The Rainbow Mountain in Cusco is one of Peru’s most breathtaking natural wonders, but it’s not alone—Palccoyo and Pallay Punchu also dazzle with their stunning palette of colors.
These two destinations will captivate you with their unique geological formations and panoramic views of multicolored mountains. They offer travelers the chance to explore incredible corners of Peru that are still known by very few. These hidden gems of the Andes are perfect if you’re looking for an alternative to the classic Rainbow Mountain, far from the tourist crowds.
But which one is the best choice—Palccoyo or Pallay Punchu?
Both offer spectacular scenery, but completely different experiences. Join us as we uncover all the details that will help you make the best decision.
Everything About Palccoyo and Pallay Punchu
Palccoyo and Pallay Punchu are two mountains in the region of Cusco, Peru, that were formed over millions of years through impressive geological processes. Their unique colors and shades are the result of various minerals present on the Earth’s surface.
Each mineral contributes a different hue: iron oxide creates reddish tones, copper sulfate produces greens, and other mineral compounds result in yellows, pinks, and purples. This natural combination creates a painted-mountain effect, turning them into true masterpieces of nature.
Even so, there are notable differences between these two fascinating destinations in Cusco. Below, we present a detailed comparison of both places, based on real data and practical aspects, to help you decide which one to visit.
Palccoyo
Palccoyo is not just a mountain: it’s a natural spectacle with three rainbow mountains, a mysterious stone forest, the dazzling Red River, and viewpoints offering unforgettable views of the Andes mountain range. In addition, it features a well-marked and easy-to-walk trail, making it an ideal alternative for travelers seeking a more peaceful experience.
Let’s take a closer look at Palccoyo!
Location of Palccoyo
The Rainbow Mountain of Palccoyo is located south of the city of Cusco, in the majestic Andes mountain range of Peru. More precisely, it is situated in the district of Checacupe, a small town that offers several tourist attractions. This colorful mountain rises to 4,900 meters (16,076 feet) above sea level and is located near the impressive Ausangate snow-capped mountain.
How to get to Palccoyo
From Cusco, you take a car ride of approximately 3 hours to the starting point of the hike to the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain. The route follows a scenic road surrounded by Andean landscapes, towering mountains, potato fields, and llamas grazing freely.
You can also choose to travel on your own by taking transportation from Cusco to the district of Checacupe. From there, you must continue by bus or taxi to the Palccoyo community. Although this option offers greater flexibility in scheduling, it can be more complicated, as Palccoyo is a less-visited destination and finding direct transportation may be difficult.
At Salkantay Trekking, we offer a one-day tour to Palccoyo, with transportation, meals, and a professional guide included.
The hike to Palccoyo
The hike from the starting point to the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain takes approximately 45 minutes, making it ideal for visitors with limited time or moderate physical condition.
The trail is easy and has no steep inclines. At the beginning, you’ll find a short set of gently sloping stairs that are easy to climb. The path then continues smoothly and is well-marked, with a stone walkway that makes the hike even more accessible.
This route is suitable for all types of travelers and is especially helpful for acclimatizing to Cusco’s altitude. If you’re traveling with children or older adults, Palccoyo is an excellent option.
Amenities on the Route: Palccoyo has a more developed tourist infrastructure, with transportation options and basic sanitary services for visitors.
Highlights of Palccoyo
- Three Rainbow Mountains: You can admire them from the very beginning of the trail. Palccoyo’s colorful mountains display a spectacular variety of reddish, green, yellow, and turquoise tones, creating an impressive landscape that rivals the more famous Vinicunca.
- Stone Forest: A surprising natural formation made up of huge pointed rocks that will make you feel like you’re on another planet. From this point, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Palccoyo valley.
- The Red River: The road to and from Palccoyo runs alongside a powerful river that, during the rainy season, turns red. The sediments from the mountains are dragged by the rain, creating this phenomenon.
- Checacupe Bridges: After visiting Palccoyo, you can explore the small town of Checacupe, which features three bridges from different periods of Peruvian history: the Inca Bridge, the Colonial Bridge, and the Republican Bridge.
Pallay Punchu
Pallay Punchu is a true natural wonder of Peru. This mountain stands out for its steep, pointed slopes, covered with a mantle of vibrant and contrasting colored stripes.
The name “Pallay Punchu” means “decorated poncho” in Quechua, referring to its striking resemblance to a traditional Andean poncho, full of colors and details that reflect the cultural richness of the Andes. Dare to discover this unexplored rainbow mountain.
Let’s take a closer look at Pallay Punchu!
Location of Pallay Punchu
The Pallay Punchu Rainbow Mountain is also located south of Cusco, in the province of Canas and the district of Layo. It reaches an altitude of 4,700 meters (15,419 feet), making it the lowest in elevation among all the rainbow mountains in Peru.
Located in the majestic highlands of the Andes, this area offers a stunning setting near the Langui Lagoon. Surrounded by towering mountains and snow-capped peaks, it provides visitors with an unforgettable experience to marvel at the region’s extraordinary natural beauty.
How to get to Pallay Punchu
From Cusco, the trip to Pallay Punchu takes approximately 4 hours by car to reach the starting point of the hike. Although access can be longer and more difficult, the remote and less touristy experience is part of its charm.
You can also choose to travel on your own by taking transportation from Cusco to Sicuani. From there, you need to find transport to Layo, the town near Pallay Punchu. Once you arrive, get information about the route and take another vehicle to the starting point of the hike.
This option is much more difficult. Pallay Punchu remains an unexplored place that not many tourists visit. Finding transportation to the mountain will be almost mission impossible.
At Salkantay Trekking, we offer a one-day tour to Pallay Punchu, including transportation, meals, and a professional guide.
The hike to Pallay Punchu
The hike from the starting point to the Pallay Punchu Rainbow Mountain is of moderate difficulty—slightly more challenging than Palccoyo—but it doesn’t take too long. You’ll walk along the side of the mountain, as its shape is sloped and pointed. The trail is marked with white arrows painted on the rocks to guide your way. The ascent takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour if you go at a slower pace.
Upon reaching the first viewpoint, you’ll feel like you’re standing on the surface of another planet. The ridges of Pallay Punchu, with their various shades of cream, magenta, and reddish-brown, stretch across the steep slope in mind-blowing patterns. After that, you’ll walk 5 more minutes to reach the highest point of the mountain. From the top, you’ll witness the incredible colorful landscape surrounding you, with stunning views of the Langui Lagoon located just below Pallay Punchu.
Route amenities: Pallay Punchu has less infrastructure and is therefore more private. Here, you’ll find a more remote and less touristy experience.
Highlights of Pallay Punchu
- Sharp multicolored mountains: The hills of Pallay Punchu feature sharp peaks adorned with intense stripes of color, such as red and blue. Each slope looks hand-painted, creating a surreal landscape that captivates the eye.
- Breathtaking views of Langui Lagoon: From the high cliffs of Pallay Punchu, you can see Langui Lagoon—a vast body of blue water that contrasts beautifully with the mountain’s varied hues. You’ll feel on top of the world.
- A completely natural setting: Pallay Punchu offers an experience free of crowds and noise—just you and nature. You’ll be completely alone on the mountain, and we’re not exaggerating. This destination is still little known and less visited than Palccoyo or Vinicunca.
- Wildlife in its purest form: Around the mountain, it’s common to see llamas and alpacas grazing freely. These animals, symbols of the Andes, enhance the landscape with their calm presence and beauty.
Palccoyo vs Pallay Punchu
While Palccoyo stands out for its easy access and colorful landscape suitable for everyone, Pallay Punchu invites more adventurous travelers to discover a remote, little-explored corner deeply connected to Andean culture.
Below, we compare the key aspects of each mountain so you can choose the best one for your trip to Cusco.
| Mountain | Pallay Punchu | Palccoyo |
|---|---|---|
| Altitude | 4,700 masl / 15,420 feet | 4,900 masl / 16,076 feet |
| Hiking time (round trip) | Approximately 2 hours | Approximately 1 hour and a half |
| Level of difficulty | Moderate | Less demanding and shorter |
| Accessibility | More accessible and suitable for all ages | More accessible and suitable for all ages |
| Altitude sickness | Lower risk of altitude sickness | Higher risk of altitude sickness, though minimal |
| Number of visitors | Very few, almost none | Few |
| Overall experience | Ideal for a different experience, with breathtaking views and the serenity that only mountain solitude can offer. Perfect for photography and nature lovers. | Ideal for a calm experience, with numerous attractions to discover and an easy hike. Perfect for families and older adults, without major physical demands. |
Beware of the altitude! Although these hikes may seem easier than the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) trek and are at lower elevations, it is essential to consider the altitude. We recommend taking some time to acclimate in Cusco, at least two days, to avoid altitude sickness and fully enjoy the experience.
Which Rainbow Mountain to choose?
If you prefer a more remote experience away from conventional tourism, where you can explore unique rock formations and enjoy the tranquility of the Peruvian Andes, Pallay Punchu is an authentic and serene option. This “colorful poncho” woven high in the mountains dazzles with its natural beauty and conveys a deep connection to Andean culture.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a vibrant experience in the Colorful Mountains but with easier access, Palccoyo is the ideal choice. Its proximity to Cusco and the simplicity of the route make it an accessible alternative for all kinds of visitors. Additionally, it offers a spectacular display of reddish, green, yellow, and turquoise tones that rival those of the famous Vinicunca.
Do you have questions about the three Rainbow Mountains? Watch our video on YouTube and discover everything you need to know to choose the best experience for you.
Both Palccoyo and Pallay Punchu are stunning natural destinations that will allow you to deeply connect with the beauty and serenity of the Andean landscapes of Peru. By choosing one or the other, you are guaranteed to live a memorable and enriching adventure that will leave you amazed by the natural diversity of this beautiful South American country.
You might be interested in:
- The Best Rainbow Mountain in Peru: Vinicunca, Palccoyo, or Pallay Punchu?
- Rainbow Mountain, Vinicunca 2025: Everything You Need to Know
- Rainbow Mountain: Palccoyo, everything you need to know
- Rainbow Mountain: Pallay Punchu, Everything You Need to Know
- Discover Cusco’s Red Valley and feel like you’re on another planet
- Trip to Cusco: How to Organize the Perfect Itinerary
Leave A Reply