Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain
Three striped mineral ridges and a wind-carved rock forest, reached on an easy alpaca-dotted trail.
Location
About this audio guide
This guide to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain near Cusco opens with a herder walking a llama alongside tourists who came braced for a brutal climb. It traces how Palccoyo became the alternative guides started recommending once the original Rainbow Mountain grew too crowded in 2018, and what gives both hillsides their striped color: copper, iron oxide, clay and sodium carbonate in the rock. You'll hear about the short, gentle walk from the trailhead, the grazing alpacas along the way, and a side detour to a cluster of wind-carved rock towers. A relaxed alternative for anyone who wants the view without the ordeal.
This audio guide was created using AI.
Similar places
Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain
Striped Andean peak of pink, gold and turquoise mineral bands, revealed within the last decade as snow retreated.
Humantay Lake
Turquoise glacial lagoon beneath a snow peak, now closed to swimmers to protect its color.
Salt Mine of Maras
Terraced hillside of thousands of hand-worked salt pools fed by an ancient mineral spring.