At the scheduled time (6:00 to 6:10 am), we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. From there, we will embark on a three and a half hour drive to Palccoyo Village, allowing ample time to appreciate the beautiful landscapes along the route.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please keep in mind that for this outing, you should be properly acclimatized to the altitude. Take at least a couple of days in the Cusco area, before beginning this tour.
Exploring Checacupe’s Rich Heritage
Our next destination will be the small village of Checacupe, situated at an elevation of 4,326 meters (14,189 feet). Here, you will have the opportunity to visit the Colonial Church (optional an according to availability as sometimes the temple is closed), an excellent spot to soak in some local history and architectural beauty. In this town you can take it slow while enjoying a hot beverage (not included in the price).
Hiking to Palccoyo
We will continue our journey until we reach the checkpoint. From there, we will start our walk along winding trails that carve through the mountainside. The hike to Palccoyo, which is at an elevation of 4,700 meters (15,419 feet), takes approximately 40 minutes, offering stunning panoramic views all along the way.
Exploring Palccoyo
Upon reaching Palccoyo, we will have ample time to explore the area and capture a lot of photographs of this breathtaking landscape. The vibrant, natural colors of the site are sure to leave a lasting impression.
After our exploration, we will begin our drive back to Cusco, expecting to arrive between 16:30 to 17:00. This tour promises a day filled with adventure, stunning sceneries, and unforgettable memories.
Why not visiting the most popular Rainbow Mountain, Vinicunca?
Vinicunca is definitely one of the most popular places in Peru after Machu Picchu. And even among the different Rainbow Mountains you can find in all of South America, it is the most well-known one. Again, its popularity has turned this place into a destination that we advise you not to visit.
Because of the popularity of Vinicunca and people’s unawareness of the problems it faces, we have dedicated a seperate blog to it, where we explain to you everything in detail. Read Why not to visit the Rainbow Mountain in Cusco to find out all about it!
Price Includes
What to Bring
The Palccoyo tour fosters practices that protect the delicate trail ecosystems. Every step taken during our hike is mindful, ensuring the natural beauty of the routes remains unspoiled for future visitors.
Also, the Palccoyo experience is interlaced with educational moments. Our expert guides share in-depth insights into the destination, allowing participants to gain a broader understanding and appreciation of the area. This educational approach cultivates an awareness of the significance of preserving Palccoyo’s unique landscapes and biodiversity. By the end of the journey, travelers not only take away stunning memories but also a renewed commitment to conserving these magnificent natural wonders.
Additionally, this alternative Rainbow Mountain helps alleviate pressure on Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, which has been severely impacted by mass tourism and irresponsible practices.
I was born in Cusco, and from a very young age, I was taken to the jungle of Manu, where I learned to connect with and respect nature. On some occasions accompanying my father on his trips to the native communities, I learned how the villagers live in harmony with the forest, they do not realize it, but they have a deep connection with the jungle, which we outsiders would like to have.
When you understand how important it is to take care of and conserve nature, you want to share this feeling and what better way to do it than by doing tourism. What motivates me is to share what you have lived and know about the rainforest.
Since 2012, I am with Impactful Travel (formerly known as RESPONSible Travel Peru) because they live and feel that tourism is a way by which we can make development while conserving and sharing with visitors. I like to be part of this Impactful tribe.
Yes, this tour requires a good level of physical fitness due to the altitude and the hiking involved.
The hike lasts approximately 40 minutes, depending on the group’s pace and weather conditions.
Is a private tour, which means that we are able to adapt it to your specific wishes, if need be!
Cusco has a typical Andean climate; when there’s sun it’s warm, when there’s no sun it’s cold. The best season to do this tour is from November to March but occasional rains can occur anytime throughout the year.
Find more info about climates in Peru in our blog “Best Time to Travel to Peru“.
For questions about booking a tour, prices, preparation for your trip, health and safety or other themes, please check our Frequently Asked Questions page. If you can’t find your question & answer, email us and we’ll add it!
