Pallay Poncho Rainbow Mountain
Dificulty
Easy
Duration
1 Day
Group Size
14 a 19 People
Max Altitude
4,650 msnm
Description
Located in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, Pallay Poncho is a new natural attraction in Cusco that dazzles with its colors and imposing geography. Also known as Pallay Punchu Apu Tacllo or Cerro Puntiagudo, this mountain is similar to the famous Rainbow Mountain and has captured the attention of travelers and nature lovers.
Pallay Poncho is located in the district of Layo, province of Canas, Cusco, at an altitude of 4,700 meters above sea level. To get there, you must travel approximately 4 hours by car from the city of Cusco to Layo, from where the hike to the mountain begins.
Local communities know this mountain as Pallay Punchu del Apu Tákllo, Cóndor Sayana or Apacheta. Its most impressive feature is its sharp peaks, which resemble the folds of an Andean poncho, and its astonishing variety of colors, including shades of red, brown and magenta. In addition, the imposing Lake Langui or Layo is located nearby, adding even more beauty to this natural destination.
It is recommended to explore Pallay Poncho during the dry season (April to November), when the clear sky allows to better appreciate the colors of the mountain. However, due to the altitude, temperatures can drop considerably at night, so it is recommended to bring warm clothing.
Pallay Poncho has been recently discovered and has become the third Rainbow Mountain of Cusco, after Vinicunca and Palccoyo. Its beauty and remote location make it a unique experience for adventurers looking for new destinations to explore.
Don’t miss the opportunity to discover this hidden gem of the Andes! Book your tour and live an unforgettable experience in Pallay Poncho.
Cusco | Cusipata - Sicuani - Layo - Pallay Poncho Rainbow Mountain
The Pallay Poncho tour begins early in the morning, with pick-up from hotels in Cusco around 4:00 a.m. From there, a private transport ride of approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes offers spectacular views of the Andean landscape, including the stunning Langui-Layo lagoon. Upon reaching the village of Layo, travelers enjoy an Andean breakfast to recharge before the hike. Then, a short 30 to 40-minute drive takes them to the starting point of the route.
Before beginning, the guide provides safety instructions and recommendations for the hike, which lasts approximately 3 hours to the summit. Along the way, travelers can admire the beauty of the high Andean surroundings, with its characteristic ichu vegetation and fascinating wildlife, including vizcachas, alpacas, llamas, deer, foxes, and Andean condors.
Once at the top, visitors are greeted by a spectacular multicolored landscape, where the guide provides an explanation of the area’s geology, history, and culture. Then, passengers have time to rest, take photos, and enjoy the stunning view before beginning the descent back to Layo.
Back in Layo, a traditional lunch prepared with local products awaits the travelers before returning to Cusco. Finally, the tour ends with a private transport transfer back to the city, where passengers are dropped off at their respective hotels.
Live an unforgettable experience in Pallay Poncho and discover one of Cusco’s least explored natural wonders. Book your adventure now!
📌 Tour Details
🍽 Food: Breakfast, lunch
🚶♂️ Total Walking Distance: 3 km / 1.86 miles
⏱ Total Hiking Time: 2 hours
🥾 Difficulty Level: Moderate
📉 Minimum Altitude: 4,570 m / 14,993 feet
📈 Maximum Altitude: 4,730 m / 15,518 feet
Incluye
✓ PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION MEETING
✓ TICKET FOR ENTRANCE TO PALLAY PONCHO RAINBOW MOUNTAIN
✓ FIELD STAFF
- Professional guides:
Specialized in trekking and selected from accredited universities. Our guides are fluent in English and have between three and ten years of experience in various hikes in the region. They are experts in group management under pressure, first aid, and rescue techniques. Most of them come from different Andean communities and bring their cultural heritage with them. Along with the rest of the field team, our guides will make your trip a unique experience.
✓ FOOD
Meals:
- 1 breakfast, 1 buffet lunch.
- Our chef prepares the best dishes in the middle of the mountains, providing a unique gastronomic experience. Our team of adventurers and explorers loves our food, and we ensure that every meal is delicious and nutritious. We respect all diets and offer options for vegetarians, vegans, or any special requirements, at no additional cost. If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, let us know in advance so our guide can consider them during the briefing.
✓ TRANSPORTATION
- Day 1: You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and travel by private transport with the group to the starting point of the hike.
- Day 1: Return transport to Cusco.
✓ EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT AND REMOTE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
- Radios:
These radios have a range of 10 km and 8 frequencies, allowing our guides, cooks, and porters to communicate with each other. Additionally, the radios can be used to communicate with park rangers in case of an emergency. - First aid kit:
We have alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, iodine tincture, germicidal soap, cotton, gauze, bandages, medical adhesive tape, surgical gloves, pain relievers for muscle and stomach aches, and antipyretics. If you take prescribed medications, you can bring your own medications. - Portable oxygen tank.
✓ IMPORTANT:
- Please note that only a medical professional can write a medical prescription. Our guides are NOT authorized to prescribe treatment for clients during the hike, and all medications will be administered with your consent and at your own responsibility. If you have a prescription, it is recommended that you bring your own medication.
No Incluye
× DINNER IN CUSCO
× OPTIONAL HORSEBACK RIDING
× PERSONAL HIKING CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT
× TRAVEL INSURANCE
- This is not a requirement, but we always recommend that our clients acquire it in case of flight issues or unexpected health problems. Please note if your travel insurance policy has altitude restrictions: some policies are void above 4,000 m / 13,123 feet.
× ADDITIONAL COSTS
- Delays beyond the control of the management (landscapes, bad weather, itinerary modifications due to safety concerns, illness, changes in government policies, political instability/strikes, etc.)
✓ TIPS FOR YOUR CREW
- Tipping is a standard practice in tourism or on any excursion. Although we pay good salaries to all our team members, something extra is always appreciated, especially considering the hard work they do. Typically, the group participants pool their tips.
- Original ID or Passport.
- Sun hat and wool hat for different temperatures.
- Warm clothing (jacket, scarf, gloves, hats).
- Short-sleeved T-shirt.
- Trekking shoes or waterproof boots for your comfort, if they are sneakers with rubber or thick soles it is an excellent option.
- Rain gear: A good raincoat, rain pants (only for the rainy season).
- Long pants.
- Sunglasses.
- Small backpack to carry water, snacks, camera, etc.
- 2 liters of water (there are options to buy along the route).
- Snacks such as apple, cereal bar, candy and chocolates.
- Personal medical kit.
- Sunscreen.
- Cash in soles for personal expenses.
✓ Price per person:
• $50 USD – Adults
✓ Price Guarantee:
- Once your reservation is confirmed, we guarantee that the price will not increase, regardless of the circumstances. Therefore, before booking, make sure to read all the important information about the tour.
✓ How to Book:
- You can reserve your spot online through our website, where our booking platform will guide you step by step. Payment for the tour can be made with any credit or debit card, and you can also pay in your home country’s currency for added convenience.
Please note that IZIPAY charges a 5% commission, which we ask the customer to cover, as it is due to the use of their service. This fee applies only to online deposits.
✓ CANCELLATION POLICY
- Partial Refund: If you cancel within 24 hours, but before 5:00 p.m. the day before the tour, you will receive a 50% refund.
- No Refund: Cancellations made after 5:00 p.m. the day before the tour are not eligible for a refund.
✓ Recommendations: We strongly recommend that you fully understand all booking and cancellation policies before making your payment to ensure that your investment is protected and you have a seamless booking experience for your adventure.
✓ Pick-up of Clients
Please note:
- All pick-ups are done within the city of Cusco, but we recommend booking a hotel in the historic center with a good location. Our guide or staff will confirm the pick-up time one day before the tour. Due to traffic conditions, the pick-up time may vary by 30 to 45 minutes. Cusco is an ancient city with many narrow, cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs are located on streets without transport access or on long, steep hills, making it difficult to transfer your luggage. We strongly recommend booking accommodation with easy access.
✓ Lost Items
- Please pay attention to where you leave your belongings and remember to collect everything once you leave our transport, camps, or restaurants. You are solely responsible for your belongings during the tour.
✓ Weather
- Of course, the weather is unpredictable. Typically, the dry season in Cusco is from April to October, but this does not prevent rain in June or sunshine in December, so be prepared, no matter what month you are hiking. Make sure to have rain gear, including a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. Many people forget gloves, but the cold and humidity can make hiking very uncomfortable.
Additionally, be prepared for four seasons. Hiking in the Andes involves several microclimates, and you should be ready. Layers are always essential, as they are easy to adjust to temperature changes. Be sure to bring a warm jacket as the night will be cold.
✓ Altitude Sickness (Soroche) and Stomach Pain
For those hikers coming directly to Cusco from sea level, we recommend arriving 2 days before your hike. Two of the most common health problems among tourists in Cusco are: altitude sickness (soroche) and stomach pain caused by slow digestion.
- Altitude sickness:
Some of the symptoms are headache and nausea. There are some over-the-counter medications (pills) that help minimize the symptoms of this issue, such as Aspirin, Diamox, Soroichi Pill, Alti Vital, among others. If symptoms persist, the next step is to use oxygen. In these circumstances, we have the equipment and staff ready to assist our hikers. - Stomach pain:
It is recommended to drink between 3-4 liters of water a day. Your body will need it to stay hydrated. Hot drinks such as coca leaf tea are especially recommended. Soups, vegetables, and carbohydrates (not fried or heavy) are also a good option. Sweets, chocolates, cookies, and fruits are also a good choice. In general, all foods that are easy to digest. Avoid alcohol and smoking.
Make sure to sleep at least 8 hours and not do too much exercise. Keep your body at a proper temperature by wearing warm clothing to protect yourself from the cold. During altitude acclimatization, there is a general rule to follow: eat only what’s necessary and drink plenty of liquids.
For the excursion, you will only need a small, light, and comfortable backpack. Since you won’t be carrying many items, a backpack of about 20 liters will be sufficient. If you decide to bring a larger one, remember that you will have to carry it throughout the entire trek.
In Quechua, “Pallay Puncho” translates to “adorned poncho.” The mountain is named this way due to its spectacular landscape, which resembles an Andean poncho full of colors and details. It’s as if nature itself has created a work of art in the heights of the Peruvian Andes.
It is very important to be well-acclimatized before going on a hike. We recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least two days before starting your trek to help your body adjust and avoid possible altitude sickness during the hike. If you’ve been to another high-altitude area in Peru before arriving in Cusco, we recommend taking one day to rest and recover.
The tour takes place year-round, always subject to weather conditions.
We recommend booking the tour in advance as we have two seasons (high and low), which differ in the number of tourists we operate with. For this reason, it’s best to book in advance to avoid any issues related to tour availability.
Although no specific training is required for hiking in Cusco, we suggest that the best way to physically prepare is by exercising on a treadmill with a steep incline setting, as well as by climbing and descending stairs or using a stair machine. Keep in mind that you will need at least 2 days in Cusco before your trek begins to acclimate.
We always recommend using the lightest trekking shoes possible. Shoes that provide ankle support are very useful, especially for inexperienced hikers, as you will be climbing and descending many stairs built by our ancestors, the Incas.
Any luggage that is not needed for the trek should be left in Cusco. All hotels in Cusco are accustomed and prepared to store luggage. If you don’t have a place to store your luggage, you can leave it at our office until the end of your adventure. We will make sure your luggage is securely stored—don’t worry!
We offer a variety of local superfoods and traditional Peruvian dishes, such as rice, chicken, beef, salads, potatoes, vegetables, and delicious fruits, freshly prepared by our local chef. We also have excellent vegetarian and vegan options. We accommodate specific dietary requests with proper preparation and good communication.
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