Palccoyo is an alternative to the classic Rainbow Mountain – Vinicunca, another beautiful 7 color mountain located southeast of Cusco City in the same Ausangate mountain range. Palccoyo was discovered after Vinicunca and it is less famous than Vinicunca if you don’t like the crow you can choose Palccoyo where you will see 3 rainbow colored mountains instead of one single and one stone forest if you visit in the rainy season you will see the red river too.
What is Palccoyo?
it is a multicolored natural mountain that has the colors of a rainbow in this place you will see 3 different colorful mountains, each a distinct hue, which make up the range. The rock’s minerals, which are the cause of the hues, are said to have therapeutic qualities.
Visitors can hike to the summit of the mountain in this area you will find a stone forest as well it is a viewpoint from where you can see the Three Rainbow Mountain and a stunning view of the Ausangate glacier this place is a well-liked tourist destination. For those who prefer to stay outside of the city hotels crows and be in a so pacific and relaxing place full of energy.
The range is ideally suited for anyone interested in day hiking in Cusco Peru
What is the history of Palccoyo?
The mane of Palccoyo comes after the small village that has the same name as the mountain local people probably named it after the village because the rainbow mountain belongs to this village Palccoyo this mountain range located in the Peruvian Andes is unique. A natural marvel with 3 different slope hues known as the Cordillera de Palccoyo.
This colorful mountain a long time ago was covered with glaciers, due to global warming the glacier has disappeared and the colorful mountains appeared but only the local people could see and visit because were not shown to tourists yet till 2018 when tour companies were exploring new routes in Cusco found with the help of local people and the rest is history now is becoming so famous!
The numerous sorts of minerals in the rocks are what gives them their distinct hues. Locals have exploited these mountains for medicinal purposes.
The colors of Palccoyo
this natural wonder of the world is located in the highlands of Peru Palccoyo is the name of the range of colorful mountains.
The Palccoyo mountain has amazing hues. Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple are some of their colors. The colors are almost surreal in their brightness and vibrancy because the mountain is rich in minerals.
A wonderfully lovely spot, Palccoyo. It resembles a scene from a fairy tale. You will be in awe of Palccoyo’s beauty if you ever have the chance to visit or if you have a spare day in Cusco we highly recommend you do it.
How was Palccoyo rainbow mountain formed?
A natural wonder of the globe, the Palccoyo mountain range’s creation is as interesting. The mountains were created by sedimentary rocks that have been colored by minerals and are found in the Peruvian Andes as we know the Andes mountains are considered the youngest mountains that still push each other.
Iron oxide, which is abundant in Palccoyo’s rocks, is what gives them their vibrant red hue. Additionally, copper minerals are included in them, giving them a greenish-blue hue. The magnesium-rich rocks that also exist are what give the mountains their white tint.
As the rocks were gently weathered by wind and rain over millions of years, these various hues were created. The minerals soaked into the rocks throughout time and gave them their vivid colors.
Today, tourists may climb through the vibrant mountains in a day tour from Cusco
How high is the Palccoyo mountain range?
tallest peak rises close to 4900 / 13,000 feet above sea level.
In Peru’s Andes Mountains, there is a mountain range. Rainbow Mountain is one of the fantastic sceneries seen in the area.
Anyone seeking to take in the splendor of nature must visit the Palccoyo Range. A genuine marvel of the world, the mountains.
How to get to Palccoyo from Cusco
A mountain range in Peru called Palccoyo is well-known for its vibrant beauty. The distance between the range and Cuzco, the Inca capital, is around three hours by car to Palccoyo my be reached from Cuzco in a number of ways, taxi, minivan, and bus.
You can rent a van from Cuzco to Palccoyo is the most practical option. In Cuzco, there are several rental agencies that provide automobiles for rent. It takes around three hours to go to Palccoyo, and the route is rather simple.
Bus transportation from Cuzco to Palccoyo is an additional alternative. Many bus companies provide routes between Cuzco and Sicuani. Depending on the amount of traffic and the weather, buses often run this distance in four hours you have to get off at Combapata from here you have to take local transportation to Palccoyo or hire a taxi all the way to the trailhead.
A unique Palccoyo experience
There aren’t many locations on Earth that can match Peru’s Palccoyo rainbow mountain range in terms of natural beauty. This extraordinary geological feature is home to an incredible variety of hues that have been shaped over many years by mineral deposits and erosion.
A kaleidoscope of colors, from dark blues and purples to vivid oranges and reds, may be seen in Palccoyo. It is simply amazing how the vivid colors contrast with the pristine white snow-capped peaks.
Palccoyo’s accessibility adds to its uniqueness. This mountain range, unlike many other natural wonders, is quite simple to get to, making it the ideal location for anyone seeking an unforgettable experience.
If we can compare these incredible mountains, I can say both are gorgeous!
Read: Best time to go to Palccoyo
Vinicunca vs Palccoyo
| Vinicunca | Palccoyo |
|---|---|
| Vinicuna is the second most visited place after Machu Picchu | Palccoyo has few visitors |
| Vinicunca is harder in terms of hike | Palccoyo is a gentle hike |
| Vinicunca has a longer distance | Palccoyo has a short distance |
| Vinicunca has only one colored mountain | Palccoyo has a small red valley and is lower lower-elevation |
| Vinicunca has a big red valley Vinicunca has more vibrant colors | Palccoyo has a small red valley and is lower elevation |
It’s time to take a break after a hard day of climbing and visiting the Palccoyo Range. Think about all you saw. This extraordinary scenery is unmatched anywhere in the globe and is certain to make an impact.
After this incredible day hike to Palccoyo, can relax your muscles and keep exploring Cusco at our partner Relaxing Time Massage Cusco.
Need more information about day tours to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain contact us we can help you organize your tours in Cusco and Machu Picchu.
Check out our 1 Day Hike to Palccoyo tour.
I am Juan Carlos, the founder of AdventureInPeru, a local tour operator based in Cusco, Peru. With over 15 years of professional experience as a tour guide, I specialize in providing immersive and authentic travel experiences in the Machu Picchu and beyond. My deep knowledge of Inca history and culture, combined with a passion for sharing Peru’s rich heritage, ensures that every journey with AdventureInPeru is unforgettable.
