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Tired of the crowds at Vinicunca? There are equally colorful mountains that are much more peaceful. Palcoyo and Pallay Poncho have landscapes that will leave you speechless, and the best part is you can hike without the stress of so many people. Here at Illa Kuntur Travel, we’ll tell you about these options that might not be on your radar.
Vinicunca and Red Valley
Visiting Vinicunca
What is Vinicunca or Rainbow Mountain?
Vinicunca is that rainbow mountain, with colorful stripes that’s all over Peru Instagrams. The stripes were formed by minerals like iron and sulfur accumulated over millions of years. It’s at over 16,000 feet, so prepare yourself for altitude sickness.
How long does the hike take?
It depends on your pace and how you’re handling the altitude. Some people get there in an hour and a half, others take three hours. You start at 14,800 feet and climb to 17,000. Acclimatizing beforehand is no joke, and bring water because you’ll get more tired than you think.
When to go to Vinicunca?
Between May and October there’s little rain and you’ll see the colors more clearly. That said, since it’s high season, you’ll find plenty of people. If you want to avoid the crowds, leave very early in the morning.
Red Valley as an add-on
What is Red Valley?
Near Vinicunca there’s a valley that looks like Mars. All red from the iron oxide in the earth. Almost nobody goes, so it’s perfect if you want a peaceful moment after the main hike.
How to get to Red Valley?
From the Vinicunca viewpoint you take a detour and walk about an hour more. You go down into the valley and the views are worth every step. Some tours include it, but you can also go on your own if you have the time and energy.
Is it worth it?
If you have energy left, totally. It’s a different kind of beauty and you’ll have the place almost to yourself. After the craziness of Vinicunca, it’s appreciated.
Palcoyo Mountain
What is Palcoyo Mountain?
Palcoyo is like Vinicunca’s quiet sister (tours to Palcoyo rainbow mountain don’t usually have many visitors). It has the same crazy colors but with a fraction of the tourists. Plus, the hike is much more relaxed, just 30-40 minutes and you’re already seeing several rainbow mountains at once.
Where is Palcoyo?
In the Checacupe district, 62 miles southeast of Cusco. The road is accessible and that’s why it’s gaining popularity, but it’s still much quieter than Vinicunca.
How to get there from Cusco?
It’s about 3 hours by car to Checacupe. From there you start walking and in less than an hour you’re at the viewpoints. Much more manageable than Vinicunca.
Altitude at Palcoyo
It’s at 16,000 feet, so altitude sickness can hit you just the same. Give yourself at least a day in Cusco to get used to the altitude. Walk slowly, drink water, and chew coca if it works for you.
Palcoyo vs. Vinicunca
The main difference is the number of people. At Palcoyo you walk peacefully, take photos without getting pushed, and see several rainbow mountains instead of just one. The hike is also shorter and less steep.
Is climbing Palcoyo difficult?
Not at all. The hike is easy and short. If you can climb a couple flights of stairs, you can do Palcoyo. You don’t need to be an athlete or have mountaineering experience.
Pallay Poncho Mountain
What is Pallay Poncho Mountain?
Pallay Punchu has colorful stripes that resemble a traditional Andean poncho, hence its name. If you’re looking for a more intimate experience in the Andes, the Pallay Punchu Mountain Tour is ideal for you. It’s less visited than the others, so if you enjoy solitude and dramatic landscapes, this is your best choice.
Why is it called “the Andean poncho”?
The colored layers of the mountain look exactly like the stripes of a traditional Andean poncho. It’s a name that fits perfectly and gives the mountain an interesting cultural connection.
How to get to Pallay Poncho?
You take private transportation or a tour toward Pitumarca, about 3 hours from Cusco. Then you hike approximately 1 hour to the viewpoint. It’s not complicated, you just need to be reasonably fit.
When to go?
As always, the dry season between May and October is your best bet. Less rain, clear skies, and better visibility of the colors.
How long is the hike?
One hour from where you leave the car to the viewpoint. It’s moderate, with a gentle slope. The altitude will tire you out a bit but nothing you can’t handle if you take it easy.
Now you have three alternatives to Rainbow Mountain that are just as beautiful but without the hassle of crowds. Palcoyo, Pallay Poncho, and Red Valley are waiting for you. Choose the one that calls to you most and enjoy Cusco stress-free.
