Palcoyo is a range of colorful mountains in the district of Checacupe, in the province of Canchis, southeast of Cusco. It has become the go-to alternative to Vinicunca for travelers who want to see rainbow mountains with far less effort and far fewer visitors.
Palcoyo or Rainbow Mountain?
| Palcoyo | Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) | |
|---|---|---|
| Hike | Short and gentle, under an hour in total | 1 h 30 min to 2 h uphill |
| Maximum altitude | About 4,900 m | About 5,036 m |
| Visitors | Few | Many, especially in the morning |
| What you’ll see | Three rainbow mountains, a stone forest and views of snowcapped Ausangate | One strikingly colorful mountain and the Red Valley |
Choose Palcoyo if you’re traveling with kids or older adults, if you’re not well acclimatized or if you’d rather avoid the crowds. Choose Rainbow Mountain if you want the most famous view and don’t mind the effort.
How to get there
It’s about 3 h 30 min to 4 h from Cusco by road, with a final stretch on a dirt road. Most people go on a full-day tour with breakfast and lunch.
Tips
- The walk is short, but you’re at almost 4,900 m: go slowly.
- Bring warm layers, gloves and sunscreen.
- Best time to go: April to November; it can snow in the rainy season.
Frequently asked questions
Is Palcoyo easier than Rainbow Mountain?
Yes. The walk at Palcoyo is short and gentle, while Vinicunca takes 1 h 30 min to 2 h of climbing. Both are at high altitude, close to 5,000 m.
How long does it take to get to Palcoyo from Cusco?
Between 3 h 30 min and 4 hours by road, with a final unpaved stretch.
