Peru: Discover the Easy 1-Minute Walk Option to Rainbow Mountain

August 23, 2024: Did you know there are two Rainbow Mountains near Cusco? Before arriving in Cusco, I was hesitant about visiting Rainbow Mountain. Many bloggers mentioned that hiking Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain is quite challenging, requiring hiking boots and even trekking poles, none of which I had or wanted to buy just for this trip. Fortunately, the tour I joined provided trekking poles for free, so I took one. On my first night in Cusco, I met a French friend who recommended another tour to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain. Although slightly more expensive, it was less strenuous and equally stunning. Unlike Vinicunca, Palccoyo is less famous and thus less crowded. I wasn't particularly concerned about taking Instagram-worthy photos; I just wanted to see beautiful scenery. Despite Palccoyo being a bit pricier, I signed up for it. Vinicunca, being more popular, was relatively cheaper, costing around 80-100 soles, but online bookings were more expensive, ranging from 35-60 USD. My Palccoyo tour cost 100-120 soles, with fewer online booking options, making it pricier. My tour cost 100 soles, but a German couple I traveled with booked online for 45 USD, almost 600 TWD more than me! My friend got an even cheaper deal, around 90 soles. After discussing with my friend, we concluded that booking through a travel agency is best, avoiding those near Plaza de Armas as they tend to be more expensive. I found a reasonably priced tour in a small alley, not the cheapest but quite cost-effective compared to others. There are also recommendations from other travelers online. At 4:30 AM, I boarded the bus for a two-hour ride, arriving at the breakfast spot half-asleep. The breakfast was buffet-style, but I ate lightly to avoid needing the restroom, just some boiled eggs and pancakes. It was freezing, around 5 degrees Celsius. The journey to Rainbow Mountain was bumpy, taking about two hours on rocky and sandy roads, making it hard to sleep, so I enjoyed the scenery instead. Upon arriving at Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain, it only took a 1-minute walk to see the first Rainbow Mountain, and another 20 minutes to see the second. The initial path was relatively flat, making it easy for someone like me without hiking gear or experience to enjoy the views. The guide, supposedly bilingual, spoke 99.9% Spanish, only using English for numbers and self-introduction. Initially hopeful for English explanations, I quickly realized it was futile and focused on taking photos, occasionally asking Spanish-speaking tour mates for translations. What surprised me most wasn't the hike's difficulty but seeing a 60-70-year-old German couple and three brave Colombian girls climbing. At nearly 5,000 meters altitude with cold winds, they fearlessly posed for photos in sports bras, truly embodying youthful spirit! I've summarized the information about the two Rainbow Mountains for your reference: Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain and Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain are two famous high-altitude attractions known for their colorful landscapes. Here are their elevations and main differences: - Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain: Approximately 4,900 meters (16,076 feet). - Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain (also known as 'Rainbow Mountain'): Approximately 5,200 meters (17,060 feet). Differences: - Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain: Easier option, suitable for those wanting a more relaxed hike. Hiking time is about 1 hour, with gentler slopes. Less famous than Vinicunca, hence fewer crowds, ideal for travelers wanting to avoid large tourist groups. Besides Rainbow Mountain, you can enjoy surrounding natural attractions like the Stone Forest and multiple viewpoints, offering more diverse scenery. - Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain: More challenging, with a typical hiking time of 3-4 hours (round trip), steeper slopes, suitable for those in good physical condition. Highly popular, attracting many tourists, especially during peak seasons, making it very crowded. Higher altitude offers expansive views of surrounding mountains, but main attractions are concentrated in one area. Summary: Palccoyo is better for travelers with limited time, preferring a relaxed hike and fewer tourists. Vinicunca is a classic challenge, ideal for those with good stamina, offering more spectacular views due to its higher elevation. I hope this information helps those planning a trip to Cusco! Whichever Rainbow Mountain you choose, the breathtaking scenery won't disappoint!