Cusco Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain: Review of an All-Inclusive Day Trip

Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain, it is, is often viewed as the low-key sibling of the far more famous Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. Now, if you’re someone like your trying to dodge crazy crowds and also wanting some seriously great views, then, you see, an all-inclusive day trip from Cusco might be just the ticket for you. The purpose here, is, in a way, to lay out everything you can almost expect, covering all from the early morning pickup right up until that journey back into Cusco after sunset. The intention too, is that, hopefully, by the time you get to the end of this, you’ll be able to decide whether this trip is actually one for you or not.

What Makes Palcoyo Different?

Palcoyo, well Palcoyo doesn’t just offer just a single rainbow mountain, but, you know, an entire series of them, that it does, all in one spot. That can almost make it a great change if crowds really aren’t your cup of tea – this location offers a calmer, much more spacious landscape to roam around. Very unlike the journey to Vinicunca, which sees you climbing one, really, really steep hill, Palcoyo’s hike is actually far gentler. It only goes up to about 4,900 meters (16,076 feet), so, hopefully, it’s far kinder on those not really used to the higher altitudes. Because, honestly, who actually is? Views you could dream about stretch way, way off into the distance of those, the truly awesome Andes. It’s definitely worth the trek, even though that trek really is fairly easygoing!

Booking Your All-Inclusive Tour

A little tip from your’s truly: to book, there are actually tons of local agencies in Cusco which can organize it for you with next-to-no fuss. Shop around a bit, it’s probably worth it, see which of the many, many options is very suited to what it is you’re really after. Many of these tour deals tend to come with absolutely everything: transport right from your hotel, potentially delicious meals, an experienced guide and even oxygen if you’re thinking that you might need it. Verify, though, that things such as entrance fees are enclosed in what it is you are paying to prevent some shocks. A good tour generally includes a guide who knows everything about the area, some pretty interesting stories and facts about the geology and the culture, which just spices up the trip and you do, I mean, get to learn some cool new facts as well! All of which could very well provide, not only practical help but provide some safety hints when at altitude.

The Day’s Itinerary: What to Expect

Your adventure could probably start super early, so, expect to be up rather ahead of the sun, probably about 4am. Now, that sounds bad I know, but getting up early is actually fairly important for beating the crowds (this place can get busy now) and seeing the rainbow colours at their best. The bus ride might actually be kinda lengthy – winding through some twisty mountain roads which could well last around three to four hours. Have a nap if you need to! You could possibly stop for breakfast, so, keep your eyes peeled, likely in a small village along the way where there’ll maybe be a chance to stretch those sleepy legs and get all filled up for your upcoming hike. So you know, fuel up!. Upon arrival at Palcoyo, the guide may probably offer a short briefing on the trail and things such as safety at altitude, and all that useful stuff. From the parking location, it is that the hike shouldn’t be taking more than about an hour to get to the best viewing points, and so taking it easy is almost the order of the day; this also helps those of us who do struggle at the higher altitude get a bit more used to things.

Experiencing the Rainbow Mountains

Seeing those rainbow mountains sort of come into view definitely can almost make the early start and bumpy bus ride that much more worth it. Take loads and loads of pictures! Get photos with all the stunning scenery that’s all around. Your guide will be happy to assist. They are probably, also, well schooled in which are the absolute best places in order to take the best snaps, so don’t shy away from inquiring. You’re pretty much free, too, after taking photos, to walk all over the area. Really breath it all in. Lots of tours normally give a few hours right here for just taking everything in, before walking back to the bus. It’s maybe a good plan to dress very appropriately because you are super high up and it’s almost bound to be pretty cold, really bring all those things such as layers, gloves and a hat to help, so bring something that will block the wind as that higher air can be super bitey.

The Return Journey and Final Thoughts

On your ride back to Cusco, well you might probably be pretty exhausted after your day’s adventures, and if you are anything like me, just desperate for some shut eye. Most trips will generally include, at least I’ve experienced, another stop to get a proper evening meal – again, you’re getting very well fed on these tours! You’ll, pretty typically, be back in Cusco somewhere between 6pm and 8pm, perhaps just allowing a bit of time to perhaps grab something from one of the numerous restaurants or even head out for a cheeky drink, just depending on how knackered you think you are. Palcoyo actually offers a really amazing alternative to Vinicunca; there is really far fewer people but just all the gorgeous scenery of the Vinicunca trip is available in that, just less crowded and maybe with a less challenging climb, it is just awesome. You have everything handled with the all-inclusive trip deal and everything that goes along with that – you see beautiful landscape without, maybe, the crazy hassle. Now that does seem just really nice, don’t you think?

Key things you must be aware of when visiting Palcoyo

• Altitude is a thing: Be aware of the potential risks to health connected with hiking that high up. Be sure you are slowly getting adjusted prior to travel to those higher parts.
• Pack as though you’re scaling Everest: Prepare correctly, take with you many layers to wear along with rain gear, to allow you to easily deal with various different weather.
• Really be certain on what your all-inclusive trip covers: Look at all those fine details on things such as entry costs, food and any other additional goodies; find the one suited to what you want.

FAQs About Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain

Is Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain harder than Vinicunca?

Usually, Palcoyo, some might say, has a far simpler walk when compared with Vinicunca, since it’s a gentler increase. Great for the family perhaps.

Are the views at Palcoyo very much like Vinicunca?

Now, though the scenery over at Vinicunca could maybe feel that much more striking, Palcoyo still does come equipped with spectacular views and just masses less tourists. So, kind of depends what you want!

Can I book the Palcoyo trip locally when in Cusco?

Yup, certainly a lot of tour agencies that can sort it when there. It’s normally much simpler when they can find deals suiting individual requirements when you get there and just inquire at some spots when on the ground.