Palcoyo Mountain Full Day Tour from Cusco
- 11–12 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 2 languages
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
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.
Inclusions
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
What's not
- Entrance ticket to Palcoyo Mountain (5 USD/15 soles)
Itinerary
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.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
5.0
- 52
- 40
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- 10
Ratings come from 2 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Know before you go
- 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
- Pickup
- Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the starting point.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 15 travellers
- Operated by
- Nixon Expeditions
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in Cusco
- Its from-price is 79% below the median of the 4460 experiences we list in Cusco.
- Its length is typical for the group.
- By number of reviews it ranks 2424 of 4460.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Cusco
Cusco, the old Inca capital high in the Peruvian Andes, blends massive stone walls with colonial churches and is the gateway to Machu Picchu.
The Plaza de Armas is the heart of the city, framed by the cathedral and the Jesuit church of La Compañía. Inca stonework survives throughout the centre, most famously at the Qorikancha, the sun temple on which the Spanish built a monastery, and in the twelve-angled stone on Hatun Rumiyoc street. San Blas, the artisans' quarter, climbs steeply with workshops and cafés.
Top-ranked sights in Cusco: Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo Ruins.
Special offers in Cusco
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
