The Mountain of Colors Palcoyo in Cusco

Were you surprised by your visit to the 7 Colors Mountain? Now imagine there is a mountain of similar shades, but with even more incredible landscapes. The Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain is a little-known natural destination in the city of Cusco, which allows for a more intimate experience, furthermore the walk to get there is very easy. Discover more details about this beautiful attraction and schedule it in your trip.

What is the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain?

Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain is a small valley full of peaks stained with various shades, similar to the 7 Colors Mountain, although here you will see a much wider landscape, being able to walk beside such beautiful scenery.

Its diversity of colors is due to millions of years of geological processes, where rivers, seas, and lakes took part in the sedimentation of layers. With the tectonic movement of the Andes these layers were lifted and, together with erosion, became visible. Today we can see so many colors thanks to the minerals present, among which the most outstanding are:

• Intense red: due to iron oxide in clays and limonites.
• Green: result of clays with iron and magnesium, also copper in small amounts.
• Mustard yellow: presence of sulfur and calcium carbonate in sandstones.
• White: quartz and limestone.
• Lavender or purple: combinations of clay with silicates and sodium carbonate.
• Lavender or purple: combinations of clay with silicates and sodium carbonate.
• Fuchsia / pink: clays rich in sand and mudstones.

Where is the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain?

Palcoyo is in the south of Cusco, in the district of Checacupe, Canchis province. This place is part of the Andean mountain range, and at short distance is the Ausangate snow‑capped peak, the highest in all of Cusco.

Throughout the journey, and upon reaching the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain, you will be surrounded by impressive Andean landscapes, together with agricultural fields, forests, lakes and a great diversity of wildlife.

The tour to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain

The journey to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain begins very early, around 4:00 in the morning. Pickup is usually from the doors of hotels or the passengers’ residence.

During the trip you can take the opportunity to catch up on some hours of sleep, since the first stop is in Cusipata, after 2 hours of travel. Here we will stop to enjoy a buffet breakfast and thus gain energy for the journey.

The next leg of travel will be about one hour, until reaching the community of Palcoyo, located at 4,600 meters above sea level, so it will be very important to be well dressed. Upon arrival we will prepare to start the walk, which is very easy, since flat paths are crossed. The walk is less than one hour.

The tour to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain, unlike the tour to the 7 Colors Mountain, is easy and does not require great physical effort. This visit is ideal to do with the whole family.

Throughout the tour you will be accompanied by a guide, who will provide information and context about what you will be seeing. Also, the guide is responsible for ensuring your safety and taking the group along the best route.

After walking and enjoying all the landscapes of the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain we will return to the transport to continue with the itinerary. First, we will stop in Cusipata to have lunch and afterwards, at the guide’s suggestion, stay a while to enjoy the beautiful valley landscapes, where the Checacupe bridge can also be visited.

Finally, one boards the tourist transport again to make the return trip to the city of Cusco. The tour ends in a central square or at the door of the tourist’s hotel around 5:00 in the afternoon.

Differences between the 7 Colors Mountain and the Palcoyo Colorful Mountain

Although they share many similarities, there are major differences between the 7 Colors Mountain and the Palcoyo Colorful Mountain. Discover the main ones and make the best decision when planning your trip to Cusco.

The best season to visit the Palcoyo Colorful Mountain

• The dry season (April – October): During the dry season, when visiting the Palcoyo Colorful Mountain, you will see a much clearer and brighter landscape, with sunny days but lower temperatures. It is ideal for visiting any tourist destination in Cusco, but if you visit Palcoyo, you will see all the mountains in their full splendor. Since it is not a very visited place, regardless of the season, you will always have an immersive and peaceful adventure.
• The rainy season (November – March): During the rainy season, when visiting the Palcoyo Colorful Mountain, you may encounter cloudy skies and a high chance of precipitation, but not every day. It is a time with fewer visitors in Cusco, allowing for a more authentic experience with mystical landscapes full of vegetation. Additionally, thanks to the rains, you will see the famous Red River, which forms from clay runoff into the river’s flow, offering a unique spectacle in the world.

Recommendations for your trip

• Palcoyo is located at 4,900 meters above sea level, so it will be important to be well prepared with warm clothing at any time of the year.
• Due to its altitude, it is important to acclimate before your visit. It is highly recommended to spend your first days of the trip in Cusco doing light activities and leave the visit to Palcoyo for last.
• Visit the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain between January and March; during these months you can see the famous red river in all its splendor.
• You won’t need prior preparation to face the hike, which makes Palcoyo an ideal destination for children and older adults.
• The tour to the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain starts at 4:00 AM and ends at 5:00 PM in Cusco.
• Visiting Palcoyo during the dry season allows you to enjoy all its colors without fear of possible rains.
• Always carry a rain poncho when visiting the mountain; it’s better to be cautious since the weather in Cusco can vary greatly.
• Remember to hydrate constantly during the hike; it is also important to bring a snack to regain energy.
• Visiting the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain with a tour allows you to focus only on enjoying the trip, while the tour agency takes care of the itinerary and any additional needs.

Questions and Answers

• 1. What is the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain?

  The Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain is a small valley where you can see three multicolored mountains in a single route. It is similar to the famous Seven Colors Mountain but with wider landscapes and a much easier hike. Additionally, it is less known, which allows for a more peaceful experience.

• 2. Where is Palcoyo located?

  Palcoyo is located south of Cusco, in the Checacupe district, Canchis province. It is part of the Andes mountain range and is very close to Ausangate, the highest mountain in Cusco. Along the way, you will see agricultural fields, lagoons, forests, and a great variety of Andean wildlife.

• 3. How do you get to Palcoyo from Cusco?

  From the city of Cusco, it takes approximately 3 hours by car to reach the Palcoyo community. Then there is a short 45-minute walk on flat and easy trails, ideal for all types of visitors.

• 4. How long does the tour to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain last?

  The tour to Palcoyo starts early, around 4:00 AM, and includes stops for breakfast and lunch. The activity ends in Cusco at approximately 5:00 PM. It is a full-day tour but without the physical strain of other hikes.

• 5. Is the hike difficult?

  No, the hike to Palcoyo is light and easy, ideal for families with children or elderly people. It does not require prior physical preparation, although it is always recommended to walk slowly and rest when necessary due to the altitude.

• 6. What is the best season to visit Palcoyo?

  The best time is the dry season (April to October), when the days are sunny and the colors of the mountain can be seen in all their splendor. However, if you visit between January and March, you can see the Red River, a unique natural phenomenon that occurs during the rainy season.

• 7. What is the Red River and why is it only seen during the rainy season?

  The Red River is a natural spectacle that appears when rains carry clays rich in minerals, especially iron oxide, which dye the water a deep red color. This phenomenon happens during the rainy season and makes the landscape even more impressive.

• 8. What are the differences between Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain and the Seven Colors Mountain?

  Palcoyo is less demanding and much less crowded than the Seven Colors Mountain. The latter involves climbing a very steep and difficult slope, whereas Palcoyo’s hike is short and easy. During the Palcoyo route, you will also see three colorful mountains, a stone forest, and, in the rainy season, the Red River.

• 9. At what altitude is Palcoyo?

  Palcoyo is located at 4,900 meters above sea level, so it is important to acclimate before visiting. Ideally, spend two or three days in Cusco doing light activities before going to avoid altitude sickness.

• 10. Is it worth visiting Palcoyo if I have already been to the Seven Colors Mountain?

  Yes, it is definitely worth it. Palcoyo offers a calmer and less touristy experience, with different landscapes such as the stone forest and the Red Valley. Additionally, its easy hike allows you to enjoy it without exhaustion, ideal for those seeking a more relaxed connection with nature.