Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain – Full Day

Duration : 1 Día
Type Service
Customized Private Tour
Difficulty
Moderate
Availability
The whole year
Language
EN / ES

Short hiking adventure to the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain

The Palcoyo Mountain full day tour, is an effortless journey through Andean Mountain valleys, and up a short trail to the viewpoint that sits above the colourful valley.

Unlike its neighbour, the mountain of 7 colours, Palcoyo Mountain is at lower altitude, takes half the time to walk, and is much less crowded all day. Perfect for those visitors seeking colourful mountain views and an adventure without the fuss!

Along the way you will also be treated to the famous 15th century Inca suspension bridge and the 17th century colonial bridge over the Pitumarca River, in the small Andean town of Checacupe.

Reserve your space now for a tranquil adventure in the colourful Andes!

Route Highlights

Palcoyo Mountain Rainbow Mountain Ausangate Mountain view Inca Bridge Colonial Bridge Cusipata
Price per traveler
From $ 135
$150 SAVE 10%
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Awards of tripadvisor

Travelers' Choice 2025

5.0
Based on 2,470 reviews

Overview

  • 5am : Pick up from your hotel in Cusco
  • 7am : Breakfast in a restaurant in Cusipata
  • 9am : Begin the 40 minute hike to Palcoyo Mountain viewpoint
  • 10am : Arrival at the viewpoint and free time to explore and take photos
  • 11am : Return walk for 40 minutes back to the transportation
  • 2pm : Buffet lunch at a restaurant in Cusipata
  • 5pm : Arrival in Cusco – return to Hotel

CUSCO – CUSIPATA – PALCOYO RAINBOW MOUNTAIN – CUSIPATA – CUSCO

The Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain tour starts with pick up at 5am from your hotel in Cusco.

Your private transportation will take you on a 2-hour drive through the picturesque towns and valleys of the Peruvian Andes until we reach the town of Cusipata. Here we will stop for a delicious breakfast in a local restaurant amidst the stunning backdrop of the surrounding mountain range.

After breakfast, your driver will transport you a further 90 minutes up the valley to the start of the hike in the community of Palcoyo. Along the road you will have the chance to admire the famous 15th century Inca suspension bridge and the 17th century colonial bridge over the Pitumarca River, in the small Andean town of Checacupe.

Accompanied by your guide, you will begin the hike at elevation 4,700 m / 15,420 ft. The zig zag trail ascends a further 200 meters to 4,900 m / 16,076 ft, and takes approximately 40 minutes to walk to the viewpoint.

Along the trail you will be treated to the sights and smells of the local fauna, glacial valleys formed by years of erosion, and the beautiful snow-capped Andes mountains that surround you.

From the Palcoyo Mountain viewpoint, you will be able to see the three rainbow mountains, including the majestic peaks of Ausangate. You can also explore the stone forest, which some say resembles a geological labyrinth. Unlike its neighbour, the mountain of seven colours, Palcoyo is one of the lesser known destinations for visitors. This means that there will be less people to share the experience with, leaving plenty time and space to take as many souvenir photos and videos as you can carry!

Once you have taken in your surroundings, you will descend back down the 40 minute mountain trail with your guide. Your driver will be waiting for you to return at the end of the hike, ready to transport you back to the restaurant in Cusipata for a well deserved rest and lunch.

The final leg of the tour will be the 2-hour drive back to Cusco. Arrival at your hotel is approximately 5pm.

valle mapi retorno machupicchuviajesperu 1

What is Included?

Included

  • Pick up from your hotel in Cusco
  • Professional English/Spanish speaking tour guide
  • Comfortable private transport to and from Palcoyo
  • Food : 1 Breakfast and 1 Lunch
  • Entrance ticket to Palcoyo Mountain
  • Trekking poles – 2 per person
  • First aid kit and oxygen bottle

Not Included

  • Snacks and drinks
  • Tips for the tour guide and driver (optional)

Recommendations to bring

  • Original passport – expiration date no less than 7 months
  • Walking shoes or light shoes or tennis shoes
  • Canteen water bottle as you should drink plenty of fluid on the tour
  • Raincoat or long poncho during the rainy season
  • Long sleeve shirts
  • Long pants
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunscreen
  • Wide-brimmed hat – UPV is strong at altitude
  • Sunglasses
  • Medicines and / or personal effects
  • A small light backpack
  • Camera or phone camera
  • Cash/coins – small denominations – soles & dollars
  • Bottle of water and snacks

Price and Options

OPTION 1

PRIVATE SERVICE
$150
$135 USD
Per person
“ALL INCLUDED”

(Exclusive for Groups of 2 to 3 people)

OPTION 3

PRIVATE SERVICE
$90
$81 USD
Per person
“ALL INCLUDED”

(Exclusive for Groups of 6 to 8 people)

Additional Information

WHY CHOOSE MACHU PICCHU VIAJES PERU?

  • We are a local tour operator based in Cusco with 15 years of experience as a Tour operator 100% Cusquenian Company.
  • We have all the Authorizations and licensed by the Peruvian government as proof that we are an official tour operator.
  • We have the Best Tour guides (Fluent in English and Spanish): We are so proud of our guides! They are highly professional, licensed and degrees by the Peruvian government and speak fluent English and Spanish. They are very knowledgeable and passionate about Incan heritage and history.  Our guides are dedicated to continuous personal and professional development. They do research to ensure that you receive accurately and recognized theories in Incan and Andean cultures.
  • Small groups & Personalized and High-quality service (Customized Private Tour), This fact alone sets us apart from other companies that operate departures with bigger groups.
  • No hidden prices or Surprises/ We Never Pass you onto another operator as most travel agencies do here. We will depart even if you are a group of 02 persons (Departure of tours is 100% guaranteed).
  • We never share services with other companies as most travel agencies do here to Minimize cost
  • We are a Sustainable and eco-friendly tour company, Machu Picchu Viajes Peru has always believed that we should “give back” to the communities we pass through on our treks. Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we socially support and employ these communities.
  • We are committed to social projects and improving living conditions for the children of Peru.
  • Our dream as a locally based company is to create small personalized tours & treks strictly and only operated by local professional staff catering to Personalized and High-quality service.
  • We treat our team of porters the best with a HOUSE for them to sleep in and proper equipment, wages, and health insurance for everyone
  • Master Chefs The best in the Cusco region
  • The food provided on our treks is the best( buffet Style and plenty of food)
  • The best Camping Equipment for the Inca Trail and alternative treks (spacious tents 4 season aluminum poles tents, Eating & Cooking tents, Portable table & chairs, comfortable mattresses, and more…)
  • Our tourist transports are exclusively for our services, which are completely reliable, comfortable, safe and with all the necessary authorizations.

“Machu Picchu Viajes Perú” We know how important it is to trust a trustworthy honest operator to create the adventure of a lifetime while in Peru. Take a look at our reviews and certificates of excellence in Tripadvisor

Where does the tour start and end?
  • All ours tours begins with the pick up to the tourists at the door of their hotels “We pick up to our clients from any hotel located in the city of Cusco”, We recommend to stay close to the historical center of the city of Cusco, it will make it easier to find your hotel.
  • All our tours ends at the door of the hotels, it means the tours will finish with transfer to your respective hotel located in Cusco.
How to prevent altitude sickness?
  • The altitude sickness or soroche can cause you some discomfort during your visit such as dizziness, fatigue or nausea. Try to avoid alcoholic beverages and fatty foods before the visit.
  • To reduce symptoms, try to acclimatize yourself one day before to the altitude of the city of Cusco. We recommend to drink infusions of coca leaf (natural plant used by the Incas) is an excellent option to avoid the actitude sickness.
How is the accommodation?
  • For all the tours which include hotels. We offer hotels of 3* and 4* category, it has spacious and comfortable rooms, bathrooms, hot showers and bueffet breakfast. If the tourist like, you can change the accommodation to a better service. You just have to request it via email for an additional cost.
Which season is the best time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu?
  • The dry season months between April to December are the best time to come and visit Cusco. During those days the possibility of rain is very little, so the roads are not swampy and the landscapes can be better to enjoy and takes the best pictures. On the other hand, the months with the most rain are January, February and March.
What are the coldest months in Cusco Peru?
  • The coldest season in Cusco are in the months from May to July. During this time the sun is strong in the day, but once it goes down or you spend much time in the shade, it can get very cold. It can go below zero at night, so warm clothes and Jackets are necessary to bring during these months.
How long in advance can I request the tour?
  • We recommend to purchase the tours weeks or months in advance, this because the train and Machu Picchu tickets has a limit of spaces, dont wait until the lust minute to book your tour, other ways you will not be able to find spaces.
During the trip to Machu Picchu, where the big luggages will stay?

The train company that operates to Machu Picchu does not allow the traveler to carry a suitcase that weighs more than 7 kilograms. To go up and visit the city of Machu Picchu, it is recommended to carry a light and small backpack for your convenience; the rest of the luggages you can leave them without any problem at the storage of your hotel in Cusco, or you can also leave at our office in Cusco city, we have an storage too.

Very Important in case you want to book the Inca trail to Machu Picchu:
  • CLASSIC INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS: If you want to book the Classic Inca Trail 4 days, you must to book early to get your desired date. Depending on the month you prefer to do the hike, you may need to book 6 months or more in advance, the limit of spaces for the inca trail 4 days is 400 people per each day.
  • SHORT INCA TRAIL: If you are booking the 1 or 2 day Inca Trail, it is preferred that you also book in advance, however 2 to 4 month in advance would be good, the limit of spaces for the short inca trail is 200 people per each day.
When is the best season to hike the Inca Trail?
  • The best time of year to do the inca trail is between May to October, with August and September being the best months of all. The trail is dry and the weather is lovely. During the rainy season between November to April  the trail will be wet and can make it more difficult.

What are customers saying about Us

At Machu Picchu Viajes Perú, our goal is to create the best possible experience for all our clients. Proof of our commitment is reflected in our customer recommendations.

Our rating on TripAdvisor

4.9/5 Based on 2,469 reviews
Lawrence R | Jan 2026
5.0

A very personal experience

Our guide and driver could not have been more helpful. The bus was just for us but was modern, clean and tidy. The visits to the archaeological sites and the weavers were fascinating and breaks were timed around our needs. I can't recommend this outing too highly.

Doug C | Jan 2026
5.0

Sacred Valley, Machu Pichu, Rainbow Mountain

We spent 3 full days with Domingo combining the 2-day Sacred Valley/Machu Pichu tour with 1-day Rainbow Mountain, both originated in Cusco. The entire trip was awesome! Domingo provided everything we could as and more for our small group. He was punctual, helpful, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to travel with. His experience and local knowledge was evident as he (and our drivers) guided us across and through these cultural and geographic spectacles. Domingo provided insight we couldn't have achieved on our own, while giving us our space to explore and enjoy the surrounding at our own pace. Domingo also provided technical assistance if required, such as assisting us with train schedules. Domingo help make this trip a marvelous and memorable adventure..

Agos B | Jan 2026
5.0

An unforgettable tour

Excellent planning and accompaniment of the whole team. A lot of professionalism on the part of agents and guides. The only thing we didn't like was the little lunch option. While the buffet was optional, there were no other options either or told us in any previous village if we wanted to buy our lunch beforehand. We were practically forced to buy that lunch which by the way we found expensive.

Meena G | Dec 2025
5.0

Above and Beyond! The Best Way to See Peru

Our 14-day trip to Peru with Machu Picchu Valjes was absolutely seamless from start to finish. Traveling to a new continent with children where there is a language barrier can be daunting, but this team made us feel completely at home. From the moment we landed until the moment we departed, we had professional, prompt guides and drivers by our side.

Mitzi A | Dec 2025
5.0

Positive experience for private tour

Very pleasant, clear and close experience from the point of view of doubts for quotation, simple and totally secure contract and international payment process, very personalized treatment and quick responses after payment and contract for the logistics of the activity, I highly recommend it, all the team very prepared and extremely friendly.

Our rating on Google

4.9/5 Based on 120 customer
Maggie Cerrotta | Sep 2025
5.0

Excelente experiencia!!! Realmente es un lugar maravilloso donde se conjuga la naturaleza con el ingenio del inca. Ademas nuestro guia Yorgan nos acompaño a traves de estos dos dias brindando sus excelentes conocimientos academicos como asi tambien su respeto, compromiso y calidez en su trabajo!!!! Excelente!!!! La proxima pensamos recorrer el camino del inca de 65 km!!!! La empresa Machu Pichu Viajes es muy recomendable, horarios, los guias en gral. diempre muy atentos como asi tambien los hoteles muy buenos!!! Hermoso viaje en familia!!!

Avis Bosso | Jul 2025
5.0

Excellent travel agency we are very happy to find them. we're all had wonderful time in this trip. Their service were so professional and helpful. I will 💯 % to recommend this agency. Special thanks for miss blossom she makes our trip so unforgettable. This is the trip of the life time .…

claudio strasorier | Abr 2025
5.0

Excelente empresa donde su gran cualidad es la comunicación antes durante y después del programa de viajes. Hicimos Cusco y Machu Picchu con yorgan el guía que con su humildad y robustez estos 4 días hizo una muy buena experiencia..las unidades de traslado los choferes, la ayuda en la gestión de entradas fueron de gran valor agregado..gracias seguro que volveremos

Jennifer Lewis | Feb 2025
5.0

this tour was a highlight of our trip to Peru! Our guide William was so knowledgeable, kind, and patient and took probably 100 fantastic photos of us. this was a day to remember and a highlight of our trip to Peru. having your company coordinate everything made it so much easier and was such a relief. thank you!

Turistas en Machu Picchu

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Why Travel with "Machu Picchu Viajes Peru"?

More than a trip, we create authentic experiences in Peru

We specialize in designing personalized trips to Machu Picchu and the main destinations in Peru, combining impeccable organization, personalized attention, and deep local knowledge.

Proven Experience

Years of experience operating routes such as the Inca Trail, Salkantay, and cultural tours, with packages throughout Peru.

Specialized Local Team

Certified guides and trained staff who guarantee quality service and professional support.

Safe and Official Operations

Company registered and authorized by official tourism entities in Peru.

Commitment to the Community

We work with local providers promoting sustainable development and responsible tourism.

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National and international distinctions that support our commitment to quality and excellence in every experience.

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Travellers' Choice Awards

Machu Picchu Viajes Peru is a highly recommended company on Tripadvisor, ranked as one of the best tour operators nationwide, winner of the 2025 Excellence Award.

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Certificates and Authorizations

Machu Picchu Viajes Peru is a company fully authorized by the Peruvian government, certifying us as a legally established company with multiple excellence certificates.

Machu Picchu Viajes Peru Awards

Sustainable and Responsible

Machu Picchu Viajes Peru meets the highest social and environmental standards in the tour operator market, meaning we practice sustainable and environmentally responsible tourism.

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