A full-day, accessible alternative to Vinicunca that brings you to colorful Palcoyo and a wind-sculpted Stone Forest beneath the watch of Ausangate. Expect gentle walking, high-altitude air, and rich Andean vistas, with breakfast and lunch included.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The bus eases out of Cusco at dawn and the high plains open like a living map: wind scouring the grass, distant peaks holding snow like weathered crowns. By mid-morning you step onto the Palcoyo plateau, where low, mostly flat trails lead you across burnt-ochre and cream bands of sediment—colors that seem to ripple when the sun shifts. The colored strata rise in gentle ridges; Ausangate looms beyond, patient and immense, its glaciers watching the valley.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
10–12 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness recommended; must be acclimatized to high altitude and able to walk on uneven ground for up to a few hours.
Wildlife
History
The Palcoyo area sits on ancestral Quechua lands near Ausangate, a mountain long revered as an Apu (sacred protector) with centuries of pastoral traditions.
Conservation
High‑altitude puna grasslands are fragile—stick to trails, pack out waste, and avoid disturbing grazing areas to help this landscape recover.
Reserve your spot on the Palcoyo Mountain Day Tour from Cusco with Lunch Included today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize before you go
Spend at least one full day in Cusco (3,300 m) before the tour to reduce altitude sickness risk.
Bring cash
Small vendors and restroom facilities on the route often accept only cash (Peruvian soles).
Dress in layers
Temperatures swing widely; combine a warm mid-layer with a windproof shell to handle sun and gusts.
Protect against sun
At high altitude UV is intense—use SPF 50+, sunglasses, and a brimmed hat.
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and traction on rocky, uneven high‑altitude trails.
Insulating mid-layer and windproof shell
Rapidly changing temperatures and strong winds demand warm, compact layers.
Water bottle or hydration bladder (1–2 L)
Hydration at altitude is essential; bring more than you think you’ll need.
Sunscreen and UV sunglasses
High-altitude sun exposure requires strong UV protection.