacca Loma, where tall vertical rock formations rise like a natural sculpture garden high in the Andes. It’s a striking landscape that feels otherworldly and offers exceptional photo opportunities.

After enjoying the views, you return along the same trail to meet your driver for the journey back to Cusco. Arrival is generally around 5:00 p.m., leaving you with a full day’s worth of unforgettable memories from one of Peru’s most overlooked natural wonders.