The region around Cusco is home to some of the most surreal landscapes on Earth — and the iconic Rainbow Mountain is only the beginning. What many travelers don’t know is that there are actually three spectacular “rainbow” mountains: Vinicunca, Palccoyo, and Pallay Punchu.

Each of them offers a different experience, different levels of difficulty, and a unique feeling of connection to the Andean mountains.
During my latest trip to Peru, I visited Palccoyo and Pallay Punchu, and I’m excited to share both the practical facts and my personal experiences — mainly because I’ve struggled with altitude sickness before.

Getting There: What to Expect on the Drive

For both Vinicunca and Palccoyo, the journey from Cusco is long and usually starts very early. Most tour companies pick you up from your hotel in a minibus around 3, 4, or 5 AM. The roads are long, winding, and curvy, and after about 1.5 hours, you typically stop for breakfast and a toilet break. From there, it’s another 1–1.5 hours of driving to reach the starting point of the hike. If you don’t tolerate curvy mountain roads or spending hours bouncing around in a bus, it’s better to pay more and take a taxi instead. You don't have to book your trip weeks in advance. Cusco is full of tour companies. I can recommend our tour guide, Silverio, and his company, Banderitas.

Vinicunca - The Iconic, Classic Rainbow Mountain

Vinicunca is the most famous of Peru’s Rainbow Mountains — the one that appears on postcards, Instagram, and travel brochures around the world. But what many people don’t know is that this spectacular mountain was hidden entirely until recently.

Before 2015, Vinicunca was covered entirely in snow and ice. Only in recent years has climate change melted the snowpack, revealing the striking, colorful sedimentary layers beneath.
The same phenomenon also uncovered the rainbow formations at Palccoyo.

Although the sudden reveal of these natural wonders is deeply connected to global warming — and therefore alarming — the Peruvian government officially opened Vinicunca for tourism in 2015.

What to Expect Today

• Altitude: 5,036 m
• Hiking time: 2–4 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate to hard
• Crowds: By far the busiest of the three

Vinicunca quickly gained massive popularity on social media, and by 2019, heavy tourist foot traffic had already worn down the main hiking path. Today, it remains one of the most visited attractions near Cusco.

The hike itself is short but steep, and the high altitude makes every step feel intense. Yet the reward is breathtaking — bold stripes of red, purple, yellow, and turquoise stretching across the valley, with the Ausangate Glacier glowing in the distance.

If you want the classic, iconic Rainbow Mountain experience — and don’t mind crowds or altitude — Vinicunca delivers a powerful view and a strong sense of achievement.

Palccoyo - The Easier, Quieter Alternative Rainbow Mountain

(My personal experience)

Palccoyo is known as the “alternative” Rainbow Mountain — softer colors, gentler terrain, and far fewer people. I found it to be an excellent introduction to Peru’s high-altitude hikes.

Before my trip, I was worried about the altitude because I’ve had altitude sickness in the Himalayas. But in Peru, I managed surprisingly well — even when we reached the Stone Forest at 5,000 meters. I absolutely believe that taking enough time to acclimatize in Cusco and drinking coca and muña (mint) tea every day made all the difference.

The trail at Palccoyo is relatively easy, more like a scenic walk, and we spent about 2 hours exploring. Still, at this altitude, you have to walk very slowly. Even mild uphill sections make your heartbeat explode. But moving gently and taking breaks allowed me to enjoy every moment of the views.

What makes Palccoyo special

• Very few tourists compared to Vinicunca
• Altitude: 4900 m
• Elevation gain 104 m or 175 m to Stone Forest
• Difficulty: Moderate because of the altitude
• Hiking time: 2 hrs
• Optional extension to the Stone Forest 5,000 m
• Gorgeous views without the crowds

Pallay Punchu (The Sharp Mountain)

(My personal experience)

Pallay Punchu might be the most dramatic of all three. Its sharp, blade-like rainbow ridges look like something from another planet.

But unlike Vinicunca and Palccoyo, tour companies in Cusco do NOT organize regular tours here.
To visit Pallay Punchu, I had to hire a private taxi from Cusco.

It was a long drive, but honestly, I didn’t mind. I watched some of my favourite Netflix documentaries about Peru along the way, and the road passes through quiet villages and untouched landscapes. The journey felt like an adventure in itself.

When we arrived, it was just my taxi driver and me.

• no tourist groups
• no souvenir sellers
• no colourful lamas in costumes
• no crowds

Nothing. Only silence, wind, and the sharp rainbow ridges rising in front of me.

The trail is narrow and steep, and I personally love that kind of path. It felt wild, untouched, and authentic.

So which one should you choose?

Vinicunca – Rainbow Mountain

✔ Most famous
✔ Stunning colours
✘ Very crowded
✘ Hardest climb

Palccoyo – Alternative Rainbow Mountain

✔ Easiest
✔ Least crowded (of the accessible ones)
✔ Multiple rainbow viewpoints
✔ Great for anyone with mild altitude concerns (with acclimatization)

Pallay Punchu – Sharp Mountain

✔ Wild, remote, no people
✔ Perfect for adventure lovers
✘ Requires private transport
✘ Steep trail

My Final Thoughts

If you want the classic Instagram shot—go to Vinicunca.
If you want a peaceful, beautiful, and manageable rainbow mountain, choose Palccoyo.
If you crave solitude and steep ridges—head to Pallay Punchu.

For me, Palccoyo and Pallay Punchu were the highlights of my trip.
Not because they were the most famous, but because they offered quiet, powerful moments in nature—the kind that stay with you long after the hike ends.

Join my Hiking & Yoga Retreat in Peru in 2027 and let me take you to Machu Picchu and Palccoyo! Click here to read more about the retreat.