Palcoyo Mountain

Palcoyo has the same geology as Vinicunca — bands of red, ochre and turquoise sediment exposed by erosion — with two differences that change the whole day: the walk is about 45 minutes on gentle ground rather than two hours uphill, and a fraction of the visitors arrive. Instead of a single hill, three coloured ridges are visible at once. The route also takes in the stone forest, vertical rock formations on the altiplano, and views of the Ausangate glacier. The high point is around 4,900 metres, so at least two days in Cusco beforehand are advisable. It is the best option for anyone who wants the rainbow mountains without the hard climb or the queues at Vinicunca.