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Cusco to Rainbow Mountain


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Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour

Duration: 1 Day

Places to visit

  • Rainbow Mountain
  • Palcoyo
  • Raqchi
Group Size 2 To 8 Persons
Max Altitude: 5200 m.s.n.m
Type Service: Group
Transportation: Bus, Hike
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 1 Day

The Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain is considered to be the little sister to the more popular Rainbow Mountain. On this full day tour you will travel from Cusco until you reach the start of the trek. Once on the trial see herds of llamas, alpacas and sheep with their shepherds and a selection of wildlife including soaring condors, cara cara falcons, eagles and maybe, vicuñas.  When you reach Palcoyo Mountain you will be amazed by the natural colors of the colourful sandstone mountains. Later we drive to the 4 lakes which are located in Canas & Acopia province. Drive through the Andes with amazing views of expansive valleys.

Trip Details

1-Day Itinerary of the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour

Today we will explore one of the newest and the most spectacular tourist spots in the Cusco region,  the wonderful Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain known as the Little Sister of Rainbow Mountain.

Bright and early at around 7am our experienced professional guide with our van and driver will pass by your hotel. Make sure that you wait inside your hotel. From Cusco travel for around 3 hours before we arrive at Palcoyo, passing high Andes mountains like Ausangate. Before we head off on the hike enjoy a wonderfully prepared breakfast surrounded by the most magnificent mountain views.

The hike will start  after you have finished your breakfast, trek through some of the best Andean landscapes you will ever encounter. View valleys, glaciers, lakes and animals such as the South American Alpacas and Llamas. See the local people going about their daily lives. Look up you may even see an Andean Condor. The trek should take around 45 minutes.

Once you have reached the summit, be amazed by what nature is capable, see the mineral stripes for what the mountain is famous. Receive some history from your informative guide, stay and take in the what nature has prepared for you.

When you have had your fill of the views, of which you will never see again, trek back down to the trailhead. Which should take around 45 minutes. Then, we get back in the van and travel for an hour before enjoying a wonderful lunch. Dine on wonderful Peruvian cuisine surrounded by the Andes.

At 1:30 p.m., we drive back to Cusco. All along the drive you will have amazing views of picturesque villages and expansive valleys. Finally, we drive back to your Cusco hotel, arriving around 6pm.

What’s included in the tour?

Included

  • Private round trip private van
  • Professional guide, fluent in English and Spanish
  • Breakfast and lunch, cooked by our chef
  • First aid kit and oxygen
  • Tickets to the Palcoyo rainbow mountain and the archeological site of Raqchi.

Not included

  • Food not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Travel insurance. Please, we ask you to take out travel insurance
  • Tips

Tour prices to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour

Private Tour

We only do this tour in private, exclusively for families and couples. The price varies according to the number of people who book together.

Your group sizePrice per person
2 peopleUS$ 127
3 peopleUS$ 110
4 peopleUS$ 99
5 peopleUS$ 75
6 to + peopleUS$ 69

EXTRAS

  • Walking poles –$15 USD per pair per trek (Professional poles that can be extended)

ADDED VALUES  FOR FREE

  • TRANSFER – from the airport to hotel (Cusco Only)
  • OXYGEN TANK will be available along the trek

WHY CHOOSE SAM TRAVEL?

SAM Travel Peru is a family owned travel agency and a local tour operator based in Cusco with personal experience over many years of trekking. SAM Travel Peru is a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders.

 Our dream as a locally based company is to create small personalized tours & treks strictly and only operated by local professional staff catering in PERSONALIZED and HIGH QUALITY SERVICE.  

We take pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. Our staff are our extended family. We ensure they are supported financially by offering them a fair salary. We are proud of our team without them , we wouldn’t be able to offer the best service and lifetime experiences to our clients.

SAM Travel Peru knows how important it is to trust in a reliable honest operator to create your adventure of a lifetime while in Peru. Check out our reviews and certificates of excellence on, TRIPADVISORfor yourself! Also we are highly recommended on Conde Nast Travelers,  Lonely Planet and by many blogs like: Trek de Lares 4 hours, “It’s the journey, not the destination…”Lares Pass – Day 3Trekking in the Sacred Valley.

SMALL GROUPS

To ensure a more personalized service for our guests, at SAM Travel Peru we have a policy that our groups will not exceed 8 people. This fact alone sets us apart from other companies that operate departures with bigger groups.

OUR TOP TOUR GUIDES

We are so proud of our guides! They are highly professional and speak fluent English. They are very knowledgeable and passionate for Inca heritage and history.  Our guides are dedicated to continuous personal and professional development. They do research to ensure that you receive accurate and recognized theories in Inca and Andean culture. Our crew is fun lovinggreat sports and well-educated. They all hold degrees in one of the following: Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History or Anthropology.

OUR EQUIPMENT

Our team (Guides, cooks, horsemen) and our equipment are what really makes SAM Travel Peru stand out from all the competitors…. 

OUR SERVICE PROJECTS

SAM Travel Peru has always believed that we should give back to the communities we pass through when on our treks. Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we always do many service projects and hire locally.

Have a look our recent social work:  “We, (the students from Patachancha Community) got to go to Machu Picchu for the first time”

SAM Travel Peru is so proud to be able to support these beautiful people, not only employing them work but also to keep things at grassroots, to share in their homes and with their families. This makes us happy to have this holistic approach with our highland employees and their families!

A beautiful reflection of our attitude in everything we do, is making life richer and more meaningful for all involved.

Please read carefully the following information; it will help with your questions about our services and the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour.

THE BRIEFING

The briefing will take place the night before the trek at 6pm in our office, which is located at Calle Garcilaso 210, office 213 (second floor) in the La CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.

HOW TO BOOK THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN HIKE

FIRST, to book your Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.

Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group).  We cannot purchase entrance tickets to Machu Picchu, train tickets without the following information:

  • Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
  • Gender
  • Passport number
  • D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
  • Nationality

SECOND, we require a deposit of US$53.00 per person.  You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page or click here on the payment of your choice, either VISA or PAYPAL.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE

If you would like to avoid the high
credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or
Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATMS within the historical center
to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service
fee, charged by VISA and PAYPAL.  To
pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log
into your PAYPAL account and use our email address samtravelperu@gmail.com. 

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?

Yes, but with some restrictions.  Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date.
*** If you cancel your Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour, the deposit is not refundable at all!

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?

The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee.  BUT you will have many different seasons as you pass through the numerous microclimates and will depend on the location. We highly recommend you bring some warm clothes and good rain gear in your day backpack.

WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS? 

In general if you exercise regularly and spend 2 to 3 days in Cusco, or in the Sacred Valley for acclimatization to the altitude, you may be just fine.

The recommended medicine for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you  for Altitude Sickness

We offer the Cusco City Tour and Sacred Valley tours that you can book while you are acclimatizing.  Check out our day tours on our Main Page.

TIPPING

If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many SAM Travel Peru destinations. Of course you are free to tip as much as you feel appropriate, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

ARE WE SUSTAINABLE? 

Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.

PACKING LIST

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU

  • Original passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
  • Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
  • Water storage:  2-3 litre reusable bottles (please do not bring disposable)
  • Comfortable walking shoes or runners
  • Toilet paper, plastic bags and hand sanitizer
  • Sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses
  • Insect repellent
  • Snacks
  • Rain gear (rain poncho provided by SAM)
  • Extra warm layer, like a fleece or jacket liner
  • Extra money for souvenirs and tips

Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour
Inca Trail peru

Join SAM Travel Peru for an Unforgettable Travel Experience In Peru

  • 100% Locally Owned and Operated
  • Years of Experience in all Areas of Peru
  • Knowledgeable Staff ready to Help You
  • Uniquely designed Adventure treks and tours
  • Especially Designed Tours and Treks
  • The Best Quality Personal Service
  • Fantastic Value for Money with Many Added Extras
Your adventure. Our expertise.

Why Travel with SAM travel Peru?

  • Superior Service
  • Inca Trail Specialists
  • 100% value for money
  • Small Groups with a maximum of 8 people
  • Delicious and nutritious meals
  • Sustainable Travel
  • Years of Professional Inca Trail Experience
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Excellent!

5.0 Rating out of 5.0 based on 5.107 reviews

Join the Thousands of Satisfied Customers who Rate us #1 on TripAdvisor

Bernie s 2023/03/02

Had a great trip with our guide Ray Herrera and driver Alfredo. Lots of good experiences in a short period of time 4 days. Learnt a lot not just about the main tourist destinations but Peru in general by Ray. Ray has a passion for Inca history and local produce. Ray knows all the good photo spots and we managed the sun out every day .. Good culture and if you want to get on a tour ask for Ray at Sams Travel = amazing

Tanya H 2023/03/02

Ray was our Tour Guide and Alfredo was our driver for a 4 day tour we did with SAM Travel Peru. Ray's knowledge of the history of Cusco and Machu Picchu was outstanding. Ray was very accommodating with all our needs. He stayed alongside us when trekking and helped where he could. His sense of humour was pleasant to be around. Ray spoke very good English. He is such a nice guy. I would strongly recommend Ray to be your tour guide to visit Machu Picchu. Ray explained everyday what the plans were for the next day, which was reassuring what we needed to take etc

Captanjack 2023/01/012

Our 1 day tour thru the Sacred Vally with Danny was wonderful. He was very knowledgeable and able to answer all our questions in detail. I would recommend asking for him personally if you are able.

Sherry 2022/12/26

We booked the Classic Cusco to Machu Picchu tour with SAM travel which we really had a good experience. SAM travel is very responsive during the communication and cater to our changes needed. Our guide is Ray who is also an very awesome guide. He is knowledgeable, patient, humorous as well reliable, he help us take many good photos and also go extra mile to help with our request. Thanks Ray! Thanks SAM travel that gave us good memories in Peru! Highly recommend if you consider booking any tour in Cusco.

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C Clark 2023/01/20

Wow. We had such an incredible experience in Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Our guide, Dayvit, is the most knowledgeable guide we have ever had. He has such an extensive knowledge of the history and is very friendly and helpful. If you are planning a trip to Peru, I highly recommend SAM travel and be sure to request Dayvit!

Emma Dinzebach Clark 2023/01/10

2 day tour sacred valley / Machu Picchu highly recommend! David was the best tour guide. He knows an incredible amount about Incan culture and is personable and funny. He also kept us up to date on a political situation happening when we were there and was informative. Overall, this tour checks all the boxes. Thank you!

Nupur Joshi 2023/01/02

We used SAM Travel for a 2D/1N trip from Cusco to Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu on Dec 25-26, 2022. The team was good with communication from the start - both Saul and Junior were very helpful and professional with answering any questions and clearing up any misunderstandings. Our guide, Miguel, was prompt, pleasant, and quite knowledgeable. We enjoyed his company and insight over the 2 day trip and recommend him to anyone booking with SAM Travel.

Xueying Chen 2022/12/20

We booked the Classic Cusco to Machu Picchu tour with SAM travel which we really had a good experience. SAM travel is very responsive during the communication and cater to our changes needed. Our guide is Ray who is also an very awesome guide. He is knowledgeable, patient, humorous as well reliable, he help us take many good photos and also go extra mile to help with our request. Thanks Ray! Thanks SAM travel that gave us good memories in Peru! Highly recommend if you consider booking any tour in Cusco.

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Cheri Buccino April 21, 2024
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Powerful! This journey tests your humanity and leaves you in awe of yourself and the beauty that Pachamama provides. April 2024 We conquered the Inca trail and it was only made possible with the help and guidance from our expert guides Jean Pierre (JP) and Jimmy. The knowledge these gentlemen shared was admired by all of our group and the envy of other trail hikers who stopped to listen. The hike has many layers of challenges including language barriers, altitude sensitivities and food specifications. The team at Sam travel exceeded the needs and went above to ensure our comforts were met. A special mention must be made to Mario, the Chef who somehow performed magic with nutritious flavourful meals to satisfy even the pickiest consumers and Francesco who was our lead porter who orchestrated the harmony that happened behind the scenes to get everything done. Nothing less than marvellous from this team. Thank you to each of the group who made our trek a remarkable experience.

BL
Bhavana Lalwani April 18, 2024
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Jose and Henry were great guides for our first time exploring machu pichu! They were very attentive and kept everything on a smooth schedule. Highly recommend!

RY
Ryan April 9, 2024
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The whole experience was amazing. Ray, our guide answered all of our questions and definitely had our best interest in mind the whole time. Timothy the cook made fantastic food and somehow found a way to prepare a birthday cake with no notice! Boni our head porter and his whole crew were kind, accommodating, and had such upbeat attitudes which really made the experience great!

Isabel Batteria April 17, 2024
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I spent two days with Sam Travel’s guide Raymier, who guided us through the one-day 12-km stretch of the Inca trail and then took us to Machu Picchu the next day. In my group, I was always the last one on the trail because I come from the coast and I’m not used to altitudes, and honestly I could also have prepared physically a little better. Raymier respected my pace, never rushed me, and supported me throughout the ardous trail. He had much knowledge to share. I speak Spanish, but ended up in an English tour, and Ray’s English was very good. He was funny, respectful, and versatile. He knew where to take all the best photos and patiently took photos of all of us. I would trust Sam Travel again especially if I was lucky enough to have Ray as a guide again.

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5.0 105+ opinions
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Sam Travel stands out

Sam Travel is a renowned local travel agency based in Cusco -Peru, recognized for its commitment to customer satisfaction, expert travel advice and personalized itineraries that meet the needs and preferences of each traveler.

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