Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain

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.