Palcoyo Mountain Full Day Tour from Cusco

Duration11h - 12h

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish, Spanish

Group sizeUp to 15 travelers

Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

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.

Options

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

What's 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

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

What to expect

12h · Admission ticket not included

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

Meeting point

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

End point

Drop-off will be at Plaza Regocijo between 4:00 and 4:30 p.m., as per the regulations set by the Municipality of Cusco, which has designated this square as the official drop-off point for all tourist minivans to avoid the trafic in the historic center.

Pickup details

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.

Additional information

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.

Reviews

5.0 (2)

From

$35.00 per person

Check availability & book

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
Instant confirmation
You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.

Operated by Nixon Expeditions · Booked through Viator

More activities in Cusco