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Tour Palcoyo Mountain 1 Day Hike

5.0 Based on 510 Reviews
Trip Length: 1 Day
From
USD 45
per person
VIEW PRICES
1 Day
Duration
trekking
Usually 8-12 participants
Min 2 pax
Maximum group size
16 - 99 years
Age range for participants
English
Guide language
Moderate
Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness.

BEST Palcoyo Mountain 1 Day Trek

The Palcoyo Mountain 1 Day Tour takes you to the Rainbow Mountain Range, a mystical place with colorful mountain peaks and rock formations at about 4,800 meters (15,750 feet) high.

In this Andes adventure, you’ll see three main attractions:

  1. Palcoyo (Rainbow Range): Over four rocky outcrops show unusual colors from different sediment layers and minerals, formed around 24 million years ago.
  2. Stone Forest: Rock formations shaped by natural erosion over thousands of years, creating tall cliffs and unique shapes on Palcoyo.
  3. Ausangate: The highest snowy peak in Cusco (6,380 meters / 20,900 feet), a sacred mountain since Inca times.

Together, these sights give you a great view of the Andes in all its beauty.

Customer Reviews on Tripadvisor

“Machu Picchu Peru Travel” always provides quality service, and what our customers say speaks to the quality we deliver; thousands of satisfied passengers will give you the confidence to trust us. If you want to explore Machu Picchu, Cusco, the Mountain of Colors, Laguna Humantay, and other beautiful tourist destinations, we invite you to read our reviews on TripAdvisor.


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Summary about Palcoyo Mountain 1 Day

  • Cusco – Checacupe – Palcoyo – Cusipata
  • 4:30 – 5:00 AM: Pick up from your hotel in Cusco
  • 5:00 – 7:00 AM: Drive to Cusipata (about 2 hours)
  • 7:00 – 7:50 AM: Breakfast in Cusipata
  • 7:50 – 8:50 AM: Travel to Layo community, the starting point for the hike
  • 9:00 – 10:30 AM: Hike to Pallay Punchu (optional horse ride)
  • 10:30 – 11:30 AM: Guided tour and free time at the mountain top
  • 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Return to the bus
  • 12:30 – 2:00 PM: Drive back from Palcoyo to Sicuani
  • 2:00 – 3:00 PM: Lunch in Sicuani
  • 3:00 – 5:00 PM: Return to Cusco by bus
Daily Schedule

Itinerary

DAY 1

Palcoyo 1-Day Tour

We start early, picking you up from your hotel between 4:30 and 5:00 AM. The drive to Cusipata takes about two hours. In this small, charming village, you’ll have breakfast and some free time to use the restrooms or buy snacks.

Next, we drive for another hour and a half to Palcoyo (4,200 meters / 13,780 feet), where the hike begins. You’ll see the Stone Forest and colorful mountains, showing you’re close to the Rainbow Range. After a short introduction from your guide, we start hiking. The climb is nice and takes about 30 minutes. Along the way, you might see South American camels. At the top, you’ll see the impressive Ausangate peak (6,380 meters / 20,900 feet).

This place is magical because nature has created these beautiful colors through minerals and erosion. We’ll have a short ceremony to honor Pachamama (Mother Earth) and give you time to take photos and explore the Rainbow Range and Stone Forest.

After enjoying the peaceful nature and the sacred mountains, we head back to Cusipata for lunch. Then, we return to Cusco, finishing the tour around 5:00 PM.

Cost

  • Private Service: $120
  • Shared Service: $45

All prices are in US dollars and include local taxes.

What's Included

Inclusions

Included in the journey

  • Hotel pick-up in Cusco
  • Round-trip transportation
  • Professional bilingual guide (Spanish or English)
  • 1 lunch
  • Entrance tickets
  • Walking stick
  • First aid kit and oxygen
  • Vegetarian and special diet options upon request

No Included on the Tour

  • Food and drinks not mentioned in the program
  • Checacupe bridge ( options S/10 soles)
  • Travel insurance
  • Extra activities and tips for staff (optional)
  • Horse rental (optional, $30)

Choose Your PeruRail Train Experience

Discover the perfect journey to Machu Picchu. From comfortable adventure to ultimate luxury, the choice is yours.

Classic Vistadome Train (Peru Rail)

The Classic Vistadome Train (Peru Rail): A different way to enjoy your trip to Machu Picchu. Their cars have a panoramic view that will allow you to enjoy the wonderful landscape along the route. You will enjoy an informative audio, music and dances from the region, also enjoy a fashion show of Alpaca clothing and a snack based on Andean ingredients.

Upgrade your experience with the Traditional Vistadome Class Train for an additional $80 USD per person round trip (or $45 USD for one way).

Expedition Class Train

The Expedition Class Train (Perú Rail) or the Voyager class train (Inca Rail) which have a car decoration inspired by the Inca culture, you can enjoy background music and, in addition, you can access a sales service board and thus have a relaxed and comfortable journey to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

The package includes the Expedition Train (Peru Rail) or the Voyager Class Train (Inca Rail)

Vistadome Observatory Train (Peru Rail)

Vistadome Observatory Train (Peru Rail): Providing you with the experience of a unique journey thanks to its panoramic cars and observatory car that will provide you with an unforgettable and enjoyable experience accompanied by music and live shows, which will make you live an unforgettable trip and Enjoy the experience on board, also enjoy a delicious snack.

Upgrade your experience Vistadome Observatory Train Train for an upgrade fee of $160 USD per person round trip (or $85 USD for one way).

PeruRail Trains Comparison

FeatureExpeditionVistadomeObservatoryHiram Bingham
WindowsStandard PanoramicFull Panoramic (Roof & Walls)Full Panoramic (Roof & Walls)Large Classic Windows
Seating LayoutSeats facing each other with tableLeather seats, facing each otherLeather seats, spaciousPlush armchairs, elegant dining tables
Food & DrinksAvailable for purchaseLight snack & non-alcoholic drinksLight snack & non-alcoholic drinksGourmet Lunch/Dinner & Open Bar
EntertainmentAmbient Andean MusicCultural Dance & Fashion Show (Return)Live Music & Cultural ShowLive Band in Bar Car
Special Features--Access to open-air balcony carIncludes bus, citadel ticket & guide
Estimated Price (One-way)From $65 USDFrom $85 USDFrom $110 USDFrom $490 USD

Circuit 1: The Panoramic Circuit

This circuit focuses on the agricultural sector and upper areas, providing access to vantage points and mountain hikes.

  • Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain Route: Allows climbing Machu Picchu Mountain. The total maximum stay for the climb and a short visit to the Inca City afterward is  hours for the mountain and  hour for the city. Two time slots are available: 6:00-6:30 a.m. and 8:00-8:30 a.m.
  • Route 1-B: Upper Terrace Route: A shorter route through the agricultural sector. Max stay:  hours  minutes.
  • Route 1-C: Intipunku Gate Route: Leads to the Sun Gate (Intipunku). The round trip takes about  hours, followed by a maximum -hour stay in the city.
  • Route 1-D: Puente Inka Route: Leads to the Inca Bridge. The round trip takes about  hour, followed by a maximum -hour stay in the city.

Circuit 2: The Classic Circuit

This circuit includes both the agricultural and urban sectors, covering key areas for a comprehensive view.

  • Route 2-A: Designed Route & Route 2-B: Lower Terrace Route: Both are comprehensive routes that cover platforms near the Guardian’s House, the Quarry, the Temple of the Sun viewpoint, the Main Temple, Temple of the Three Windows, and the Sacred Rock. Visitors can choose to see the Hall of Mirrors or the Temple of the Condor near the end.
  • Max Stay:  hours  minutes for both 2-A and 2-B.

 

 

Circuit 3: The Royal Circuit

This circuit focuses on the lower urban sector and provides access to the Waynapicchu area and its associated hikes.

  • Route 3-A: Waynapicchu Mountain Route: Allows climbing Waynapicchu Mountain. The total maximum stay for the climb is  hours, followed by a -hour stay in the city. Two time slots are available: 6:00-6:30 a.m. and 9:00-9:30 a.m.
  • Route 3-B: Designed Route: Includes the agricultural platforms, Water Sources, Temple of the Sun, and the Inka House. Visitors can see the Hall of Mirrors or the Temple of the Condor. Max stay:  hours  minutes.
  • Route 3-C: Grand Cave Route: Leads to the Grand Cave (Temple of the Moon) but does not allow ascent to the Waynapicchu summit. Max stay for the hike is  hours, followed by a -hour stay in the city.
  • Route 3-D: Huchuypicchu Route: Allows climbing Huchuypicchu Mountain (a smaller peak), but does not allow ascent to Waynapicchu or the Grand Cave. Max stay for the hike is  hour, followed by a  hour  minute stay in the city.

General Conditions

  • Mountain/Cave Routes (1-A, 1-D, 3-A, 3-C): Participation is voluntary, requiring good physical condition and visitors must be over 18 years old.
  • All routes have strict maximum stay times and require adherence to entry/exit schedules to ensure visitor safety and site preservation.

Tour Palcoyo Mountain 1 Day Hike

Pricing Options

The itinerary is the same in all options. The price only changes depending on the type of service

Group Service

Groups of up to 18 People

From $45 USD per person
Tour Schedule
Pick up
4:30 a.m.·
Final Tour
5:00 p.m.·
Daily Departure Entrance included
★ Most popular
Book now

Private Service

Minimum 2 people. Personalized Experience

From $145 USD per person
Tour Schedule
Pick up
4:30 a.m.·
Final Tour
5:00 p.m.·
Daily Departure Entrance included
Book now
Traveling as a group of 4 or more, or prefer a private tour? Ask for a special discount or a private itinerary.
Request a Special Quote

Good to know

  • Prices per person in USD. Shared service, minimum 2 travelers. Solo travelers, please contact us before booking.
  • Train upgrade: Vistadome +USD 80 or Vistadome Observatory +USD 160 per person, round trip.
  • Not included: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (USD 65), Aguas Calientes hot springs (S/ 15) and meals not listed (the Rainbow Mountain buffet lunch is included).
  • Book in advance in high season: Machu Picchu tickets, trains and Rainbow Mountain permits sell out.
  • Subject to availability of trains and Machu Picchu tickets.

What Our Passengers Say About Machu Picchu Peru Travel

Akoito M

05/10/2026
Tripadvisor

Experience Peru

Amazing experience. I've already recommend to my family, cousins and friends. The staff are well informed and Tania is so nice. Great staff they never let me down. The tour guides are a amazing.

Fernando_Feco_H

14/09/2026
Tripadvisor

Perfect service

Perfect service, clear infos, prompt WhatsApp communication

Safari751715

17/09/2026
Tripadvisor

Recomiendo 100%

Todo excelentemente planeado, super recomiendo los servicios de Tania. Ella acompaña a los pasajeros en su dia a dia y responde rapido a cualquier demanda.

Yuliana Acuña

11/09/2026
Tripadvisor

The Best Way to Explore Perú 🇵🇪

I can’t recommend this agency highly enough! They made our vacation in Peru an unforgettable experience. From the very beginning, they stood out for their attentiveness, punctuality, excellent organization, and incredible coordination throughout the entire trip.I would especially like to mention our guide, Will, in Cusco. His professionalism, knowledge, and passion for history made every visit even more fascinating. We were amazed by all the interesting facts he shared about Inca culture, traditions, and the different archaeological sites. Having a guide like him made our experience much more enriching and allowed us to appreciate each place in a completely different way.I would also like to give a special thank you to Tania, Celestino, Jesus, Yusof, and Don Neri in Lima for their kindness, attention, and for making us feel so well taken care of throughout our trip.We traveled from Costa Rica, and we are taking home wonderful memories of Peru. Thank you to the entire team for making sure everything was so well organized and for treating us with such warmth and care.Without a doubt, an excellent agency for exploring Peru. We highly recommend them!Warm regards, Yuliana, from Costa Rica 🇨🇷❤️🇵🇪

LIU R

20/03/2026
Tripadvisor

Excellent experience

We had an outstanding experience with Taina at Machu Picchu. He was extremely professional, passionate and knowledgeable about Inca history, culture and the site itself. she adjusted the pace perfectly for our group, answered all our questions patiently, and made the whole tour fascinating and memorable. We couldn’t ask for a better guide and highly recommend him to everyone traveling to Machu Picchu.

Laura T

04/04/2026
Tripadvisor

Experience

Excellent service, I loved the experience thanks to the Agency that made everything possible

lafouk

10/04/2026
Tripadvisor

Exceptional organization and clarity – great value!

Wow, what great service! I’ve been on many tours and few have had the clarity and communication skills that Tania and her team had. From the moment I reached out in interest to the end of the Machu Picchu excursion, Tania was exceptionally clear and helpful, making every step very easy to follow. Planning Machu Picchu on your own is *technically* possible, but it takes a tremendous amount of work to plan with a lot of unknown variables. Booking a tour with Machu Picchu Peru Travel makes it easy for not much more cost, and eases the anxiety of all the unknowns with the complex journey. It is truly a great value for travelers.Now if only I could have Tania organize the rest of life…! :)

Dario M

13/04/2026
Tripadvisor

In love with Peru and its culture

These days in Lima and Cusco were above and beyond excellence, it was amazing! What I found most interesting was its people! Peruvians are extremely helpful, charming and kind and of course hard workers! I felt save walking around even late at night. It was simply magical Regarding tours and attention they were very puntual, organized and everything was on time! I send a huge shout out to the agency and every single guide that help us through our journey!

Nirvana H

16/04/2026
Tripadvisor

Highly Recommend! 100% Worth It

Machu Picchu Peru Travel – Super Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2D/1N TourI highly recommend booking with Machu Picchu Peru Travel for any of their tours. We did the Super Sacred Valley with Machu Picchu 2D/1N, and it was an incredible experience from start to finish.From the very beginning, their level of communication was top tier. Tania was fantastic, clear, quick, and informative even before we booked. She was patient, guided us through the process, and ensured we got the exact circuit we wanted 2B, making everything completely stress-free and well organised. When we arrived in Cusco, she personally met us at our hotel for a detailed briefing, which showed how much she genuinely cared about our experience and ensuring everything went smoothly.Pickup was always on time, and every effort was made to keep the tour running seamlessly. The Sacred Valley tour itself was very enjoyable, with a fluent English-speaking guide who made everything easy to understand and engaging. Later that evening, we boarded the train to Aguas Calientes, where we were met and guided to our hotel.That evening, our guide Ruth visited us for a briefing, she was humble, warm, and very professional. The next day, she accompanied us from the hotel to the bus and then up to Machu Picchu. Being a private tour made the experience feel very personal and insightful. Ruth shared a wealth of knowledge, took her time explaining everything, and even helped us capture some amazing photos.Overall, this tour was 100% worth it-excellent organisation, outstanding guides, and a truly stress-free way to experience Machu Picchu.

Nirvan S

16/04/2026
Tripadvisor

Absolutely Outstanding Experience – Highly Recommended!

We recently completed the 2-Day Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco with Machu Picchu Peru Travel, and it was one of the best-organized and most enjoyable tours we have ever experienced in Peru. From the very first contact to the final goodbye at our hotel, everything was handled with professionalism, warmth, and genuine care for our experience. Communication was exceptional right from the start. The team was incredibly responsive on WhatsApp, answering all our questions promptly and patiently, even when we had last-minute requests and changes. Their quick replies gave us complete peace of mind as we planned our trip to Peru. The day before our tour, we received a detailed briefing (via WhatsApp and in person) that clearly explained the entire itinerary, what to expect, what to bring, and all the important timings. It was thorough and reassuring, which helped us feel fully prepared and relaxed. What impressed us most was how flexible and accommodating the team was. We had booked different panoramic train rides and specific circuits for Machu Picchu, and they seamlessly adjusted everything to match our preferences without any hassle. Their ability to handle these details smoothly showed just how experienced and client-focused they are. Our English-speaking tour guides were simply fantastic! They were not only extremely knowledgeable about the history, culture, and significance of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, but they were also genuinely friendly, patient, and enthusiastic. They went above and beyond by acting as personal photographers for our group—taking beautiful photos from all the best angles and even suggesting creative shots we would never have thought of. Thanks to them, we now have stunning memories captured perfectly. The entire tour ran like clockwork. The transportation was comfortable and safe, the pacing was ideal (never rushed, but never boring), and the contingency plans they had in place for weather, altitude, or any unexpected situations made us feel truly well taken care of. Everything was thought through so we could simply relax and enjoy the magic of the Sacred Valley and the wonder of Machu Picchu. If you’re planning a trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu, I cannot recommend Machu Picchu Peru Travel highly enough. Their attention to detail, excellent communication, flexible approach, and warm, professional guides made our 2-day Sacred Valley tour an unforgettable highlight of our Peru adventure. Thank you to the entire team—you made our dream trip even more special! We will definitely be booking with you again on our next visit to Peru. Highly recommended – 10/10!

Eduardo R

02/05/2026
Tripadvisor

Excelencia en servicio y experiencia

Excelente experiencia de viaje, las personas de la agencia brindan un servicio impecable, sin duda muy recomendable 10/10

Saga A

06/05/2026
Tripadvisor

Amazing experience, Tania made it better

Tania was an amazing person to book this with! She was always attentive, I even called her at 2am because our shuttle hadn’t arrived and she pick up the phone, and shortly after the shuttle was there. I really enjoyed my experience in Machu Pichu and Tania made it better!

NILTON JESUS B

13/05/2026
Tripadvisor

Gracias Mil

¡Experiencia increíble con Machu Picchu Peru Travel! Organizaron nuestro viaje de 7 días por Perú de manera impecable: todo perfectamente coordinado, desde los traslados hasta los tours. Gracias a su apoyo y dedicación, pudimos disfrutar al máximo cada destino sin preocuparnos por nada. 100% recomendados para quienes quieran descubrir Perú sin problemas

Gloria V

21/05/2026
Tripadvisor

Highly recommend

We had the best experience, perfect organisation and communication throughout the whole trip. Willie was the best guide! Highly recommend!

Silviya S

21/05/2026
Tripadvisor

Highly recommend!

Outstanding experience with our Guide Willy! Everything was so organized, easy to understand and navigate. Highly recommend for private tours of two, which we did! It makes exploring Peru so much easier and enjoyable!

Yuliana Acuña

Google

Yuliana Acuña

I can’t recommend this agency highly enough! They made our vacation in Peru an unforgettable experience. From the very beginning, they stood out for their attentiveness, punctuality, excellent organization, and incredible coordination throughout the entire trip.

I would especially like to mention our guide, Will, in Cusco. His professionalism, knowledge, and passion for history made every visit even more fascinating. We were amazed by all the interesting facts he shared about Inca culture, traditions, and the different archaeological sites. Having a guide like him made our experience much more enriching and allowed us to appreciate each place in a completely different way.

I would also like to give a special thank you to Tania, Celestino, Jesus, Yusof, and Don Neri in Lima for their kindness, attention, and for making us feel so well taken care of throughout our trip.

We traveled from Costa Rica, and we are taking home wonderful memories of Peru. Thank you to the entire team for making sure everything was so well organized and for treating us with such warmth and care.

Without a doubt, an excellent agency for exploring Peru. We highly recommend them!

Warm regards,
Yuliana, from Costa Rica 🇨🇷❤️🇵🇪

Gloria Ventseslavova

Google

Gloria Ventseslavova

We had the best experience, perfect organisation and communication throughout the whole trip. Willie was the best guide! Highly recommend!

Dan Ho

Google

Dan Ho

I recently embarked on an incredible tour through Peru, visiting Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, and the Sacred Valley, and I can’t recommend this experience enough! The tour was impeccably organized, with seamless arrangements and a fast-paced itinerary that allowed us to maximize our time at each breathtaking destination.

Our tour guide was nothing short of exceptional—professional, knowledgeable, and passionate about sharing Peru’s rich history and culture. They brought each location to life with fascinating insights and ensured our group felt safe and well-cared for throughout the journey.

Machu Picchu was a bucket-list highlight, with its awe-inspiring ruins and mystical atmosphere. Rainbow Mountain’s vibrant colors were unforgettable, though the hike was challenging but well worth it. Humantay Lake’s turquoise beauty felt like a hidden gem, and the Sacred Valley offered a perfect blend of history and stunning landscapes.

The efficiency of the tour’s logistics allowed us to focus on enjoying the experience without any stress. If you’re looking for a well-organized, professionally guided adventure in Peru, this tour company is the way to go. I’m already looking forward to my next trip with them!

Adrián Navarro

Google

Adrián Navarro

Contratamos con Tania todo el paquete para nuestra visita a Lima y Cusco, la verdad una excelente atención durante todo el pre y durante el viaje.
Sin embargo, la elección del hotel en Cusco no fue el mejor, más que todo por la lejanía a la Plaza de Armas y por la bulla y ventas ambulantes de alrededores del hotel.

macarena picand

Google

macarena picand

Excelente experiencia!!!! Buenísima la coordinación y el servicio prestado

xin ao

Google

xin ao

Marcela Blajackis

Google

Marcela Blajackis

100% recomendado! Tania cuida muy bien de cada detalle y el guia de Machu Picchu Leo es excelente!

Oscar Meza Guedez

Google

Oscar Meza Guedez

We could’ve have done this trip without all the coordination and support. If you need your tour done right. Reach out and book with them.

rafael tavares

Google

rafael tavares

Boa agência, a Tania é bem atenciosa, simpática e responde rápido, recomendo!

Amar Dhanraj

Google

Amar Dhanraj

Today, we went to Machu Piccu with Machu Picchu Peru Travel. This trip will forever be memorialized in my memory. Tania, Willie, and Constantino made this possible. Tania was always there to set up the arrangements, no matter how late I messaged. Constantino, was the expert driver that got us to the train and made sure we were all set before he left. Willie, oh boy, where do I start? There is no words that can capture how awesome he is. We have traveled to many countries and took quite a number of tours, but there is no one like Willie in my book. He’s an absolute treasure!

Lucas

Google

Lucas

A melhor agencia e atendimento que tive na minha viagem para o Peru! Tania deu excelentes dicas e ajudou a montar um roteiro perfeito para os dias que estive em Cusco!! Todos os passeios foram conforme as expectativas, ótimos! Recomendo demais. Obrigado

Gerardo Barroso

Google

Gerardo Barroso

Amazing experience, excellent guides and great organization. Fully recommended!
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Ready to experience Machu Picchu? Let our expert team take care of every detail, from entrance tickets and train arrangements to transportation and guidance, so you can focus on enjoying one of the world most breathtaking destinations. With years of experience, personalized assistance, and hundreds of happy travelers every year, we make your visit simple, safe, and unforgettable. Reserve your Machu Picchu tour today and secure your place at Peru’s most iconic wonder before availability runs out.

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The Machu Picchu Peru Travel Experience

At Machu Picchu Peru Travel, it’s our people who make the real difference. Our dedicated travel experts hand-craft the perfect journey for every traveler, backed by award-winning customer service. We are real people helping real people, standing beside you every step of the way to ensure your adventure is unforgettable.

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Why to Choose Machu Picchu Peru Travel

We are committed to delivering authentic, sustainable, and high-quality experiences. From our expertly trained local guides to our premium camping equipment and transparent pricing, we prioritize your safety, comfort, and the preservation of our Andean heritage.

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