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Palcoyo Day Hike: Private Tour to Three Rainbow Mountains

Your own vehicle and guide to the three rainbow mountains of Palcoyo and the Stone Forest, with a short 2 km hike, breakfast, buffet lunch and the entrance fee included. From USD 204 per private group.

4.9 Excellent · 2,800+ reviews on Google & Tripadvisor
•
FULL DAY TOUR

Tour Overview

Private Tour · Entrance Included

Palcoyo Day Hike: Three Rainbow Mountains, Only for Your Group

The Palcoyo Day Hike is a private Palcoyo tour to Palcoyo, home to three rainbow mountains and a dramatic Stone Forest, with a shorter walk and far fewer visitors than Vinicunca.

This private tour from Cusco costs USD 204 for 1 traveler and USD 366 for a group of 10 (USD 36.60 per person), with private transport, a private bilingual guide, breakfast, buffet lunch and the Palcoyo entrance included. Pickup is at 4:15–4:45 AM and you are back in Cusco around 4:00–4:30 PM.

You travel in your own vehicle and hike only about 2 km at your group’s pace, with views of llamas, alpacas and snow-capped peaks. As the entrance fee is included, there is nothing extra to pay on the day.

Service100% private
Price per groupFrom USD 204
Highest pointAbout 5,000 m
Hike2 km / 1–2 hours
Group1 to 10 travelers

Private Vehicle and Guide

An SUV or minivan and a guide only for your group.

Three Rainbow Mountains

Colorful mineral slopes with fewer visitors.

Stone Forest

Spectacular rock formations next to the mountains.

Entrance Included

Nothing extra to pay on the day.

Read the full Palcoyo Day Hike description

We pick you up at your hotel in Cusco between 4:15 and 4:45 AM and drive about 2 hours to Cusipata for an Andean breakfast, then 1 more hour to the community of Palcoyo.

With your private guide, you hike about 2 km to the three rainbow mountains and the Stone Forest. After a buffet lunch in Cusipata, we drive back to Cusco, arriving around 4:00 to 4:30 PM.

Traveling solo or on a budget? Join the shared Palcoyo Tour Full Day from USD 27 per person. Other private tours: the Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour. Prefer the classic? See the Rainbow Mountain Tour.

Special Price for Returning Customers

Have you traveled with us before? Contact us before booking so we can verify your previous booking and offer you a special rate.

Availability & Booking

Online Booking and Availability

The private Palcoyo Day Hike runs every day of the year, subject to availability and weather. Book months ahead or at short notice: we accept bookings until 9:00 PM the day before.

01

Click BOOK NOW and choose your date.

02

Select the number of travelers in your group.

03

Pay 100% securely online and receive your confirmation.

DeparturesDaily, private
Book until9:00 PM the day before
Drop-offYour hotel, airport or bus terminal

Questions? 💬 WhatsApp +51 974 217 700 · 📧 info@machupicchuteam.com

Highlights

Why You’ll Love the Palcoyo Day Hike

Nine reasons to choose a private Palcoyo trip with Machu Picchu Team.

  • ✓100% Private
    Your own vehicle and guide, only for your group.
  • ✓Three Rainbow Mountains
    Colorful slopes without the Vinicunca crowds.
  • ✓Stone Forest
    Dramatic rock formations near the summit.
  • ✓Short Hike
    Only about 2 km, at your group’s pace.
  • ✓Entrance Included
    Nothing extra to pay on the day.
  • ✓Andean Wildlife
    Llamas and alpacas along the way.
  • ✓Breakfast and Buffet Lunch
    In Cusipata.
  • ✓Comfortable Transport
    SUV or 15-seat minivan with air conditioning.
  • ✓Back by Afternoon
    In Cusco around 4:00 to 4:30 PM.
BOOK ONLINE
FROM
USD 27 per person

Travel date
Travelers
Travelers USD $27.00/person
100% full payment required for this 1-day tour.
Total for 1 traveler USD $27.00 27.00

Duration FULL DAY TOUR
Starts in Cusco - Pick up from your hotel
Group size 1 to 10 travelers
Departures Daily Departures Available
Physical level Regular
Trip style Hiking
Meals 01 B, 01 L, 0 D
Tripadvisor Logo
4.9 Excellent · 2,800+ reviews

"Just finished 4 days with Yuri & Jose, they were both amazing, super helpful and attent..."

BoardingPass605159 28/09/2026

"Une superbe expérience ! L’équipe est au top, une superbe ambiance un tracé magnifiqu..."

Bouhet M 28/09/2026

"Great experience, an unforgettable adventure all thanks to Eduardo and Marx. Big thank ..."

Kristina K 27/09/2026

"Eduardo is the best guide! Really tailored our experience around our pace and flexibili..."

Zak L 27/09/2026

"This experience was amazing. The guys are really nice and the landscapes seems like AI...."

Jose Alejandro Navarro 27/09/2026

"Incredible, a very polite and attentive person, he knows a lot about the mountain, a to..."

Renato C 26/09/2026

"I had such a great time on this guided tour! Everything was really well organised, and ..."

Mihai 26/09/2026

"Nothing to say about the trek itself. The landscapes are magnificent and the organizati..."

lara j 25/09/2026

"The trek is magnificent, the landscapes are breathtaking, and the organization is decen..."

nuno29 25/09/2026

"We did the 2-day trail and were very satisfied with our guides Miguel and Alice. The wa..."

Thomas L 25/09/2026

Palcoyo Day Hike Itinerary

Cusco → Cusipata → Palcoyo → Three Rainbow Mountains and Stone Forest → Cusipata → Cusco

Your private Palcoyo Day Hike starts with pickup at your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco between 4:15 and 4:45 AM. After about 2 hours we stop in Cusipata for an Andean breakfast and drive 1 more hour to the community of Palcoyo.

With your private guide, you hike about 2 km (1 to 2 hours) to the three rainbow mountains and the Stone Forest, at about 5,000 m, with time for photos.

We return to Cusipata for a buffet lunch and drive back to Cusco, arriving around 4:00 to 4:30 PM.

DifficultyEasy to moderate
Hike2 km / 1–2 h
Highest pointAbout 5,000 m
Back in Cusco4:00–4:30 PM

Good to know: The hike is short, but the altitude is high: spend at least 2 days in Cusco before the tour.

Included Today

  • ✓Private transport
  • ✓Private bilingual guide
  • ✓Breakfast and buffet lunch
  • ✓Palcoyo entrance
  • ✓Oxygen and first aid kit

Drop-off

At your hotel in Cusco. Airport or bus terminal drop-off available.

What Is Included in the Palcoyo Day Hike

Private Transport

SUV (1–4 travelers) or 15-seat minivan (5–10 travelers), with air conditioning.

Hotel or Airbnb Pickup and Drop-off

In Cusco, between 4:15 and 4:45 AM.

Private Bilingual Guide

English and Spanish, only for your group.

Andean Breakfast and Buffet Lunch

In Cusipata. Vegetarian on request.

Palcoyo Entrance

Included.

Oxygen and First Aid Kit

Carried by your guide.

Free Luggage Storage

At our office in Cusco.

Snacks and Extra Drinks

Bring water and energy snacks.

Travel Insurance

Recommended.

Tips

Voluntary.

Palcoyo Day Hike Packing List: What to Bring

The Palcoyo Day Hike reaches about 5,000 m, with freezing mornings, wind and strong sun. Dress in warm layers.

Clothing and Footwear
  • ✓Thermal base layer, warm fleece and an insulated jacket
  • ✓Quick-dry hiking pants
  • ✓Hiking boots with ankle support
  • ✓Waterproof jacket or poncho
  • ✓Beanie, gloves and a sun hat
  • ✓UV sunglasses
In Your Backpack
  • ✓1 to 1.5 liters of water and energy snacks
  • ✓Sunscreen and lip balm
  • ✓An extra warm layer
  • ✓Personal medication
  • ✓Camera and power bank
  • ✓Cash in soles for tips or souvenirs

Prices and options

Official Rates & Pricing Plans

* All rates are in USD per person
Rate TypeStarting Price
Standard Rate (From) $23 USD

2026 & 2027 private rates: the price is for your whole group, in US dollars.

Palcoyo Day Hike: Private Price per Group

The Palcoyo Day Hike is a fully private service: your own vehicle and guide, with breakfast, buffet lunch and the Palcoyo entrance included. The more travelers in your group, the lower the price per person.

TravelersVehicleGroup totalPer person*
1 travelerSUV
with air conditioning
USD 204USD 204.00
2 travelersUSD 220USD 110.00
3 travelersUSD 236USD 78.67
4 travelersUSD 249USD 62.25
5 travelers15-seat minivan
with air conditioning
USD 291USD 58.20
6 travelersUSD 308USD 51.33
7 travelersUSD 324USD 46.29
8 travelersUSD 337USD 42.12
9 travelersUSD 350USD 38.89
10 travelersUSD 366USD 36.60

*Price per person for reference only: the rate is charged per group.

All included: private transport, private bilingual guide, Andean breakfast, buffet lunch and the Palcoyo entrance fee.

Not included: snacks, extra drinks, tips and travel insurance.

Prefer a group tour? Join our shared Palcoyo Tour Full Day from USD 27 per person.

Travel information

Booking Guide

How to Book the Palcoyo Day Hike

Book your private Palcoyo Day Hike until 9:00 PM the day before, online or at our office. As a one-day tour, it is paid 100% when you book.

Option 1

Book Online

Pay 100% of the tour by card (3.99% fee) and receive your confirmation by email.

Option 2

Book in Person

At Portal Nuevo 270, Plaza Regocijo, Cusco, open every day from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Pay in soles, US dollars, euros or by card.

Book Online in 4 Easy Steps

01

Choose your date

Click Book Now and select your tour date.

02

Select your group size

The price adjusts to the number of travelers, from 1 to 10.

03

Enter your details and pay

Full name, nationality, hotel and WhatsApp number. Pay 100% by card.

04

Get your pickup time

We send you the exact pickup time.

Private Palcoyo Tour Booking Policy

1. Price per Group

The rate is for your whole private group, according to the number of travelers, in US dollars.

2. Free Rescheduling

Change your date for free until 7:00 PM the day before, subject to availability.

3. Cancellation and Refunds

24 hours or more before the tour: 100% refund. Less than 24 hours, but before 10:00 PM the day before: 50% refund. After 10:00 PM the day before, or no-show: no refund.

4. Bad Weather or Safety

If we must cancel for severe weather, road closures or safety reasons, we offer a new date, another tour or a refund.

5. Altitude and Health

The hike reaches about 5,000 m. Acclimatize in Cusco for at least 2 days and tell us about any medical condition.

FAQs

Palcoyo Day Hike: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the Palcoyo Day Hike private?

Yes. It is a private Palcoyo tour: you have your own vehicle and bilingual guide, only for your group, and you hike at your own pace.

2. How much does the Palcoyo Day Hike cost?

The price is per group: USD 204 for 1 traveler, USD 220 for 2, USD 249 for 4 and USD 366 for 10 travelers (USD 36.60 per person). Entrance, meals, transport and guide are included.

3. Is the entrance fee included?

Yes, the Palcoyo entrance is included, plus breakfast and buffet lunch. You only need cash for tips or souvenirs.

4. What time does the private tour start and end?

We pick you up at your hotel in Cusco between 4:15 and 4:45 AM and you are back around 4:00 to 4:30 PM.

5. How hard is the hike?

Easy to moderate: about 2 km at your own pace, but at about 5,000 m. Spend at least 2 days in Cusco first.

6. What vehicle do we use?

An SUV for 1 to 4 travelers, or a 15-seat minivan for 5 to 10 travelers, both with air conditioning.

7. How is Palcoyo different from Rainbow Mountain?

Palcoyo has three rainbow mountains and a Stone Forest, with a shorter walk and far fewer visitors than Vinicunca. See the Rainbow Mountain Tour for the classic.

8. Is there a shared option?

Yes, the Palcoyo Tour Full Day in a small group, from USD 27 per person (entrance not included).

9. When is the best time to visit?

The dry season, from April to October, has clearer skies and brighter colors. Private tours run all year.

10. What is the cancellation policy?

Cancel 24 hours or more before the tour for a 100% refund. With less than 24 hours, but before 10:00 PM the day before, you get a 50% refund. After 10:00 PM the day before, or if you do not show up, there is no refund.

Why choose Machupicchu Team

The Machu Picchu Team Difference

Why Book the Palcoyo Day Hike with Machu Picchu Team?

01

Truly Private

Your own vehicle and guide, no strangers.

02

Everything Included

Meals, entrance fee and private transport.

03

Better Value for Groups

From USD 36.60 per person in a group of 10.

04

Direct Local Operator

A Cusco-based team that runs your tour directly.

Traveler Reviews

Tripadvisor View our Tripadvisor page

Read recent experiences from travelers who booked with our local team and shared how the service, organization, and on-trip support felt in real situations. These reviews help future passengers understand what to expect before choosing their tour.

C

Charlotte Sou

28/09/2026
Google

Nous avons passé 5 jours avec Omar pour le Salkantay trek et c’était super ! La qualité des logements, des repas et l’accompagnement lors du trek était parfait ! Petit point négatif sur le dernier hôtel et dernier restaurant à Aguas Calientes très mal notés et certains ont eu des puces de lit, à changer car pas du tout hygiénique.En tout cas merci beaucoup à Omar pour cette aventure, sa gentillesse et sa bonne humeur !

View full review
A

Anton Hoffstadt

28/09/2026
Google

We did the 5 day Salkantay Trek with Machu Picchu Team. Our guide Amoroso was the best. Super chill guy, very fun to be around and he just made the whole Salkantay experience feel complete. Overall good experience and organisation by Machu Picchu Team, would recommend.

View full review
L

Lea Jungmann

28/09/2026
Google

We did the 5 days salkantay trek. Our guide Amoroso was the best. He was really patient with us and made this experience unforgettable!! He explained everything really well and made us feel included even if we were always last. The trek was amazing but be prepared for night one to be really really cold. We can only recommend doing this trek with Machu Picchu Team.

View full review
B

BoardingPass605159

28/09/2026
Tripadvisor

Just finished 4 days with Yuri & Jose, they were both amazing, super helpful and attentive. Thank you to the kitchen staff as well! Definitely a challenge, but in the end it all worth it!

View full review
B

Bouhet M

28/09/2026
Tripadvisor

Une superbe expérience ! L’équipe est au top, une superbe ambiance un tracé magnifique avec des paysages très variés. Tout est bien rôdé, transport, repas, couchage. On mange très bien et en quantité ! Par contre prévoyez de quoi manger pendant la randonnée ce n’est pas inclus. Pour moi c’est la meilleure façon pour se rendre au Machu Picchu en passant par le col du Salkantay et en montant le dernier jour par les marches du chemin de l’Inca. Un petit bémol sur la transparence du prix annoncé , ce trip se veut all inclusive, en réalité ce n’est pas le cas. Certains frais imprévus viennent s’ajouter tout au long des 5 jours ( frais supplémentaires pour les activités, taxe pour certains passages de pont ou col, Tips un peu forcé ). Ce ne sont pas des gros frais mais au cumulé ça représente aux alentours de 300 soles. Je trouve personnellement que l’organisme ferai mieux d’intégrer ces frais dans le prix de leur expérience car on a vraiment la sensation d’être mis sur le fait accompli. Prévoyez des gourdes filtrantes car les bouteilles d’eau sur place sont vendus à prix d’or !

View full review

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