Palccoyo: The Rainbow Mountain in Peru

You’ve probably heard about the famous Rainbow Mountain in Peru, Vinicunca, that majestic wonder of seven colors located a few hours south of Cusco. However, what about Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain? This hidden gem also overflows with colors and beauty, although it doesn’t enjoy the same fame.

I’m here to share the wonders of Palccoyo, offering detailed information and revealing its charms so that you can appreciate this lesser-known alternative. Discover the magic that Palccoyo has in store for you. Let’s embark on this exciting journey together!

Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain in Peru: The Hidden Treasure

Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain features peaks colored through a mineralization process spanning millions of years. Known as Vinicunca’s sister, opting for this mountain enables you to relish breathtaking landscapes without breaking a sweat. Unlike the more demanding trek to the famous mountain, you can anticipate a relaxed stroll of just 45 minutes on flat trails.

Furthermore, Palccoyo caters to everyone. Yes, you read that right! From the little ones to the oldest members of the family, everyone is welcome to marvel at this natural spectacle. However, I recommend that the elderly ensure they don’t have any heart health issues to fully enjoy this experience.

Where is Palccoyo Mountain?

Planning your visit to this wonder is straightforward. From Cusco, embark on an exciting day trip heading towards the Checacupe, in Canchis. This journey will take you through stunning landscapes, preparing you for the unique experience that awaits you in Palccoyo.

How to get there?

Here, we’ll tell you the two ways to get to Palccoyo, so you can choose the one that best suits your travel style:

On your own:

If you enjoy exploring at your own pace, the self-guided option is for you. Find a means of transportation that takes you on a journey of approximately 3 hours to the district of Checacupe. Then, take a bus or taxi to the community of Palccoyo and finally embark on a short walk to Palccoyo’s Mountain of Colors.

Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain tour:

Salkantay Trekking offers this hassle-free option, which includes transportation, meals, and even a guide who will explain everything about the place. You’ll have a full day of adventures without needing to worry about the details.

How high is Palccoyo Mountain?

Palccoyo’s Mountain is 4,900 meters above sea level (16,070 ft), 300 meters lower than Vinicunca’s Rainbow Mountain (5,200 masl / 16,732 ft).

Weather

Here’s a bit more information about the two different seasons in Cusco and how you should prepare for them:

Rainy season:

Between November and March, the Cusco region experiences rain, which can bring fog, hail, or even snow. Some days offer better conditions; with fewer tourists, you’ll witness more vibrant and saturated mountain colors, adding a touch of magic to your experience.

Dry season:

Between April and October, you’ll enjoy the dry season. This means clearer skies and improved visibility. Trails tend to be drier and more stable, offering more predictable and favorable weather conditions for exploring Palccoyo’s Mountain.

What to see during the hike?

Beyond the visit to Palccoyo, the incredible Rainbow Mountain Range, you’ll discover natural treasures that will make every step worthwhile:

Giant Stone Forests:

During the hike, you’ll come across a fascinating stone forest. These are enormous rocks with surprising shapes that create an almost magical atmosphere.

Red Valley:

Palccoyo boasts an intense red valley that will transport you to Mars. The view is simply breathtaking and will leave you marveling at the diversity of colors that nature gives us.

Llamas and alpacas:

You’ll encounter llamas and alpacas along the way. These charming creatures will be your travel companions, adding charm to your high-altitude experience.

Stroll through Checacupe:

You’ll have the opportunity to explore the district of Checacupe. Here, you’ll admire three bridges representing different eras: Inca, colonial, and republican.

Which is better? Vinicunca or Palccoyo? Or both!

So, now you know more about the mountain, but should you go there instead of Vinicunca? Let’s take a closer look. Both mountains are nearby and offer similar views. Let’s compare some aspects to see which one better suits your preferences:

Appearance	Palccoyo	Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain)
Altitude	4,900 masl	5,200 masl
Hiking Time (round trip)	1 hour and a half	4 hours
Hiking Challenge	Less demanding and shorter	More challenging and extensive
Accessibility	More accessible and suitable for various ages	May require more physical effort and time
Altitude Sickness	Lower risk of altitude sickness	Higher altitude, higher risk of altitude sickness
Landscape and Colors	-You will see a total of 3 colorful mountains.-Breathtaking landscape with varied colors.	-You will see 1 colorful mountain.-Impressive with vibrant colors.
Number of visitors	Few	Many
¿Need for a horse?	No	Yes (optional)
Overall experience	Ideal for those who prefer a less strenuous experience	For those seeking a challenging hike

Palccoyo is more accessible and easier to traverse, perfect for those seeking a quick and straightforward hike in small groups. On the other hand, Vinicunca offers a greater challenge, making it the ideal choice for those looking for a more demanding experience and willing to trek further.

The Verdict

If you have the time and energy, consider exploring both mountains. This way, you can savor the diversity of landscapes and colors that locations offer.

What to Bring to the Mountain of Colors?

To ensure you are well-prepared for the excursion to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain, here is a list of items to bring:

• Layers of clothing
• Waterproof jacket
• Comfortable hiking boots
• Water bottle
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Camera
• Toilet paper
• Small backpack
• Hat or cap
• Gloves
• Hiking poles
• Cash
• Snacks
• Rain poncho
• Identification document

Recommendations

1. Spend at least 2 days exploring the city of Cusco before your hike. This will give you time to acclimate to the altitude and prepare for the cool weather in Palccoyo.
2. Keep some extra soles in your pocket, just in case. You never know when you might find something special to buy, or if your cravings for local snacks will increase during the excursion.
3. Before heading to the mountain, use the restroom facilities at the beginning of the trail. Note that you won’t find others along the way.
4. If you plan to capture epic views with your drone in Palccoyo, remember to request permission from the responsible authorities and make the corresponding payment. This way, you can enjoy aerial shots without any issues.

So, keep these tips in mind

Certainly, don’t miss out on this gem during your visit to Cusco! If you prefer to avoid crowds, opt for this hike—a brilliant choice that won’t exhaust you. At the end of the trail, a simply spectacular view awaits you. Dare to explore Palccoyo, and I assure you won’t be disappointed at all!

You might be Interested:

• All About The Rainbow Mountains in Peru 
• The History Behind the Rainbow Mountain in Peru (Vinicunca)
• Rainbow Mountain: Pallay Punchu del Apu Tacllo
• All You Need to Know to Get to Rainbow Mountain