Humantay Lake Tour 1 Day
Discover the jewel of the Andes. Humantay Lake is one of the most visited natural wonders in the...
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Important information before your Rainbow Mountain tour
Please read these instructions from Guiding Cusco Expeditions carefully before booking. They will help you prepare for your day trip to Palcoyo.
Acclimatization
Palcoyo Mountain reaches an altitude of approximately 4,900 m, while Cusco is located at 3,400 m (11,150 ft). We recommend drinking plenty of water and being mindful of your food intake (avoid overeating).
Pick-up time
This tour starts very early in the morning. Hotel pick-up usually begins at 6:00 a.m., and the return to Cusco takes place in the late afternoon (around 5:00 p.m.).
How do I book my trip?
For each traveler, we need the following details via our booking form:
Full name(s) as they appear on your passport
Date(s) of birth
Nationality
Dietary requirements (if any)
We also require a deposit of 50 USD per person to secure your spot. The remaining balance is payable in Cusco or prior to the excursion. Payments can be made via bank transfer, online payment, Openpay, or through our website. (Online payment via WeTravel incurs an additional 8% fee, and card payment via Openpay incurs an additional 5% fee. Payments made in Cusco do not incur an extra surcharge.)
Can I change my travel date?
Please double-check your dates before booking. Changes are subject to availability and must be requested in advance; last-minute changes are treated as a "no-show."
What does the hike include? Hike duration: Approximately 45 minutes of walking on flat terrain from the starting point at a comfortable pace.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate; no high level of physical fitness required.
Admission: Included.
What meals are provided?
Breakfast and lunch are included. We can accommodate specific dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free); please let us know when booking.
Weather
The weather in the high Andes changes rapidly. Mornings are very cold, the midday sun can be intense, and wind, rain, snow, or fog can occur at any time, especially between November and March. At the summit, temperatures can hover around or below freezing. The dry season (May to September) generally offers clearer skies and better views of the Rainbow Mountain. Carrying a raincoat or poncho is recommended year-round.
What to bring
Warm clothing (layered), including a thermal base layer and a waterproof jacket or poncho
Hat, gloves, and sunglasses
Sunscreen and lip balm
Comfortable, broken-in hiking footwear (do not wear brand-new shoes for the first time)
Reusable water bottle and a small backpack
Snacks (chocolate, nuts, or fruit) for extra energy
Cash in Peruvian Soles for horse rentals and small purchases
Where will we be dropped off?
Our service includes pickup from your hotel (or a nearby location). At the end of the tour, we will drop you off at your hotel in Cusco (or a nearby location).
Is tipping the staff necessary?
Tipping is not mandatory, but it is customary to show appreciation to the guide and driver.
Andean communities and wildlife: Pass through traditional villages and spot llamas and alpacas along the trail. Colorful mountains—featuring red, jade green, yellow, and grey hues—formed by minerals. Wildlife (llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas) visible throughout the route. Snow-capped mountain peaks.
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Palcoyo 1 Day is one of the options apart from rainbow mountain. palcoyo for those people who do not practice much physical activity. Since these colorful mountains are located in the Andes, but super high located over 4700msnm. Which for some people is difficult due to lack of oxygen, so this area has 3 mountains with rainbow colors. And in sima also has a forest of stones which makes it different from the other mountains with colors.
Very impressive day begins when we pick you up from the hotel at 4.00 am, and in our transport we go to Cusipata place of the Breakfast rest. COLCA. Then we head to the town of Checacupe where we will make a stop to appreciate its bridges (depending on the time).
Continuing with our walk we arrive to the town of Palcoyo, a little inhabited but very beautiful town, we continue with the journey at our pace towards the mountain of Palcoyo, we arrive to a viewpoint and we will have our first view of the beautiful mountain of Palcoyo, accompanied by some animals like alpacas and these have earrings in the ears as a symbol of affection or also mark of each home to which it belongs, as well as people who work the land daily.
Once you arrive to the main point on the way to Palcoyo, you will be able to observe the mountains that form part of the colorful mountain of Palcoyo, we will listen to the information of our guide about how it was originated, once the information of our guide is finished you will have time to explore it more and be able to take pictures and videos. You will also be able to observe the imposing Ausangate mountain (6,372 masl / 20,910 feet). We will also be able to see part of the beautiful surrounding valleys.
As we continue exploring the mountain of Palcoyo we will find stone forests that are part of this wonderful colorful mountain that is Palcoyo. After the visit we will have to return at the same place to our departure point to take the bus and continue the journey to our lunch point and then continue our journey to Cusco.
Discover what makes this specific itinerary unique, authentic, and perfectly tailored for an unforgettable Andean adventure.
Palcoyo is the quieter, more accessible alternative to the famous Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. Despite the altitude (nearly 4,900 m), the trek is short and mostly flat—a gentle 45-minute walk from the drop-off point to the viewpoints. This makes it one of the easiest rainbow mountains to visit, as there are no strenuous climbs or technical challenges involved.
Upon arrival, you will find mountains featuring shades of red, yellow, turquoise, and violet, as well as the "Stone Forest" with its unique rock formations. Best of all, there are far fewer visitors than at Vinicunca, allowing you to take photos and enjoy the scenery at a leisurely pace.
It is an ideal choice for families, older travelers, or anyone wishing to experience a rainbow mountain without the need for an intense hike.
All our guides are highly qualified, licensed professionals certified by GERCETUR and MINEDU. Every year they complete refresher courses in first aid and languages, so you are always in safe, well-informed hands.
Availability: Daily from March through January · Suspension: February (rainy season and trail maintenance work) · Group size: Small-group adventure with guaranteed departure for 2 or more people · Booking: 50 USD upfront payment per person; balance payable in Cusco · Guarantee: Price guaranteed once booking is confirmed (will not increase)
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Group standard price | 99 USD |
| 1 person | 99 USD |
| 2–5 people | 88 USD |
| 6–8 people | 77 USD |
| Private – 2–4 people | 150 USD |
| Private – 5–8 people | 120 USD |
Booking: 50 USD upfront payment required per person; remaining 49 USD paid upon arrival in Cusco.
| Method | Surcharge |
|---|---|
| Online payment (WeTravel) | 8% additional fee |
| Credit or debit card (Openpay) | 5% additional fee |
| Cash in Cusco or directly to staff | No extra cost |
| Extra | Price |
|---|---|
| Ausangate and the 7 Lagoons | 50 USD |
| Machu Picchu Full Day | 469 USD |
| Sacred Valley Full Day | 90 USD |
| Age | Discount |
|---|---|
| Students aged 17 or younger | 20 USD |
Once your booking is confirmed, the price is guaranteed and will not increase.
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