Western Wanderlust Chronicles

Day 9 in Cusco: Exploring Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain

On our 9th day in Cusco, Bill, Greg, and I decided to visit one of Peru’s famous rainbow mountains. While Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain is popular on social media, we opted for Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain after some research. Palccoyo boasts three distinct rainbow mountains compared to Vinicunca’s single peak, offering a more diverse and less crowded experience.

The Mystery Behind the Rainbow Mountains

The rainbow-like appearance of these mountains is due to the sediment of various minerals. These minerals create an array of colors, from reds and greens to blues and yellows. The vibrant hues were only recently discovered as the snow melted, revealing this hidden gem that remains sacred to many locals.

The Journey to Palccoyo

Palccoyo is about a 3-3.5 hour drive from Cusco, necessitating an early start. At 4:00 am, after grabbing some coca tea from the lobby, we were picked up by our van. A 1.5-hour drive brought us to a restaurant where we enjoyed a freshly made breakfast buffet. With our bellies full, we continued deeper into the Peruvian countryside. As we ascended higher into the mountains, we couldn’t help but laugh through the rough, bumpy roads as our driver skillfully navigated the winding paths. The scenic drive featured numerous herds of alpacas, llamas and sheep, and we saw farmers harvesting potatoes and grass on the mountain terraces.

Arriving at the Trailhead

At the trailhead, the starting elevation of 15,700 ft. immediately made its presence known. The high altitude was a challenge, but the perfect weather illuminated the colors of the mountains beautifully. As we started our hike, it wasn’t long before we encountered our first rainbow mountain. The landscape felt more like a rainbow valley than a single mountain, with incredible views of the Red Valley and layered mountains beyond.

Climbing to the Rock Forest

The final overlook offered a stunning view of the sacred Ausangate, Cusco’s highest snow-capped mountain. The most challenging part of the hike was the incline to the Rock Forest. Several small switchbacks led us to this geological wonder at an altitude of 16,250 ft. Despite the difficulty, the climb was completely worth it. The Rock Forest is a surreal formation of vertically jutting rocks, with breathtaking views in all directions across the valley.

A Taste of Tradition

On our way back down, we had the opportunity to try some local potatoes. Due to the minerals in the mountains, these potatoes are exceptionally healthy. Local farmers were selling potatoes cooked underground in the traditional manner. Our guide bought a small bag for us to try, and they were absolutely delicious!

Reflecting on Our Adventure

As we returned to Cusco, the realization that our journey was nearing its end began to sink in. The Rocky Mountains were calling us home, but we cherished the incredible 10 days we spent in Peru. From crossing mountains and rainforests to exploring ancient ruins and tasting local delicacies, the memories we made will stay with us forever.