1.- OVERVIEW OF PALCCOYO RAINBOW MOUNTAIN
What many people do not know about the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain is that it has a beauty quite similar to Vinicunca Mountain however it is much less known which is also a great advantage when you take a Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour because you can delight a much freer view of the presence of travelers.
The Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain is located in the region of Cusco, being more specific in the district of Checacupe and has the characteristic of having a height of 4800 m above sea level, it is also located in the Peruvian Andes and thanks to the natural environment that has a spectacular view for all passionate hikers who seek to know eagerly this destination, is characterized mainly by containing in the environment hills of green tone, yellow and brown that contrast in an incredible way with the blue of the sky in addition to what the Andean vegetation that exists adds that sense of cultural investment that you are looking for, on the other hand the fresh air is something that constantly invites visitors to explore even more all the hiking options that exist, from the highest point you can appreciate the mountain range that surrounds it in addition to witness how the Vilcanota River note runs from one end to another.
2.- Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Geological Formation
What many travelers discover when taking a Palccoyo Tour is that this is a sample of the Andean geology that is the result of the process of tectonic activity and erosion at the same time, its geological formation is mainly composed of sedimentary rocks where it is easy to find elements such as sandstone and shale, which with the process of history were subjected to high pressures and really high temperatures caused by erosion which allowed them to have the current beauty that is enjoyed when visiting it.
3.- NATURAL FEATURES
3.1.- Rainbow Mountain Characteristics
Among the components that can be found during your Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour are:
- Copper Oxide
- Sandstone
- Red Clay
- Iron
- Sulfur
All these minerals are the ones that give the particular colors that make Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain famous, among the main colors you can appreciate yellow, red, green, white and violet tones. Like any geological formation this development is thanks to a process that is believed to have lasted about 65 million years since the Cretaceous, so the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain has become a destination not only for curious travelers looking to enjoy its beauty but also for renowned geologists seeking to understand more about the origin of the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain.
3.2.- Climate and Weather (H3)
Seasonal Variations
Unlike its counterpart the colorful mountain Vinicunca, the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain requires less physical effort to reach the main observation point so the only main impediment you will find here will be the aspects of height and climate, Cusco is identified mainly by having two types of seasons that are marked mainly as seasons, you should take into account the date of your trip to properly delight the destinations essentially that are at a considerable height as is the case of the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain.
3.2.1.- Rainy Season
It is the most complicated season in which you can make a trip, it is marked from November to April where the weather becomes more unstable and it is common to see how a sunny day turns into a rainy day almost immediately, in the case of destinations like Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain there is a risk of having a snow blizzard which can be quite dangerous if you are not accompanied by a tour guide, similarly the temperature also drops considerably making the experience can be more complicated, however it has a positive aspect and is that after the presence of rain or snow the colors belonging to the minerals have a much stronger color with the reflection of the sun so it is also an ideal time to visit.
3.2.2.- Dry season
It is the favorite season for adventure and hiking enthusiasts, although the tour is not very extensive you can find other small hiking activities that will take you to even more incredible destinations such as lagoons or even closer to the snow-capped mountains that are around the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain. This season occurs from May to October, this is the time of year when the weather is much more stable ensuring longer days and more sunshine which greatly favors hiking activities, this time of year is also the right time for those looking to delight a moment of disconnecting from the world in order to focus on nature and oneself.
4.- A PLACE NEAR THE SKY
“Around the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain you can see the imposing snow-capped mountain of Ausangate which is considered the highest mountain in Cusco with 6384 meters above sea level, it is also considered the fifth highest mountain in all of Peru and associated with the Andean cosmogony as the origin of life.”
5.- THINGS YOU CAN ENJOY DURING YOUR PALCCOYO TOUR
Although for many the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain is a complete mystery it is actually a set of natural treasures that are hidden high in the Peruvian Andes and really worth a visit, some of the main attractions that you can enjoy during your visit to the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain are:
5.1.- Giant stone forest
Along your tour you can see more than just the landscape and mountain ranges, you can also enjoy the incredible stone forest that is formed thanks to the set of huge rocks that create a unique atmosphere, many have associated it to the Andean belief. Those rock formations have been sculpted exclusively by nature without the intervention of the hand of man through thousands and thousands of years so today for all travelers looking to enjoy the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain, it becomes an incredible spectacle that can be part of your photo collection.
5.2.- Red Valley
Just like the Vinicunca Mountain, in the surroundings of the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain it is also possible to find an immense valley that stands out mainly for the reddish tone that has what many have associated with an otherworldly landscape simulating the distinctive color of the planet Mars. The view is actually very incredible and we know you will love the diversification of colors that this experience offers, here stands out mainly the iron oxide mineral which gives it the distinctive color that in a harmonious way combines with the intense blue of the sky and the Andean vegetation that grows on top of the mountains.
5.3.- Andean Auquenids
As the original inhabitants of these places it is possible that during the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour you can enjoy to appreciate some groups of llamas and alpacas that are in their natural habitat, these animals are really friendly and besides being part of the Andean culture they add that touch of charm and tenderness that we know you will love. In many cases they are the ideal companions for selfies so don’t miss the opportunity to get a classic photo.
5.4.- Visit a traditional village
The road between Cusco and the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain also allows you to visit the village of Checacupe which is very popular among historians because it contains the most incredible set of bridges ever recorded due to the historical difference they have: an Inca bridge, a colonial bridge and a republican bridge are part of the cultural heritage of this traditional village and have become a symbol of pride of the people who live here.
5.- HOW TO GET TO PALCCOYO RAINBOW MOUNTAIN
There are several ways to get to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain, here we tell you a couple of them so you can take them into account:
5.1.- On your own
As it is a natural destination there is the option of visiting it on your own, the first thing you should consider in this will be able to find a transport, for this local buses are used that allow you to first get to the Checacupe sector and the trip takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, then you take a cab to the community of Palccoyo where you make a short walk to finally reach the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain which is the final destination, always make sure you have a previous advice so you do not lose much time.
5.2.- Tours already planned
Like other destinations in Cusco, nowadays there are already planned experiences to visit the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain of 1 day, for this you only have to consider a travel agency that is responsible at a business level but also in a sustainable way that allows you to enjoy a Palccoyo Tour in the right way, fortunately for you Auri Peru offers this type of experiences, you can contact us now and start designing your next adventure to the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain.
6.- PALCCOYO RAINBOW MOUNTAIN VS VINICUNCA RAINBOW MOUNTAIN
| Details | Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain | Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain |
| Maximum altitude | 4900 masl | 5200 masl |
| Hiking time | 30 minutes (one way) | 1 hour and 30 minutes (one way) |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Difficult |
| Characteristics | Panorama of mountain ranges with presence of red, yellow, green and blue colors. | View of a colorful mountain with various colors such as white, red, green, yellow, purple and blue. In addition to an environment covered by snow-capped mountains |
| Frequency of visitors | Lower percentage of visitors | Higher percentage of visitors |
| Horse | Not necessary | Useful for those who cannot continue walking |
| Best time to visit | May to September, during the dry season | May to September, during the dry season |
7.- HEALTH AND SAFETY
Being one of the remote places in Cusco is important to consider that the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain is located more than 4800 meters above sea level so there is always the possibility that you have problems with respect to altitude, for this reason it is important that you can consider the following tips to properly enjoy the experience:
- A few weeks before starting the trip, consider taking short walks that will allow you to strengthen your body, routines of 15 to 20 minutes will be enough.
- Arrive in Cusco at least 3 days before, this will allow your body to gradually adapt to the altitude level.
- When you arrive in Cusco stay well hydrated, this allows your body to be constantly oxygenated.
- You can consume herbal teas such as coca leaf, it is a natural energizer that will allow you to better adapt to the altitude.
| “To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” |
8.- FAQs ABOUT THE PALCCOYO RAINBOW MOUNTAIN
- Is Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain easier than Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain)?
Yes, this is because the same transport arrives to a closer area thus reducing the walking time and facilitating the visit.
- How much does it cost to visit Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain?
It has a similar price to the mountain of colors of Vinicunca with the difference that here the price of admission is more economical, you will find options to visit from $ 50.00 dollars per person.
- How long is the hike to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain?
From the point where the car leaves you, the walking time is 15 to 20 minutes, however there are those who can take up to 30 minutes, each traveler has a different pace of walking.
- What’s the best time of year to visit Palccoyo?
The best time of the year to visit Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain is during the dry season, which is from May to October and where the weather is more stable to enjoy the experience.
- Is Palccoyo worth visiting instead of Vinicunca?
Yes, while Vinicunca Mountain is more popular it is also crowded with visitors all the time on the other hand Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain is much more accessible and free of visitors which makes for a more enjoyable visit.
Hiking activities in natural places like the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain allow travelers to find more than a destination, many associate it with a moment of meditation in the middle of a dream place worth visiting. Auri Peru provides travel experiences that are based on responsible purposes and sustainable conscience. Contact us to plan your trip and be part of the travelers that enjoy the charms of Peru in a responsible way.
“To travel first leaves you speechless and then turns you into a storyteller.”
