Pallay Poncho Mountain tour
Discover Pallay Poncho in a Private Tour!
4791 m / 15718 feet
Daily Departures
Intermediate
Not Included
Small Group /Private
Adventure and Trekking
TRAVEL DESCRIPTION
Discover our exclusive service with Illa Kuntur Travel. The Pallay Poncho Mountain tour takes you to a fascinating destination with spectacular landscapes typical of the Andes. Similar to the Rainbow Mountain of Vinicunca and Palcoyo, this new attraction near Cusco features stunning natural colors and an incredible view of the Langui-Layo lagoon. Book your adventure today and enjoy an unforgettable experience in the Peruvian nature!
The Pallay Punchu tour – also known as Rainbow Mountain – is an excellent option for a one-day hike. It is one of Cusco’s trending new natural attractions, located in the district of Layo, and was curiously discovered during the pandemic.
During the journey in our private transportation, you will admire the crystal-clear waters of the immense Langui–Layo lagoon and enjoy the blue sky typical of the Andean region, accompanied by its lush flora and fauna, in perfect harmony with the impressive Rainbow Mountain of Pallay Poncho.
We are sure you will love it!
PROGRAM SUMMARY
Cusco – Cusipata – Sicuani – Langui Lagoon – Layo – Pallay Poncho Mountain – Layo – Cusco
The Pallay Poncho Mountain, also known as Apu Taqllo Apacheta, is one of Cusco’s new natural treasures. Its mountain formations display an impressive design in the shape of an Andean poncho, with colorful stripes interwoven like a sacred fabric.
Pallay Punchu itinerary
DAY 01: Cusco + Langui Lagoon + Layo Village + Pallay Poncho Mountain + Layo Village + Cusco
- This fascinating adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel. We will take you on a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Cusipata to enjoy an energizing breakfast. Then, we will continue by road towards Sicuani, admiring from afar the vast blue Langui lagoon, which stretches more than 15 km; we will stop near its shores before continuing to the starting point in Layo.
- Once there, we will begin a challenging uphill hike of approximately two hours. We will follow a trail surrounded by grasslands and impressive reddish terrain, accompanied by the typical fauna of the area: alpacas, llamas, and, if we are lucky, kestrels, the peregrine falcon, or even the famous condor soaring through the skies. Upon reaching Pallay Punchu of Apu Taqllo, which translated from Quechua means “woven poncho,” you will be able to climb along the edges and feel as if you were flying over the surface of another planet.
- This mountain stands out for its lines, perfectly sculpted by nature over millions of years. You will distinguish different colors such as red, brown, yellow, green, magenta, ocher, among others. While you marvel at the wonderful pigmentation of tones, you will also be able to peer over the edge to better contemplate the stunning view of the Langui lagoon and part of the Andes mountain range.
- You will reach an altitude of more than 4,600 meters (15,092 feet) above sea level; therefore, we recommend being acclimatized to avoid altitude sickness during the trip. Later, we will return to Layo along the same path. We will stop at the shores of the lagoon to enjoy an outdoor lunch or, if you prefer, you will have the option of dining at a countryside restaurant in Sicuani. Finally, we will return to Cusco, concluding this amazing tour.
- Meals: Breakfast and Lunch.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE TRAVEL?
Quality and Safety Service
- Informative briefing prior to departure
- Certified professional guide (English/Spanish speaking)
- First aid kit
- 24/7 customer support
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Bottled water
Transportation
- All transfers (guaranteed)
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Cusco
- Air-conditioned vehicle
Permits and Tickets
- Entrance ticket to Pallay Poncho Rainbow Mountain
- Horse rental (optional, extra cost for those who prefer not to walk).
- Personal trekking gear and clothing (windbreaker jacket, gloves, hat, proper shoes).
- Extra drinks (additional water, etc.).
- Personal medications (for altitude sickness or specific passenger use).
- Travel insurance (recommended to have medical and accident coverage).
- Tips for guide, driver, or support staff (optional).
- Personal snacks (energy bars, chocolates, nuts, among others).
- Transfers outside Cusco’s historic center (additional cost for remote hotels).
- Warm layered clothing: thermal jacket, fleece sweater, windbreaker and/or raincoat (weather can change from intense sun to cold within minutes).
- Comfortable and lightweight trekking or sports pants.
- Long-sleeve shirts and an extra t-shirt for added comfort.
- Sun hat and wool hat for the cold.
- Warm gloves.
- Thick wool or sports socks (bring an extra pair).
- Trekking shoes or boots with good non-slip soles.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Sunscreen and lip balm to prevent dryness.
- Reusable water bottle (minimum 1 liter per person).
- Energy snacks: chocolates, granola bars, nuts.
- Camera or cellphone (fully charged and/or with power bank).
- Toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
- Personal medications and altitude sickness pills (if necessary).
- Cash (soles) for local purchases or horse rental.
- Small backpack to carry only the essentials during the hike.
Why is it called Pallay Poncho Layo?
According to several studies conducted in the area, the mountain’s multicolored tones resemble the ponchos traditionally worn in Peru.
The poncho is an ancestral and contemporary garment that transcends borders and time.
Location and Altitude
This amazing place is located in the Andes of Peru, in the Cusco region, Canas province, at 4,791 meters (15,720 ft) above sea level, a zone of considerable elevation. It belongs to the district of Layo, which calls it ‘Pallay Punchu del Apu Tacllo.’ Photos published on Facebook helped the mountain gain popularity. Since 2020, it has become a tourist attraction visited by travelers.
Why does it have those colors?
The colors of the Pallay Punchu Mountain of Apu Tacllo are due to its mineral composition: the pink tones come from red clay, shales (mud), and arilites (sand). White comes from white quartz sandstone. Different browns and purples are from limonites and marls, rich in calcium carbonate.
Red is formed by clays (iron) and clays from the Upper Tertiary. Green is due to phyllites and clays rich in ferromagnesian compounds. The earthy brown comes from fanglomerates formed by manganese-rich rocks of the Quaternary. Finally, the mustard yellow comes from calcareous sandstones rich in sulfurous minerals.
Climate
The climate, typical of Cusco’s highlands, is cold. Rain, wind, and altitude sickness (soroche) can be major obstacles for visitors. Temperatures can drop below zero degrees Celsius (32°F). The best time to join this adventure is during the dry season (April to November), when rain is less likely. If you plan to visit during the rainy season (December to March), bring a rain poncho.
Flora and Fauna
The incredible geography of the area creates a setting for typical Andean highland animals such as deer and vicuñas. Locals raise horses to provide transportation for visitors. Due to the region’s altitude, ‘ichu’ or natural Andean grass can be seen everywhere.
How to get to Pallay Poncho Mountain in Cusco on your own?
Because of its location, just over 194 kilometers (120 miles) from the city of Cusco, it is necessary to take a bus to Sicuani from Cusco (3 hours). Once there, take a bus to the district of Layo. From there, the hike to Pallay Poncho Mountain begins. This hike is 5 kilometers (3 miles) and can only be done on foot. The round trip lasts about 4 hours, depending on the visitor’s physical condition. The climb is challenging but absolutely worth it.
What is the recommended age for the Pallay Poncho tour?
Although anyone can take this hike, we recommend not doing it with children under 12 years old. If you travel with kids, no one will be responsible for them except you.
How to visit Pallay Poncho Layo Mountain with a travel agency?
Not sure about visiting Apu Tacllo Mountain on your own? You can also do it by hiring the services of a travel agency.
In Cusco or online, there are several agencies that offer a 1-day tour to Pallay Punchu Apu Tacllo Mountain.
The tours include direct transportation to the district of Layo, lunch, entrance fees, and tour guides. The tour begins with the pick-up of each tourist at their hotel door.
Tours to Pallay Punchu Apu Tacllo start in the city of Cusco at dawn (3 or 4 a.m.) and end at night in the same place (7 or 8 p.m.).
Mountain Difficulty
Walking for 3 to 4 hours (depending on the hiker’s physical condition) is not dangerous but requires moderate to high physical effort. There are stretches with steep ascents and descents. However, one of the greatest challenges is the cold weather and icy winds. The altitude of the area can cause altitude sickness (soroche). At least two days in the city of Cusco are recommended to acclimatize.
TRAVEL PRICES
|
PALLAY PONCHO MOUNTAIN TOUR From 2 people | |
|
PRIVATE SERVICE
| US$ 165.00 |
Important: According to availability, a hotel of similar category will be assigned.
Recommendations
- Previous acclimatization: it is recommended to stay in Cusco at least 1 to 2 days before the tour to adapt to the altitude (4,700 m.a.s.l. / 15,420 ft).
- Physical condition: the hike is of medium-high difficulty (about 1h30 to 2h uphill). Good physical preparation is suggested.
- Wear proper footwear: trekking boots or resistant sneakers; avoid flat shoes or new ones.
- Variable weather: always carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and layered clothing; during the day it may be hot and within minutes the temperature can drop.
- Stay hydrated: drink water along the way, avoid excess alcohol or heavy meals the night before.
- Respect nature: do not leave trash, protect the lagoons and Andean flora.
- Horses available: in case you cannot complete the hike, you can rent a horse (additional cost paid directly to the locals).
- Enjoy the landscape: Pallay Poncho Mountain is still little visited, allowing for an authentic and peaceful experience.
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