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A quiet alternative to the famous Rainbow Mountain: three colorful ridges striped in red, yellow, green and lavender, an impressive “Stone Forest” and views of the snow-capped Ausangate range. The walk is easy, on a well-kept trail, and free of the crowds.
The tour leaves Cusco early in the morning and drives about 3.5 hours along the region’s rural roads, with a stop for breakfast and a stop at the Raqchi archaeological site along the way. At the end of the drive you reach the Palccoyo area, at about 4,900 meters, and walk about an hour and a half in total, round trip, on a marked trail with gentle slopes. Along the way you see the three colorful ridges, whose colors come from minerals in the soil and shift with the light, pass through the Stone Forest with its dramatic rock formations, and enjoy views of the Ausangate range. After lunch the group drives back to Cusco. The drive is long, but the walk is easy and the site is far quieter than the classic Rainbow Mountain.
Trip details:
- Duration: full day, about 7 hours of driving in total and about 1.5 hours of walking
- Maximum altitude: approx. 4,900m
- Difficulty: easy, suitable for most ages
- Recommendation: 1–2 days of acclimatization in Cusco
Day 1: Cusco → Palccoyo Mountain
- 4:00 AM – Hotel pickup in Cusco
- 3.5 hour drive, with a breakfast stop and a stop at the Raqchi archaeological site on the way
- Arrival at Palccoyo and a walk of about 1.5 hours round trip
- The three colorful ridges, the Stone Forest and views of Ausangate
- Lunch
- Drive back to Cusco (late afternoon arrival)
What's Included:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco
- Breakfast and lunch (vegetarian and vegan options available)
- Professional guide
- First aid kit and oxygen
What's Not Included:
- Palccoyo entrance fee
- Tips
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
What to Bring:
- Layers (thermal, fleece, waterproof windbreaker)
- Hiking shoes
- Wool hat
- Gloves
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Snacks
- Camera
