Rainbow Mountain Palcoyo Day Trip from Cusco with Lunch

Summary

Palcoyo’s quiet colors, bridges & Ausangate views from Cusco

You’ll leave Cusco before sunrise for a day trip to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain—with hotel pickup, breakfast in a small town, and time to wander among surreal striped hills at nearly 5,000 meters. A local guide keeps things easy (and brings oxygen if you need it). End with lunch before heading back into city life—still carrying those mountain colors with you.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to be shivering outside my hotel at 4am in Cusco, half awake and clutching my jacket tighter than I’d like to admit. The city was still asleep, but our driver grinned and waved us in anyway—he seemed way more alert than the rest of us. We drove south through the dark, headlights bouncing off stone walls until the sky started turning that weird blue-grey. In Cusipata, we finally stopped for breakfast—nothing fancy, but hot coffee and bread never tasted so good when you’re that tired.

Somewhere along the way, our guide (I think his name was Luis?) pointed out two bridges—one colonial stone, one old Inca style. He told us how locals still use them during festivals. I tried to get a photo but my hands were cold and I fumbled it. The air smelled faintly like eucalyptus and dust. After that it was just winding roads and mountains getting bigger out the window until we reached Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain. It’s not as crowded as Vinicunca—I mean, there were maybe a dozen people total? The colors really do look painted on, but softer than I expected. There’s this silence up there at 4,900 meters that feels heavy in your chest (or maybe that’s just the altitude—thank god for the oxygen tank Luis carried).

We wandered around taking photos and trying not to slip on loose gravel. Someone pointed out Ausangate in the distance—snowy and huge—and I just stood there for a while breathing it all in (well, trying to). Lunch back in Cusipata was simple but filling; soup first, then rice and chicken or veggies if you wanted. By the time we got dropped off near Plaza de Armas around six, I felt wrecked but kind of peaceful too. Still think about those colors sometimes when I see dusty hillsides now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Excursion to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain

• Pick up from accommodation at 4:00 am
• Travel south to Cusipata
• Breakfast stop in Cusipata
• Photo stop at colonial and Inca bridges
• Arrive at Palccoyo Mountain
• Free time to photograph and enjoy views
• Return to parking lot
• Lunch in Cusipata
• Return to Cusco city
• Drop off near Plaza de Armas

Top questions

What time does the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain tour start from Cusco?

The pickup starts around 4:00 am from accommodations within central Cusco.

Is breakfast included on this day trip?

Yes, breakfast is included during a stop in the town of Cusipata.

How high is Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain?

The main viewpoint is at approximately 4,900 meters above sea level.

Are there stops besides Palcoyo on this tour?

Yes, you’ll stop at colonial and Inca bridges for photos before reaching Palcoyo.

Is lunch provided on this excursion?

Lunch is included after visiting Palcoyo Mountain during your return through Cusipata.

Where does the tour end in Cusco?

You’ll be dropped off about one block from Plaza de Armas (Plaza Regocijo) around 6:00 pm.

Is oxygen assistance available if needed?

Yes, oxygen assistance is provided by your professional guide during the hike.

Are vegetarian meal options available?

Vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel pickup from central Cusco locations, breakfast in Cusipata to fuel up before hiking Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain with a professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish), photo stops at both colonial and Inca bridges along the way, all transport by air-conditioned vehicle with oxygen assistance if needed during the walk at high altitude, walking sticks for extra support if you want them, a hearty lunch after exploring Palcoyo’s colorful landscape—and drop-off near Plaza de Armas by evening.