FULL DAY TOURS

Pallay Puncho Rainbow Mountain the stone poncho

  • Full Day
  • Moderate difficulty
  • Max 12 people
DURATION
Full Day
MAX ALTITUDE
4,700 m
DISTANCE
5 km
BEST TIME
Apr – Oct

FROM $40 / person

THE EXPERIENCE

What makes it special to this trip

Vertical rock formations falling like a woven poncho down the hillside in the district of Layo. Still a quiet destination, surrounded by herding communities.

  • The rock columns that give the place its name
  • Views over Pomacanchi lagoon on the way
  • Short walk above 4,700 m
  • Small groups and very few visitors

DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAM

The route, step by step

This is how the day unfolds, hour by hour, with everything you'll do and where.

  1. DAY 1

    Pallay Punchu Rainbow Mountain

    04:00 am | Pick-up from your hotel in CuscoThe adventure begins before dawn. Our Peru America Tours team will pick you up from your accommodation to begin a journey south of the Sacred Valley. We will board our comfortable tourist transport, equipped with portable oxygen and a first aid kit, and venture onto the road that winds through picturesque Andean villages and high mountain landscapes. 07:00 am | Revitalizing Breakfast in CusipataAfter approximately 2 and a half hours of travel, we will make a stop in the welcoming town of Cusipata. Here we will enjoy a typical Andean breakfast, prepared with local products to recharge our energy and prepare the body for the hike. 08:30 am | Panoramic Views of Langui LagoonWe will continue our journey towards the district of Layo. During the journey, we will witness one of the most beautiful postcards of the Cusco highlands: the imposing Langui Lagoon, a deep blue mirror of water surrounded by vast plains and the imposing mountain range of the Andes. This will be a mandatory stop to capture photographs and breathe in the peace of the place. 10:00 am | Start of the Hike to Pallay PunchuWe will arrive at the starting point of the hike. Our professional Peru America Tours guide will give you an informative talk and provide trekking poles for greater safety. We will begin an ascending hike, surrounded by pure air, high-altitude vegetation, and the immensity of the Andean landscape. The effort is rewarded with each step with views that emerge among the mountains. 12:00 pm | Arrival at the Summit: The Canvas of the EarthWe will reach the summit of Pallay Punchu Mountain (4,791 m a.s.l.). The spectacle is simply breathtaking: before our eyes unfolds a multicolored landscape of vibrant tones that seem hand-painted. The geological layers of red, green, purple, and pink create undulating formations that extend as far as the eye can see. We will have ample free time to rest, take the best photographs, and listen to the guide's fascinating explanations about the geological formation of this phenomenon and its profound meaning for local communities. 01:30 pm | Descent and Box LunchWe will begin the descent back to the starting point, a path that will allow us to say goodbye to the landscape from different perspectives. Upon arrival, a light and nutritious box lunch awaits you, perfect for regaining strength after the hike. 02:30 pm | Return to CuscoWe will board our vehicle to begin the return journey to the city. During the trip, you can relax and once again enjoy the imposing Andean landscapes as dusk falls over the valley. 07:00 pm (approx.) | Arrival in CuscoWe will arrive in the city of Cusco, dropping you off at the Plaza de Armas or a central point near your accommodation. Thus concludes an unforgettable day at one of the most surprising and authentic destinations in the Peruvian Andes.

    • 4,791 m
    • Box lunch

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Everything you need, no surprises

The tour includes

  • Informative briefing 24 hours before the tour.
  • Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco and return transfer.
  • Private tourist transport round trip (Cusco - Layo - Cusco).
  • Professional bilingual guide (Spanish / English).
  • General entrance to Pallay Punchu Mountain.
  • Trekking poles (for your safety and comfort).
  • Meals: 01 typical breakfast and 01 box lunch.
  • Emergency equipment: First aid kit and portable oxygen on board.
  • Permanent assistance and coordination by Peru America Tours.

GALLERY

The tour in pictures

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We solve all your doubts

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Talk to an advisor
Do I need previous experience?

It is not required, but a moderate level of fitness is recommended. It is a moderate-difficulty tour: there are sustained uphill sections and you walk for several hours at altitude.

What is the best time to do it?

The best window is Apr – Oct. Outside that season the tour also operates, but there is a higher chance of rain and the terrain can be slippery.

How high do we go and how do I prepare?

The highest point of the route is at 4,700 m. We recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before leaving, drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol the night before and eating light. If you feel any discomfort from the altitude, let the guide know: the team carries oxygen.

How many people are in the group?

We work with small groups: Max 12 people. This way the guide can look after each traveler and the pace adjusts to the group.

What does the price include?

Check the «Everything you need, no surprises» section of this same page: there you will find the detail of what is included and what is not. If you have any doubts, write to us on WhatsApp.

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