Rainbow Mountains
Pallay Punchu (Apu T'acllo)
- Duration: Full day · 14 h
- Difficulty: Challenging
Places you visit
- Layo
- Sallani
- Pallay Punchu (Apu T'acllo)
- Langui-Layo Lake
Trip overview
Pallay Punchu, also known as Apu T'acllo, is one of Cusco's most recently opened natural attractions. Its name means «woven poncho» in Quechua, for the sharp, multicoloured rock formations that resemble an Andean textile.
Located in the province of Canas, it offers panoramic views of mountains, valleys and Langui-Layo Lake, making it an excellent choice for anyone who loves nature, hiking and photography.
It sits at approximately 4,700 metres above sea level, so the difficulty ranges from moderate to challenging. The hike to the summit is done entirely on foot; given the terrain, horses are not normally used.
Itinerary overview
Full day · 14 h- Hotel pickup (4:30 a.m. - 5:00 a.m.)
- Andean breakfast in Layo
- Transfer to Sallani
- Hike to Pallay Punchu
- Pallay Punchu summit - Apu T'acllo
- Traditional lunch in Layo
- Return to Cusco (6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.)
The route, step by step
Hotel pickup. We collect you from hotels in the historic centre of Cusco between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. and head toward the district of Layo.
Drive to Layo. A journey by tourist transport through high-Andean landscapes, rural communities and beautiful scenery in southern Cusco.
Andean breakfast. On arrival in Layo we enjoy an Andean breakfast with highland bread, eggs, fruit and coca-leaf tea, perfect to start the adventure.
Transfer to Sallani. We continue about 30 minutes to Sallani, the starting point of the hike, where the guide gives safety recommendations before the ascent begins.
Hike to Pallay Punchu. We begin the trek, entirely on foot, along trails surrounded by wetlands, mountains and panoramic views of Langui-Layo Lake.
Pallay Punchu summit - Apu T'acllo. We reach the main viewpoint to take in the striking multicoloured formations, take photographs and enjoy the Andean scenery.
Return. We descend along the same trail to where the tourist transport is waiting.
Lunch. Back in Layo for a traditional lunch from the area, with a vegetarian option available with prior notice.
Return to Cusco. The drive back to the city, arriving at approximately 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., ending near the Plaza de Armas.
Included13
- Pickup from your hotel (historic centre of Cusco), coordinated in advance by WhatsApp or phone call.
- Round-trip tourist transport in an authorised vehicle with a professional driver.
- Rest and photo stops along the way.
- Personalised assistance throughout the tour.
- Andean breakfast in the district of Layo.
- Traditional lunch from the area.
- Vegetarian option available with prior notice.
- Official bilingual professional tour guide (Spanish and English).
- Guided hike to Pallay Punchu / Apu T'acllo.
- Free time at the summit for photos and taking in the scenery.
- First aid kit.
- Oxygen tank in case of altitude sickness.
- Card and payment-link processing fees.
Not included8
- Entrance to Pallay Punchu / Apu T'acllo mountain (managed by the local community): reference fee of S/10.00 to S/15.00 per person, subject to the current rate.
- Dinner on returning to Cusco.
- Water and snacks for the hike.
- Professional trekking poles (available on request, where possible).
- Personal trekking clothing and gear: jacket, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen and hat.
- Travel insurance or personal medical assistance.
- Tips for guide and driver (optional).
- Personal expenses and anything not listed under «Included».
What to bring
- Valid ID or passport
- Acclimatise in Cusco at least one day beforehand
- Comfortable, warm clothing
- Trekking shoes or boots
- Hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
- Water and energy snacks
- Small backpack for personal items
- A good night's rest beforehand
Questions about this tour7
- What time does the tour start?
- Pickup is between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. from hotels in the historic centre of Cusco.
- What is the altitude of Pallay Punchu?
- The mountain sits at approximately 4,700 metres above sea level.
- Does the tour include breakfast and lunch?
- Yes. It includes an Andean breakfast and a traditional lunch, with a vegetarian option available with prior notice.
- Is the entrance fee included?
- No. It is paid directly to the local community that manages the site, with a reference fee of S/10.00 to S/15.00 per person.
- What is the difficulty level?
- The hike is moderate to challenging due to the altitude. Good acclimatisation before the tour is recommended.
- Is there oxygen during the tour?
- Yes. The vehicle carries an oxygen tank and a first aid kit throughout the route.
- Can children do this tour?
- Yes, as long as they are in good physical condition and used to walking at altitude. Constant adult supervision is recommended.
Booking, payment and cancellations
Booking confirmation
- The booking is confirmed once payment is received and the receipt validated.
- To confirm a booking, the passenger must send full name, ID or passport, date of birth, nationality and a phone or WhatsApp number.
- The tour must be paid before the service begins.
Changes and other considerations
- Date changes are subject to availability.
- The itinerary may change due to weather conditions, road conditions or arrangements by the authorities and local communities.
- The entrance fee is paid directly at the checkpoint.
