The mountain seven colors of Palccoyo
The mountain of the seven colors of Palccoyo is a new tourist attraction in Cusco that bears similarities to Vinicunca, also known as the rainbow mountain. It is located at the foot of the snowy Ausangate. The trip includes a short walk surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscapes in Peru. Some tours offer adventurous alternatives such as visiting a stone forest or cycling downhill.
All about the mountain seven colors of Palccoyo
- What is the mountain seven colors of Palccoyo?
- Location
- Altitude
- How to get?
- Map to get to the mountain seven colors of Palccoyo
- How’s the weather?
- How is the walk?
- The stone forest
- Adventurous alternatives
- Is the journey dangerous?
- Tour price
- What things should I bring?
- Photos of the mountain seven colors of Palccoyo
- Additional Information
- Some advices
What is the mountain seven colors of Palccoyo?
The mountain seven colors of Palccoyo is a mountain range whose surface has a coloration of various colors due to the presence of different types of minerals. It has several similarities with the famous Vinicunca (the mountain of the 7 colors) although the walk to Palccoyo is shorter and less difficult. Likewise, this mountain is located at a great height so it is a natural and extreme tourist attraction.
Location
The mountain is located in the district of Checacupe, in the province of Canchis, south of Cusco. Geographically it is located at the foot of the snowy Ausangate, a few kilometers from Vinicunca (the mountain of the 7 colors).
Altitude
Palccoyo Mountain is located 4,900 meters above sea level (16,076 feet of altitude).
How to get?
This tourist attraction is located about 100 kilometers away by road from the city of Cusco. It is reached by a first bus trip to the town of Checacupe (2 hours away). Then, it continues with a bus or taxi trip to the community of Palccoyo (30 minutes away). Finally, a short hike is made to the mountain seven colors of Palccoyo (1 hour of route).
Cusco has some of the most famous natural tourist attractions in Peru. In addition to the seven colors mountain of Palccoyo, tourists can visit: the famous Vinicunca mountain (rainbow mountain) as well as the Humantay lagoon. To get to all these places you must take a walk of 1, 2 or 3 hours. They are all over 4 thousand meters above sea level.
Map to get to the mountain seven colors of Palccoyo
How’s the weather?
The climate in the mountains is cold, especially at night when the temperature can drop to 0 degrees Celsius (32ºF). During the day, which is when most tourists visit, the temperature varies from 7ºC. (44.6 ° F). up to 12ºC. (53.6 ° F) ..
How is the walk?
After a 4-hour trip, the transport will leave the tourist in the community of Palccoyo, the starting point for the trek to the mountain. The route is only 2 kilometers (1 hour drive). The road is wide and with intermittent ascents and descents. During it there are up to three viewpoints where you can appreciate the landscape. On the way you can also see the group of mountains and the Ausangate mountain.
The stone forest
After appreciating the beautiful landscapes offered by the mountain seven colors of Palccoyo, an ascending path is followed until arriving at a peculiar stone forest. These have a volcanic origin formed millions of years ago by a process of erosion. The set of stones have striking shapes, ideal for photographs. From there you also have a privileged view.
Adventurous alternatives
From the top of the Palccoyo mountain, you can make the return path practicing cycling. The road is almost completely downhill. The route takes only 30 minutes. This service is included only in some tours. Most make the return on foot.
Is the journey dangerous?
The visit to the mountain seven colors of Palccoyo is safe. There are no cliffs or sections that pose any danger. Of course, the route takes place in a high altitude geography, so it is normal for the visitor to feel some of the symptoms of altitude sickness (the main symptoms are nausea, fatigue and headache). You can reduce these symptoms by drinking plenty of water.
Tour price
The way most visitors travel around the seven colors mountain of Palccoyo is through a 1-day tour. The cost of the tour is approximately US $ 30 per person. All tours include complete transportation, tour guide, entrance ticket, breakfast, lunch and implements for the walk. The price of the tours may vary depending on the tourism agency you choose.
What things should I bring?
- Hiking shoes (preferably trekking).
- Raincoat for the rain (in case it rains).
- Cap or hat.
- Jacket (preferably waterproof).
- Thermal pants.
- Sunscreen.
- Bag.
- Snacks.
- Rehydrating drinks.
- Photo camera.
- Documents
- Cash.
Photos of the mountain seven colors of Palccoyo
Additional Information
Visiting the seven color mountain of Palccoyo on your own is possible. To do this, you must travel by public transport bus to the town of Checacupe. Once there, you must buy the entrance ticket, which has a cost of 10 Peruvian soles (3 USD) for foreigners and 5 Peruvian soles (2 USD) for local citizens.
During the tour of the mountain, in addition to the beautiful landscapes, tourists will be able to appreciate the characteristic fauna of the Andes, such as: vizcachas, llamas, alpacas and even condors.
Some advices
The mountain of Palccoyo is an easier alternative to visiting Vinicunca (mountain of the 7 colors) as this is much easier. Even children can hike this route, as long as they enjoy hiking outside.
Currently, the mountain of Palccoyo does not receive many visitors. That is why it is a novel option, ideal to enjoy without many visitors around. It is a freer and easier option compared to the famous ‘mountain of 7 colors’.