Discover Palcoyo: A Hidden Gem of the 3 Rainbow Mountains

Full Day Adventure to Palcoyo Valley, explore the Majestic 3 Rainbow Mountains

Discover Palcoyo: A Hidden Gem of the 3 Rainbow Mountains

Full Day

Full Day Adventure to Palcoyo Valley, explore the Majestic 3 Rainbow Mountains

 

While Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) has become a must-see destination on the Cusco tourist circuit, attracting crowds daily, there are other equally stunning rainbow mountains nearby, such as Palcoyo, that remain peaceful and largely untouched.

Located in southern Cusco near the imposing Ausangate Mountain, Palcoyo is known as the “Three Rainbow Mountains.” This magical landscape boasts vibrant, multicolored mountains, sweeping red valleys, and breathtaking Andean views. The best part? It’s only a 3.5-hour drive from Cusco, making it an easily accessible destination for those seeking a tranquil experience away from the crowds.

The hike at Palcoyo is short but rewarding. Enjoy stunning views of snow-capped peaks, vibrant rainbow mountains, and even Andean wildlife like llamas and alpacas. The “Bosque de Piedras” (Stone Forest) adds to the surreal beauty of the area, providing the perfect backdrop for photos.

The hike itself is only 1.5 kilometers, making it an excellent alternative for families with children, elderly travelers, or those looking for an easy, scenic trek.

Itinerary

After breakfast, our guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco, and we will embark on a scenic drive through the South Valley, heading toward Puno. Before reaching the village of Combapata (3475 m/11,400 ft), we will turn left and follow an unpaved road into the Salcca Valley. After about 3.5 hours of driving, we will arrive at the Palcoyo control point (4700 m/15,420 ft).

Once we arrive, we will begin a gentle hike toward the four marked lookouts around the valley. These viewpoints offer incredible panoramic views of the three rainbow mountains, each with colorful layers of rock in shades of turquoise, orange, brown, and red. You will also be able to admire the surrounding snow-capped peaks, including the majestic Apu Ausangate (6372 m/20,905 ft), considered the most important mountain in the region, and the contrasting red valley below.

Next, we will ascend a short but steep trail to the “Bosque de Piedras” (Stone Forest), where you will find towering rocks that create a surreal, almost otherworldly landscape. From this viewpoint, we will enjoy the best view of the entire valley, with the highest lookout point at 5000 m/16,405 ft.

After exploring the Stone Forest and soaking in the stunning views, we will return to the control point where our picnic lunch tent will be waiting. Enjoy your lunch surrounded by the vibrant multi-colored mountains and red valley. Afterward, we will board our private transport and head back to Cusco, arriving after approximately 3.5 hours of driving.

  • Distance from Cusco to Combapata: 107 km (paved route by bus)
  • Distance from Combapata to Palcoyo: 28 km (unpaved route by bus)
  • Distance from Palcoyo control to the Mountain: 1.5 Km hiking
  • Lowest elevation: (3475m.a.s.l/11400ft) Combapata
  • Highest Elevation: (5000m.a.s.l/16405ft) Stone Forest
  • Distance to hike: 3 Km round-trip
  • Average walking Time: 2 hours round-trip
  • Average driving time: 7 hours round-trip

What’s included:

  • Orientation meeting in Cusco (previous to departure date).
  • Transportation Cusco – (Llaqto) beginning point of trekking – Cusco.
  • Professional bilingual guide (English – Spanish), additional cost for other languages.
  • Lunch and snack.
  • Entrance fee to Palcoyo mountain.
  • First-aid kit with oxygen.

Not included:

  • Extra services not mentioned in the program.
  • Tips and extra expenses.
  • Walking stick (passengers MUST take it).

Contact Us:

Important

What to pack for the trip?

  • Wear warm clothing (hat, gloves, scarf).
  • Wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
  • Lightweight personal backpack.
  • Bring a rain poncho.
  • Wear walking shoes.
  • Bring water.
  • Bring your personal documents.
  • Personal medication.

Contact Us:

Tour Related:

2 Days /1 Night

Discover the Heart of the Colca Valley with an Authentic Cultural Experience!
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and rich culture of the Colca Valley on this 2-day adventure. Witness the majestic flight of the condors, explore ancient Inca terraces and ruins, and relax in the healing waters of Yanque’s hot springs. Stay with a welcoming local family, savor homemade traditional meals, and experience the warmth of Collagua hospitality. A perfect blend of nature, culture, and adventure awaits you! 🌄✨

Why Choose This Tour?

  • Authentic Experience – Connect with the local culture by staying with a local family and sharing traditional meals.
  • Stunning Nature – Witness the majestic flight of the condors and the breathtaking views of the Colca Canyon.
  • Cultural Immersion – Learn about the history, customs, and daily life of the Collagua communities.
  • Adventure and Relaxation – Combine exploration with relaxation in the hot springs of Yanque.

6 Days/5 Nights

Embark on a Journey Through the Heart of Southern Peru: From the Majestic Colca Canyon to the Sacred Waters of Lake Titicaca

🌄 Experience the best of Southern Peru on this unforgettable 6-day adventure through breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. From the elegant colonial charm of Arequipa to the dramatic depths of the Colca Canyon and the sacred waters of Lake Titicaca, this tour offers a perfect mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation.

Start your journey in Arequipa, the “White City,” where volcanic stone architecture and vibrant markets reveal a deep cultural history. Travel through the stunning Colca Valley, where you’ll witness the majestic flight of condors over one of the deepest canyons in the world.

In Puno, immerse yourself in the ancient traditions of the Uros and Taquile Islands, and experience a homestay on Amantani Island for a true connection with Andean culture.

This tour combines authentic experiences and breathtaking natural beauty with comfort and expert guidance every step of the way.

Why Choose This Tour?

  • Stay in charming, well-located hotels and eco-lodges.
  • Private transportation and expert local guides.
  • Unique experiences, including condor watching, island homestays, and ancient ruins.
  • A perfect blend of adventure, culture, and comfort.

Don’t miss the chance to explore the heart of Peru! Reserve your spot now and uncover the secrets of Arequipa, Colca Canyon, and Lake Titicaca.

7 Days/ 6 Nights

Birdwatching Expedition in the Heart of the Amazon – 7 Days in the Amazon Rainforest

🌿 Embark on the Ultimate Birdwatching Adventure in One of the Most Biodiverse Places on Earth! 🦜

The Tambopata National Reserve is a biodiverse paradise, protecting 274,690 hectares of pristine rainforest in Peru’s Madre de Dios province. This incredible ecosystem boasts the highest recorded diversity of wildlife on Earth, home to over 600 bird species, 1,200 butterfly species, and countless other fascinating animals. Thanks to its unique location at the meeting point of the Amazon rainforest, the Pampas savannah, and palm swamps, this reserve offers birdwatchers an unrivaled opportunity to observe some of the most exotic and rare species in South America.

At the heart of this wilderness lies the Explorer’s Inn, an ecolodge built within 5,500 hectares of untouched rainforest. This historic site has been a base for scientific research and conservation efforts since 1977, playing a key role in the creation of the Tambopata National Reserve and Bahuaja-Sonene National Park. Today, these reserves protect over 1.3 million hectares of tropical forest, forming one of the largest continuous protected areas in South America.

This is more than a birdwatching trip—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the heart of the Amazon. Don’t miss your chance to witness the astonishing diversity of Tambopata firsthand!

Join us for an unforgettable birdwatching adventure in the heart of the Amazon!

📅 Limited departures available! Book your spot now and let the adventure begin. 🚀✨

Kickstart My Adventure

Pon en marcha mi aventura

Reserve Today

Step into a world of rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Your journey to the soul of Peru begins with a click.