Experience the colorful wonder of Palcoyo with a private day trip from Cusco. For $170 per person, you’ll spend approximately 12 hours exploring not just the famed Rainbow Mountain but also the stunning Stone Forest, the historic 3 Checacupe bridges, and scenic valleys filled with llamas and alpacas. Guided by friendly bilingual guides, you’ll start early—around 6:30 am—and enjoy a well-paced journey that balances breathtaking sights with cultural insights.

What we love most about this tour is the combination of natural beauty and local culture. Visiting the three bridges of Checacupe adds a historical touch, while the viewpoints along the hike serve up plenty of chances to snap memorable photos. Plus, the included picnic lunch offers a relaxed break amid spectacular scenery. On the downside, the long travel time—around 2.5 hours each way—might feel like a stretch for some, but it’s worth it for the experience’s uniqueness. This tour suits travelers who crave authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventures with a mix of nature, history, and culture.

Key Points

Colorful landscapes: Experience Palcoyo’s vibrant rainbow mountains and stone forest at over 5,000 meters.
Cultural stops: Visit the historic Checacupe bridges and learn about local lifestyles.
Scenic journey: Travel through stunning valleys, glaciers, and traditional communities.
Comfort and safety: Includes trekking poles, first aid, and oxygen for peace of mind.
Flexible options: Vegetarian and vegan meals available, private transport, and optional last-minute purchases.
Ideal for: Adventurers seeking authentic high-altitude scenery and culture, with a manageable day trip structure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Palcoyo Tour: A Complete Guide

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Setting out from Cusco

Our day begins bright and early, with a pickup at 6:30 am. This early start guarantees we beat the crowds and make the most of the day. Our driver and guide, whose friendly demeanor made us feel welcomed right away, then whisk us southward from Cusco. The two-and-a-half-hour drive through high-altitude valleys and mountains offers plenty of scenery. Keep your camera ready for glimpses of glaciers, traditional villages, and llamas grazing amid the colorful landscape.

First Stop: Breakfast in Colca

The journey’s first highlight is a buffet breakfast in Colca, a charming community known for its traditional architecture and lively church. It’s a perfect spot to fuel up and pick up last-minute essentials—think hats, gloves, chocolates, and sunscreen—before heading into the highlands. The breakfast itself receives praise for its variety and quality, providing both energy and a cultural taste of local hospitality.

Visiting the Checacupe Bridges

Next, we make a roughly 30-minute stop at the 3 Checacupe bridges—an Inca stone bridge, a colonial-era structure, and a modern Republican bridge. This trio of crossings offers a tangible link to Peru’s layered history. We loved the way the guide explained the significance of each bridge, connecting the physical structures to stories of different eras. It’s a neat way to appreciate local history without leaving the bus.

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The Road to Palcoyo: Spectacle of Landscapes

As we continued our journey, we marveled at the stunning vistas—giant mountains, glaciers, and valleys dotted with llamas and alpacas. The landscape feels almost surreal, with vivid colors that prompted frequent stops for photos and admiration. The guide’s commentary added context about the local communities and their lifestyle, making the landscape come alive with stories of tradition and resilience.

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The Hike to Palcoyo

Upon reaching the base camp of Palcoyo, we received a brief from our guide, highlighting safety tips and what to expect. The 45-minute hike itself isn’t overly strenuous but involves an ascent that reaches around 5,000 meters at the stone forest. Expect to pass several viewpoints, each offering a new angle of the three rainbow mountains—each with their own unique hues and formations.

Walking through this high-altitude terrain, we appreciated the well-maintained trail and the chance to pause at viewpoints to take in the spectacular scenery. We loved the way the colors of the mountains shift with the light—reds, greens, purples, and yellows—creating a living palette that keeps changing.

The Main Rainbow Mountain and Ausangate

The highlight is undoubtedly the main viewpoint where you see the three colorful mountains in full glory, with the Imposing Ausangate standing majestically in the background. The guide’s explanations helped us understand the geological history behind these formations, making the experience not just visual but educational as well.

The free time to explore and photograph is generous, and we found it easy to get some spectacular shots—be sure to bring your zoom lens! We also enjoyed the snack break here, where the guide shared insights into local traditions and the landscape’s significance.

The Palcoyo Stone Forest

After soaking in the views, we descended to the Stone Forest, a surreal area filled with unusual rock formations at 5,000 meters. The landscape is almost otherworldly—shaped by natural forces into shapes that resemble sculptures. It’s a perfect spot for wandering and capturing more photos before heading back down.

Returning to Cusco & Picnic Lunch

The descent takes about 30 minutes, after which we returned to the parking lot to commence the scenic drive back. The highlight of the return trip was the scenic picnic lunch, set against the backdrop of Palcoyo Mountain. The food options included vegetarian and vegan choices, which we appreciated, and the relaxed atmosphere made for a perfect pause after a busy morning.

Final Stretch & Ending the Day

We arrived back in Cusco around 5:30 pm. The two-hour drive gave us time to reflect on the day’s highlights: the vibrant mountains, the history-rich bridges, and the warm interactions with local communities. It’s a full but rewarding day—well worth the price for the chance to see a less crowded, equally stunning alternative to the more popular Rainbow Mountain.

The Practicalities

The tour includes pick-up in Cusco, private transportation, bilingual guides, entrance fees, and a delicious picnic lunch. Trekking poles are provided, and a first aid kit and oxygen are on hand, essential for high-altitude travel. The small group size or private option ensures personalized attention, while the flexibility of vegetarian and vegan meals caters to various dietary needs.

Some travelers noted the long travel time as a consideration, but most felt the scenery and experiences justified it. The tour operates in the mornings, so early risers will appreciate the quiet and cooler temperatures.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This journey suits those who want a less crowded alternative to the main Rainbow Mountain, with a focus on natural beauty and local culture. If you enjoy hiking at high altitude, photography, and learning about Peru’s history, you’ll find plenty to love here. It’s particularly appealing for travelers seeking a quiet, scenic escape that combines geology, tradition, and authentic mountain vistas in one day.

The Sum Up

The Palcoyo Tour and Picnic offers a captivating blend of spectacular landscapes, cultural insights, and comfortable logistics. It’s an excellent choice if you’re after stunning, vibrant mountains without the throngs of travelers. The inclusion of historic bridges and a scenic picnic enhances the value, making this more than just a sightseeing trip—it’s a memorable adventure into Peru’s highlands.

Ideal for active travelers, photography enthusiasts, and those eager to explore beyond the crowds, this tour delivers genuine moments of awe and connection with the land. While the long drive might be a challenge for some, the spectacular views and cultural richness make the journey worthwhile.

FAQ

How early does the tour start?
The tour begins around 6:30 am, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the day’s highlights without feeling rushed.

What is included in the price?
The price covers pick-up in Cusco, private transport, bilingual guides, entrance fees, trekking poles, the picnic lunch (vegetarian and vegan options available), and safety equipment like a first aid kit and oxygen.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the moderate hike and high-altitude environment suggest it’s best for older children or teenagers who can handle a 45-minute hike at altitude.

What should I bring?
Bring layers, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, camera, and some cash for last-minute souvenirs or extra snacks. Trekking poles are provided.

How strenuous is the hike?
The hike lasts about 45 minutes and reaches around 5,000 meters altitude. It’s manageable for most reasonably fit travelers but requires acclimatization to high elevation.

Can I buy souvenirs during the trip?
You’ll have a chance to make last-minute purchases in Colca before heading to Palcoyo, but the tour is primarily focused on the natural and cultural sights.

What is the best time of year for this tour?
While not specified, the dry season from May to September generally offers the clearest skies and best visibility for photography.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change last minute.

This private tour combines natural splendor with cultural richness, offering a truly memorable day from Cusco. Whether you’re a dedicated photographer, an avid hiker, or just someone eager to see Peru’s vibrant highlands, Palcoyo promises a colorful, captivating experience.