Traverse the sharp, striking colors of the Rainbow Mountain of Pallay Punchu Traverse the sharp, striking colors of the Rainbow Mountain of Pallay Punchu
Rainbow Mountain, Pallay Punchu

Pallay Punchu Tour - 1 Day

US$ 120.00 per person
1 Day Duration
4,730 m / 15,518 ft Max. Altitude
3,300 m / 10,827 ft Min. Altitude
10 km / 6.2 mi Walking Distance
  • Cusipata
  • Langui Layo lake
  • Rainbow Mountain Pallay Punchu

Traverse the sharp, striking colors of the Rainbow Mountain of Pallay Punchu

Discover Pallay Punchu: Cusco’s Newest Rainbow Mountain

Following in the footsteps of Vinicunca and Palccoyo, Pallay Punchu is Cusco’s latest naturally occurring wonder. Famous for its sharp, jagged ridges and dramatic geometric patterns, this hidden gem is still relatively uncrowded—making it a must-visit destination in the high Andes.

Your journey begins with a scenic drive along the southern highway toward Marangani, winding past lush rural valleys and high-country pastures. From the trailhead, a 2-hour hike brings you to the knife-edge summit, where vibrant striations of deep magenta, cyan, and ochre unfold before you. Guided by an expert, you’ll discover the unique local geology and age-old Andean traditions framed by red-rock canyons and highland grasslands. Don’t forget to pack your traditional poncho for the ultimate summit photograph!

Discover Pallay Punchu: Cusco’s Newest Rainbow Mountain

Following in the footsteps of Vinicunca and Palccoyo, Pallay Punchu is Cusco’s latest naturally occurring wonder. Famous for its sharp, jagged ridges and dramatic geometric patterns, this hidden gem is still relatively uncrowded—making it a must-visit destination in the high Andes.

Your journey begins with a scenic drive along the southern highway toward Marangani, winding past lush rural valleys and high-country pastures. From the trailhead, a 2-hour hike brings you to the knife-edge summit, where vibrant striations of deep magenta, cyan, and ochre unfold before you. Guided by an expert, you’ll discover the unique local geology and age-old Andean traditions framed by red-rock canyons and highland grasslands. Don’t forget to pack your traditional poncho for the ultimate summit photograph!

Overview

Your expedition begins early with a private hotel pickup, followed by a scenic drive toward Cusipata for an energizing breakfast. From there, we’ll continue south through Marangani to reach our trailhead in Layo.

Step onto the trail for a rewarding 2-hour ascent through high-altitude grasslands and dramatic red-rock terrain, where grazing llamas and alpacas dot the landscape—and condors occasionally soar overhead. At the summit of Pallay Punchu (4,730 m / 15,518 ft), marvel at the mountain's sharp, knife-edge ridges that mirror the intricate patterns of a traditional Andean woven poncho, complete with sweeping views of Langui Lake and the surrounding peaks.

After taking in these extraordinary views, descend along the same trail back to Layo for a hearty buffet lunch at a local countryside restaurant before a comfortable return drive to Cusco.

Trip Highlights

  • Embark on an adventure to the least visited Rainbow Mountain in Cusco, Pallay Punchu.
  • Walk through pastures and fields that seem to be from a movie, and survey one of the most impressive Andean landscapes of the region.
  • Appreciate the spectacular blue lagoon of Langui from one side to the other.
  • Learn the meaning of Pallay Punchu and the surprising geological history of the area.
  • Take incredible pictures walking along the steep edges of the mountain all the way to the peak.
Included meals Breakfast: 1
lunch: 1
Trip staff Tour Leader
Driver
Transport Bus
Walking grade: Moderate to Challenging
Group Size: Up to 10 People
Day 1 Cusco - Cusipata - Sicuani - Layo - Pallay Punchu
The best part of the day: Traverse the sharp borders of Pallay Punchu. The views from the top are surreal!
A challenging uphill hike to Pallay Punchu
Langui's big blue lake in the distance
Getting to Pallay Punchu from Apu Taqllo
Embark on an adventure to the rainbow mountain, Pallay Punchu.

This fascinating adventure begins with an early pickup from your hotel. We’ll take you on a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Cusipata, where you’ll enjoy an energizing breakfast. We’ll then continue by road toward Sicuani, passing through fields where large quantities of corn are grown.

Once we reach the starting point in Layo, we’ll begin a challenging uphill hike lasting approximately one hour and a half. The trail winds through highland grasslands and striking reddish terrain that creates a beautiful contrast of colors, always accompanied by the region’s typical wildlife—alpacas and llamas. If we’re lucky, we might spot birds such as kestrels, peregrine falcons, or even the famous condor soaring overhead.

Upon reaching Pallay Punchu—whose name in Quechua means “woven poncho”—you’ll understand the meaning behind the name. You’ll have the chance to climb along its ridges and marvel at the different colors that appear woven into the rock. It will feel as if you’re a bird flying over the surface of another planet.

This mountain stands out for its sharp lines, perfectly sculpted by nature over millions of years. You’ll be able to see a variety of colors such as red, brown, yellow, green, magenta, ochre, and more. As you take in this stunning natural palette, you can also peek over the edge to get a better view of the impressive Langui Lake—over 15 kilometers long—and part of the Andes mountain range.

You’ll reach an altitude of over 4,730 meters / 15,518 feet, so we recommend being well-acclimated to avoid altitude sickness during the journey. Later, we’ll return to Layo along the same path and stop by the lake for an outdoor lunch—or, if you prefer, you’ll have the option to eat at a countryside restaurant in Sicuani. Finally, we’ll head back to Cusco, bringing this amazing tour to a close.

We’ll start this adventure with a drive of about 4 hours from Cusco. You’ll pass through beautiful fields until you reach the town of Layo. From here, we’ll start our one-hour uphill hike through pastures and alongside diverse fauna of the area. Once we’re at Pallay Punchu, you’ll be able to climb up the sharp borders of the mountain to appreciate from close-up its many colors, as well as the views of the Langui lagoon and part of the Andes mountain range.

You’ll also learn about geology while you hike, and you can take amazing photos if you bring a woven poncho with you for the experience. After lunch, we’ll return to Cusco by private transportation, taking the best memories with us of this tour.

Breakfast and Lunch Meals
10 km / 6.2 miles Hiking distance
3 hours 30 minutes Hiking time
Moderate Level of difficulty
3,978 m / 13,052 ft Starting altitude
3,300 m / 10,827 ft Minimum altitude
4,730 m / 15,518 ft Maximum altitude (Pallay Punchu)

At Ausangate Peru, we specify the included and non-included services under all the tour itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please pay attention to the details to avoid missing anything. Some items may differ for specific programs, so please read carefully before booking with us.

What is Included?

  • High Quality Service & Safety

  • Experienced Tour Guide
    An official English and Spanish-speaking tour guide will accompany you along the route. Your guide will explain the culture and surroundings and keep you safe, sound, and comfortable to enjoy your trip worry-free!
  • Medical Kit or First AID Kit
    All Ausangate Peru guides have received specialized training in first aid. We hold mandatory training sessions for them every February. Your guide will always have a first aid kit and oxygen to face basic emergencies (altitude sickness, travelers' diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.). If necessary, we'll evacuate you from the path as quickly as possible and ensure that you arrive at a clinic for treatment.
  • Extras Included in our Service
    We believe that attention to small details is what sets us apart from other local companies. You’ll receive a pair of trekking poles and a rain poncho.
  • 24/7 Customer Service
    We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication with Ausangate Peru leading up to your tour.

  • Meals

  • Breakfast and Box Lunch
  • Snacks and Water
    For the hike, we'll provide you with a water bottle and snacks of local fruits, cookies, chocolate, caramels, etc.
  • One cloth snack bag per person
    To avoid the use of plastic bags that contaminate our environment, we'll give you a cloth bag for your snacks.

  • Transportation

  • Private Transport
    All transportation is included in this tour. We’ll pick you up from your hotel and after the end of the trip, we’ll drop you back at the door of your hotel in Cusco.

  • Permits & Entrance Tickets

  • Entry to Pallay Punchu Mountain

Not Included:

  • Lunch in a Restaurant of Sicuani (Optional)

  • Personal Hiking Gear

  • Travel Insurance

  • Tips for our staff

    Tipping is the standard in any excursion in Peru. Although we pay good salaries to our team, something extra is always welcome.

  • Additional costs or delays beyond our control

    Landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to a safety concern, illness, pandemics, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, an act of God, etc.

Essential packing list for trekking

So you are planning to trek the famous Ausangate?

his Ausangate Packing List will help you to prepare for your outdoor adventure in one of the most stunning regions of South America.

In it we have provided as much detail on every piece of kit you will need for a safe and successful trekking. The packing list includes personal recommendations on gear that we own and use. We believe these recommended items of gear provide the best value for money and deliver the best performance.

Essential packing list

PACKING LIST: Duffle Bag Duffle Bag
PACKING LIST: Daypack Daypack

Documents

PACKING LIST: Original Passport Original Passport

Clothing

PACKING LIST: Underwear Underwear
PACKING LIST: Base Layer Base Layer
PACKING LIST: Trekking Shirts Trekking Shirts
PACKING LIST: Hard Shell Jacket and Rain Gear Hard Shell Jacket and Rain Gear
PACKING LIST: Insulated Jacket Insulated Jacket
PACKING LIST: Fleece Jacket Fleece Jacket
PACKING LIST: Trekking Shorts and Trousers Trekking Shorts and Trousers

Headgear

PACKING LIST: Hat for Sun Protection Hat for Sun Protection
PACKING LIST: Head Band or Beanie Head Band or Beanie
PACKING LIST: Neck Gaiter or Balaclava Neck Gaiter or Balaclava

Hands

PACKING LIST: Inner Gloves Inner Gloves
PACKING LIST: Outer Gloves Outer Gloves

Footwear

PACKING LIST: Hiking Boots
PACKING LIST: Trainers (Trekking shoes / sandals) Trainers (Trekking shoes / sandals)
PACKING LIST: Hiking Socks
PACKING LIST: Thermal Socks Thermal Socks
PACKING LIST: Gaiters Gaiters

Important Accessories

PACKING LIST: Sleeping Bag Sleeping Bag
PACKING LIST: Trekking Poles Trekking Poles
PACKING LIST: Sunglasses Sunglasses
PACKING LIST: Headlamp Headlamp
PACKING LIST: Water Bottle or Hydration Bladder Water Bottle or Hydration Bladder
PACKING LIST: Camera / Videocamera Camera / Videocamera
PACKING LIST: Notebook / Journal and Pen Notebook / Journal and Pen

Personal Gear and Medications

  • Trekking Towel:

    A small to medium sized hiking towel can come in great use. LifeVentures or Discovery provide good, quick-drying trekking towels.

  • Small Locks:

    To protect your belongings in your rucksack or duffle bag

  • Waterproof Ziplock Bags:

    These come in handy for storing important / valuable items like your money, a passport and electrical equipment

  • Isotonic Powder:

    Can be used to flavour your water nicely and helps replace electrolytes, improving energy levels and aiding water absorption. Here are some good Isotonic powdered drinks

  • Diamox:

    Also know as acetazolamide, is a medication that can be used as a prophylactic (preventative) solution for altitude sickness. It does not cure altitude sickness and should never therefore never be used as a method to continue ascending to high altitudes. It can however help prevent the onset of altitude sickness and is commonly used by high altitude climbers and trekkers.

  • General Medications:

    We recommend taking paracetamol or aspirin for headaches (a common altitude sickness symptom on the Salkantay Trek) and Imodium for diarrhoea (another common problem as food preparation can be a little unhygienic)

  • Basic First Aid Kit:

    If you are joining an organised trek, your guide will most likely be carrying a first aid kit. If you are hiking unsupported or independently then a first aid kit is a must. Here are some compact and good outdoor first aid kits: Outdoor First Aid Kits

  • Suncream / Lip balm:

    No one wants burnt skin or cracked lips! Be sure to bring 1 x suncream (SPF 30) and 1 x lip balm

  • Baby wipes:

    For quick and easy wet washe when no showers are in sight! bring 1 x baby wipes

  • Blister Plasters:

    The dreaded blisters! We recommend taking Compeed blister plasters

  • Hand Sanitizer:

    Great for disinfecting hands before and after eating, or when they get dirty during the hike

2026 Land Cost

The "Pallay Punchu Tour - 1 Day" can leave any day of the week, from March through January. We do not run this trek in February because rainy season & maintenance.

Total Price per person from
A minimum of 2 passengers is required
US$ 120.00
Required Pre-payment: per person.
US$ 120.00
Balance (Cusco): (Commonly paid in Cusco after the briefing).
US$ 0.00

This small-group journey is guaranteed to operate with just two guests.

Notice that PayPal charges a fee of 8%, which we ask the client to cover since it's due to the use of its service. This tax is just for online deposits so that you will pay the remaining in cash (the briefing day in Cusco) without charges.

lease, after your deposit, send us the transfer number to info@ausangateperu.com; only after that, we'll be able to confirm your deposit and reservation.

Extensions & Offers

There are several extensions you can include to your Peru Adventure.

  • Rainbow Mountain: US$ 80.00
  • Sacred Valley: US$ 50.00
  • City Tour: US$ 20.00

Additional Items

There are additional items you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices.

  • Sleeping bag: US$ 20.00
  • Inflattable mattress: US$ 20.00
  • Walking poles (pair): US$ 20.00

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed, we guarantee the price won’t increase, whatever the circumstances. So please, before booking, ensure you’ve read all our important tour information.

Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Ausangate Peru. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.

Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. The Ausangate Peru Company will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.

Personal Details

Trip Details

14 years and above
Below 14 years
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Email
info@ausangateperu.com

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For us quality of experience is only second to safety.

We are committed to providing world-class trekking experiences for our guests that go way above and beyond the mass-produced tours so common today.

2 days of adventures in the Andes

We did the 2-day tour through Ausangate, the rainbow mountain, and the red valley. The tour was private, the guide Jimmy was very friendly and professional, the whole trip has well organized the food was delicious during the excursion.
I thank the travel agency for this beautiful experience, and I recommend it.

-- NICHOLAS A tripadvisor

VIEW ALL REVIEWS TRIPADVISOR

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