Palccoyo (Tres Rainbows) offers the colorful banded slopes of the Andes with a short 15–30 minute walk from the trailhead and views of the Ausangate glacier. This full-day tour from Cusco is an accessible, family-friendly alternative to the longer Vinicunca hike.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You arrive before dawn in a small minivan, the Andean light turning from indigo to steel as the road climbs toward Ausangate. By midmorning the air is thin and bright; a sweep of color rises from the ridge — three striped summits stacked like painted waves, and beyond them the pale shoulder of the Ausangate glacier watching over the valley.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
6 hours (including transfers)
Fitness Level
Suitable for most people comfortable walking short uphill sections at high altitude; basic cardio conditioning recommended
Wildlife
History
The colored slopes are mineral-rich sedimentary deposits exposed by glacial and wind erosion; nearby communities are historically Quechua and maintain pastoral traditions tied to the Ausangate massif.
Conservation
High-altitude soils and the colored strata are fragile; stick to trails, pack out waste, and support local guides who help manage visitor impacts.
Reserve your spot on the 1 Day Tour to Palccoyo (Alternative Rainbow Mtn) from Cusco, Peru today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize first
Spend a day in Cusco or at moderate altitude before the tour — the site sits near 4,880 m and shortness of breath is common for unacclimated visitors.
Layer for extremes
Combine a warm midlayer and a windproof shell; mornings can be freezing and the sun intense once it clears.
Hydrate and snack
Bring at least 1–2 liters of water and small snacks; altitude increases dehydration and you’ll want energy for photos and a short climb.
Respect fragile terrain
Stay on marked paths and avoid walking on the colored strata — the mineral soils are erosion-prone and culturally sensitive.
Warm jacket or insulated shell
Protects against cold morning temperatures and wind at high elevation
winter
Sun hat and sunscreen
High-altitude sun can burn quickly; broad-brim hat and SPF reduce exposure
summer
Sturdy walking shoes or light hiking boots
Grip and ankle support for gravel trails and uneven ground during the short ascent
1–2 liter water reservoir or bottles
Maintains hydration in dry, high-altitude air where you’ll dehydrate faster than at sea level