Palccoyo

FULL DAY

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Discover Palccoyo, the tranquil and equally spectacular alternative to the famous Seven Color Mountain (Vinicunca). With Machupicchu Global, we invite you to explore a dreamlike landscape where not one, but three imposing rainbow peaks rise before your eyes, offering you a unique visual experience in an environment of peace and natural beauty.

This full-day tour is designed for travelers seeking less crowded wonders, without sacrificing comfort or adventure. Here, the hike is shorter and more accessible, ideal for acclimatizing to the altitude while immersing yourself in Andean panoramas that seem hand-painted.

Program

04:20 – 04:50 am | Pickup at your hotel in Cusco
Our adventure begins very early. The Machupicchu Global team will pick you up from your accommodation in the city of Cusco. We will board our private transport and head south to the Sacred Valley, ready for an unforgettable day.

06:30 am | Andean Breakfast in Cusipata
After a journey of approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, we will arrive at the picturesque town of Cusipata (3,310 m above sea level). Here we will welcome you with a delicious buffet breakfast, prepared with local and fresh products. Take the opportunity to use the restroom facilities and physically prepare for the day ahead.

08:00 am | Cultural Visit to Checacupe
We will continue our journey to the ancestral town of Checacupe (3,446 m above sea level). This place is a true living museum, famous for its century-old bridges that cross the Pitumarca River. You will admire three bridges from different eras (Inca, colonial, and republican), true engineering gems that narrate the history of the civilizations that inhabited the region.

09:30 am | Arrival at the Palccoyo Community
After an hour of travel, we will arrive at the Palccoyo Community, the starting point of our hike. Here, the landscape opens up to show us the daily life of the high Andean communities and their herds of llamas and alpacas, grazing freely on the slopes.

10:00 am | Hike to the Viewpoint of the Three Color Mountains
We will begin a gentle and ascending hike of approximately 40 minutes. Unlike other routes, the trek to Palccoyo is accessible for most travelers, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without extreme physical demands. Upon reaching the Viewpoint (4,900 m above sea level), you will witness an unparalleled natural spectacle: three mountains of vibrant colors (ochre, green, red, and yellow) stretching out before you. You will have plenty of time to explore the area, ascend to the highest point to visit the mysterious stone forest, and of course, capture the most stunning photographs of your trip.

12:30 pm | Return and Buffet Lunch in Cusipata
We will begin the descent back to the vehicle to transfer back to Cusipata. There, a delicious buffet lunch awaits you, featuring a wide variety of specialties from Peruvian cuisine, the perfect fuel to replenish your energy after the hike.

02:30 pm | Return to the City of Cusco
After a well-deserved rest and with your heart full of unforgettable images, we will start the journey back to Cusco.

05:30 pm (approx.) | Arrival in Cusco
We will arrive in the city of Cusco, dropping you off at the Plaza de Armas or a central point close to your accommodation, thus concluding a perfect day of cultural discoveries and scenic adventure.

Inclusions

Includes

  • Pickup from your hotel in Cusco.
  • Tourist transport (Cusco – Cusipata – Checacupe – Palccoyo – Cusco).
  • Bilingual professional guide (Spanish / English).
  • 01 buffet breakfast in Cusipata.
  • 01 buffet lunch in Cusipata.
  • First aid kit and portable oxygen tank.
  • Assistance and ongoing coordination by Machupicchu Global.

Does Not Include

  • Entry to Palccoyo Mountain (S/ 20.00 soles – mandatory cash payment).
  • Entry to the Checacupe Bridge (S/ 10.00 soles – optional, cash payment).
  • Saddle horse (local rental service if you need support on the hike).
  • Bottled water, drinks, or alcohol during meals.
  • Tips for the guide and driver (personal appreciation, optional).
  • Travel insurance (we recommend purchasing one from your country of origin).
  • Additional expenses not specified in the program.

Recommendations

Recommendations for your trip:

To ensure your experience with Machupicchu Global is perfect, we suggest keeping the following tips in mind:

Clothing and Footwear:

  • Layered clothing: Wear warm clothing (thermal jacket, scarf, gloves, hat). The weather in the mountains is very changeable.
  • Sun protection: Cap or wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses (the radiation is very intense).
  • Proper footwear: Trekking shoes or sneakers with thick, non-slip soles. They are essential for your comfort and safety.
  • Rain gear: From November to March (rainy season), bring a poncho or waterproof jacket.

Health and Hydration:

  • Water and snacks: Bring your own reusable water bottle and some energy snacks (chocolates, nuts, coca leaves).
  • Sun protection: Apply high-resistance sunscreen (50+ SPF) before starting the hike.
  • Personal medication: If you are sensitive to altitude, you may bring altitude sickness pills (“Soroche Pills”), available at any pharmacy in Cusco.

Documentation and Money:

  • Original passport: It is always advisable to carry it with you.
  • Cash: Bring soles in small denominations to pay for entry tickets (S/ 20.00 + S/ 10.00) and for possible artisan purchases or tips.

Other Essentials:

  • Camera: With fully charged batteries and plenty of space. The colors of Palccoyo are a dream for any photographer!
  • Small backpack: To carry all the above comfortably during the hike.
  • Positive attitude and good humor: The secret ingredient for any great adventure.