Palcoyo Mountain is an alternative hike to Vinicunca, better known as rainbow mountain
06/06/2024
The trip to Palccoyo started early and we met our driver shortly after 4am. After picking up the other members of our group, we were introduced to our guides. Our group was made up of six guests, the driver and two guides, Julio and an assistant.
One of the best things about booking a tour with Exploring Peru Tours is the small groups. For each trip, there is a maximum of ten visitors, allowing everyone to really get to know each other. It also helps create a less crowded and more personal experience.
Breakfast at La Cabaña prepared us for the day ahead!
After two hours of driving (where we all fell into the land of nod under our soft blankets supplied by Rainbow Mountain Expeditions), we arrived at our breakfast stop.
Julio had pulled out all the stops and we feasted on caramel pancakes, fruit salad, bread and jam. There were a variety of hot drinks, including coca tea, to prepare us all for the altitude.
After getting some energy for the next day, we drove for another hour until we reached the town of Palccoyo. Here we paid our entrance fee for the Rainbow Mountain range (10 soles per person, not included) and headed down the windy roads.
That was until we hit a traffic jam. This was not the kind of congestion one would expect in London, however, our passage had been thwarted by a herd of llamas. Everyone in the minivan growled at the animals and Julio invited us to take a look.
Flames seen through the windshield on our 'Alternative' Rainbow Mountain hike
A Peruvian-style traffic jam!
As the animals ran across the fields, they were led by a local boy. Julio chatted briefly with him before presenting him with a giant loaf of bread. His face broke into a big smile and he hurried to tend to her flames.
Julio was fantastic throughout the trip and invited us to stop the minivan at any time so we could take photos. As a result, Tim and I got some amazing photos from the day!
The walk begins
After reaching the point from which we would begin our hike, which was right next to the first Rainbow Mountain we would see that day. Julio explained that he had an oxygen tank on hand if anyone needed it. He encouraged us to walk slowly, taking regular breaks when necessary and also reminding us to drink water.
I stuffed coca leaves into my mouth, hoping to offset the effects of the altitude. Others who had come less prepared hid in Julio's personal hideout, which he was more than willing to donate to the cause.
We walked through the impressive mountain range, enjoying the variety of colors. I couldn't believe how beautiful the surrounding red peaks were, it felt like another world! In the distance, it was even possible to see the Ausangate glacier in the distance. The landscape really was spectacular.
After about an hour, we reached one of the most impressive Rainbow Mountains. The first thing that surprised me was how bright the colors were. I was worried that photoshop had given me unrealistic expectations! The second was the number of people we shared it with: there was no one else there.
The six of them, plus the two tour guides and that was it. We had the entire mountain to ourselves. Naturally, we started taking photos, making the most of our own private mountain experience.
Girl sitting on Rainbow Alternative Mountain, Palccoyo, near Cusco Trying to capture the perfect Instagram photo!
After a while, Tim and I decided to walk to a nearby viewpoint to get a better look. The views were mind-blowing and colorful mountains stretched as far as the eye could see. We had been gallivanting for 45 minutes at this point and it was only now that the first other group appeared.
We returned to meet Julio who announced that we would have a break and some much needed coca tea. As we sat recovering from our hike and photo taking, Julio explained a little about the mountain communities in this area.
He also went into detail about the ancient beliefs surrounding Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the importance of respecting the mountains. It was very interesting to learn about these traditions and legends.
While we ate our snacks, Julio kept an eye on the mountain, making sure guests from the other groups weren't trampling on the rainbow. Unfortunately, this blatant violation of the rules is very common, but it was wonderful to see Julio's passion and commitment to preserving and respecting this beautiful place firsthand.
We recovered, Julio asked us if we wanted to walk to the stone forest. We all agreed and began the hard climb to the top. Even though this hike was exhausting, I was so glad I made the effort to get there.
The “stone forest” that leads to Palcoyo mountain
The hike to the stone forest was difficult but worth it.
The views were amazing and I couldn't stop clicking my camera. From the top, you could see the three nearby Rainbow Mountains, as well as the glacier in the background.
Slowly, we made our way back to the minibus completely without any pressure regarding time. Once we were all back, we hopped on the bus and headed to our lunch stop.
Lunch was an extensive buffet that catered for all dietary requirements. The food was delicious and just what we all needed after such a physically demanding morning. We ate with pleasure until we couldn't fit anything else in.
We then began the long journey back to Cusco, arriving around half past five.
Book your visit to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain here!
NEW LINES IN NAZCA WERE FOUND
THE INCA PEOPLE OF PERU
HISTORY OF CUSCO SQUARE AND SACSAYHUAMAN
