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Discover Pallay Punchu, the alternative rainbow mountain: how this striking geological landscape became one of the most distinctive destinations in Cusco today.
Location: district of Layo, province of Canas, south of Cusco
Distance: roughly 199 kilometres from Cusco to Pallay Punchu
Altitude: 4,700 metres above sea level
Entrance fee: 15 soles per person
Climate: cold
Activities: hiking
About Pallay Punchu mountain
Pallay Punchu is one of the newest destinations in Cusco. It goes by several names: Pallay Puncho, the hill of colours with sharp peaks, the jagged coloured mountain, or simply Pallay Poncho.
It is part of the Apu Taqllo mountain, and owes its name to its rock formation of sharp peaks whose combination of colours resembles the famous Andean ponchos.
The colours on its slopes are red (clay), whitish (quartz sand), yellowish (sandstone limonite) and fuchsia (mud and sand).
A visit to Pallay Punchu includes a challenging hike surrounded by mountains, snow peaks and the Langui lagoon.
Where is Pallay Punchu mountain?
Pallay Punchu is in the district of Layo, province of Canas, south of Cusco.
From the city of Cusco you reach it after a 189-kilometre road journey (about 4 hours 30 minutes), followed by a hike of roughly 10 kilometres.
Pallay Punchu lies close to the Langui lagoon, in an area of high mountains and snow peaks, at 4,700 metres above sea level.
How do you get to Pallay Punchu?
To reach the coloured mountain of Pallay Punchu you take transport as far as the village of Layo. From Layo you simply walk towards the mountain. The hike is almost 10 kilometres and can take three hours or more, depending on your fitness.
What is the weather like at Pallay Punchu?
The climate at Pallay Punchu is cold. During the morning and afternoon the temperature can reach a maximum of 18 °C and a minimum of 8 °C. At night the maximum can be around 5 °C and the minimum 0 °C or below.
Rain is heaviest during November, December, January, February and March. Visiting on those days is not recommended, as the ground turns muddy and hard to walk on.
When is the best time to visit Pallay Punchu?
The most recommended months are April, May, June, July, August, September and October.
What should you bring to Pallay Punchu?
On the day of your visit, don't forget: a rain poncho, trekking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, light and warm clothing in layers, a trekking pole, water, snacks and extra cash.
Is the hike to Pallay Punchu dangerous?
It is not dangerous, but it requires moderate to high physical effort. There are stretches of steep ascent and descent. One of the main difficulties is the cold and the icy wind. The altitude can cause altitude sickness, or soroche, so two days in Cusco to acclimatize are recommended.
Is there an age limit for the Pallay Punchu tour?
There is no age limit for this excursion. It is demanding for parents and children alike, but it is possible to go. Remember that the hike is strenuous, at an altitude and temperature that can be uncomfortable for little ones. Going with babies or with elderly travellers is not recommended.
What else can you see at Pallay Punchu?
Flora and fauna: this remarkable landscape is home to animals typical of the high Andes, such as deer and vicuñas. Local people raise horses to offer transport to visitors. Because of the altitude, ichu — the natural grass of the Andes — grows everywhere.
