Even though Vinicunca, often called the original Rainbow Mountain, is a relatively new spot for travelers, tons of people go there daily to see its amazing colors. But get this – there’s actually more than one “Rainbow Mountain” south of Cusco (around 3,400 meters / 11,152 feet). Another colorful peak, Palcoyo, is also becoming super popular. Vinicunca and Palcoyo look pretty similar with their vibrant stripes, but they have some important differences that might make one a better fit for you than the other.
The Colorful Mountains Near Cusco
About three hours driving south of Cusco, close to the Vilcanota Mountain Range (a high mountain chain), you’ll find these cool mountains with unique colors. Think reds, oranges, whites, and blues coming right out of the earth – it creates a spectacular view that really grabs visitors’ attention.
Vinicunca was the first of these to become a major tourist magnet, with thousands of people hiking its colorful paths every day. Palcoyo, though, has become a popular alternative recently. It’s getting noticed not just because it’s similar to Vinicunca, but because it’s actually multiple rainbow mountains close together, plus a neat stone forest area.
Trekking Difficulty: How Much Effort?
One of the biggest differences between the two is how much physical effort it takes to reach them.
- Vinicunca: Getting to Vinicunca means doing a hike that’s about 4 hours round trip. It has a noticeable uphill section, so it can be pretty demanding physically.
- Palcoyo: The trek to Palcoyo is much easier, taking only about 1.5 hours round trip. The path is mostly flat, which is way less tiring.
Both places are located at high altitudes, around 5,000 meters (about 16,404 feet) or even higher. Vinicunca sits at about 5,200 meters (17,060 feet), while Palcoyo is around 4,900 meters (16,076 feet). Because of these heights, the risk of getting altitude sickness (soroche) is high for both. It’s really important to acclimatize properly in Cusco for a couple of days before trying either hike.
If you like a challenging hike and you’re in good shape, Vinicunca could be a great choice. It rewards your hard work with an awesome view, often including the majestic Ausangate mountain, which at 6,384 meters (about 20,945 feet) is one of the tallest mountains in Peru. If you prefer a more relaxed walk and don’t want to push your body too hard, Palcoyo is probably a better option. And hey, if you go to Vinicunca but find the hike tough, you can usually hire a horse to take you up part or all of the way.
Crowds: Who Likes Company?
If you’ve been to Vinicunca or seen photos, you know it gets crowded. Lots and lots of travelers are on the trail every day. This mountain’s popularity means you’ll definitely be sharing the path with many other groups. Sometimes, this can take away from the feeling of being out in nature, especially if you’re hoping for a quiet, reflective experience to appreciate the vastness of the landscape.
Palcoyo, on the other hand, offers a much more isolated feeling. There are fewer people, meaning more silence and space to yourself. So, if you prefer peace and quiet over a bustling trail, Palcoyo wins here.
Getting There: Access Quality
How easy it is to reach these mountains by vehicle is another difference. Tour operators usually know the routes well. But if you’re planning to go to either on your own, getting to Palcoyo by car is much trickier than getting to Vinicunca. The roads leading to Palcoyo aren’t in great condition – think needing a solid 4×4 vehicle – and it’s easy to get lost. Since Vinicunca has been a popular spot for longer, the roads are better known and generally less risky for independent travel.
Vinicunca vs Palcoyo: Quick Comparison
Here’s a simple look at the main differences:
| Feature | Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) | Palcoyo (Alternative) |
| Altitude | 5,200 m (17,060 ft) | 4,900 m (16,076 ft) |
| Hike Distance | About 7 km round trip | About 1.5 km round trip |
| Difficulty | Challenging, steep sections | Easier, mostly flat |
| Hiking Time | Around 4 hours round trip | Around 1.5 hours round trip |
| Crowds | Very crowded | Fewer tourists |
| Main View | One main Rainbow Mountain | Three colorful mountains + stone forest |
Which One is Right for You?
- Choose Vinicunca if you want to see the most famous Rainbow Mountain and you’re up for a more challenging hike.
- Choose Palcoyo if you prefer an easier walk, fewer crowds, and seeing multiple colorful peaks plus a cool stone forest.
Both Vinicunca and Palcoyo offer amazing views and are great spots near Cusco for anyone who enjoys being outdoors and seeing incredible natural landscapes. Whichever you choose, being prepared for the high altitude is key to having a good time.