Chances are you have not heard of Palcoyo by name, but this newly opened attraction is a great option for visitors to Cusco who are looking for an alternative Rainbow Mountain hike. Palcoyo (also known as Palccoyo or Pacoyo) is a shorter and easier hike is only offered by a few agencies, but word about this new attraction is quickly spreading among savvy travelers. Read on to find out everything you need to know about Palcoyo, the alternative Rainbow Mountain hike.
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Rainbow Mountain Peru
Despite having only opened for wide-scale tourism in 2015, Peru’s “Rainbow Mountain” (pictured above) has quickly become one of Cusco‘s most popular attractions. Known as Vinicunca to locals, this dazzling mountain displays all the colors of the rainbow, a peculiar coloration caused by the unique mineral content of each stratigraphic layer. Formerly concealed by a glacier, Rainbow Mountain became famous virtually overnight after it was opened for tourism and photos of it began to go viral on social media applications such as Instagram.
This sudden influx of tourists to the area has caused a handful of problems. Tourist facilities on the path are bare-bones and not prepared to handle the high volume. The trail to the mountain has also deteriorated from so much foot traffic and is often so muddy that it is barely passable. Vinicunca’s height of over 17,000 feet above sea level is also not ideal for those unaccustomed to physical activity at such high altitudes. The hike out to Rainbow Mountain takes around three hours, and altitude sickness is common despite the trip’s billing as a simple day trip. Then, once you’ve arrived at the main peak, you’re likely to encounter so many people that you’ll have a hard time capturing a good photo.
If all of this sounds like it might not be worth the trouble, don’t worry. Many visitors don’t realize that, despite its widespread fame, Vinicunca is not the only rainbow-colored mountain in the area. The same geological processes which caused this famous mountain have also produced a number of nearby painted hills and smaller mountains, and one location where you can spot these is known as Palcoyo (sometimes spelled Palccoyo or Pacoyo).
Palcoyo vs. Vinicunca
The principal difference between Palcoyo and Vinicunca is that Palcoyo receives far fewer visitors than Vinicunca, so you will be able to truly enjoy the beauty and serenity of this special place without being surrounded by hordes of tourists. Much like its more well-known counterpart, a trip to Palcoyo involves a three hour drive through Cusco’s scenic countryside, passing by stark mountain landscapes and traditional communities while traveling on sometimes-bumpy dirt roads. Unlike the trip to Vinicunca, however, you’ll be able to sleep in until 7 a.m. on the trip to Palcoyo since there’s no need to beat any crowds (compare this to the 2 or 3 a.m. departure time for Vinicunca). You’ll be thankful later for that bit of extra sleep later, especially if you start to feel any effects from the high altitude.
Besides the smaller number of visitors, the other benefit of this alternative Rainbow Mountain is that the hike from the trailhead is a brisk walk of only a half hour (compared to the three or more hours of uphill trekking in high altitude required to reach the more popular site). This makes a day trip to Palcoyo perfect for those who are concerned about the physical requirements of a high altitude hike or for those who just don’t have a lot of time and don’t want to dedicate six hours or more to a hike. For serious hikers, it’s also possible to visit Palcoyo as a detour from the 6-day Ausangate Trek since the trail is nearby.
Palcoyo Alternative Rainbow Mountain Hike
If you’ve looked at any photos of Vinicunca, you’ve likely noticed that they were all taken from the exact same vantage point. This is because you only see the rainbow-colored rock formations at the climactic finale of the trek, as the trail passes through beautiful but mundane-by-comparison pasturelands and typical mountain scenes. A visit to Palcoyo, on the other hand, brings you immediately into some of the most otherworldly scenery you’ll ever lay eyes on.
The main attraction is, of course, a grouping of three rainbow-colored peaks for which the site is known. After you’ve snapped your obligatory photos, you’ll be equally enthralled by the surrounding Red Valley with its surreal Mars-like terrain. The nearby bosque de piedras (stone forest) also adds to the unearthly feel of the scene. After you’ve spent a few minutes here, you’ll understand why it’s so special. There are few places in the world so beautiful, and unlike the more famous Rainbow Mountain you’ll have this place almost completely to yourself.
The Palcoyo alternative Rainbow Mountain hike usually takes around three hours, but private tours can be arranged to allow you to wander around as much as you like, leaving extra time to ensure you get that perfectly dreamlike photo that truly captures the essence of this beautiful place.
Palcoyo Red River
One of the most striking features of this breathtaking hike in the Cusco countryside is the Palcoyo Red River (Rio Rojo), a real river made up of crimson-colored water which cuts through the surrounding landscape. This phenomenon is caused by certain minerals in the area’s soil, which also cause some of the extraordinary colors of Palcoyo and Vinicunca.
It is only possible to see the Palcoyo Red River during the rainy season months, lasting roughly from January until April. This is because the rain water running off the mineral-rich hills is what causes this unique phenomenon. If you happen to be traveling in the Cusco region during the rainy season months, make sure you take the opportunity to see this incredible place. You’ll feel like you’re on another planet as you cross over this dreamlike flowing red river and take in the colorful scenery all around you on your way to the Palcoyo rainbow hills.
Before You Go
Like other destinations in the Cusco region, Palcoyo is located at high altitude, so it’s important to spend at least a day or two allowing yourself to acclimatize in Cusco before you attempt any physical activity. While a trip to Palcoyo is much less strenuous than the 6-hour round-trip hike to the other Rainbow Mountain, visitors to Palcoyo should still be in good health due to the strong effects that high altitude can have on the body. It’s also important to bring a winter coat, hat, scarf, gloves and any other clothes you may need for cold weather. Intense sun and ultraviolet rays can also be an issue at this latitude, so make sure you cover any visible skin with a high SPF sunscreen.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain is generally during the dry season months lasting from May until November. During the rainy season, the trail can sometimes be muddy and visibility may be lower due to precipitation. However, if you’d like to see Palcoyo’s Red River, you’ll need to visit between January and April since its color is caused by rain run-off, making it visible only during certain months. One of the best options is to visit in April after the yearly rains have started to dissipate but the water level of the rivers are still high.
Enjoy Palcoyo
A visit to the enchanting landscapes of Palcoyo is one of the best little-known excursions in the Cusco area, whether you choose to go on a day trip or as a side excursion from one of the nearby established hiking trails such as the Ausangate Circuit. Not only is Palcoyo full of breathtaking scenery, it’s also as-of-now relatively unknown, so you’ll be able to enjoy the sublime beauty of this place in relative solitude. Palcoyo is the perfect destination for those who want to experience one of Peru’s unique hidden treasures.
Ready to see Palcoyo for yourself? Speak to one of our travel experts and start planning your dream trip to Peru now!
