Most people who travel to Peru are well aware of the world-famous ‘Vinicunca’ (as is known locally in Quechua) a.k.a ‘Rainbow’ Mountain, ‘Painted’ Mountain, ‘Montaña Colorado’ or ‘Montaña de 7 Colores’ but now with just 4 years of fame under it’s belt, it feel like it is just another over-populated route, a well-worn out path that is drawing 200-400 people per day to visit depending on the time of year.
So along with a new breath of fresh air must be the Palccoyo alternative.
Actually the real name of the mountain is ‘Huallata Cunca’ which roughly translates as ‘Goose neck’ – a native Andean bird that it is derived from.
Interestingly, in the area of Palccoyo there are actually 7 Rainbow coloured type mountains (I counted them) and not just one of 7 colours. So your getting a real bargain for the view!!!
There is also a ‘Bosque of Piedras to explore with fantastic views gazing over the panoramic multi-colorful surroundings and backdrops of the several distincts mountains tops.
If I were a painter I could imagine having my palette out and spending hours here. But unfortunately I am not a painter so have to enjoy the view with my camera doing the work…however I’m sure it would be a painters delight.
On a totally clear day you can even make out Ausangate and Salkantay glaciers all at the same place!
I’ve been excited about this trip for sometime now, I had hoped to visit before the start of Rainy season and alas before November last year. However due to commitments never quite qetting around to the trip decide to chance my luck and go in the middle of the wet season and managed to luck out weather-wise.
It is 3.5 hour trip by van (there is no local transport to get there at this time although you could spend a tedious day looking around for passing colectivos to the nearby area. So for getting there and back is almost certainly going to be by private arrangements.
Contacts Us for more details on private or group trips.