When people talk about colorful mountains in Peru, one name almost always comes up first: Rainbow Mountain. Also known as Vinicunca, it has become one of the most iconic images of Peru in recent years, filling Instagram feeds, travel blogs, and bucket lists around the world. Its vibrant mineral colors and dramatic Andean setting are undeniably impressive. However, with fame comes crowds, and today many travelers find that the experience at Rainbow Mountain is very different from what they originally imagined.

This is exactly where the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountains come in.

Located in the same region as Rainbow Mountain, near the city of Cusco, Palccoyo offers a calmer, less crowded, and more relaxed way to experience colorful Andean landscapes. Instead of a single viewpoint packed with tourists, Palccoyo features multiple colorful mountains, wide open spaces, and an easy walking route that allows travelers to enjoy the scenery without pressure or rush.

For backpackers, young travelers, and digital nomads who prefer meaningful experiences over ticking boxes, Palccoyo has become one of the best alternatives to Rainbow Mountain. It combines breathtaking views with a slower rhythm, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy nature, take photos in peace, and avoid the intense crowds that dominate more famous attractions.

This guide is designed to give you a complete, honest, and practical overview of the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountains. You’ll learn what Palccoyo is, how it compares to Rainbow Mountain, how to get there, what to expect from the hike, when to go, what to pack, and why this destination fits perfectly into a backpacker-style trip through Cusco and southern Peru.

What Are the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountains?

The Palccoyo Rainbow Mountains are a group of colorful mountains located in the southern Andes of Peru. Like Rainbow Mountain, their vibrant stripes are the result of different mineral deposits in the soil, including iron, sulfur, and copper, which create natural layers of reds, yellows, greens, and browns.

Unlike Vinicunca, which focuses on a single dramatic peak, Palccoyo is an entire area of colorful formations. Visitors can see:

• Several rainbow-colored mountains

• Wide valleys and open landscapes

• A unique stone forest (Bosque de Piedras)

• Natural viewpoints with panoramic views

This layout allows travelers to move freely, explore at their own pace, and enjoy the surroundings without feeling crowded or rushed.

Palccoyo is often described as a “hidden gem,” but in reality it is better understood as a different kind of experience. It is not about reaching one famous viewpoint as quickly as possible. Instead, it’s about enjoying a broader landscape, breathing in the high-altitude air, and appreciating the Andes in a more peaceful way.

Palccoyo vs Rainbow Mountain: An Honest Comparison

Before choosing between Palccoyo and Rainbow Mountain, it helps to understand how the experiences truly differ. Both are beautiful, but they appeal to different travel styles.

📍 Location and Access

• Palccoyo: Easier road access, with a shorter walk from the drop-off point.

• Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): Longer journey and more demanding final approach.

🚶 Hiking Difficulty

• Palccoyo: Easy, mostly flat walk lasting around 30–45 minutes.

• Rainbow Mountain: Longer and steeper hike, often challenging due to altitude.

👥 Crowds

• Palccoyo: Significantly fewer visitors, even during high season.

• Rainbow Mountain: Very crowded, with lines at viewpoints and peak hours.

🌈 Scenery

• Palccoyo: Multiple colorful mountains, wide-open spaces, and extra viewpoints.

• Rainbow Mountain: One iconic mountain with very intense colors.

🧘 Overall Experience

• Palccoyo: Calm, relaxed, and ideal for slow travel.

• Rainbow Mountain: Fast-paced, intense, and heavily touristic.

In short, Rainbow Mountain is famous and visually striking, while Palccoyo offers space, tranquility, and balance. For many backpackers, that difference is decisive.

Where Is Palccoyo Located?

The Palccoyo Rainbow Mountains are located approximately three hours south of Cusco, in the Andean highlands. The journey passes through rural landscapes, small villages, and open valleys, giving travelers a glimpse into everyday life in the Peruvian Andes.

The area sits at an altitude of around 4,900 meters (16,000 feet) above sea level, similar to Rainbow Mountain. However, because the walk is short and gentle, the altitude feels more manageable for most travelers.

How to Get to Palccoyo

🚐 Option 1: Guided Tour (Most Common Choice)

Most travelers visit Palccoyo as part of a day tour from Cusco, which typically includes:

• Hotel or meeting-point pickup

• Transportation to and from Palccoyo

• Breakfast and lunch

• A local guide

• Free time to explore the area

Tours usually leave early in the morning and return to Cusco in the afternoon, making Palccoyo an easy addition to almost any itinerary.

🚗 Option 2: Visiting Independently

It is possible to reach Palccoyo independently if you:

• Have experience traveling in Peru

• Are comfortable navigating rural routes

• Travel with others to share transport

While this option offers flexibility, it requires careful planning and is less common among first-time visitors.

How Difficult Is the Palccoyo Walk?

One of Palccoyo’s biggest advantages is its accessibility.

The walk:

• Takes about 30 to 45 minutes

• Has minimal elevation gain

• Follows wide and gentle paths

• Does not require technical hiking skills

This makes Palccoyo suitable for:

• Travelers with limited hiking experience

• People concerned about altitude

• Those who prefer light walks over intense treks

That said, the altitude is still high, and walking slowly is essential.

Altitude and Acclimatization Tips

Even though Palccoyo is easier than Rainbow Mountain, altitude should never be underestimated.

Helpful tips include:

• Spend at least 1–2 days in Cusco before visiting

• Stay hydrated

• Eat light meals before the tour

• Avoid alcohol the night before

• Walk slowly and listen to your body

Because Palccoyo does not require sustained uphill effort, many travelers find it more comfortable at high altitude.

Best Time to Visit the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountains

☀️ Dry Season (May to September)

• Clear skies and strong colors

• Colder temperatures, especially in the morning

• Best conditions for photography

🌧️ Rainy Season (November to March)

• Greener landscapes

• Fewer tourists

• Possible clouds or rain affecting visibility

Palccoyo can be visited year-round, but good visibility is key to appreciating the colors.

What to Pack for Palccoyo

A simple packing list includes:

• Warm layers (weather changes quickly)

• Waterproof jacket

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Sunscreen and sunglasses

• Hat or beanie

• Water

• Snacks

• Cash for entrance fees or tips

Even on sunny days, temperatures can drop suddenly.

Why Palccoyo Is Perfect for Backpackers and Young Travelers

Palccoyo fits naturally into a backpacker-style trip for several reasons:

🌍 It Matches a Slow Travel Mindset

Instead of rushing to a single viewpoint, Palccoyo encourages exploration and presence.

🧭 It’s Easy to Combine with Other Cusco Activities

Because it’s not physically exhausting, you can still enjoy:

• Walking tours

• Local markets

• Cultural activities

• Social life in Cusco

🤝 It Supports a More Authentic Experience

With fewer tourists, interactions with guides and locals feel more genuine.

Travelers staying in social hostels often plan Palccoyo as a relaxed day trip between busier excursions. A common reference point for organizing activities and tours is https://www.pariwana.com, which many backpackers use as a base while exploring Cusco.

Responsible Tourism at Palccoyo

Because Palccoyo is less crowded, responsible behavior is especially important:

• Stay on marked paths

• Do not climb fragile formations

• Carry out all trash

• Respect local communities

Choosing quieter destinations like Palccoyo helps reduce pressure on overvisited sites.

Is Palccoyo Worth It If You’ve Already Visited Rainbow Mountain?

Yes — and for many travelers, it’s actually more enjoyable.

Visitors who have already been to Vinicunca often describe Palccoyo as:

• More relaxed

• Better for photos

• Less stressful

• More aligned with their travel style

Rather than competing with Rainbow Mountain, Palccoyo complements it by offering a different perspective on the Andes.

Palccoyo: Colorful Mountains Without the Rush

In a region as popular as Cusco, finding peaceful places is becoming harder. The Palccoyo Rainbow Mountains represent a different way of traveling — one that values quality over quantity and experience over hype.

If you’re looking for a colorful mountain experience without crowds, steep hikes, or pressure, Palccoyo is not a second-best option. It’s a smart, conscious, and rewarding choice, especially for backpackers and young travelers exploring Peru at their own pace.

✍️ Pariwana Editorial Team
Practical travel tips written by backpackers, for backpackers.