Cusco: Palcoyo Mountain and Stone Forest Guided Tour

If you’re looking to escape the crowds and see some of the most breathtaking natural sights around Cusco, the Palcoyo Mountain and Stone Forest tour offers a rewarding day out. For $65 per person, you’ll spend about 13.5 hours exploring high-altitude landscapes, marveling at the famous 7-colored mountain, and wandering through striking rock formations. Guided by friendly bilingual guides, this tour makes it easy to enjoy these sights without the hassle of planning transportation or navigation.

One of the things we love about this tour is how it combines a scenic drive with a manageable hike that offers spectacular views—perfect for those who want adventure but aren’t looking to spend all day climbing. Plus, the included lunch in Cusipata is a great way to refuel after your morning climb, giving you a taste of local flavors in a relaxed setting.

A potential consideration is the high altitude, with the starting point at nearly 4,700 meters (about 15,420 feet). Travelers sensitive to altitude sickness should consider their health before booking.

This tour is ideal for those who appreciate natural beauty, enjoy outdoor activities, and want a full-day experience that combines sightseeing, light hiking, and cultural touches—all at a fair price.

Key Points

Stunning Scenic Views: See the famous 7-colored mountain and unique rock formations in the Stone Forest.
Balanced Itinerary: A mix of scenic drives, hikes, and cultural sights, with a delicious lunch included.
Professional Guides: Bilingual guides enhance the experience with local insight and language support.
Comfort and Safety: Transportation, first aid, oxygen tanks, and trekking poles are included for peace of mind.
Altitude Awareness: The tour reaches high elevations, so prepare accordingly if sensitive to altitude sickness.
Value for Price: At $65, the combination of natural beauty and guided convenience makes this a good deal.

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An In-Depth Look at What to Expect

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The Journey Begins: From Cusco to Combapata

Your day kicks off with a hotel pickup in Cusco, making it easy to start without worrying about transportation logistics. From there, we traveled through the Andean countryside—an experience in itself—taking roughly 3 hours through towns like Urcos, Cusi Pata, and Checacupe. The scenery here is classic Peruvian highland: rolling hills, distant mountains, and a quiet rhythm of life that feels a world away from the bustling city center.

The drive allows you to acclimate gradually and enjoy the passing views. We appreciated the comfort of the private transport, which allowed us to relax and chat with our guide about what was ahead.

The Hike to Palcoyo Mountain and the Stone Forest

After arriving in the Cusipata district, we enjoyed a hearty breakfast—an important part of a day spent at high altitude. Then, it was about an hour in the van to the trailhead at 4,700 meters. The hike itself is around 50 minutes, a manageable stretch for most with good shoes and some stamina.

What makes this hike stand out is the surreal landscape. The 7-colored mountain (Montaña de Siete Colores), often compared to Rainbow Mountain but with fewer crowds and a more rugged charm, offers incredible photo opportunities. We loved the way the colors of the mineral-rich mountain contrasted sharply with the surrounding dark volcanic rocks.

The Stone Forest is another highlight—a maze of tall, bizarrely shaped rocks that look like they belong to a fantasy film. It’s a place that invites exploration and photography, especially with the afternoon light playing on the formations.

Free Time and Photos

The guide encourages wandering and snapping photos, which we found beneficial as it gave us time to soak in the scenery and get some shots without feeling rushed. The views from the top are magnificent, with panoramic vistas of the Andes stretching in all directions.

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Returning and Lunch in Cusipata

After descending, the tour continues with a well-earned lunch in Cusipata—a tasty meal that helps restore energy after the morning’s exertion. The local cuisine hits the spot, and the relaxed atmosphere is perfect for sharing stories of the morning adventure.

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Back to Cusco

The drive back takes around two hours, passing through more picturesque highland scenery. The tour concludes in Cusco around 6:00 PM at Plaza de Armas, leaving you with plenty of time to explore the city’s evening ambiance or head straight back to your accommodations.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is well-suited for travelers who want to see iconic natural wonders without the crowds of Rainbow Mountain. It’s perfect if you enjoy light hiking, stunning vistas, and culture within a manageable day trip. Those who love photography will find plenty of opportunities, especially with the vibrant colors of the mountains and the unique rock formations.

However, if you’re sensitive to high altitudes or have mobility issues, keep in mind the elevation and the physical demands of the hike. The tour is also private, which means a more personalized experience—great for families or small groups seeking flexibility.

A Closer Look at the Details

Transportation and Comfort

The tour’s round-trip transportation from Cusco is a standout feature. The van ride is comfortable and allows you to relax while enjoying the changing scenery. Since the journey is about 4.5 hours total, the vehicle’s comfort is crucial, especially since it includes several stops.

The Price and Its Value

At $65, this tour offers excellent value. It includes not only round-trip transport but also the entrance fee to the mountain of seven colors and the Stone Forest, plus a professional bilingual guide and a filling lunch. These inclusions reduce the hassle of coordinating separate tickets and meals, making it a straightforward choice for travelers wanting a seamless experience.

What’s Not Included

You’ll want to bring extra drinks, especially cold beverages, as these are not included. The optional horse ride at S/. 90 is also available if you need a break from hiking or want a different perspective of the landscape. Remember to pack essentials like water, sunscreen, a hat, and lightweight rain gear—weather can change quickly at high altitude.

Safety and Preparedness

The tour provides a first aid kit, oxygen tanks, and trekking poles, which are thoughtful safety measures. However, because of the high elevation, travelers prone to altitude sickness should consider medication or acclimatization time beforehand.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

If you’re seeking a day of visual delight away from the crowds, this guided tour offers a well-organized, scenic adventure at a reasonable price. The combination of breathtaking views, cultural insights from your guides, and a relaxed schedule makes it a strong choice for most outdoor enthusiasts. It’s especially good if you’re after authentic landscapes and less touristy spots that still showcase Peru’s natural splendor.

For those who love a good photo opportunity, enjoy light hikes, or simply want to experience the high Andes without the stress, this tour is a solid pick. Just be prepared for the altitude, and pack accordingly.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation from Cusco is included, making it easy to focus on enjoying the scenery instead of worrying about logistics.

What is the duration of the tour?
The total duration is about 13.5 hours, with pick-up in the early morning and return around 6:00 PM.

Is lunch provided?
Yes, a local lunch is included in Cusipata after the morning hike. It’s a great way to refuel and try regional flavors.

Can I go if I don’t like hiking?
The hike to the viewpoints takes roughly 50 minutes and is manageable for most, but the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues or very limited stamina.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, a hat, camera, sunscreen, water, rain gear, insect repellent, and a daypack are recommended.

Are there any additional costs?
Extra drinks, tips, and the optional horse ride (S/. 90) are not included.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s best for children who are comfortable with walking and high altitudes. Keep in mind the altitude and physical demands of the hike.

In sum, this Cusco day trip offers an inviting blend of adventure and scenery, with the added bonus of fewer crowds than Rainbow Mountain. It’s a fantastic option for travelers craving authentic landscapes, memorable photos, and a relaxed pace—all for a fair price.