This post was most recently updated on September 1st, 2019
While visiting Peru you might want to take in the spectacular scenery in the Andes. The area has incredible peaks and mountains. Some covered in snow (Ausangate) and others with the colors of the rainbow like those at the alternative Rainbow Mountain of Palccoyo.
Although I am betting that when you think of Rainbow Mountain you are probably thinking of Vinicunca and not of Palccoyo. Vinicunca with its multicolored bands of soil resembling a rainbow was discovered about 6 or 7 years ago. It has grown in popularity at such an impressive rate, much thanks to social media, that now approximately 1000 people visit daily.
More recently though, a new option has come to light – the alternative Rainbow Mountain of Palccoyo. Some also call it the Three Rainbows, because you will have not one, but three different rainbow mountains to see.
Now that you know that two different options exist you might be wondering if Palccoyo is the right choice for you. So here are my top 5 reasons why you should visit the alternative rainbow mountain of Palccoyo.
1. The Peace And Tranquility
One of the best things about the alternative Rainbow Mountain of Palccoyo is that you can enjoy peace and tranquility. There is plenty of opportunity for self-reflection, and contemplation along the hike. And you will certainly find plenty of places to sit and enjoy the scenery with no one else around you. To give you an idea we only saw 2 other cars parked and encountered 1 other small group once during or time there.
Simply put, the alternative rainbow mountain of Palccoyo is a lot less crowded. At least for now.
To be honest I actually thought of not writing about Palccoyo at all. I thought about keeping this place a secret.
Why keep it a secret you ask? Because it would be a shame to see happening here what is happening at Vinicunca. And what is happening at Vinicunca you ask? The environment is being negatively impacted by the high levels of tourism. A wetland that served as a refuge for wild ducks is now a parking lot for tourist vans. And the erosion of the mountain has been accelerated with the amount of hikers and horses on the trails.
But on the other hand there is not much information on Palccoyo yet. And I know I was thankful to discover this alternative and thought it would aid others in making their travel decisions. We all look for different things when we travel. And having knowledge and information can really help in making the right decisions to have the kind of experience we are looking for.
So if you are looking for less crowds and more peace and tranquility then the alternative Rainbow Mountain of Palccoyo is a great option. Just please try to be mindful of the environment and do your part to conserve it.
2. The Outstanding Views and Unspoiled Landscape – Think Rainbow Valley Not Rainbow Mountain
If you have done any research on Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) you would have noticed almost every picture is taken from the same vantage point. That is because there is only that one Rainbow Mountain at the end of the arduous hike up.
That is not to say it is not beautiful or worth seeing. I actually remember being in awe reading about Rainbow Mountain from my friend Cherene back in 2016. And there is a reason why so many still trek to see it. Even if most pictures are color enhanced (see below) the place is breathtaking.
The Alternative Rainbow Mountain of Palccoyo is more a rainbow valley than a rainbow mountain.
Of course the main attraction is the three very distinct rainbow mountains who have incredible striped colors ranging from turquoise to lavender to maroon and gold.
These colors are largely due to weathering and mineralogy. Meaning that the minerals and sediments in the earth have been exposed by erosion. These minerals then react to oxygen in the air and water leaving behind the sight of a rainbow painted mountain.
But the Rainbow Mountains are not the only attraction. You will also marvel at the surreal beauty of the Red Valley and the fascinating rock formations of the Stone Forest.
Additionally on a clear day you can see the beautiful snowy peaks of the Ausangate glacier in the distance.
The entire place has an unearthly feel. It looks more like a painting than reality. But I assure you it is entirely real and not a sight you will soon forget.
3. The Level of Effort – Small Effort & Big Reward
Many tackle the traditional Rainbow Mountain just because they are looking for a challenging hike. Therefore, if you are seeking a challenge, or have the goal of accomplishing a challenging hike, Vinicunca might be the choice for you.
Not to say you can’t find challenges at Palccoyo. Because you can hike to the Rock or Stone Forest (Bosque de Piedras) for a bit of a challenge. But it will not compare to what you will experience at Vinicunca.
However, a challenge is not what I was looking for. I scheduled this day trip on my last day in Peru. I had already conquered the Inca Trail, gone up and down the many steps in The Sacred Valley, and hiked to Humantay Lake. Consequently I did not feel the need to prove myself capable of another demanding hike.
All I wanted was to see the candy colored mountains of this region without putting any more strain on my body. I wanted to simply enjoy the scenery, spend time in nature and have a peaceful day and relax. And the Alternative Rainbow Mountain of Palccoyo met my every expectation and then some. So if you prefer less effort and a big reward, Palccoyo is the place for you.
4. It is Family Friendly
I did not bring my kids with me to Peru. This was an adult only trip as the main focus was the Inca Trail. We enjoy hiking as a family but the Inca Trail would have been to challenging for my two young girls. So we decided NOT to bring them on this adventure.
However, if you are going to Peru with your family and looking for a family friendly hike, then I can definitely recommend the Alternative Rainbow Mountain of Palccoyo.
Palccoyo is a great place for the family because the effort required to see it is minimal . Younger children should have no problem at all with the hike and there is plenty of open space for them to roam. Moreover, kids will love seeing the alpacas and llamas that call Palccoyo home. They will even get the opportunity to meet and be photographed with Pepe the Alpaca.
So if you travel to Peru with your family, and you all want to experience the dazzling display of color and unearthly scenery, then head to Palccoyo. Not much effort is required and you can easily accomplish this hike with your kids.
5. You Can Get Your Beauty Sleep
I am usually a morning person but many of the activities we did while in Peru required real early wake up calls. By the end of our trip I was tired and in need of some beauty sleep. Needless to say I was really happy to learn I would not be required to wake up before 3 am to see the Atlernative Rainbow Mountain of Palccoyo.
While the trip to Palccoyo takes just as long to get to as Vinicunca, the amount of time to hike is significantly less. You also don’t need to rush to get there early and beat the crowds. So you will be allowed to sleep in to a more reasonable hour before you head out. So if you value your beauty sleep and would rather sleep in a bit then Palccoyo is the better choice.
Summary of Differences Between Palccoyo and Vinicunca
If you wanted to quickly compare the traditional Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) to the Alternative Rainbow Mountain (Palccoyo) here is a little table to help you out:
Things You Need to Know Before You Go to The Alternative Rainbow Mountain of Palccoyo
You now know my top 5 reasons to visit the alternative Rainbow Mountain of Palccoyo. You might have even been swayed to skip Vinicunca and go to Palccoyo instead. Or maybe you have already seen Vinicunca and now want to see Palccoyo to compare for yourself. Regardless of why you are choosing to visit here are a few additional tips and things you need to know before you go
How to Get To Palccoyo
The Alternative rainbow mountain of Palccoyo is located south of Cusco, a short distance from the snowy Ausangate, in the Andes Mountains of Peru.
There are several tour companies now offering a day trip to Palccoyo. We happened to choose Apurimac Adventures because we used them for several of our other day tours and were incredible happy with their level of service.
They are priced fairly (not the least expensive but also not the most expensive), the owner is local, knowledgeable and invested in the community. And we liked the fact that it is a private tour and customized for us. I highly recommend them but you might want to do your own research and pick the company you feel is best for you.
How Long Does it Take to Get to Palccoyo From Cusco
It is about 3 ½ hrs drive each way from Cusco. So expect to spend lots of time in the car on bumpy, narrow and winding roads. Yup you might want your Dramamine if you tend to get car sick easily.
How Much Does It Cost & What Is Included in The Day Trip
Cost will vary depending on many factors. Private vs group tour, number of people in your party, and if food and other fees are included. But in general for a private tour you can expect to pay between $70 and $150 a person.
Most tour companies include pick up and drop off at your hotel in Cusco, a knowledgeable guide, breakfast and a picnic lunch. My experience with Apurimac Adventures was a full breakfast with a local family and then a packed picnic lunch. We picked a beautiful spot on our way back to sit and enjoy the picnic. Which by the way was one of the best picnic lunches I have experienced on a tour. Incredible variety of food and snacks. Everything was so tasty and we definitely had enough food.
Our tour company also took care of the entrance fees for us so we did not have to pay extra for them. Although if your tour company does not include them it is just a small cost of about 10 soles a person.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Palccoyo
The best time to visit the area is during the dry season (April to October). In those months, rains occurs less frequently, making the trip easier. However keep in mind that weather is unpredictable especially at high altitude. It can rain and even snow during the dry months and conditions can be cold and windy. So you will want to be prepared for many conditions.
Other Important Tips for Visiting The Alternative Rainbow Mountain of Palccoyo
My number one tip is be Acclimatized. While the hike is not strenuous the altitude will still kick your butt. I recommend 3 days in Cusco beforehand to get used to the altitude.
Make sure to stay hydrated and bring plenty of water with you. And even if you do not feel thirsty make sure to drink water. High altitude will cause you to be dehydrated faster. Also always pack a protein bar or small snack even if you don’t feel hungry you might need the energy.
Bring and use sunscreen. Being at such high altitude will get you sunburned fast. At a higher altitude it is easier to become burnt, because there is less of the earth’s atmosphere to block the sunlight. So make sure to pack and use your sunscreen.
Dress in layers. Climate changes rather quickly. And because you are in the mountains and at high altitude it will also be cold. Make sure to have a fleece and a jacket and even better if your outer layer is waterproof. Otherwise pack a lightweight poncho. Also pack your hat, scarf, gloves, and sunglasses. And don’t forget to wear proper footwear.
Bring toilet paper and some small change. In these remote areas it is customary for locals to charge 1 sol for use of their bathroom. Toilet paper might not be available so always pack your own.
Conclusion: Palccoyo is the perfect destination for those who want to experience one of Peru’s unique hidden treasures. If you are looking for an easier hike, or one that is family friendly, a later start time, and fewer crowds then put Palccoyo on your list.
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3 comments
How have I never heard of this? The pictures are phenomenal I’d love to visit some day.
It’s not as well known yet but it’s an amazing place and I hope you get to visit
I loved this blog! The photos are incredible and great information about the “alternative” Rainbow mountain of Palccoyo… such a breath of fresh air! This really is a better, more sustainable,more remote and authentic experience than the classic Rainbow mountain of Vinicunca, in my opinion! It’s also a fantastic option for people trekking with children due to the “furry friends” you can see along the route 🙂