Walking with Alpacas in Palcoyo: The Alternative Rainbow Mountain

Walking with Alpacas in Palcoyo: The Alternative Rainbow Mountain

If you’re visiting Cusco and dreaming of the iconic Rainbow Mountain, you might want to consider a less crowded, more relaxed alternative—Palcoyo. This recently discovered spot offers a similar kaleidoscope of colors, but with the bonus of a gentle, easy hike and adorable alpacas. For $139 per person, this guided tour takes roughly 10 to 11 hours, and includes hotel pickup, making it a hassle-free way to experience the Andean landscape without the overwhelming crowds.

What we love about this experience is the intimate feel—you’re often with fewer people, which means more space and quieter moments to truly soak in the scenery. Plus, the opportunity to walk alongside alpacas—adorable, fluffy creatures that seem as curious about you as you are about them—adds a uniquely authentic touch. One minor consideration is that the admission fee to Palcoyo isn’t included**, so you’ll want to bring some cash for that.

This tour suits travelers who prefer a more relaxed pace and want to avoid the busier, more commercialized Rainbow Mountain. It’s ideal for those who aren’t acclimated to high altitudes or simply seek a peaceful, scenic experience with good company and professional guidance.

Key Points

• Less Crowded: Palcoyo is a newer, quieter alternative to Rainbow Mountain, perfect for those seeking tranquility.
• Easy Hike: The trek lasts only about 35 minutes and is almost flat, suitable for all fitness levels.
• Authentic Experience: Walking with alpacas provides a genuinely local and engaging element.
• Professional Guides: Guides are trained mountain professionals, ensuring safety and insightful commentary.
• Inclusive Amenities: Snacks, water, and lunch are provided, making the day comfortable.
• Hassle-Free: Hotel pickup and drop-off simplify logistics, so you can focus on enjoying the scenery.

A Deep Dive into the Palcoyo Experience

While Rainbow Mountain has become an Instagram staple, its popularity has led to crowded trails and busy viewpoints. Palcoyo offers a refreshing alternative, especially for those who dislike large tour groups or want a more intimate encounter with nature. For about $139, the tour includes transportation, snacks, a local guide, and alpacas, making it a solid value given the full day of scenery and activity you get.

The Itinerary: A Breakdown

The journey begins early, with a 7:00 am hotel pickup in Cusco. This timing ensures you beat most of the crowds and get the most serene experience possible. Traveling in a private vehicle, you’ll head toward Palcoyo—a mountain recently gaining attention due to its vibrant colors and relative ease of access. Expect to arrive after a scenic drive, with beautiful views along the way.

Your first stop is the Third Viewpoint of Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain, which is just a 35-minute gentle walk from the vehicle. The trail is flat and suitable for all ages and fitness levels, making it an ideal choice for travelers who want to enjoy the scenery without strenuous hiking. As soon as you arrive, you’re greeted with stunning panoramas of multi-colored peaks—think shades of red, yellow, green, and purple blending into the rugged landscape.

Walking with Alpacas

One of the highlights of this tour is the chance to walk with alpacas—adorable creatures that are not only cute but also add a touch of authenticity and fun to your adventure. The alpacas are cared for by local women, and their presence makes for memorable photos and genuine interactions. As one reviewer noted, “We had 4 beautiful alpacas with us who were well cared for,” which emphasizes the care taken to ensure a positive experience for both visitors and animals.

The Scenic Views

The views at Palcoyo are nothing short of spectacular. You’ll be able to see the surrounding Andes, with a relatively unobstructed feel thanks to the smaller crowds. The colors of the mountain are especially vivid in good weather, and the landscape feels vast and untouched. One traveler described the views as “gorgeous” and the hike as “more beautiful than the more famous Rainbow Mountain,” highlighting how this experience can sometimes surpass expectations.

Additional Amenities and Considerations

Snacks accompany your journey, including a 500 ml water bottle, chocolate, a cereal bar, local fruit, and candies—perfect for a quick energy boost during or after your walk. Lunch is served around 3:30 pm, giving you time to relax after your trek and enjoy local cuisine, though the exact menu varies depending on the day.

While the admission fee to Palcoyo isn’t included**, you should budget a small amount for this. The tour’s inclusions—private transport, guide, snacks, and alpacas—make the overall experience smooth and enjoyable. Guides are trained professionals, and you’ll benefit from their knowledge about the landscape and local culture.

What the Reviews Say

Most travelers rave about the guide, Julio Cesar, who is praised for being “very knowledgeable, safe, and enjoyable.” His ability to share insights about the scenery and local culture elevates the experience. One reviewer even said, “Hike was harder than expected in the thin air, but there was no rush,” which underscores the importance of pacing and good guidance.

On the downside, a rare negative review mentions a trip cancellation that wasn’t communicated clearly, but it’s worth noting that this was not directly tied to this specific operator. Always double-check your booking and confirm details in advance.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re looking for breathtaking scenery without the crowds, this tour is perfect. It’s especially great for those who prefer easy walks and want a more authentic local experience—walking with alpacas is a delightful bonus. It also suits travelers who aren’t used to high altitudes because the route is gentle, and the views are accessible. Nature lovers, small-group seekers, and those wanting a more relaxed pace will find this a memorable option.

This tour also appeals to families or older travelers who prefer a less strenuous day but still crave incredible landscapes and cultural interactions. Thanks to the small group size (maximum 15), you’ll find plenty of space to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed or crowded.

The Sum Up

This walking tour to Palcoyo offers a wonderful balance of stunning natural beauty, authentic local culture, and easy accessibility. The chance to walk with alpacas—adorable, curious, and well-cared-for—adds a unique charm that larger, busier Rainbow Mountain excursions often lack. The small group size, professional guiding, and thoughtful amenities make it a relaxed yet engaging way to experience the Andean highlands.

If you’re after less congestion, more tranquility, and a chance to connect with local culture, this is an excellent choice. It’s particularly well-suited for those who want a memorable, scenic day that’s not too physically demanding or overwhelming.

For anyone seeking a genuine, beautiful, and peaceful mountain experience outside of the hustle and bustle, this tour delivers on all fronts. Just remember to bring some cash for the entrance fee and get ready for a day filled with unforgettable color, companionship, and breathtaking views.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hassle-free pickup from your Cusco hotel, making logistics easier and more convenient.

How long does the tour last?
Expect the entire day to last about 10 to 11 hours, with the main activity being a short, 35-minute flat walk to Palcoyo.

What’s the difficulty level of the hike?
The main hike is very easy and suitable for most fitness levels, especially since it’s almost flat and only lasts around 35 minutes.

Are snacks and lunch provided?
Yes, snacks including water, chocolate, cereal bar, local fruit, and candies are provided before the hike. Lunch is served around 3:30 pm after the hike.

Is there an additional fee I should be aware of?
Yes, the admission fee for Palcoyo Mountain isn’t included in the tour price, so plan to pay that separately.

What makes Palcoyo different from Rainbow Mountain?
Palcoyo is less crowded, offers a more relaxed hiking experience, and provides a chance to walk with alpacas—adding a fun, authentic touch.

Can children participate?
While not explicitly stated, the easy nature of the hike and small group size suggest it’s suitable for families with children who are comfortable at high altitudes.

What should I bring?
Bring layers for variable weather, cash for entrance fees, sun protection, and a camera for the stunning scenery.

What if the tour is canceled?
The provider offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, with a full refund if canceled in time.

Embark on this peaceful adventure for a genuinely memorable glimpse of the Andes—less crowded, more authentic, and full of adorable alpacas.