Cusco is so wonderful that it has a great diversity of beautiful landscapes. From snow-covered peaks, to mysterious archaeological sites, or colorful mountains that leave us breathless.
You have probably seen new attractions in the area on social media. One of them is the Rainbow Mountain. Yes, you heard that right! In Cusco we have mountains where colors rest on the sides, creating a true natural spectacle high in the mountains.
We have 2 main mountains that are worth mentioning: Palcoyo and Vinicunca. Now we will tell you more about them:
Palcoyo Mountain
This mountain is located south of the city. To get there, it takes almost the same amount of time as to the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. In fact, both are located in the same area, which is why they have those characteristic rainbow colors.
How to get to Palcoyo
To get there, it takes almost 3 and a half hours from Cusco. You take the road that goes south and the turnoff to Pitumarca. The road is paved, however, there are some curves. Just keep this in mind.
Cost of entrance to Palcoyo
The entrance tickets to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain are 10 soles cheaper than Vinicunca. To enter, it is necessary to pay 20 soles in total and you will have full access to the colorful mountain complex.
Walking time in Palcoyo
This mountain is considered less difficult than Vinicunca. This is because the walking time takes 1 and a half hours in total to visit the viewpoint and the surrounding areas.
Altitude of Palcoyo
This mountain has a lower altitude than Vinicunca, so travelers can consider this option more accessible and easier. It is located at almost 4,900 meters above sea level, almost 300 meters below Vinicunca Mountain.
Palcoyo is a good alternative for:
- Families.
- Older people or people who prefer to walk less.
- Travelers who want to avoid crowds.
- People who want to enjoy the landscape more peacefully.
- Clients who already have other demanding hikes in their itinerary.
Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain
This is the most famous mountain in Cusco and is perhaps one of the most visited and popular places in the area. It is located in the same Ocongate area, south of Cusco, between Cusipata and Pitumarca.
How to get to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain
The travel time is a little shorter than to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain. From Cusco to the starting point known as Llacto, it takes almost 3 and a half hours. The road is very similar to the one to Palcoyo Mountain, with a paved and accessible road. However, to reach the last part, the road is curvy and there is a dirt section.
Cost of entrance to Vinicunca
This Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain circuit has a cost of 30 soles. This amount is divided into 2 parts: 10 soles at the entrance and the remaining amount before starting the hike.
Walking time for Vinicunca
To reach the viewpoint of Vinicunca Mountain, it takes around 2 hours. Not all of it is uphill. A large part of the route is flat, except for the last 30 minutes of uphill walking.
Altitude in Vinicunca
The highest point on this route is 5,200 meters above sea level. In reality, the hike itself is not difficult. It is a longer route, but it could be said that the difficulty comes mainly from the altitude.
Vinicunca is better for people who:
- Are well acclimatized in Cusco.
- Have good physical condition.
- Want to visit the famous 7 Colors Mountain.
- Do not have a problem with a demanding hike above 5,000 meters.
Both options are completely reasonable and interesting. Here we give you a summary of the main differences:
| DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PALCOYO AND VINICUNCA | ||
| VINICUNCA | PALCOYO | |
| WALKING DISTANCE | 7 kilometers | 3 kilometers |
| TIME BY CAR | 3 hours | Almost 4 hours |
| DIFFICULTY | Moderate to Challenging | Moderate |
| COST OF ENTRANCES | 30 soles | 20 soles |
| EXTRAS | Most crowded but bigger | Less crowded, you can see the stone forest on the way |
Now that you have all this information, the choice is yours!