Day Tours

Pallay Punchu Rainbow Mountain – Layo Lagoon 1 Day

Pallay Punchu is a stunning rainbow-colored mountain located in the Andes of southern Peru, near Layo, in the Cusco region. Its colorful slopes, shaped by mineral deposits, create a unique landscape that resembles a traditional Andean poncho. It is a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and surrounding valleys

Editorial rating: 5/5

US$ 110: Price from
1 Day: Duration
4,730 msnm: Maximum altitude
Max 8: Maximum group size
Moderate: Difficulty
Cusco: Starting point
English & Spanish: Languages
Pre-booking: Availability

Overview

Explore the colorful landscapes of Palccoyo and its rock forest on a day trip from Cusco. This mountain excursion brings together panoramic Andean scenery and a walk through one of the region’s distinctive geological landscapes.

Guided experienceEnglish speaking, experienced and professional guide

Group sizeMax 8

Personal attentionAsk our team about your travel plans.

Your itineraryExplore the route and arrangements for your journey below.

Tour Highlights

Day 1

Cusco – Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain – The Rock Forest – Cusco:

Detailed Itinerary

1DAY 1: CUSCO – PALCCOYO RAINBOW MOUNTAINC – THE ROCK FOREST – CUSCO

Today, an incredible adventure begins!
We will pick you up from your hotel at 3:30 a.m. so that we can arrive early and be among the first visitors to reach the mountain. This will give you the opportunity to take beautiful photos and enjoy the magic of the mountain before the other visitors arrive.
Along the way, we will pass through several picturesque towns, including Urcos, Cusipata, Pitumarca, Sicuani, and Amantani. These charming communities are known for their agricultural activities, including the cultivation of corn, potatoes, and various vegetables.
Some of these communities also raise camelids, such as llamas and alpacas. Their wool is later used to create the colorful traditional garments that are characteristic of the region.
During our journey, we will also pass through beautiful mountain landscapes, traveling close to the Vilcanota River, also known as the Sacred River during the Inca period.
After approximately 3.5 hours of driving, we will arrive at the starting point of our hike, where we will enjoy a picnic-style breakfast with hot beverages before beginning our adventure to Pallay Punchu Mountain.
This mountain is known for having the shape of a colorful poncho, a steep pyramid-shaped mountain. It has different colors such as magenta, yellow, green, red, among others, with the Langui Lagoon in the background, which can be seen between the mountains.
At the end of our tour, after enjoying the breathtaking views, taking beautiful photos, and learning about the mountain from our guide, we will return to our vehicle for the journey back to Cusco.
Along the way, we will make a short stop in a picturesque village to enjoy a picnic-style lunch. Finally, we expect to arrive back in Cusco between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m.

Max altitude: 4730 masl / 15518 ft
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Distance: 3 km / 1.86 mi
Difficulty: Moderate

What’s Included?

Pick-up at your hotel the morning of your trek
Private transport from Cusco to the trailhead and back to Cusco
English speaking, experienced and professional guide
Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request)
Tickets to the Pallau Punchu Rainbow Mountain.
Snacks wáter, some fruits
First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
Blanket: Blankets will be provided so you can sleep during the trip to the destination.

What’s Not Included?

Travel insurance. Please, we ask you to take out travel insurance
Trekking Poles – $8 USD
Tips for the driver, guide

Frequently asked questions

WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO BOOK THE PALLAY PUNCHU RAINBOW MOUNTAIN?

Step one: to book the Pallay Punchu Rainbow Mountain, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.

* Copies of each participant’s passport will be required at the time of booking.

Gender
Passport number
Full name
D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
Nationality

WHAT ABOUT THE REMAINING BALANCE?

The customer agrees to make an initial payment equivalent to the indicated percentage of the total agreed amount to secure the service date. The remaining balance must be paid one or two days prior to the start of the service in Cusco.

To avoid high credit card fees in Peru, you may choose to pay the balance in cash, either in U.S. dollars or Peruvian soles. There are many ATMs available in Cusco, or you may also complete the payment using the same method as the initial deposit.

Note: If you cancel your Cusco Machu Picchu Tour, the deposit is not refundable at all!

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?

Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your trek, other entrances and reservations.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO CHANGE THE DATE AFTER PURCHASING THE PERMITt?

Yes, but with some restrictions. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date.

If you cancel your Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour, the deposit is not refundable at all!

Note: If you cancel your Cusco Machu Picchu Tour, the deposit is not refundable at all!

HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR THE ALTITUDE AND AVOID ALTITUDE SICKNESS?

To prepare for the Pallay Punchu Rainbow Mountain trek, spend at least three days acclimatizing in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. Stay hydrated, drink coca tea, and rest to prevent altitude sickness; our guides are trained and carry oxygen if needed. While acclimatizing, you can also enjoy our Cusco City Tour or Sacred Valley Tour, along with other day trips.

IS THE TREK DIFFICULT? DO I NEED TO BE FIT?

The Pallay Punchu Rainbow Mountain trek is short but challenging due to high altitude (4,730 m / 15,538 ft) and steep sections. Good fitness and at least three days of acclimatization in Cusco are recommended. For best results, plan this hike as your final activity in the region.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE PALLAY PUNCHU RAINBOW MOUNTAIN?

Weather on the Pallay Punchu Rainbow Mountain trek is unpredictable, with possible cold, rain, or even snow at high altitudes. Bring warm clothing and rain gear, especially during the rainy season, as conditions can change suddenly.

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE IF I AM UNABLE TO COMPLETE THE TRAIL?

In the unlikely scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, Nomad In Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems in extreme cases. There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.

Plan your journey

Published prices and conditions

PRICES

The Pallay Punchu Mountain 1 Day is available on any date that it’s best for you, as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers!We only do this tour in private, exclusively for families and couples. The price varies according to the number of people who book together.
Group Size Price (USD per person)
| 2 people | 180.00
| 3 people | 160.00
| 4 people | 140.00
5 + people 110.00
Required Pre-payment: US$ 80.00 per person
Balance (Cusco): Commonly paid in Cusco after the briefing

Important travel information

IMPORTANT INFO

ARRIVAL TO CUSCOYou will be welcomed at Cusco airport and we drive you to your hotel, please send us the information about flight details at least 15 days prior to your trek or tour. Look out for our representative holding an NOMAD IN PERU logo at the arrival terminal. It can be done on any date that is best suited to you!

THE BRIEFINGWe use to visit at your hotel 6 pm or if you prefer during the day, please you could send us an email with details to get your briefing time. Will be ready any time for our clients.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO BOOK THE PALLAY PUNCHU RAINBOW MOUNTAIN?Step one: to book the Pallay Punchu Rainbow Mountain, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.* Copies of each participant’s passport will be required at the time of booking.

Gender
Passport number
Full name
D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
Nationality

Step two: we require an initial payment equivalent to the indicated percentage of the total agreed amount, per person. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page
.WHAT ABOUT THE REMAINING BALANCE?The customer agrees to make an initial payment equivalent to the indicated percentage of the total agreed amount to secure the service date. The remaining balance must be paid one or two days prior to the start of the service in Cusco.To avoid high credit card fees in Peru, you may choose to pay the balance in cash, either in U.S. dollars or Peruvian soles. There are many ATMs available in Cusco, or you may also complete the payment using the same method as the initial deposit.

Note: If you cancel your Cusco Machu Picchu Tour, the deposit is not refundable at all!

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your trek, other entrances and reservations.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO CHANGE THE DATE AFTER PURCHASING THE PERMITt?Yes, but with some restrictions. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date.If you cancel your Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour, the deposit is not refundable at all!

Note: If you cancel your Cusco Machu Picchu Tour, the deposit is not refundable at all!

HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR THE ALTITUDE AND AVOID ALTITUDE SICKNESS?To prepare for the Pallay Punchu Rainbow Mountain trek, spend at least three days acclimatizing in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. Stay hydrated, drink coca tea, and rest to prevent altitude sickness; our guides are trained and carry oxygen if needed. While acclimatizing, you can also enjoy our Cusco City Tour or Sacred Valley Tour, along with other day trips.

IS THE TREK DIFFICULT? DO I NEED TO BE FIT?The Pallay Punchu Rainbow Mountain trek is short but challenging due to high altitude (4,730 m / 15,538 ft) and steep sections. Good fitness and at least three days of acclimatization in Cusco are recommended. For best results, plan this hike as your final activity in the region.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE PALLAY PUNCHU RAINBOW MOUNTAIN?Weather on the Pallay Punchu Mountain trek is unpredictable, with possible cold, rain, or even snow at high altitudes. Bring warm clothing and rain gear, especially during the rainy season, as conditions can change suddenly.

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE IF I AM UNABLE TO COMPLETE THE TRAIL?In the unlikely scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, Nomad In Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems in extreme cases. There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.

TIPPINGTipping after a trek, such as the Pallay Punchu Rainbow Mountain is not mandatory but is a common and appreciated gesture to show gratitude for the efforts of the guide, porters, chefs, and other staff.

Packing recommendations

PACKING LIST

What to Bring for a Day Hike