Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour

Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Peru Tour is the easiest option to visit the colorful mountains in Cusco.

Rainbow Mountains are one of the popular attractions in Cusco. Infact it just seconds Machu Picchu in popularity.

Rainbow Mountains of Vinicunca were discovered in 2016. It was covered in a blanket of snow. When it started to melt as the multi colours started to appear.

Both Palccoyo and Vinicunca are a part of the Vilcanota mountain range. The highest is the mighty Ausangate mountain which dominates the southern skyline of Cusco on a clear day. On this full day tour, you will be getting a closer look at the iconic sacred mountain of Andeans.

Unlike the full day trip to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, the trip to Palccoyo begins at a reasonable time. The alternative Rainbow Mountain tour is quite easy. It does not involve any arduous high altitude trek.

The full day tour begins with a drive to the trail head. The summit is just a 45 minutes hike away from there.

Pasion Andina is one of the reliable tour operators in Cusco. We operate the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Peru Tour in small groups. Our tour guides are locals and have an excellent knowledge on first aid.

On every high altitude trek we carry Oxygen tanks and coca leaves. It is imperative that you spend at least three days in Cusco and acclimate to avoid altitude sickness.

DEPARTURE

Cusco

ARRIVAL

Palcoyo

INCLUDED

Travel as described in the itinerary
Entrance to the Palccoyo site
1 lunch

NOT INCLUDED

Anything not mentioned under “Included.”
Tips

Cusco - Palccoyo

Departure from Cusco around 5am to head south. After about 2 hours drive to the village of Combapata, we will start a 1h drive on a track in a beautiful and peaceful valley. There, we will cross some Andean communities living only from agriculture and llama and alpaca breeding. This route will take us from 3’400m to nearly 4’700m through sublime rural and Andean landscapes.

On our arrival at the summit at more than 4’700m, we will find ourselves facing this magnificent Cordillera of color. Here it is not one but not far from three rainbow mountains that can be seen.

The path is well marked and controlled by a guard of the nearby community. The path leading us to the main viewpoint does not last more than half an hour for about 150 m of difference in altitude, that is to say really accessible to all provided that a good acclimatization to the altitude has been done before.

End of our services on our return to Cusco

Tourist season

The climate varies greatly according to the regions travelled through. From April to November, the sky is clear, although light rains are always possible. In altitude, it is pleasant during the day and cold at night. So bring warm clothes, even if you can walk around in a T-shirt during the day. Beware of the sun, which is strong at high altitudes, and bring a hat, sun cream and sunglasses.

Customs formalities

No visa is required for stays of less than 90 days. You must travel with a passport that is still valid for 6 months after your stay.

Health

When visiting high altitude areas, adverse effects such as headaches, nausea, insomnia and fatigue affect some people. However, the trip is designed to allow our body to adapt gradually (increase in red blood cells).

All major cities have modern private clinics with care comparable to what we have in Europe. However, you have to pay on the spot and then ask for reimbursement from your health insurance company.

We advise you to check whether your insurance covers medical costs in the countries you visit and if not, to seek reimbursement. Repatriation insurance is compulsory.

Currency / Credit Cards

Dollars and euros are accepted in the shops of the big cities. There are exchange houses everywhere. However, it is better not to carry large sums of money with you.

Credit cards are accepted in all ATMs (visa, mastercard, diners, american express). The commission of the bancomat is between 5 and 10USD.

Tips

In the service sector, it is normal to leave a tip when you are happy with the service. Between 5 and 10% of the value of the service is usual.

Physical preparation

Whenever you travel, remember to keep fit. Even for “Discovery” trips, by preparing yourself physically you will adapt more easily to the altitude and enjoy your discoveries.

For trekking trips, develop your endurance by running or practicing your endurance several times a week.

Material to take with you

Passport and 2 copies	Visa (if necessary)	Travel Insurance (mandatory) and copy
Air tickets and copy	Certification Vaccination Yellow fever (if visiting the Amazon)	Currency in USD., Euros or local
1 large bag and 1 small bag (preferably backpack or duffel)	Camera	Binoculars
Reading/writing materials	Flashlight	2 comfortable trousers (trekking type)
1 pair of shorts, 3 T-shirts, 1 big sweater	Warm underwear	Cap
Waterproof and warm jacket	Good shoes	Small towel and bath business
Toilet kit	Protection against sun and insects	Medications you usually take

Basic first aid kit (bandages, disinfectant, tape, 1 pain reliever, 1 disinflammatory, immodium, broad spectrum antibiotic, mosquito repellent, lip stick)

Vaccines

You must be up to date with Tetanus, Hepatitis and Typhoid (Yellow Fever when visiting the Amazon).

We personalize all our trips according to your wishes! Tell us more!