Full Day tour Pallay Punchu Rainbow Mountain
Duration
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Overview
The southern Andes of Peru are full of natural wonders, most of which have only recently been discovered and explored, and we can finally offer access to them.
Pallay Punchu is a spectacular, rainbow-coloured mountain in the Peruvian Andes, located in the Cusco region near the town of Layo. It became famous around 2020 when photos of its unusual colours went viral online.
The mountain has natural mineral layers that create bright stripes of red, pink, yellow, green, and white. These colours come from minerals like clay, quartz sand, and iron compounds in the rock.
“Pallay Punchu” comes from the Quechua language and roughly means “woven poncho” or “decorated poncho.”
The sharp ridges and colourful stripes resemble the patterns of traditional Andean ponchos.
Full Itinerary
Our day adventure begins in Cusco early in the morning, our private transportation will pick you up from your hotel door at 4:00 am, marking the start of an incredible adventure towards the south of Cusco. Our route will lead us through stunning landscapes towards Puno, where the magic begins.
After a journey of approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, we’ll arrive at the Cusipata for a delectable breakfast, energising you for the day ahead. Continuing our route towards Arequipa, we’ll pass by the picturesque Langui Layo lagoon before beginning our trek to Pallay Poncho.
Prepare for an exhilarating ascent, as we hike through majestic mountains, including the Apu Taqllo and Pallay Poncho, leaving the tranquil Laguna de Langui Layo below. Upon reaching the summit of Pallay Punchu Mountain, a breathtaking panorama awaits, offering a striking contrast between the vibrant colours of Pallay Puncho and the serene beauty of Langui Layo lagoon. Take your time to capture a stunning view (a spectacular photography spot) before we begin our descent.
After returning to our vehicle, we’ll journey back to Cusco, with opportunities to marvel at the scenic views of Lake Langui Layo along the way. Arriving back at the Cusipata, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch before we conclude our adventure, arriving in Cusco around 6:00 pm.
- Location: Cusco region, southern Peru
- Altitude: about 4,700 m (15,400 ft) above sea level
- Nearby landmark: Langui Lagoon
- Distance from Cusco: about 4–5 hours by car
- Hiking time: ~1–2 hours to the viewpoint
The hike to Pallay Punchu Rainbow Mountain is not that challenging. But it will take a full day to complete the adventure, and you will be at a high elevation (above 14,000ft) the entire hike. Make sure you are acclimatised to the altitude before you embark on this adventure! It is a good idea to take a day or two to acclimatise and to drink plenty of water in the days before the hike.
Included/Exclude
- Private tourist transportation (round trip)
- Food (1 breakfast, 1 lunch)
- Professional tour guide •
- First aid kit
- Drinks
- Insurance of any kind
Recommendations, what to bring
The weather in the Andes is unpredictable! Please be prepared with warm clothing.
- Passport (copy or photo)
- A personal light backpack
- Hiking shoes
- Rain gear
- Hat and sunglasses
- Sun blocker
- Gloves
- Personal medication
- Toilet paper
- Camera with charger and extra batteries
- Extra money (Soles)
What we need when you make a reservation
- Full name, as written on your passport (please include a scanned copy of your passport)
- Passport number
- Nationality
- Date of birth
- Tour departure date
- Send a deposit of 60% of the total price of your tour. (The remainder of your balance will be due upon your arrival in Cusco.) Payment can be made via Western Union, PayPal, or ABN AMRO Bank in Holland, or securely and directly through our website by selecting your desired tour and clicking the BOOK NOW button.
Prices
- Private service price: $200 pp (minimum two people,)
- Over 6 people $ 150 (please email us for a group over 6 people)
“With every tour you book with Green Peru Adventures, you can request a free walking tour of Cusco’s mysterious and historical city, accompanied by one of our professional guides, who speaks several languages.”
We are looking forward to creating an unforgettable experience for you.
